What is the use of Dicloday tube? A Guide to Diclofenac Topical Gel

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Diclofenac is one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. The primary use of Dicloday tube is to deliver this potent anti-inflammatory directly to the site of pain, providing localized relief for conditions such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.

Quick Summary

Dicloday tube contains diclofenac sodium, an NSAID in gel form for topical application. It is used to provide targeted relief from localized pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and soft tissue injuries, with a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.

Key Points

Localized Pain Relief: Dicloday tube provides targeted pain and inflammation relief by delivering the diclofenac gel directly to affected joints and muscles.
Primary Use for Arthritis: It is commonly used to treat pain from osteoarthritis in easily accessible joints such as the hands, knees, elbows, and ankles.
Reduced Systemic Risks: Topical application results in significantly lower systemic absorption compared to oral NSAIDs, reducing risks of serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.
Proper Application is Key: The gel should be applied to clean, dry skin using a dosing card, and should not be covered with a bandage or heat.
Important Contraindications: Dicloday is not suitable for individuals with a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs, on broken skin, or around the time of heart bypass surgery.
Sunlight Sensitivity: The medication can increase skin sensitivity to UV light, so sun exposure should be minimized while using it.

What is Dicloday Gel?

Dicloday tube contains a gel with the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike oral NSAIDs that circulate through the entire body, Dicloday gel is applied directly to the skin over the painful area. This allows the medication to be absorbed into the underlying tissues, such as joints and muscles, providing localized pain relief and reducing inflammation. The topical delivery minimizes the amount of medication absorbed systemically, thereby reducing the risk of side effects commonly associated with oral NSAIDs.

How Diclofenac Works

Diclofenac's mechanism of action involves inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which are compounds that contribute to pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking prostaglandin production at the application site, Dicloday helps to alleviate the swelling, stiffness, and discomfort associated with inflammatory conditions. Because it acts locally, it is particularly effective for pain that originates close to the skin surface, like in the joints of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet.

Primary Uses of Dicloday Tube

Dicloday gel is primarily indicated for the temporary relief of pain and inflammation in adults. Its targeted action makes it suitable for several conditions:

Osteoarthritis: Dicloday is commonly used to treat the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis in small and large joints, including the knees, hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, and feet. Consistent daily application is often recommended for the best results, which may take up to a week to become noticeable.
Musculoskeletal Pain: Conditions involving soft tissues, such as sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises), also benefit from the gel's anti-inflammatory properties. The medication can help reduce localized swelling and provide pain relief, accelerating the healing process.

It is important to note that while Dicloday is effective for these conditions, it is not intended for the treatment of back, hip, or shoulder pain unless specifically prescribed for that purpose. Over-the-counter formulations typically have restrictions on the body areas and number of joints that can be treated simultaneously.

Guidelines for Proper Application

To ensure both effectiveness and safety, it is crucial to follow the correct application procedure for Dicloday tube:

Prepare the Skin: Wash and dry the affected area completely before applying the gel. Do not apply the medication to broken, irritated, infected, or rash-covered skin.
Measure the Dose: Use the provided dosing card to measure the correct amount of gel. Doses vary depending on the joint being treated; for example, a larger dose is typically needed for a knee than a wrist.
Apply the Gel: Squeeze the measured amount onto the dosing card and spread it evenly over the entire painful area. Rub it in gently until it is fully absorbed.
Avoid Covering: Do not apply a bandage or covering over the treated area, and do not use a heating pad or other external heat source, as this can increase systemic absorption.
Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the gel to avoid spreading it to other parts of the body or mucous membranes, unless you are treating your hands.
Wait Before Covering: Wait at least 10 minutes before covering the treated area with clothing.

Topical Dicloday vs. Oral Diclofenac

Deciding between a topical gel and an oral tablet can depend on the type of pain, location, and individual health factors. Here is a comparison of topical diclofenac (like Dicloday) and its oral counterpart:


Feature	Topical Diclofenac (Dicloday)	Oral Diclofenac
Systemic Absorption	Very low systemic absorption, minimizing exposure to internal organs.	High systemic absorption, affecting the entire body.
Side Effects	Primarily localized skin reactions (redness, itching, dryness). Lower risk of systemic side effects like GI bleeding.	Higher risk of systemic side effects, including gastrointestinal issues (ulcers, bleeding) and cardiovascular problems.
Targeted Action	Delivers medication directly to the site of pain for localized effect.	Acts systemically to provide general pain relief.
Onset of Action	May take up to a week to achieve full pain relief for chronic conditions like arthritis.	Faster relief for acute pain, as the medication enters the bloodstream quickly.
Primary Use	Localized arthritis pain, musculoskeletal sprains and strains.	Wide range of conditions requiring systemic pain and inflammation control.

Precautions and Warnings

Before using Dicloday, it is essential to be aware of certain precautions and potential risks. Consult your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Allergic Reactions: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs should not use Dicloday. Severe allergic reactions, including asthma attacks, have been reported in sensitive individuals.
Cardiovascular Risks: Like other NSAIDs, topical diclofenac may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, heart attack, and stroke, particularly with prolonged use. It is contraindicated for use around the time of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Gastrointestinal Risks: While the risk is lower than with oral NSAIDs, topical diclofenac can still cause serious gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. Be cautious if you have a history of stomach issues or are elderly.
Photosensitivity: The gel can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to natural or artificial UV light and use protective clothing.
Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Using Dicloday with other NSAIDs (oral or topical), blood thinners, or certain antidepressants can increase risks.

Conclusion

Dicloday tube, with its diclofenac gel formulation, offers a valuable option for managing localized pain and inflammation. By delivering the NSAID directly to the affected area, it provides effective relief for conditions like osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries while minimizing the systemic side effects associated with oral pain relievers. Adhering to proper application instructions and being aware of the associated risks and precautions is key to its safe and effective use. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if Dicloday is the right treatment for your specific pain management needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Dicloday gel is effective for relieving pain and inflammation from minor sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises) by reducing swelling and soreness in the affected soft tissues.

While some may feel relief sooner, it can take up to seven days of consistent use to achieve the full pain-relieving effect for arthritis. If there is no relief after seven days, consult your doctor.

Yes, they are different. While both contain the same active ingredient, the gel is applied topically for localized action with much less systemic absorption, leading to a lower risk of serious side effects than oral tablets.

For over-the-counter versions, you should not use the gel on more than two body areas at the same time. Your doctor can provide specific instructions if you have been prescribed the medication.

If the gel comes into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, rinse the area thoroughly with plenty of water. If irritation persists for more than an hour, contact your doctor.

You should not use Dicloday gel at the same time as other NSAID medications (including oral tablets like ibuprofen or aspirin) without consulting a doctor, as it can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Common side effects are typically localized to the application site and include redness, dryness, itching, swelling, or irritation. Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention.