In what clinical scenario is diclofenac preferentially used?

Diclofenac is often preferentially used in the management of postoperative pain due to its effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. After surgery, patients are typically experiencing significant pain, and diclofenac can provide rapid relief while also addressing any accompanying inflammation. Its potency in managing moderate to severe pain makes it a suitable choice in such acute scenarios.

While diclofenac can also be utilized for long-term osteoarthritis treatment, it is usually not the first-line choice for this condition because chronic use can lead to adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal complications. In acute situations requiring rapid pain relief, other options like opioids or non-opioid analgesics with faster onset of action may be preferred.

Additionally, diclofenac is not the ideal choice for patients with a history of gastric ulcers, as it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Therefore, its specific formulation and efficacy in addressing postoperative pain is what makes it preferentially used in that clinical scenario.