Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel are both topical medications used to treat pain and inflammation caused by injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. Both medications contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, but there are some key differences between the two.
Active Ingredient
Both Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel contain diclofenac sodium as the active ingredient. Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation.
Concentration of Active Ingredient
The biggest difference between Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel is the concentration of the active ingredient. Voltaren Gel contains 1% diclofenac sodium, while Diclofenac Gel contains 3% diclofenac sodium.
Formulation
Voltaren Gel is a water-based gel, while Diclofenac Gel is an oil-based gel. The water-based gel is easier to spread and absorbs into the skin more quickly, while the oil-based gel is thicker and takes longer to absorb.
Uses
Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel are both used to treat pain and inflammation caused by injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. Voltaren Gel is usually used for mild to moderate pain, while Diclofenac Gel is usually used for more severe pain.
Side Effects
Both Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel can cause side effects, such as skin irritation, burning, and stinging. Other side effects may include headache, dizziness, nausea, and stomach pain.
Conclusion
Voltaren Gel and Diclofenac Gel are both topical medications used to treat pain and inflammation caused by injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. Both medications contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, but the concentration of the active ingredient is different. Voltaren Gel contains 1% diclofenac sodium, while Diclofenac Gel contains 3% diclofenac sodium. Voltaren Gel is a water-based gel, while Diclofenac Gel is an oil-based gel. Voltaren Gel is usually used for mild to moderate pain, while Diclofenac Gel is usually used for more severe pain. Both medications can cause side effects, such as skin irritation, burning, and stinging.