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Topical diclofenac gel

Topical diclofenac is an NSAID applied to the skin. Current OTC Drug Facts labeling limits use to arthritis pain in specific joints and includes important directions and warnings.

ClassificationTopical NSAID; OTC and prescription products exist
PurposeProduct-specific arthritis pain relief
Last source checkAugust 3, 2026
Editorial statusIndependent • Not sponsored

Product identity

What it is

Active ingredient or category: Diclofenac sodium topical gel

Regulatory classification: Topical NSAID; OTC and prescription products exist

What official sources say

  • The current DailyMed OTC label identifies the active ingredient, labeled joints, directions, time limits, and warnings.
  • Prescription topical diclofenac products may have different labeling; use the source for the exact product.
Safety signal—not a complete warning list: Topical does not mean risk-free. The label includes NSAID, allergy, interaction, pregnancy, skin-use, and other warnings. Read the full Drug Facts panel. Always read the current label or source for the exact product.

Questions to take to a clinician or pharmacist

  1. Is this product labeled for the specific joint and age group involved?
  2. Do I use aspirin, another NSAID, anticoagulants, or other interacting products?
  3. What does the exact label say about duration, skin application, and when to stop?

Sources reviewed

Links open the authoritative source. Product labels and guidance can change; verify the current version before relying on any summary.

Review status: This page received an editorial source check on August 3, 2026. No clinician or pharmacist is credited as independently reviewing it. Report a correction.

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