Prescribing-label excerpts
Diclofenac Sodium
Reference for: Diclofenac Sodium. Source presentation: gel. Source route: topical.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption — Diclofenac levels were measured at the end of treatment from 60 patients with AK lesions treated with diclofenac sodium gel in three adequate and well-controlled clinical trials. Each patient was administered 0.5 g of diclofenac sodium gel twice a day for up to 105 days. There were up to three 5 cm x 5 cm treatment sites per patient on the face, forehead, hands, forearm, and scalp. Serum concentrations of diclofenac were, on average, at or below 20 ng/mL.
Distribution — Diclofenac binds tightly to serum albumin.
Metabolism — Biotransformation of diclofenac following oral administration involves conjugation at the carboxyl group of the side chain or single or multiple hydroxylations resulting in several phenolic metabolites, most of which are converted to glucuronide conjugates. Two of these phenolic metabolites are biologically active, however to a much smaller extent than diclofenac. Metabolism of diclofenac following topical administration is thought to be similar to that after oral administration. The small amounts of diclofenac and its metabolites appearing in the plasma following topical administration makes the quantification of specific metabolites imprecise.
Elimination — Diclofenac and its metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine after oral dosing.
Selected passages from the cited U.S. prescribing label. The studies concern the source product and populations named in each passage; they do not establish Walter-product bioequivalence, an approved indication, or the kinetics of another fixed combination. Tables and the full prescribing information remain available in the source.
Source: DailyMed: Diclofenac Sodium — gel
Reference accessed . Label revision: 2026-07-12.
