Pain can be bothersome and protracted. Relief is often promised by painkillers that target different mechanisms of action and application. Voltaren® is one of these so-called analgesics (painkillers).
Voltaren® is classified as a non-opioid analgesic and is used for mild to moderate pain. The main area of application of Voltaren® is pain in the musculoskeletal system. This pain can affect the neck, back or joints.
Pain in movement is often caused by inflammatory processes. In addition to this type of pain, Voltaren® is also used for sports injuries. Sports injuries can include strains, contusions or sprains. In addition to its analgesic effect, Voltaren® also has an anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) component.
Voltaren® in combination with alcohol
The active ingredient of Voltarene, diclofenac, is a drug that can potentially damage the liver. In interaction with other potentially liver-damaging substances such as alcohol, interactions can occur much more frequently. In the case of alcohol abuse, liver damage can occur more frequently when taking Voltaren®.
Alcohol also increases the side effects caused by Voltaren®. For example, fatigue, dizziness, or delayed reaction time can occur more frequently and more severely, especially with alcohol. You should be aware that you cannot drive while under the influence of alcohol and should not operate machinery.
Mode of action
Voltaren® contains diclofenac as the active ingredient. The effect of diclofenac is based on inhibition of the cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2, which are responsible for the regulation of inflammation. They express enzymes like prostaglandin.
Prostaglandin is a tissue hormone responsible for pain, inflammation and blood clotting. By the non-selective inhibition of the cyclooxygenases Diclofenac develops its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The active ingredient Diclofenac is present in many different commercial products.
Versions
Voltaren® is commercially available in different versions and dosage forms. Voltaren® can be taken as tablets or capsules. It is also sold as an ointment, Voltaren pain gel or spray. All versions of Voltaren® are pharmacy-only and, depending on the amount of active ingredient, also available on prescription.
