Brand Name
Voltaren Rapide
Common Name
diclofenac
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00881635 | VOLTAREN RAPIDE 50MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It works by reducing pain,
swelling, and inflammation. The tablet and suppository are used to
relieve pain for people with rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis,
and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. The eye drop is used to reduce
eye inflammation before and after eye surgery (e.g., cataract
surgery) and in other cases of eye inflammation where infection is not
present.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to
your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
How should I use this medication?
Tablets: The usual adult dosage ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg daily. The immediate release tablets are taken in three equally divided doses with food, while the long-acting (sustained release, or SR) tablets are taken in 1 or 2 daily doses with food or milk. The maximum recommended daily dose of diclofenac is 150 mg.
Suppositories: The suppositories are usually used as a substitute for the last daily dose in a 50 mg or 100 mg strength, to a maximum total daily dose of 150 mg of diclofenac.
Eye drops: For inflammation, it is recommended that one drop be put into the eye 4 to 5 times daily. For surgery, the eye drops are used as follows:
- in the 3 hours before the surgery, one drop is put into the eye up to a maximum of 5 times
- in the first 45 minutes after surgery, one drop is put into the eye every 15 minutes
- subsequently, one drop may be put into the eye 3 to 5 times daily as needed
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each reddish-brown, round, biconvex, sugar-coated tablet, "VOLTAREN" printed in white on one side and "RAPIDE 50" on the other, contains diclofenac potassium 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, ferric oxide, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium carboxymethyl starch, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, tribasic calcium phosphate and white ink.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Diclofenac should not be taken by anyone who:
- currently has or recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach
and intestines, such as stomach
or intestinal ulcer or ulcerative
colitis
- has significant liver impairment or liver
disease
- has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
- is currently taking other NSAIDs
- is or may be allergic to diclofenac or any of the ingredients of
the medication
- has had an allergic reaction to ASA
or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Suppositories should not be used by anyone who:
- has any inflammatory lesions of the rectum or anus
- has recently had rectal or anal bleeding
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