What Is Voltaren (diclofenac) Used For? Uses And Side Effects
“Voltaren” is the most common brand name for diclofenac a medication commonly used to treat pain and inflammation as well as other related symptoms.
In this article we will describe what Voltaren is, what it is for and How is it different from other pain relievers? We will also analyze in which cases it is advisable to avoid diclofenac and what side effects it can cause.
Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory medication that is marketed under many brand names, such as Voltaren, Voltadol, Dolotren, Atrtrotec, or Normuen.
Like ibuprofen, aspirin or Enantyum (dexketoprofen), diclofenac is part of the group of medications known as “NSAIDs” (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds that influence inflammation and pain.
It can be administered in pills, cream, as an injection, as eye drops and as a suppository. In Spain, diclofenac gel is marketed as Voltadol and Voltaren Emulgel, while the rest of the formats can be found simply as “Voltaren”.
Although Diclofenac can generally be obtained without a prescription in some countries requires a prescription, especially the variants with a higher concentration of the drug.
Differences with other medications
NSAIDs are less harmful to the digestive system than steroidal anti-inflammatories such as cortisone and cortisol, but they can also cause stomach symptoms if consumed continuously.
Diclofenac and other NSAIDs are less tolerable than Nolotil for people with stomach and intestinal problems However, NSAIDs affect the blood to a lesser extent than Nolotil.
The Voltaren is one of the most powerful NSAIDs , although also one of the most aggressive. Enantyum is more potent and harmful than diclofenac, while ibuprofen and Voltaren have very similar effects.
In general, it is recommended to take paracetamol to relieve mild pain because it is considered one of the safest pain relievers, although diclofenac and other NSAIDs are not much more dangerous and are especially useful for some types of pain.
What is Voltaren for?
Diclofenac It is effective in treating multiple types of pain of mild or moderate intensity related to inflammation. This medication stands out especially in relieving the symptoms we mention below.
1. Joint pain
One of the main indications for Voltaren is the treatment of joint problems such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, jaw pain and rheumatism. as well as extra-articular rheumatic pain
It is also recommended to treat attacks of gout, a subtype of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation of a joint, often the base of the big toe. Gout is due to the accumulation of uric acid in the blood, more common in overweight people who consume a lot of meat and alcohol.
2. Post-traumatic and postoperative pain
Voltaren is very effective to treat inflammatory symptoms and painful injuries caused by blows, regardless of whether the damage is in the bones, muscles or joints.
Likewise, after surgical operations, the use of Voltaren and other medium-strength analgesics is common.
Pain in muscles and bones, whether acute or chronic , can be relieved by taking many different pain relievers. Although it is not specific for this use, Voltaren can be effective in combating lumbar and back pain, among others.
4. Kidney problems
Among the kidney pains for which it is recommended to take diclofenac are: caused by renal colic or stones in the gallbladder
5. Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
Period pain can be effectively relieved with diclofenac and other anti-inflammatories. This is another of the main indications of Voltaren
If they are very intense, menstrual pain can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
6. Chronic pain
Diclofenac is effective in reducing chronic pain, especially those related to inflammation. This may be the case with cancer pain, for the treatment of which doctors often prescribe combinations of opioids such as codeine and NSAIDs like Voltaren.
7. Other inflammatory pains
Among the pains due to inflammation that we have not yet mentioned, it is worth highlighting dental pain, such as toothache, and eye inflammation which can be treated with diclofenac in eye drops.
Side and adverse effects
The most frequent side effects of Voltaren include skin rashes, headache, dizziness and vertigo Among the most common gastrointestinal symptoms are lack of appetite, belly pain, gas, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Other less common side effects include breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, abdominal cramps, and itching all over the skin.
If the consumption of Voltaren produces side effects, it is advisable to try other analgesics, preferably less aggressive.
You should avoid taking diclofenac in the third trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding because the drug could affect the baby.
Given its potential to damage the gastrointestinal system , Voltaren is contraindicated in people who have ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome or other similar conditions. The same goes for all NSAIDs, including ibuprofen.
Likewise, it seems that diclofenac increases the risk of arterial thrombosis and embolism to a greater extent than other NSAIDs, so people with cardiovascular diseases should also prioritize other analgesics. For all this, we recommend that Voltaren not be used without a medical prescription, despite how easy it is to obtain.
Furthermore, it is not advisable to apply diclofenac cream (Voltaren Emulgel or Voltadol) on wounds or eczema since it can aggravate these problems.
