Diclofenac (topical) — NSAID (topical). Study the mechanism, listed uses and warnings from the US label on one sourced card.
Generic name
Diclofenac
Class
NSAID (topical)
Mechanism
The mechanism is not completely understood but involves inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2. Diclofenac inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in vitro; reduced peripheral prostaglandins may contribute to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Used for
Pain of osteoarthritis of the knee
Common side effects
Application site dryness; Exfoliation; Erythema; Pruritus
Boxed warning
NSAIDs increase the risk of potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events (including MI and stroke) and gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation. This topical solution is contraindicated in the setting of CABG surgery.
Warnings
Hepatotoxicity; Heart failure and edema; Renal toxicity
Interactions
Anticoagulants (warfarin); Drugs interfering with hemostasis (SSRIs)
Brand questions use only name pairings verified against the linked product source. Unverified pairings are withheld from these questions; the other study content remains available.
Label date: 20260610 · For learning, not clinical decisions. US label and brand information; always consult the current source.
Source snapshot checked: 2026-10-21. The source document and selected fields were compared. The complete card has not had an independent clinical review.
Mechanism: Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and prostaglandin synthesis; analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.
On both cards: Warnings — Hepatotoxicity; Heart failure and edema; Renal toxicity
Only on the Meloxicam card: Used for — Relief of osteoarthritis signs and symptoms; Relief of rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms; Pauciarticular or polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients weighing at least 60 kg · Common side effects — Diarrhea; Upper respiratory tract infection; Dyspepsia; Influenza-like symptoms · Interactions — Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin); SSRIs / SNRIs
Mechanism: Mechanism is incompletely understood but involves COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition; reduced prostaglandin synthesis may contribute to its peripheral effects.
On both cards: Warnings — Hepatotoxicity; Heart failure and edema; Renal toxicity
Only on the Indomethacin card: Used for — Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including acute flares; Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis; Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis; Acute painful shoulder caused by bursitis and/or tendinitis · Common side effects — Headache; Dizziness; Dyspepsia; Nausea · Interactions — Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin); Aspirin and antiplatelets; SSRIs and SNRIs
Mechanism: Has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. The mechanism is incompletely understood but involves COX-1/COX-2 inhibition and reduced prostaglandin synthesis.
On both cards: Interactions — Anticoagulants (warfarin); Drugs interfering with hemostasis (SSRIs)
Only on the Diclofenac (oral) card: Used for — Osteoarthritis; Rheumatoid arthritis; Ankylosing spondylitis · Common side effects — Abdominal pain; Dyspepsia; Nausea; Diarrhea; Headache · Warnings — Aspirin- or NSAID-induced allergy (contraindicated); CABG surgery setting (contraindicated)
An item counts as shared only when both cards use the same wording. If a card does not list an item, that is not a statement that the effect never occurs.
Boxed warnings on related cards
Ibuprofen: NSAIDs increase risk of serious CV thrombotic events and GI bleeding, ulceration and perforation; not for CABG setting.
Meloxicam: NSAIDs can cause serious, potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events and GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation. Meloxicam is contraindicated in the coronary artery bypass graft surgery setting.
Naproxen: NSAIDs raise risk of serious CV thrombotic events (MI, stroke) and GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation; contraindicated in CABG.
Celecoxib: NSAIDs raise risk of serious CV thrombotic events (MI, stroke) and GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation; contraindicated in CABG.
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