Diclofenac (Voltaren)Use: Dosage, Side Effects, Effectiveness

Voltaren, recognized by its generic name. It is categorized under the drug class called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Voltaren is also used for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.

The medicine works by decreasing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation(Sorkin, E.M., 1988).

How To Take Diclofenac (Voltaren)?

Take Voltaren exactly how your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions given. Use the lowest dose, which is effective in treating your conditions. Different manufacturers of Diclofenac contain different amounts of Diclofenac and may have other uses. Your dose requirements may change if you switch brands. Follow your doctor’s directions while taking your medicine(Çelik, İ., 2014).

Study On Long Term Efficiency And Tolerabilty Of Voltaren Compared To Indomethacin:

Aim: To determine the long-term efficacy and tolerability of Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) compared to Indomethacin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Method: A report on 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were administered Voltaren and Indomethacin in a dosage of 75-125mg daily. Each patient had to participate for six months.

Finding: it was found that Voltaren proved superior to Indomethacin in terms of therapeutic efficacy. On the other hand, the unwanted side effects in the central nervous system or even the gastrointestinal tract were less common in patients treated with Voltaren than Indomethacin.

Conclusion: The study stated that Voltaren is effective in the long-term treatment of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis.

Forms & Strengths of Diclofenac

Oral Solution – 50mg/single-dose packet
Solution for IV injection – 37.5mg/mL (Dyloject)
Tablet – 50mg (generic)

Voltaren: Dosage

The dose of this medicine will differ for different patients. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the direction on the label. Following is the average dosage of Voltaren gel: Voltaren 1 percent gel for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the hands, elbows, and wrists: Adults: Apply 2g four times a day to the afflicted skin areas (a total of 8 g each day). The maximum dose should not exceed 32 g per day. Voltaren 1 percent gel for the treatment of t osteoarthritis in the knees, ankles, and foot: Adults: Apply 4 g four times a day to the afflicted skin areas (a total of 16 g each day). The maximum dose should not exceed 32 g per day(Theobald, W., 1978).

What other Medications wil have an effect on Diclofenac?

Other drugs, herbs, or supplements you may be taking may interact with diclofenac. As a result, your doctor should closely monitor all of your medications. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about how this drug might mix with other medications you’re taking.
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory medication that is not a steroid. (NSAID). If your doctor tells you to, don’t take it with other NSAIDs.

Diclofenac not only relieves pain, but it also has an effect on the chemicals that keep your kidneys operating smoothly. Some medicines may take longer for your kidneys to filter out as a result of this impact. This may result in an increase in their levels in your body as well as negative side effects.
Anticoagulants, bisphosphonates, enalapril, haloperidol, hydrocodone, cyclosporine, methotrexate, tacrolimus, enalapril, and tenofovir are a few examples.

Warnings:

You shouldn’t use Diclofenac if you have a history of allergic reaction to aspirin or NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Diclofenac can increase the chances of heart attack or stroke if you use it in high doses or long-term or have heart disease.

Don’t use this medicine just before or after a heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft or CABG)

Diclofenac can also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. This condition may occur while using this medication, especially in older adults.

Don’t use this medication if you are allergic or have had an asthma attack because of aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Side Effects:

Voltaren causes the following lethal side effects:

Skin rash
Flu-like symptoms
Heart problems, short breaths
Kidney problems
Liver problem
Signs of stomach bleeding

Get immediate help from a medical professional when you see the following side effects. Common Voltaren side-effects include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, itching, sweating, stuffy nose. This isn’t the thorough list of side effects, there are may be more. Consult with doctors for medical advice about side-effects(Siraux, P., 1977).

Where to Buy Diclofenac Over the Counter?

Diclofenac (Voltaren) is a prescription-based drug but is also available over the counter depending on the severity of pain. Trusted pharmacies also sometimes fail to deliver the quality of the product. Pain medication users have been in doubts about where to buy diclofenac (Voltaren)? How to buy diclofenac (Voltaren)? To get this simplified we provide a source of information to be reliable and reliant on the trust factors verified from our end and get your satisfaction at its peak.