Diclofenac (Voltarol/Diclomax/Motifene)

Diclofenac (Voltarol / Voltarol Rapid / Diclomax SR / Diclomax Retard / Motifene 75 mg / Voltarol 75 mg SR / Voltarol Retard) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to reduce pain and inflammation. It is commonly used to treat arthritis, injury or menstrual pain. Diclofenac is usually taken by mouth, but injectable, suppository and topical formulations are also available. 

Diclofenac is well tolerated in most patients, but side-effects can include gastrointestinal disturbances, including stomach ulcers and bleeding in severe cases. A drug to protect the stomach can be given to patients who need to take diclofenac for extended periods. Diclofenac can also cause blood abnormalities, as it can affect the bone marrow, as well as reversible liver or kidney damage.

A study in rats found that diclofenac levels are increased by AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir).1 However, this has not been observed in human studies. No other interactions between diclofenac and anti-HIV drugs are known.

References

  1. Radwan MA. Zidovudine, diclofenac and ketoprofen pharmacokinetic interactions in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 52: 665-669, 2000

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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.