Diclofenac

ExplanationDefinition

Diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren ®) belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. it is an analgesic. In addition to good pain-relieving properties, it also has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Compared to ibuprofen, the anti-inflammatory effect is more pronounced.

Trade names

  • Voltars
  • Diclofenac + Manufacturer name
  • Diclo
  • Diclophlogont
  • Diclo-purifies
  • Diclo 50
  • Diclo 100

Chemical name

  • C14H10Cl2NO2Na (sodium salt)
  • C14H11Cl2NO2 (free acid)
  • 2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl]acetic acid

Fields of application

Typical applications of Diclofenac are:

  • Arthrosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Swelling after sports injuries and surgery
  • Back pain
  • Slipped disc
  • Transient Osteoporosis

Types of application

Diclofenac can also be used in the form of an ointment. It is used especially for injuries of muscles, ligaments and joints of arms and legs. Such injuries can be bruises, strains or sprains, caused for example by a sports accident.

The ointment contains the same active ingredient as diclofenac in tablet form. However, since the active ingredient does not have to be absorbed first and transported to the painful area via the blood when the ointment is applied, the dose of the active ingredient is usually lower here. A maximum of 3 times a day approx.

3g of the ointment should be applied directly to the painful or swollen area. Unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor, the application should not be carried out for more than three days. Diclofenac-Gel is an ointment with the active ingredient diclofenac for pain relief.

The ointment is particularly frequently used for external application to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of the locomotor system. In this context, it is often used to treat the symptoms of a sports injury such as a pulled, bruised or torn muscle fibre. The gel is also used as part of a symptomatic treatment for rheumatoid inflammatory diseases or classic joint degeneration (arthrosis).

For treatment, the gel is applied thinly to the painful skin area up to three times a day. The ointment can be massaged in for a few more minutes, allowing it to be better absorbed into the skin. The Diclofenac gel can also be used simultaneously with other painkillers containing Diclofenac.

All NSAIDs ́s inhibit an endogenous enzyme, the so-called cyclooxygenase. Diclofenac (e.g. Voltaren) particularly inhibits type 2 cyclooxygenase (COX-2). For this reason, diclofenac is also known as a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor.

This enzyme is decisively involved in the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are so-called pain mediators that regulate functions such as pain, inflammation and fever. Prostaglandins also influence blood clotting. However, the influence of diclofenac on blood coagulation is relatively small (e.g. in comparison with acetylsalicylic acid = ASS = Aspirin ®).