What is Voltaren (diclofenac) used for? Uses and side effects

A drug in the NSAID group used to treat pain and discomfort from inflammation.

"Voltaren is the most common trade name for diclofenac, a drug commonly used to treat pain and inflammation.a drug 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 used for and how it differs from other analgesic drugs.. We will also discuss when diclofenac should be avoided and what side effects it can cause.

What is diclofenac?

Diclofenac is an Anti-Inflammatory drug marketed under many trade names, such as Voltaren, Voltadol, Dolotren, Atrtrotec or Normuen.

Like ibuprofen, aspirin or Enantyum (dexketoprofen), diclofenac is part of the group of drugs known as "NSAIDs". group of drugs known as "NSAIDs" (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds that influence inflammation and pain.

It can be administered in tablets, in cream, as an injectable, as eye drops and as suppository. In Spain diclofenac gel is marketed as Voltadol and Voltaren Emulgel, while the other formats can be found simply as "Voltaren".

Although diclofenac is generally available without a prescription, in some countries it requires a prescription, especially in the United States.in some countries it requires a prescription, especially the higher concentration variants of the drug.

Differences with other drugs

NSAIDs are less harmful to the digestive system than steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone and cortisol, but they can also produce stomach symptoms if taken continuously.

Diclofenac and other NSAIDs are less tolerable than Nolotil. less tolerable than Nolotil for people with stomach and intestinal problems.. However, NSAIDs affect the blood to a lesser extent than Nolotil.

Voltaren is one of the most potent NSAIDsbut also one of the most aggressive. Enantyum is more potent and harmful than diclofenac, while ibuprofen and Voltaren have very similar effects.

Paracetamol is generally recommended for mild pain relief because it is considered one of the safest analgesics, although diclofenac and other NSAIDs are not much more dangerous and are particularly useful for some types of pain.

What is Voltaren used for?

Diclofenac is effective in treating multiple types of mild to moderate of mild to moderate intensity related to inflammation. This medication excels especially in relieving the symptoms mentioned below.

1. Joint pain

One of the main indications of Voltaren is the treatment of joint problems such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, jaw pain and rheumatism, as well as extra-articular rheumatic pains..

It is also recommended for treating attacks of gout, a subtype of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation of a joint, often the joint at 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 post-operative pain

Voltaren is very effective to treat inflammatory and painful symptoms and painful symptoms caused by blows, regardless of whether the damage is located in the bones, muscles or joints.

Voltaren and other medium strength analgesics are also commonly used after surgery.

3. Musculoskeletal pain

Muscle and bone pain, whether acute or chroniccan be relieved by taking many different pain relievers. Although 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 diclofenac is recommended are those caused by nephritic colic. produced by nephritic colic or gall bladder stones..

5. Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

Period pain can be effectively relieved with diclofenac and other anti-inflammatory drugs. This is another of the main indications for Voltaren.

If very intense, menstrual cramps can even 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 for cancer pain, for the treatment of which doctors often prescribe combinations of opioids such as codeine and NSAIDs. combinations of opioids such as codeine and NSAIDs such as Voltaren. such as Voltaren.

7. Other inflammatory pains

Of between the pains for inflammation that we have not yet mentioned it is necessary to emphasize the dental pains, like the toothache, and ocular inflammationwhich can be treated with diclofenac in eye drops.

Side and adverse effects

The most common side effects of Voltaren include skin rashes, headache, dizziness and lightheadedness.. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include lack of appetite, stomach 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.

In case the consumption of Voltaren produces side effects, it is advisable to try other painkillers, if possible less aggressive.

Contraindications

Diclofenac should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy and during lactation because the drug could affect the baby.

Because of its potential to damage the gastrointestinal systemVoltaren is contraindicated in people who have ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome or other similar conditions. The same is true for all NSAIDs, including ibuprofen.

It also appears that diclofenac increases the risk of arterial thrombosis and embolism to a greater extent than other NSAIDs, so that people with cardiovascular disease should also give priority to other analgesics. For all these reasons, we recommend that Voltaren should not be used without a doctor's prescription, despite how easy it is to obtain.

In addition, it is not advisable to apply diclofenac cream (Voltaren Emulgel or Voltadol) on wounds or eczema as it may aggravate these problems.