Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine is not for long-term use.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

When used for severe or continuing arthritis, this medicine must be taken every day as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine.

You may take this medicine with or without food. However, diclofenac capsules should be taken on an empty stomach.

To use the oral solution:

  • Open the packet of medicine right before you use it.
  • Empty the contents of the packet into a cup with 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters [mL]) of water. Do not use any liquid other than water for mixing the medicine.
  • Mix well and drink it immediately on an empty stomach.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (Zipsor® capsules):
    • For acute pain:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—25 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (Zorvolex® capsules):
    • For acute pain:
      • Adults—18 or 35 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis:
      • Adults—35 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage forms (delayed-release tablets, enteric-coated tablets):
    • For ankylosing spondylitis:
      • Adults—25 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day, with an extra 25 mg dose at bedtime if necessary.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For osteoarthritis:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) 2 or 3 times a day, or 75 mg two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg)3 or 4 times a day, or 75 mg two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (immediate-release tablets):
    • For osteoarthritis:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) 2 or 3 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For pain or menstrual cramps:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day. Your doctor may direct you to take 100 mg for the first dose only.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For rheumatoid arthritis:
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (solution):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Adults—One packet (50 milligrams) as a single, one time dose.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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