Diclofenac

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A nonsteroidal benzeneacetic acid derivative with anti-inflammatory activity. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac binds and chelates both isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and-2), thereby blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory-proprostaglandins. This agent also may inhibit COX-2-mediated tumor angiogenesis. When inhibiting COX-2, diclofenac may be effective in relieving pain and inflammation; when inhibiting COX-1, it may produce unacceptable gastrointestinal side effects. This agent may be more active against COX-2 than several other carboxylic acid-containing NSAIDs. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - 2-[(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)amino]benzeneacetic Acid - DICLOFENAC - diclofenac