The Basics
What is Diclofenac?
Used to relieve mild to moderate pain.
Brand names for Diclofenac
Flector, Pennsaid, Rexaphenac, Solaraze, Voltaren, Dyloject, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren-Xr, Zipsor, Zorvolex
How Diclofenac is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Diclofenac During Pregnancy
Diclofenac pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Diclofenac while pregnant
N/A
Taking Diclofenac While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Diclofenac?
Data on excretion of diclofenac into milk are poor, but the drug has a short half-life and little glucuronide metabolite formation. Most reviewers consider diclofenac to be acceptable during breastfeeding.[1][2][3][4] Other agents having more published information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Maternal use of diclofenac eye drops would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Data on excretion of diclofenac into milk are poor, but the drug has a short half-life and little glucuronide metabolite formation. Most reviewers consider diclofenac to be acceptable during breastfeeding.[1][2][3][4] Other agents having more published information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Maternal use of diclofenac eye drops would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Possible effects of Diclofenac on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Diclofenac
(Systemic) Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Brooks PM, Needs CJ. Antirheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol. 1990;4:157-71. PMID: 2282661
2. Ostensen ME. Safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Inflammopharmacology. 1996;4:31-41.
3. Spigset O, Hagg S. Analgesics and breast-feeding: safety considerations. Paediatr Drugs. 2000;2(3):223-38. PMID: 10937472
4. Janssen NM, Genta MS. The effects of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications on fertility, pregnancy and lactation. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:610-9. PMID: 10724046
5. Fowler PD. Voltarol: diclofenac sodium. Clin Rheum Dis. 1979;5:427-64.
6. Sioufi A, Stierlin H, Schweizer A et al. Recent findings concerning clinically relevant pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium. In: Kass E. Voltaren new findings. Bern: Hans Huber Publishers, 1982:19-30.
7. Todd PA, Sorkin EM. Diclofenac sodium. A reappraisal of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy. Drugs. 1988;35:244-85. PMID: 8638785
8. Hirose M, Hara Y, Hosokawa T et al. The effect of postoperative analgesia with continuous epidural bupivacaine after cesarean section on the amount of breast feeding and infant weight gain. Anesth Analg. 1996;82:1166-9. PMID: 8638785
9. De Cerqueira AM, De Azevedo JO, Guimaraes MB, Afradique MC. Urticaria in a newborn. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60:Abstract 148.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
