Free tool
Can I eat this with Diclofenac?
Diclofenac tablets can irritate or upset your stomach. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Taking it with milk or after food reduces stomach irritation.
Also sold as Acoflam, Akis, Closteril, Defanac, Defanac Retard, Dexomon, Diclo-SR, Dicloflex Retard, Diclomax Retard, Diclomax SR, Diclotard, Diclovol and 32 more. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 38 foods and drinks for Diclofenac (0 to avoid, 35 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Diclofenac with food?
- Swallow diclofenac tablets or capsules with a drink of milk. If you need to take them with water, take them after a meal or snack.
- Can I drink alcohol with Diclofenac?
- Yes, with care. Stick to no more than 14 units a week. Too much can irritate your stomach and cause ulcers.
- Can I eat rich or spicy food with Diclofenac?
- Yes, with care. Avoid rich or spicy food if you feel sick, as it may make nausea worse.
- Can I eat spicy food with Diclofenac?
- Yes, with care. Rich or spicy food can worsen nausea, a common side effect of diclofenac.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Diclofenac tablets can irritate or upset your stomach. Alcohol increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Taking it with milk or after food reduces stomach irritation.
Diclofenac tablets and capsules should be taken with milk or after a meal or snack to protect your stomach. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it can irritate your stomach and increase the risk of ulcers. Rich or spicy food may worsen nausea, a common side effect.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Swallow diclofenac tablets or capsules with a drink of milk. If you need to take them with water, take them after a meal or snack.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Diclofenac· 35
Fine with Diclofenac· 3
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Diclofenac
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
NHS website
About diclofenac
NHS medicines information on diclofenac – what it's used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take or use diclofenac
NHS medicines information on who can take or use diclofenac, and who may not be able to have it.
NHS website
How and when to take or use diclofenac
NHS medicines information on dosage for diclofenac, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of diclofenac
NHS medicines information on side effects of diclofenac and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking diclofenac with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with diclofenac and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Diclofenac guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Diclofenac
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.