Definition
Diclofenac is used as an active ingredient primarily for pain relief, fever reduction or inflammation inhibition. The substance is available in numerous dosage forms, including as an ointment.
Effect of the Diclofenac Ointment
Diclofenac biochemically inhibits an enzyme of the body called cyclooxygenase via several intermediate steps. For this reason, diclofenac is called a COX inhibitor. Via the cyclooxygenase, substances are formed which lead to an inflammatory reaction and the development of pain.
If this enzyme is inhibited, the corresponding effect is reduced. Just as Diclofenac works in the form of a tablet, it also works in the form of an ointment, but somewhat less effectively. The pain and inflammation inhibition in ointment form is only locally limited, the fever is rather not reduced.
Application of the Diclofenac Ointment
Diclofenac as an ointment is mainly used for orthopedic complaints. These include strains, sprains and overstrains, but also pain in the joints with unclear causes. Diclofenac is also used quite frequently as an ointment for back pain and is said to inhibit inflammation and relieve pain.
It is not usually used as an ointment to reduce fever. The reason is that Diclofenac as an ointment does not have a systemic effect and therefore cannot generally lead to a reduction in fever throughout the body. The ointment should be applied to the affected, painful areas and massaged in for a few minutes.
Afterwards the treated area should not be covered or come into contact with liquid. The application can be repeated several times as needed. In general, the effect of Diclofenac Ointment is described as slightly weaker than the effect of the Diclofenac tablet. This is partly due to the relatively low dose, but also to the fact that the ointment only has a local effect.
What side effects does Diclofenac Ointment cause?
Like all medically active substances, Diclofenac has a long list of possible side effects. In general it can be said that the side effects of Diclofenac tablets can be somewhat more severe because the corresponding dose is higher, but Diclofenac ointment can also cause some side effects. When using Diclofenac ointment, the allergic reaction is probably the most common.
It is relatively common that after applying the ointment, the skin may redden with possible itching or pustular formation. In this case, the ointment should be washed off again as soon as possible and an ointment with a different active ingredient should be applied. It should be noted that after such a skin reaction, a Diclofenac allergy is to be feared. Diclofenac tablets should also not be taken in this case, as a similar but much stronger allergic reaction is to be expected.
