Diclofenac and alcohol

Like most painkillers, Diclofenac should not be taken together with alcohol. Both diclofenac and alcohol are broken down in the liver in several steps. For this reason, if taken at the same time, the breakdown process is slower.

This means that there is an increased amount of both substances and their preliminary breakdown products in the body. Since the various breakdown products are particularly responsible for side effects, these occur more frequently when consumed at the same time. Headaches, tiredness and nausea are more frequent.

Furthermore, the breakdown products are harmful to the liver cells, which can lead to a loss of liver function. In addition, both substances have a great influence on the stomach. Diclofenac inhibits the build-up of the stomach lining and thus reduces the protection of the stomach against external influences.

Alcohol contains a lot of acid, which directly attacks the stomach due to the lifted protection. This can lead to stomach bleeding and ulcers. In addition, both substances damage the kidneys and can also lead to kidney diseases and a loss of function.

Ibuprofen and Diclofenac – what are the differences?

Both diclofenac and ibuprofen act by inhibiting an endogenous enzyme. This enzyme produces important messenger substances for pain conduction and inflammatory reactions. For this reason both substances have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

However, since the two drugs have different structures and ingredients, there are some differences. Ibuprofen and diclofenac are used to treat similar diseases. However, diclofenac is preferred for muscle and bone pain or gout attacks, for example.

The effect of ibuprofen sets in faster than that of diclofenac. The highest concentration of ibuprofen is already present in the blood after 10-20 minutes. Half of the ibuprofen is broken down within about three hours, while diclofenac is broken down within 2 hours.

However, diclofenac is also available in the so-called retard form. This means that the active ingredient is released step by step in small parts and the effect lasts longer. In addition, Diclofenac is more effective against pain than Ibuprofen. For this reason, however, the side effects, particularly with regard to bleeding and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, can be more pronounced with diclofenac than with ibuprofen.