Diclo-Flam Blackcurrant is a blackcurrant-flavoured effervescent tablet containing diclofenac sodium 50 mg, an anti-inflammatory painkiller. It is dissolved in water and used for pain and inflammation — backache, period pain, dental pain, muscular aches, sprains and arthritis. The blackcurrant is flavouring only.

What is Diclo Flam Blackcurrant?

Diclo-Flam Blackcurrant contains diclofenac sodium 50 mg as an effervescent tablet, registered in South Africa at Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 depending on the pack and intended use.

The blackcurrant is flavour, not an active ingredient. It exists to mask the taste of the dissolved medicine, which is otherwise unpleasant. It contributes nothing pharmacological, and choosing it over another flavour changes nothing about how the medicine works.

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, which the body uses to make prostaglandins — the chemical messengers driving inflammation, swelling, pain signalling and fever. Reducing them relieves all four.

The effervescent form is about speed. A tablet dissolved in water arrives at the stomach already in solution, so it is absorbed faster than a tablet that must first break down. That makes it well suited to acute pain where waiting is the problem — a bad headache, period pain, dental pain — rather than to steady control of a long-term condition, where a slower-release form is often preferred.

Two practical consequences follow from the effervescent form:

Effervescent tablets usually contain sodium, sometimes a meaningful amount, because the fizzing depends on sodium bicarbonate. This matters if you have high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease, or have been told to limit salt.
It must be fully dissolved in water before drinking, not swallowed or chewed.

Diclofenac is one of the more potent commonly used NSAIDs, and among the more significant for cardiovascular risk — so it is not the automatic first choice for everyone.

What is Diclo Flam Blackcurrant commonly used for?

Backache and muscular pain.
Period pain, often more effective than a simple painkiller.
Headache and migraine, where faster absorption helps.
Dental pain, as short-term relief while awaiting treatment.
Sprains, strains and sports injury, where swelling is part of the problem.
Joint pain, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis flares.
Gout attacks.
Pain after minor surgery or injury.
Fever, though not usually the first choice for that alone.

The difference from paracetamol is worth understanding. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever but does little for inflammation, and is far gentler on the stomach, kidneys and heart. Diclofenac genuinely reduces inflammation and swelling — but carries cautions paracetamol does not.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time that works. Most NSAID harm accumulates with dose and duration, so a short course carries much less risk than sustained daily use.

How Diclo Flam Blackcurrant fits into this medicine category

Group	Examples	What it does
Simple analgesics	Paracetamol (Panado, Donapan)	Pain and fever; minimal anti-inflammatory effect
Non-selective NSAIDs	Diclofenac (Diclo-Flam, Panamor), ibuprofen	Pain and inflammation; stomach, kidney, heart cautions
COX-2 selective	Celecoxib, etoricoxib	Anti-inflammatory, gentler on the stomach
Topical NSAIDs	Diclofenac gel	Local relief, much less systemic exposure
Corticosteroids	Prednisone	Powerful anti-inflammatory, given as courses

For localised pain in a joint close to the surface, a topical gel gives relief with far less systemic exposure — often a better option for people who should avoid oral NSAIDs. See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.

What to check before using Diclo Flam Blackcurrant

Do not take it with another anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen, naproxen, mefenamic acid, aspirin and other diclofenac products are all NSAIDs. Doubling up multiplies stomach bleeding risk without improving relief, and these ingredients hide in combination cold, flu and period-pain products.

Check the sodium content if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, or have been advised to limit salt. This is specific to effervescent formulations and is easy to overlook.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you:

Have had a stomach ulcer, gastritis or bleeding in the gut.
Have heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Have kidney disease, or are dehydrated.
Have liver disease.
Have asthma. A minority of people with asthma wheeze significantly on NSAIDs.
Are over 65.
Are pregnant. NSAIDs are generally avoided, particularly from around 20 weeks and definitely in the third trimester.
Are breastfeeding.
Take warfarin or another blood thinner.
Take an ACE inhibitor or ARB with a diuretic — that combination plus an NSAID is a recognised cause of acute kidney injury.
Take low-dose aspirin for your heart, lithium, methotrexate, or an SSRI antidepressant.

Dissolve it fully in a glass of water and drink it, ideally with or after food. Follow the pack instructions for how much and how often. This page does not set doses.

Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor

Common effects are indigestion, nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, dizziness and diarrhoea. Taking it with food helps the stomach symptoms.

Stop and seek medical attention urgently if you notice:

Vomiting blood, or vomit resembling coffee grounds.
Black, tarry stools.
Severe stomach pain.
Chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden one-sided weakness or slurred speech — seek emergency care.
Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
Sudden wheezing, particularly with asthma.
A spreading rash, blistering or peeling skin.
Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Much less urine than usual, or swollen ankles.

Serious stomach bleeding can develop without warning pain first, so the bleeding signs matter even when you feel otherwise well.

See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few days, if it worsens, if fever persists past three days, or if you find yourself needing an anti-inflammatory most days.

Related medicine guides

Frequently asked questions

What is Diclo-Flam Blackcurrant used for? Pain and inflammation — backache, period pain, headache, dental pain, muscular aches, sprains, gout and arthritis flares. Each tablet contains diclofenac sodium 50 mg.

Is the blackcurrant an active ingredient? No. It is flavouring, added to mask the taste of the dissolved medicine.

How do I take it? Dissolve the tablet fully in a glass of water and drink it, ideally with or after food. Do not swallow or chew it.

Why is it effervescent? Dissolving the medicine before it reaches the stomach speeds absorption, which suits acute pain. It also means the tablet contains sodium.

Does it contain salt? Effervescent tablets generally contain sodium. Check the pack if you have high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease.

Is it stronger than ibuprofen? Diclofenac is generally regarded as a more potent anti-inflammatory, but carries somewhat higher cardiovascular risk.

Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes used together on advice. Do not combine it with another anti-inflammatory.

Is it safe in pregnancy? Generally avoided, especially from around 20 weeks. Paracetamol is usually preferred — confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

What Is Diclo Flam Blackcurrant Used For?