Voltaren: what is it for, when to use it and side effects
What is Voltaren?
With the name of Voltaren we are probably faced with one of the anti-inflammatory most known and popular. In fact, looking at its prospectus, it is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), so it is useful and suitable for the treatment of both pain and inflammation.
We can find it in different presentations, the most popular one being in the form of a gel, to be applied on the skin in the affected area that you want to treat. However, it is also possible to obtain it in the form of gastro-resistant tablets, with a different composition (50 mg and 100 mg).
Its active principle is diclofenac sodium, a substance free of steroids, which from a therapeutic and medical point of view, is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
In fact, it is considered one of the topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories whose popularity and sale has reached number one, since with its formula it is able to penetrate deeply into the area to be treated, reducing inflammation and calming the pain.
- Diclofenac: what is it, dose, what is it for and side effects
What is Voltaren good for? Its main uses
Basically we are facing a useful medication to symptomatically relieve pain, and reduce localized inflammation.
Since Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), thanks to its composition (containing diclofenac sodium), It is a useful drug to relieve mild and moderate pain in common problems and pathologies in which there is the presence of pain, such as: headache, migraines, toothache, menstrual pain ...
It is also useful to reduce inflammation, as well as sensitivity and stiffness caused by certain pathologies, such as: ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, post-traumatic inflammation, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
In addition, it is also useful in the treatment of pain and inflammation in case of acute attacks of gout and extra-articular rheumatism. Of course, depending on the presentation their uses will be different, since it is not the same to apply it on the skin that is consumed in the form of tablets.
However, below we summarize what are the main uses of Voltaren:
- Arthrosis
- Lumbalgias.
- Headache and migraines.
- Back, neck and torticollis pain.
- Dislocations and sprains.
- Inflammation in tendons, joints, ligaments and muscles (strains or trauma).
- Tennis elbow.
How to use Voltaren?
Depending on the form of presentation, consumption and / or use of Voltaren will be very different:
- In gel form:Apply a thin layer massaging gently until its complete absorption, in the area to be treated or affected area. You can apply the gel 3 to 4 times per day.
- In the form of gastro-resistant tablets:It should be taken before meals or on an empty stomach. In adults and children over 14 years of age, it is usual to take 2 tablets of Voltaren a day of 50 mg. of diclofenac. It is not advisable to exceed the dose of 3 tablets per day, or what is the same, 150 mg of diclofenac per day.
In addition, in case of menstrual pain, in the package insert it is advisable to adjust the dose between 50 to 200 mg, the equivalent of 1 to 4 tablets, starting with an initial dose of 50-100 mg, and increase it in the following menstrual cycles in case if necessary.
Main side effects of Voltaren
As with any other medication, Voltaren may cause some side effects or side effects, such as headaches and dizziness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, gas and skin rashes.
It can also cause other less frequent but more serious symptoms, such as palpitations, symptoms of a heart attack or a myocardial infarction (that is, a sharp chest pain that appears suddenly), shortness of breath and swelling of feet and legs (symptoms associated with heart failure). These symptoms are reason enough to quickly consult the doctor.
In addition, if slight abdominal cramping occurs shortly after starting treatment, together with abdominal pain on palpation and rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhea, you should go to the doctor quickly. References consulted:
- Leaflet of Voltaren 50mg Tablets (AEMPS)
- Leaflet of Voltaren Retard 100 mg Tablets (AEMPS)
