Diclofenac sodium topical gel, 3%, intended for dermatologic use, contains the active ingredient, diclofenac sodium USP, in a clear, transparent, colorless to slightly yellow gel base. Diclofenac sodium, USP is a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in ethanol, sparingly soluble in water, slightly soluble in acetone, and partially insoluble in ether. The chemical name for diclofenac sodium, USP is: Sodium [ o -(2,6-dichloranilino) phenyl] acetate Diclofenac sodium, USP has a molecular weight of 318.13. The CAS number is CAS-15307-79-6. The structural formula is represented below: Diclofenac sodium topical gel also contains benzyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methoxypolyethylene glycol 350, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, and purified water. 1 g of diclofenac sodium topical gel contains 30 mg of the active substance, diclofenac sodium, USP. Structural Formula

What kind of drug is diclofenac?

The FDA classifies diclofenac as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take diclofenac with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run diclofenac against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is diclofenac sold under?

We track 11 diclofenac-containing products in the U.S.: Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Diclofenac Sodium, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Cambia, Diclofenac Potassium and Dyloject, and 3 more. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does diclofenac come in?

Across the brands we track, diclofenac is currently marketed as topical, kit, solution, drops, tablet, delayed release, tablet, extended release, tablet, powder and capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic diclofenac?

Yes. Our catalog lists 2 generic diclofenac products alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has diclofenac been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions diclofenac. The most recent: Diclofenac Sodium (Jan 27, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Diclofenac: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug sold in the U.S. under 11 brand and generic names, for juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and dysmenorrhea. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Treats: Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Dysmenorrhea
Available as: Topical · Kit · Solution · Drops · Tablet, delayed release · Tablet, extended release · Tablet · Powder · Capsule
Sold as: 11 products — Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Diclofenac Sodium and Cataflam, and others
Prescription?: Both Rx and OTC forms
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $0 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How diclofenac is dosed

From the FDA label for Diclofenac Sodium (application ANDA200936). Other diclofenac products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] . Apply diclofenac sodium topical gel gently to lesion areas twice daily. to adequately cover each lesion. Use 0.5 g of gel (pea size) on each 5 cm x 5 cm lesion site. The recommended duration of therapy is from 60 days to 90 days. Complete healing of the lesion(s) or optimal therapeutic effect may not be evident for up to 30 days following cessation of therapy. Lesions that do not respond to therapy should be re-evaluated and management reconsidered. Avoid contact of diclofenac sodium topical gel with eyes and mucous membranes. Use the lowest effective dosage for shortest duration consistent with the individual patient treatment goals. (2) Apply to lesion areas twice daily to adequately cover each lesion. (2) Use 0.5 g of gel (pea size) on each 5 cm x 5 cm lesion site. (2) The recommended duration of therapy is from 60 days to 90 days. Complete healing of the lesion(s) or optimal therapeutic effect may not be evident for up to 30 days following cessation of therapy. Lesions that do not respond to therapy should be re-evaluated and management reconsidered. (2) Avoid contact in eyes, nose, or mouth. (2)

Diclofenac side effects

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Anaphylactic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] GI Bleeding, Ulceration and Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Heart Failure and Edema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] DRESS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] Most common adverse reactions with diclofenac sodium topical gel are application site reactions, including dermatitis. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates…

Every diclofenac product we track (11)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Diclofenac products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Voltaren Arthritis Pain	72/100	Over-the-counter	Topical	Generic	$0	View →
2	Diclofenac Sodium Boxed warning

What diclofenac pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Diclofenac pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
P;75	75 mg	brown	round	—
R;550	50 mg	white	round	—
R;551	75 mg	white	round	—
ING;278	100 mg	pink	round	—
75;G;0029	75 mg / 200 ug	white	round	—
YSP;168	75 mg / 200 ug

Combination products containing diclofenac

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Diclofenac recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is diclofenac?: Diclofenac sodium topical gel, 3%, intended for dermatologic use, contains the active ingredient, diclofenac sodium USP, in a clear, transparent, colorless to slightly yellow gel base. Diclofenac sodium, USP is a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in ethanol, sparingly soluble in water, slightly soluble in acetone, and partially insoluble in ether. The chemical name for diclofenac sodium, USP is: Sodium [ o -(2,6-dichloranilino) phenyl] acetate Diclofenac sodium, USP has a molecular weight of 318.13. The CAS number is CAS-15307-79-6. The structural formula is represented below: Diclofenac sodium topical gel also contains benzyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methoxypolyethylene glycol 350, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, and purified water. 1 g of diclofenac sodium topical gel contains 30 mg of the active substance, diclofenac sodium, USP. Structural Formula
What kind of drug is diclofenac?: The FDA classifies diclofenac as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take diclofenac with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run diclofenac against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is diclofenac sold under?: We track 11 diclofenac-containing products in the U.S.: Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Diclofenac Sodium, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Cambia, Diclofenac Potassium and Dyloject, and 3 more. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.