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Zipsor

Generic name: diclofenacdye-KLOE-fen-ak ]
Drug class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 7, 2022.

What is Zipsor?

Zipsor is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac potassium works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Zipsor capsules are used to treat mild to moderate acute pain in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older.

Zipsor is supplied as a 25mg liquid capsule.

Warnings

Zipsor may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using diclofenac.

The chance of a person getting an ulcer or intestinal bleeding increases with the following; when taking medicines called “corticosteroids” and “anticoagulants”, with longer use, with smoking or drinking alcohol, with older age, and when in poor health.

Zipsor can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Diclofenac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zipsor if you are allergic to diclofenac, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Do not use Zipsor if you are allergic to beef or beef protein.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Diclofenac can affect ovulation and it may be harder to get pregnant while you are using this medicine.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Zipsor unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Zipsor is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I take Zipsor?

Take Zipsor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

If you use Zipsor long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Oral:
Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled capsules: 25 mg orally 4 times a day
Comment: Diclofenac potassium liquid filled capsules are not interchangeable with other diclofenac products containing the sodium or potassium salt.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

Diclofenac potassium liquid-filled capsules:
12 years and older: 25 mg orally four times a day
Comments: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to diclofenac (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Zipsor side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zipsor (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Stop using Zipsor and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Stop using Zipsor and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Zipsor side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Zipsor?

Ask your doctor before using Zipsor if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with diclofenac, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Popular FAQ

There is no known drug interaction between methocarbamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac. You may take methocarbamol and diclofenac together. Because it may cause drowsiness or dizziness, methocarbamol interacts with other drugs that have similar effects, such as alcohol and drugs that treat sleep disorders.

You need to be careful when taking ibuprofen with blood pressure medicines because the combination can also cause serious damage to your kidneys, particularly if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill). In addition, ibuprofen can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of your blood pressure medication. People who take blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors or ARBs and diuretics have an increased risk of kidney damage, which can be compounded by also taking an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, particularly in high doses. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zipsor only for the indication prescribed..

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.