Diclofenac and menthol topical

Generic name: Diclofenac And Menthol Topical
Brand names: DicloStream
Dosage form: topical liquid (1.5%-10%)
Drug class: Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Usage of Diclofenac and menthol topical

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.

Diclofenac and menthol topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.

Diclofenac and menthol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diclofenac and menthol topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using diclofenac and menthol topical and seek emergency medical attention if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

a skin rash, no matter how mild;

signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

liver problems--nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of diclofenac and menthol topical may include:

skin dryness, redness, itching, or rash;

blistering or hardening of the treated skin;

numbness, tingling, burning pain;

acne;

flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting; or

dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Diclofenac and menthol topical

You should not use diclofenac and menthol topical if you are allergic to menthol or diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart problems, high blood pressure, or if you smoke;

a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

stomach ulcers, bleeding in your stomach or intestines;

fluid retention;

asthma; or

kidney disease.

Diclofenac can affect ovulation and it may be harder to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.

If you are pregnant, you should not use diclofenac and menthol topical unless your doctor tells you to. Using an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Relate drugs

How to use Diclofenac and menthol topical

Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:

40 drops topically per knee 4 times a day Comments:-Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals; application in an amount exceeding or less than the recommended dose has not been studied and is therefore, not recommended. -To avoid spillage dispense 10 drops at a time directly onto knee or into hand then onto knee; repeat until all drops have been applied. Use: For the treatment of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Warnings

Diclofenac and menthol can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac and menthol may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

What other drugs will affect Diclofenac and menthol topical

Ask your doctor before using diclofenac and menthol if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

cyclosporine;

digoxin;

lithium;

methotrexate;

pemetrexed;

a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

aspirin or other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, celecoxib, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;

heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

steroid medicine (prednisone and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect diclofenac and menthol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.