Diclona
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) is applied to the skin to relieve aches and pains temporarily from arthritis, sore muscles, and joints. It's a combination of two topical medications which can be found over-the-counter (OTC) individually (lidocaine and diclofenac). This combination is only available as a brand-name prescription medication, so it can be expensive.
What is Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)?
What is Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) used for?
Pain, discomfort, and soreness caused by:
Arthritis
Backache
Cramps
Neckache
Sprains
Strains
How Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) works
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) is a combination of two different topical medications. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes from making chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins play many roles in your body, including causing pain and swelling where you get injured. By blocking your body from making prostaglandins, this medication eases joint pain and swelling.
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) also contains lidocaine, which eases pain by numbing the nerves and making them less sensitive to pain or irritation. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, meaning it only lowers pain in the area of skin closely around or directly in contact with the medication.
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What are the side effects of Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)?
Common Side Effects
- Burning sensation
- Blisters
- Bruising
- Discoloration or white/light spots on skin
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Small raised bumps
- Abnormal sensation on skin
Other Side Effects
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Changes in your sensations
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Blurred vision
- Flushing
Serious Side Effects
- Heart attack: dizziness, tiredness, cold sweat, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, anxiety
- Stroke: tiredness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, weakness on one side of the body
- Serious allergic or skin reaction: fever, body aches, cough, peeling skin, rash, swelling of the face, painful blisters all over your body
- Blood problems (methemoglobinemia): Seizures, loss of consciousness, fast heart beat, trouble breathing, feeling dizzy or faint, feeling tired, skin color turning blue or pale
- Too much lidocaine in your body: Drowsiness, confusion, slow heartbeat, trouble breathing, difficulty controlling muscle movements
Source:Â DailyMed
Pros and cons of Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)
Pros
Can be applied directly to the painful area
Combines two different topical pain medications
Clothing can be worn over where you applied the medication
Can be used up to 4 times a day
Cons
Can cause eye irritation if it makes contact with the eyes
Should avoid sun exposure during treatment
Might not be safe for people with serious liver problems
Can cause a skin reaction where applied
Pharmacist tips for Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)
Clean and dry the affected area before applying Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine). Clothing can be worn over the area of application.
If irritation or a burning sensation occurs when applying Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine), wash the medication off and don't reapply it until the irritation goes away.
Ask your provider before using Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) with other topical pain relievers or local anesthetics. It's possible to absorb too much medication, giving you a higher risk of side effects when Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) is used with other topical medications.
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) is flammable (meaning it can easily catch fire). Keep this medication away from open flames.
Avoid using heating pad or electric blankets on an area treated with Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine). This can cause you to absorb too much of the medication leading to a higher risk of side effects.
Wash hands well after applying Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) to avoid spreading it to other areas of the body or getting it in your eyes where it can cause irritation.
Frequently asked questions about Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)
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What are the risks and warnings for Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)?
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood problems (methemoglobinemia)
Risk factors: History of methemoglobinemia | History of low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) | Heart or lung problems | Age 6 months or younger | Exposure to other oxidizing agents, such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia where your blood can't get enough oxygen to your body. This is linked to the lidocaine in this product and it can be life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you have low G6PD, a condition passed down from parent to child, where your red blood cells tend to burst or break apart. Be careful using Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) if you're around oxidizing chemicals, such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals might be present in common household products like cleaning supplies and hair dye. Methemoglobinemia can occur immediately or within hours of using Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine). Earliest signs include headache, tiredness, and your skin turning blue. Get medical help right away to avoid more serious and life-threatening side effects like seizures, loss of consciousness, and heart rhythm problems (fast heart beat, dizziness, shortness of breath).
Heart attack and stroke
*Risk factors: Using Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) for a long period of time *
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like the diclofenac in Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine), can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. This can happen early during treatment, but people using NSAIDs for a long time have a higher risk of this happening. That’s why it’s important to use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Call 911 or get immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
Serious skin reactions
NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, might cause sudden, very serious, and sometimes life-threatening allergic and skin reactions. Symptoms include fever, body aches, rash, peeling skin, painful blisters all over your body, and swelling of the face. Stop Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) and get help right away if you experience these symptoms.
Heart failure and swelling of your arms and legs
Risk factors: Heart failure
The diclofenac in Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) can cause your body to hold onto more water. This can lead to new or worsening existing heart failure and swelling of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you notice any changes in your blood pressure or experience symptoms, such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.
Harm to unborn babies
Risk factors: Currently in second or third trimester of pregnancy
Don't use Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) or other NSAIDs starting around the third trimester of pregnancy because doing so can lead to serious heart or kidney problems in your unborn baby. If you want to use Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) in your second trimester, talk with your provider first to see if the benefit of pain relief is greater than the risk of kidney problems in your unborn baby. If you do need to use Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) during your second trimester, make sure to use the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine).
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)
The typical dose is to apply a thin film of Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) to the affected area, up to 4 times daily.
How much does Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) cost?
Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine) contraindications
History of sensitivity to local anesthetics or diclofenac
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
What are alternatives to Diclona Gel (diclofenac / lidocaine)?
Pain, discomfort, and soreness caused by:
Arthritis
Backache
Cramps
Neckache
Sprains
Strains
Minor burns
Sunburns
Minor cuts
Scrapes
Insect bites
Minor skin irritations
Joint and muscle pain
Hemorrhoids and other irritations in the anal area
Tattoos, piercings, microblading, and other skin procedures
Pain from osteoarthritis of the knees - topical solutions and 1% gel
Pain from osteoarthritis of small joints, such as hands and wrists - 1% gel only
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