Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers
Pharmacist Sonja Keizers answers questions about medicines. This time: does diclofenac go with blood pressure lowering drugs?
My partner takes diclofenac twice a day for osteoarthritis pain, is that bad? He also takes medication for high blood pressure.
Answer:
Unfortunately, drugs play only a minor role in osteoarthritis. You cannot solve the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints. The best treatment for osteoarthritis pain consists of muscle strengthening exercises and weight loss in the case of overweight. This relieves the joints the most. Only in periods of serious complaints can a painkiller provide some relief. Paracetamol is then the drug of first choice. Diclofenac in the form of a gel can also be tried on the skin. Only if all that does not help, a heavier painkiller, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac, can offer short-term relief. One of the drawbacks of heavy painkillers is that they can be bad for the heart. The risk of heart problems is higher with diclofenac than, for example, naproxen. Since your partner is also taking blood pressure medications, that’s definitely something to consider.
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Sources):
- Plus Magazine