Diclofenac Sodium
Also known as: Surpass, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR, Solaraze, Arthrotec, Voltarol Ophtha, Voltarol Ophtha Multidose
- **Strict Adherence**: Use exactly as directed. Do **not** increase the dose (area applied) or duration (do not exceed 10 days) to prevent adverse effects. - **Safety Precautions**: Always wear non-permeable protective gloves when applying the cream to avoid absorbing the medication yourself. - **Monitoring**: Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset (e.g., loss of appetite, diarrhea, or colic in horses) and contact your veterinarian if they occur. - **Information Sheet**: Read the client information sheet supplied with the medication.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in tarsal, carpal, metacarpophalangeal, metarsophalangeal, and proximal interphalangeal (hock, knee, fetlock, pastern) joints
- Ocular inflammation / Uveitis
- Ocular inflammation / Uveitis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Colic (horses)
- Weight loss
- Gastric ulcers
- Diarrhea
- Uterine discharge
- Local inflammation
- Swelling
- Alopecia
- Vomiting (dogs/cats)
- Bloody diarrhea/melena (dogs/cats)
- Polydipsia (dogs/cats)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to diclofenac or any component of the cream
- Horses less than one year old
- Birds (implicated in causing death in vultures)
- Exceeding the recommended dosage or treating multiple joints may cause adverse effects. Reproductive safety for topical diclofenac has not been investigated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses. Do not use in birds.
Drug interactions
- Topical Corticosteroids: Increased risk of delayed corneal healing and severe corneal complications (corneal melting) when used concurrently.
- Topical Prostaglandin Analogues (e.g., Latanoprost): NSAIDs may theoretically blunt the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of prostaglandin analogues.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diclofenac Sodium used for in pets?
- **Strict Adherence**: Use exactly as directed. Do **not** increase the dose (area applied) or duration (do not exceed 10 days) to prevent adverse effects. - **Safety Precautions**: Always wear non-permeable protective gloves when applying the cream to avoid absorbing the medication yourself. - **Monitoring**: Watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset (e.g., loss of appetite, diarrhea, or colic in horses) and contact your veterinarian if they occur. - **Information Sheet**: Read the client information sheet supplied with the medication.
Is Diclofenac Sodium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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