What Is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a prescription medication available in several different forms, used to treat several different conditions.
 It belongs to a class of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many people may wonder, "What is it used for?"
 
Some of the approved uses for the various diclofenac products include the treatment of the following conditions:
 
Like other NSAIDs, diclofenac works by blocking a specific enzyme known as cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking the production of various inflammatory substances in the body. This action helps to treat pain and inflammation but also seems to help treat seemingly unrelated conditions (such as actinic keratosis).
 
(Click Diclofenac for more information on what diclofenac is, to find out when and how to take this medication, and to learn about possible side effects.)
 
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD