Voltaren

Do not take this drug late in your pregnancy; it could harm the baby. Check with your doctor before taking the drug early in pregnancy; it should be used only if necessary. The drug does appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Voltaren is finished.

Recommended dosage for Voltaren

ADULTS

Osteoarthritis

The usual dose is 100 to 150 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day (for Voltaren or Cataflam) or 75 milligrams twice a day (for Voltaren). The usual dose of Voltaren-XR (extended-release) is 100 milligrams taken once a day.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The usual dose is 100 to 200 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day (for Voltaren or Cataflam), 75 milligrams twice a day (for Voltaren), or 100 milligrams once or twice a day (for Voltaren-XR).

People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 milligrams a day.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

The usual dose is 100 to 125 milligrams of Voltaren a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 milligrams 4 times a day, with another 25 milligrams at bedtime if necessary.

Pain and menstrual discomfort

The usual starting dose of Cataflam is 50 milligrams every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 milligrams followed by two 50-milligram doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 milligrams in a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Voltaren have not been established in children.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Voltaren overdose may include:
  Acute kidney failure, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, lung inflammation, nausea, vomiting