# Diclofenac in Nigeria

Diclofenac has 183 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 125 registration holders; 189 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/diclofenac/
- Drug class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (Pain & Fever)
- Also known as: Voltaren, Cataflam, Clofen, Diclogesic, Relagesic 50
- Prescription required: no
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Diclofenac sells for about ₦10,925 for tablets online in Nigeria (Voltaren, Clofenac, Olfen) at three online pharmacies; cream ₦12,500–₦17,900, suppositories ₦16,500–₦21,250. The online price is down 2% since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used across Nigeria for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and swelling. It is one of the most commonly administered drugs in Nigerian hospitals, clinics, and health centres, particularly in its injectable form. If you have ever visited a hospital in Nigeria for severe pain — whether from back pain, post-surgery discomfort, or a sports injury — there is a good chance you were given a diclofenac injection (commonly referred to as 'Voltaren injection' by many healthcare workers and patients). The drug is known by popular brand names including Voltaren, Clofen, Olfen, Diclogesic, and Relagesic.

Diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins — the chemicals responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. It is generally considered to be a stronger anti-inflammatory agent than ibuprofen, which is why many Nigerian doctors prefer it for conditions involving significant inflammation such as arthritis, severe back pain, and post-surgical swelling. It is available in multiple forms: oral tablets (including slow-release 'retard' formulations), intramuscular injections, rectal suppositories, and topical gels and creams for localised pain relief.

While diclofenac is available over the counter in oral form at many pharmacies and patent medicine stores in Nigeria, it should be used with caution. Like all NSAIDs, diclofenac carries risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications, especially with prolonged use. The topical gel form (Voltaren gel) is an excellent option for localised muscle and joint pain with fewer systemic side effects, as it is applied directly to the skin over the painful area. Nigerians should be aware that while diclofenac is effective, it is not suitable for everyone and should ideally be used for short periods unless prescribed otherwise by a doctor.

## What is Diclofenac used for?

- Back pain — one of the most common reasons Nigerians seek diclofenac, especially those involved in manual labour, driving, or prolonged sitting
- Joint pain and arthritis — both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis respond well to diclofenac
- Post-operative pain management — diclofenac injection is a standard part of post-surgical pain protocols in Nigerian hospitals
- Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea) — diclofenac is highly effective for severe period cramps
- Sports injuries — sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries
- Dental pain — especially after extractions and other dental procedures
- Gout attacks — diclofenac helps reduce the intense inflammation and pain of acute gout

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: Oral: 25mg to 50mg taken 2 to 3 times daily with food. Maximum daily oral dose is 150mg. For slow-release (retard) tablets: 100mg once daily. Injection: 75mg by deep intramuscular injection, maximum of 2 injections (150mg) per day for a maximum of 2 days. Topical gel: Apply a thin layer to the affected area 3-4 times daily and gently rub in.
- Children: Diclofenac is generally not recommended for children under 14 years. For adolescents aged 14 and above, the dose is 25mg two to three times daily. Children requiring NSAID therapy should use ibuprofen instead, which has a better established paediatric dosing profile. Always consult a paediatrician.
- Elderly: Elderly patients should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Start with 25mg two to three times daily. Elderly individuals are at significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular events from NSAIDs. Regular monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure is advisable.

Always take diclofenac tablets with food or immediately after meals to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. Do not crush or chew slow-release (retard) tablets — swallow them whole. Diclofenac injections should only be administered by trained healthcare workers and should not be used for more than 2 days. When using the topical gel, do not apply to broken skin, wounds, or near the eyes. Do not use diclofenac for more than 7 days without medical advice.

## Side effects

Common: Stomach pain, indigestion, and heartburn — common especially when taken without food; Nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation; Headache and dizziness; Pain and hardening at the injection site (for intramuscular injections); Mild skin irritation, redness, or itching at the application site (for topical gel).

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding — may present as black, tarry stools, blood in vomit, or severe stomach pain. This risk is higher than with ibuprofen; Kidney damage or kidney failure, especially in dehydrated patients or with prolonged use; Cardiovascular events — increased risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly with long-term, high-dose use; Severe liver damage — rare but possible, presenting as jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and fatigue; Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing; Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome — extremely rare but life-threatening.

When to see a doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, yellowing of the skin or eyes, significant swelling of the legs or ankles, or any signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, widespread rash). If you notice decreased urination or dark-coloured urine, see a doctor urgently as this may indicate kidney problems.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do not take if you have an active stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or a history of recurrent ulcers; Do not take if you have severe heart failure or established cardiovascular disease; Do not take if you have severe kidney or liver disease; Do not take if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs; Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy; Do not administer diclofenac injection to patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy; Avoid if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Interactions: Warfarin and other anticoagulants (blood thinners) — diclofenac significantly increases the risk of bleeding; Aspirin — combining with diclofenac increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk without additional benefit; Other NSAIDs — never take diclofenac with another NSAID such as ibuprofen; this doubles the side effects without doubling the benefit; ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics — diclofenac can reduce their blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney damage, a serious concern for the many Nigerians managing hypertension; Methotrexate — diclofenac increases methotrexate toxicity; Lithium and digoxin — diclofenac can increase blood levels of these drugs; SSRIs (antidepressants like fluoxetine) — combining with diclofenac increases bleeding risk; Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) — increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Diclofenac should not be used in the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy as it can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the baby's heart, reduced amniotic fluid, and delayed labour. In the first and second trimesters, it should only be used if clearly necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks — paracetamol is always the safer option during pregnancy. Small amounts of diclofenac pass into breast milk. Short-term use may be acceptable during breastfeeding, but consult your healthcare provider. For breastfeeding mothers needing regular pain relief, paracetamol or ibuprofen are preferred choices.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Voltaren (Novartis, made in Italy); Olfen (Oculus PharmaCare, made in Switzerland); Relagesic 50 (Dizpharm Nigeria Limited, made in Nigeria); Lofnac 100 (Greenlife Pharmaceutical, made in India); Lofnac 100 Suppositories (Greenlife Pharmaceutical, made in India); Clofenac (Phamatex Nigeria Limited, made in Malaysia).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/diclofenac/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Verify the NAFDAC registration number printed on the packaging — all legitimate diclofenac products in Nigeria must carry a NAFDAC registration number
2. Use the NAFDAC online portal or mobile verification app to confirm the authenticity of the product using the registration number or barcode
3. Buy from licensed pharmacies only — diclofenac injections in particular should only be obtained from registered healthcare facilities
4. Check the packaging for clear, professional printing with no spelling errors, faded text, or signs of tampering
5. Ensure the expiry date is clearly printed and the product is within its shelf life
6. For Voltaren brand products, check for Novartis security features including holographic stickers and tamper-evident packaging
7. Be especially cautious with injectable forms — counterfeit injections pose serious health risks. Only allow injections from vials with intact seals from trusted sources

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## Compared with

### Diclofenac vs Ibuprofen: Nigeria's favourite strong painkiller vs the safer default

Diclofenac hits inflammatory pain hard — which is exactly why Nigerians love it and why it deserves respect: it carries the higher ulcer and heart risk of the two. Ibuprofen is the safer default for short-term aches. Use diclofenac at the lowest dose for the shortest time, always with food, and not at all if you have ulcer, heart, or kidney history.

When Diclofenac fits:

- A short, sharp inflammatory episode — acute back spasm, gout flare, injury
- Ibuprofen genuinely isn't touching the pain
- You can commit to with-food, few-days-only use and have no ulcer/heart/kidney history

When Ibuprofen fits:

- General aches, fever with inflammation, period pain
- Any stomach sensitivity in your history
- You'll be dosing a few days running

Ibuprofen guide: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/ibuprofen/

## FAQs

### Is diclofenac stronger than ibuprofen?

Diclofenac is generally considered to have a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than ibuprofen, which is why many Nigerian doctors prefer it for conditions with significant inflammation such as severe back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical swelling. At equivalent doses, diclofenac tends to provide better pain relief for inflammatory conditions. However, this stronger effect also comes with a slightly higher risk of side effects, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular complications. For mild to moderate pain, ibuprofen may be sufficient and carries somewhat lower risks. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise which is more appropriate for your specific condition.

### Why is the diclofenac injection so popular in Nigerian hospitals?

Diclofenac injection (75mg intramuscular) is extremely popular in Nigerian hospitals and clinics because it provides rapid and powerful pain relief, typically within 15-30 minutes. When patients present with severe acute pain — such as after surgery, severe back pain episodes, or renal colic — the injection offers faster relief than oral tablets, which need time to be absorbed from the stomach. However, it is important to know that diclofenac injections should not be used for more than 2 days and should be switched to oral tablets or other pain management as soon as possible. Repeated injections can cause complications including injection site reactions and increased risk of systemic side effects.

### Can I use Voltaren gel instead of taking diclofenac tablets?

Yes, Voltaren gel (or other diclofenac topical gel products) is an excellent alternative for localised muscle and joint pain. The gel is applied directly to the skin over the painful area, providing targeted pain relief with much less drug being absorbed into the bloodstream compared to tablets. This means significantly fewer risks of stomach ulcers, kidney problems, and cardiovascular effects. Voltaren gel is particularly useful for knee arthritis, ankle sprains, muscle strains, and other localised painful conditions. However, for widespread pain or internal pain conditions, the gel alone may not be sufficient and oral treatment or injection may be needed.

### Are diclofenac injections stronger than tablets?

Not meaningfully for most pain — the tablet reaches similar levels slightly slower. Routine painkiller injections at patent-medicine stores add injection risks (abscesses, nerve injury) without real benefit. Reserve injections for settings where swallowing isn't possible.

### Can I take diclofenac with omeprazole to protect my stomach?

Doctors do pair NSAIDs with a stomach-protecting drug for patients who genuinely need weeks of treatment — but self-prescribing that combination to enable indefinite diclofenac use misses the point. If you need daily painkillers long-term, the pain itself needs diagnosing.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)