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Diclofenac Sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which play a crucial role in the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds that mediate inflammation and pain in the body.[1]
Diclofenac is used in the management of inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.[1] Studies have also shown benefits of diclofenac after surgery in reducing the need for rescue analgesia.[1] As a topical gel, diclofenac sodium is FDA-approved for relief of the pain of osteoarthritis of joints amenable to topical treatment, such as the knees and hands, and a 1% gel has been available over the counter for arthritis pain since 2020.[1][2]
Bayview compounds diclofenac sodium on a prescriber's order, including in topical preparations.
Topical application results in less systemic exposure than oral use; with the prescription 1% gel, systemic exposure at recommended doses was on average 17 times lower than with oral treatment.[1][2] However, it is essential to monitor for potential side effects. NSAIDs, including diclofenac, carry a boxed warning for serious cardiovascular thrombotic events and serious gastrointestinal adverse events, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, and diclofenac can also affect the kidneys and liver.[1][2]
Prescribers should assess symptom relief to maintain the lowest effective dose, with monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, liver enzymes, and blood counts.[1]
Each of these is compounded to order at our pharmacy and requires a prescription.
A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins, the signaling molecules that drive pain and swelling in injured or arthritic tissue.
Rubbed into the skin over a painful joint or muscle, it concentrates in the tissue underneath, and much less of it reaches the bloodstream than the same medicine taken by mouth.
Same active ingredient, different concentration and base. Diclofenac sodium 1% gel is FDA-approved and sold over the counter for arthritis pain. Compounded gels are made at concentrations the commercial products do not offer, 4% through 20%, and in the base and container your prescriber specifies.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, require a prescription, and are used off-label above 2%. We make no claim that a compounded gel performs better than an FDA-approved product; the choice belongs to your prescriber.
Because the commercial range is narrow: a 1% gel, a 1.5% and 2% solution, and a 1.3% patch. Prescribers order compounded preparations when that range does not fit: a different concentration, a base suited to the application site or to a patient who reacts to an ingredient in the commercial product, a dye-free or preservative-free formulation, a metered pump instead of a tube, a quantity that matches the course, or several actives combined in one application.
Diclofenac sodium tablets are FDA-approved and come in a fixed set of strengths. A prescriber orders compounded capsules when that set does not fit: a strength that is not manufactured, an acid-resistant or slow-release profile they want specified, or a dye-free or preservative-free preparation for someone who reacts to an excipient in the commercial product.
Bayview compounds diclofenac sodium as 50 mg and 75 mg acid-resistant capsules, immediate or slow release, and at custom strengths. Compounded capsules are not FDA-approved, and oral diclofenac carries the full systemic NSAID cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risk profile, so the choice belongs with your prescriber.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
