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Diclofenac, topical
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain at the site of application.
Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing inflammation and pain at the site of application. Used for Topical treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, Topical treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain and strains.
At a glance
| Generic name | Diclofenac, topical |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Nuvo Research Inc. |
| Drug class | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) |
| Target | Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management / Rheumatology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
When applied topically, diclofenac penetrates the skin and underlying tissues to inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing local prostaglandin levels, topical diclofenac provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with minimal systemic absorption compared to oral formulations. This localized action makes it suitable for treating pain and inflammation in superficial musculoskeletal conditions.
Approved indications
- Topical treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis
- Topical treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain and strains
Common side effects
- Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus, irritation)
- Contact dermatitis
- Photosensitivity
Key clinical trials
- Counterpain PXM Versus Diclofenac Versus Piroxicam (PHASE3)
- Home-Based Strategies for Knee Osteoarthritis (NA)
- Effects of Photobiomodulation and Topical Diclofenac on Inflammation and Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis (EPIC-KO) (PHASE2)
- Topical Chemoprevention of Skin Cancer Biomarkers (PHASE2)
- Comparison of Diclofenac Systemic Exposure From Two Different Products (AMZ001 and Diclofenac Diethylammonium 1.16% Gel) in Healthy Participants After Repeated Topical Administrations for 7 Days. (PHASE1)
- Topical Diclofenac and Topical DFMO Chemoprevention Trial in Subjects With a History of Skin Cancer (PHASE2)
- To Check Dermatological Safety of Test Products by 24 Hours Patch Testing (NA)
- Topical Diclofenac for Hand-Foot Syndrome Prevention in Colorectal and Gastric Cancer on Capecitabine (DICLO-HFS)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Diclofenac, topical CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Diclofenac, topical updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Nuvo Research Inc. portfolio CI