Introduction
Voltaren® is a drug from Novartis Pharma GmbH, which contains the active ingredient diclofenac. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSAIDs), which also includes ibuprofen, for example. It is therefore a painkiller.
Voltaren® is available in various forms, including tablets for systemic use or for local use as an ointment. Its main properties are its anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic), analgesic (analgesic), antipyretic (antipyretic) and anti-rheumatic effects, which is why it is used especially for painful conditions (especially of the locomotor system), inflammation or rheumatic diseases. In addition to diclofenac, Voltaren® preparations contain other ingredients that are not medically active: For example, gels and ointments contain various alcohols and water, while Voltaren® resinate contains iron oxide and gelatin, among other things.
Market launch
Diclofenac has been on the market since 1974 and is one of the most frequently used painkillers worldwide. The active ingredient of Voltaren® unfolds its effect by non-selective inhibition of the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, which are responsible for the production of so-called prostaglandins, known as inflammation mediators. This name comes from the fact that a large number of their functions lead to the typical reactions of an inflammation: Among other things, prostaglandins can cause fever, dilate the vessels and increase their permeability, which leads to the redness, overheating and swelling often observed in inflammation, and they also increase sensitivity to pain. However, since the pro-inflammatory effect is mainly based on the function of cyclooxygenase 2 and cyclooxygenase has other tasks, and since cyclooxygenases are not only present in inflammation-mediating cells but also in many other areas of the body, certain side effects may occur when using Diclofenac.
Application
The field of application for Voltaren® is broad. Voltaren® plays a particularly important role in the treatment of mild to moderate acute or chronic conditions: especially when these are due to diseases or injuries of the musculoskeletal system (i.e. skeleton or muscles). Voltaren® is often used to treat diseases:
- Pain or
- Inflammations,
- The Rheumatic Forms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatic FeverMorbus BechterewCollagenosisVasculitides
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatic fever
- Bechterew’s disease
- Collagenoses
- Vasculitides
- Sports InjuriesBruisesSprains
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Soft tissue puncturesBursitis of the bursa sacsTendonitis of the tendon sheath
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Degenerative diseases (arthrosis)
- Menstrual Painor
- Gout
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatic fever
- Bechterew’s disease
- Collagenoses
- Vasculitides
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
All articles in this series:
