Diclofenac immediate-release (IR) dosing is most commonly prescribed as which regimen?

Diclofenac immediate-release (IR) dosing is most commonly prescribed as which regimen?

• A. 50 mg BID or TID
• B. 100-150 mg PO Daily
• C. 2-4 g per application
• D. Voltaren

Answer: (A)

Diclofenac IR is given in divided oral doses to maintain steady analgesia while keeping GI risk in check. The usual pattern is 50 mg every 6–8 hours, up to a maximum of 150 mg per day. That’s why 50 mg twice daily or three times daily fits best—the total daily dose is kept within the safe range and the dosing is spread out. The other options don’t fit: taking 100–150 mg once daily doesn’t align with the short-acting IR form and increases GI risk while not providing consistent relief; “2–4 g per application” refers to topical diclofenac dosing, not oral; and a brand name like Voltaren isn’t a dosing schedule.

Diclofenac IR is given in divided oral doses to maintain steady analgesia while keeping GI risk in check. The usual pattern is 50 mg every 6–8 hours, up to a maximum of 150 mg per day. That’s why 50 mg twice daily or three times daily fits best—the total daily dose is kept within the safe range and the dosing is spread out.

The other options don’t fit: taking 100–150 mg once daily doesn’t align with the short-acting IR form and increases GI risk while not providing consistent relief; “2–4 g per application” refers to topical diclofenac dosing, not oral; and a brand name like Voltaren isn’t a dosing schedule.