What each one is for, how to take it, side effects and warnings, side by side from the official labels.
| Ibuprofen | Diclofenac | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A painkiller (NSAID) | Not on the label |
| Used for | temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever | (s) for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas head, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no p… |
| Usual adult dose | Adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used. | Not on the label |
| Children | Children under 12 years: ask a doctor. | Not on the label |
| Prescription (U.S.) | No (over the counter) | No (over the counter) |
| Common side effects | you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint have bloody or black stools vomit blood have stomach pain that does not get better you have symptoms of heart problems or stroke: chest pain slurred speech… | pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days redness or swelling is present in the painful area fever occurs skin irritation occurs any new symptoms appear. These could be signs of a serious condition. you experience any… |
| Pregnancy | If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor b… | Pregnancy/Breastfeeding If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use diclofenac at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely direct… |
From the official U.S. labels. Brands and strengths differ between countries.
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
Check them togetherIbuprofen is a painkiller (NSAID) and Diclofenac is a medicine. Ibuprofen is used for: temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps the common cold muscular aches minor pain of arthritis temporarily reduces fever Diclofenac is used for: (s) for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas head, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no p…
Neither official label mentions the other. That does not prove they are safe together: ask a pharmacist, and use the free interaction checker.
It depends on what you are treating, your health and other medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which one suits you; this page shows what each official label says.