No special dose adjustment is required. Because of the potential undesirable-effect profile, elderly people should be carefully monitored. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, diclofenac should not be used unless clearly necessary. If diclofenac is used by a woman attempting to conceive, or during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.

Like all medicines, diclofenac can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects The duration of use depends on the symptoms and the underlying disease. Motusol should not be used longer than 1 week without medical advice. In animal studies on reproductive toxicity, systemically administered diclofenac caused inhibition of ovulation in rabbits and impairment of implantation and early embryonic development in rats. Gestation and duration of parturition were prolonged by diclofenac. The embryotoxic potential of diclofenac was investigated in three animal species (rat, mouse, rabbit). Fetal death and growth retardation occurred at materno-toxic dose levels. Based on the available non-clinical data, diclofenac is regarded as being non-teratogenic. Doses below the maternotoxic threshold had no impact on the postnatal development of the offspring. Topical diclofenac may be used with a non-occlusive bandage but not with an airtight occlusive dressing (see section 5.2) Gently push the suppository into your anus with the pointed end first. It needs to go in about 3 centimetres (1 inch).

It's not possible to say that complementary medicines or herbal remedies are safe to take with diclofenac.

Wash your hands before and after using the medicine. Also clean around your anus with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry. Diclofenac is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: The total systemic clearance of diclofenac from plasma is 263 ± 56 ml/min. The terminal plasma half-life is 1-2 hours. Four of the metabolites, including the two active ones, also have short plasma half-lives of 1-3 hours. One metabolite, 3'¬hydroxy-4'-methoxy-diclofenac, has a longer half-life but is virtually inactive. Diclofenac and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine. Gently squeeze the tube, or press firmly and evenly on the nozzle of the dispenser, to get a small amount of gel. headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an alternative painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking diclofenac. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.When you want to take the plaster or patch off, it helps to moisten it with some water first. Once you have taken it off, wash the affected skin and rub it gently in circular movements to remove any leftover glue. you have severe indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhoea – these can be signs of an ulcer or inflammation in your stomach or gut The possibility of systemic undesirable effects from application of topical diclofenac cannot be excluded if the preparation is used on large areas of skin and over a prolonged period. The gel should therefore be used with caution by patients with reduced renal function, reduced heart function or reduced liver function as well as patients with active peptic ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. Common side effects of diclofenac tablets, capsules and suppositories happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Taking more than your prescribed dose of diclofenac tablets, capsules or suppositories can be dangerous. It can cause side effects such as:

This medicinal product contains fragrance with benzyl alcohol (0.15 mg/g, E1519), citral, citronellol, coumarin, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, d-limonene and linalool which may cause allergic reactions. feeling dizzy or vertigo – if you feel dizzy or unsteady, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive or cycle, or use tools or machinery, if you're feeling dizzy or lightheaded. As your body gets used to diclofenac, these side effects should wear off. a mild rash and dry or irritated, itchy or inflamed skin – use an emollient cream or ointment to moisturise, soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week or you're worried, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. You're less likely to have side effects with diclofenac gel or plasters. This is because less medicine gets into your body. But you may still get the same side effects, especially if you use a lot on a large area of skin.

2. Key facts

stomach ache, wind or loss of appetite – try not to eat foods that cause wind (like peas, lentils, beans and onions). Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. The systemic concentration of diclofenac is lower after topical administration, compared to oral formulations. With reference to experience from treatment with NSAIDs with systemic uptake, the following is recommended: Biotransformation of diclofenac involves partly glucuronidation of the intact molecule, but mainly single and multiple hydroxylation resulting in several phenolic metabolites, most of which are converted to glucuronide conjugates. Two of the phenolic metabolites are biologically active, however, to a much smaller extent than diclofenac. If you're using the gel twice a day, use it once in the morning and once in the evening. If you're using it 3 or 4 times a day, wait at least 4 hours before putting on any more. Children may be prescribed diclofenac to treat joint problems. Diclofenac tablets, capsules and suppositories are suitable for children aged 6 months and above.

skin being more sensitive to sunlight – stay out of bright sun and use a high factor sun cream (SPF 15 or above), even on cloudy days. Do not use a sunlamp or sunbeds. medicines that reduce the activity of your immune system (immunosuppressants), such as ciclosporin or tacrolimusThe occurrence of undesirable effects can be minimized by using the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration of treatment necessary to relieve symptoms.