This active ingredient is in Voltaren
Voltaren contains the active ingredient diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. active ingredients without cortisone or a related (steroid) hormone component. The active ingredient blocks tissue hormones that are involved in inflammatory processes, the triggering of pain and the development of fever. Diclofenac thus also has an anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effect.
The drug exerts its effect directly in the inflamed and painful tissue. The variety of dosage forms enables treatment of mild to moderately severe movement pain and promotes the healing process in the case of inflammation. The drug is offered in a number of different preparations:
- Voltaren tablets
- Voltaren ointment
- Voltaren gel
- Voltaren spray
- Voltaren plaster
- Voltaren suppositories
- Voltaren eye drops
- Voltaren cream
When is Voltaren used?
Voltaren application is recommended not only for pain and inflammation of muscles, tendons and joints (“rheumatism”, gout). The preparation also helps in the treatment of wear-related complaints of the spine and joints (osteoarthritis) and migraine or menstrual cramps. Voltaren can also be used effectively for sports injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains or tendovaginitis.
What are the side effects of Voltaren?
Despite being generally well tolerated, Voltaren can cause side effects. The most commonly observed side effects are related to the digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal ulcers, possibly accompanied by bleeding, may occur. Central nervous system disorders (headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, agitation, fatigue) are also possible. External use as a gel or ointment may cause skin rash and itching.
Occasionally, water retention in the tissues (edema) is observed in patients with high blood pressure or impaired kidney function. Voltaren use can also lead to hair loss, hives (urticaria) or liver damage with long-term use.
More rarely, severe intolerance reactions with circulatory problems or asthma attacks occur. In very rare cases, a severe allergic reaction with shock symptoms (swelling and constriction of the airways, drop in blood pressure, palpitations) may occur after use, requiring immediate emergency medical assistance.
Always consult a doctor in case of severe or unlisted Voltaren side effects. This also applies if the musculoskeletal complaints do not subside despite use as prescribed.
What you should keep in mind when using Voltaren
Voltaren must not be taken:
- in case of an existing hypersensitivity to the active substance of Voltaren or other components of the drug.
- If intolerance reactions (such as spasm of the lung muscles, asthma attacks, skin reactions) have already occurred in the past after taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- in the case of unexplained blood formation disorders
- In case of existing or recurrent gastric/duodenal ulcers or bleeding.
- For cerebral hemorrhage or other bleeding
- in case of severe liver or kidney dysfunction
- in advanced heart failure
- in the last trimester
The use or the degradation of the preparation may be disturbed or limited by the above-mentioned circumstances and diseases. The effect is reduced or the side effects are increased. If other medicines are taken at the same time, the effects of the medicines may be impaired. Special caution applies to parallel intake of the following drugs:
- agents to strengthen the heart (digoxin)
- agents for the treatment of seizures (phenytoin)
- Agents for the treatment of mental-emotional disorders (lithium)
- diuretic and antihypertensive medications (diuretics and antihypertensives)
- Quinolone antibiotics
If you are taking any of these products, consult your physician before use.
Overdose
Voltaren overdose is manifested by central nervous disorders (headache, drowsiness, tinnitus, convulsions, unconsciousness) as well as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or liver and kidney dysfunction are also possible consequences. A sudden drop in blood pressure and asthma attacks, as well as general organ failure, are also possible. There is no specific antidote for the treatment of Voltaren poisoning. If an overdose is suspected, a physician should assess the severity of the poisoning and initiate appropriate treatment measures.
Voltaren and alcohol
Side effects that may occur can be intensified by alcohol. This applies especially to side effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Alcohol should therefore be avoided while taking Voltaren.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before taking any medication. The preparation must not be used by expectant mothers in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Disadvantages for the infant due to the Voltaren active ingredient passing into breast milk are not known to date. Therefore, an interruption of breastfeeding is usually not necessary. However, if long-term or high-dose use is required, the doctor should be consulted beforehand.
Trafficability and operation of machines
Voltaren use, especially at high doses, can cause central nervous side effects (fatigue, impaired vision, dizziness) that can dangerously impair reactions to driving and operating machinery.
How to get Voltaren
Voltaren can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies in low dosages and for external use. High concentrations of Voltaren require a prescription. Talk to your doctor about which dosage and application method is best for treating your symptoms.
Complete information about this drug
Here you can find the complete information about the drug as a download (PDF)
