Voltaren is a drug that is useful for relieving pain and inflammation. This drug is available in five product variants, namely Voltaren gel, Voltaren tablets, Voltaren suppositories, Voltaren injections, and Voltaren Pain Relief Balm with Herbs.
Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium. The content of diclofenac sodium in voltaren works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause pain and inflammation in the body, when the body is injured or injured.
This drug can be used to relieve pain in certain conditions, such as menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), muscle pain, and joint pain in the joints rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing sponge y litis .
Variant Voltaren Products
There are five types of Voltaren available in Indonesia, namely:
- Voltaren suppository 100 mg
- Voltaren tablets 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg
- Injectable voltaren
- Voltaren 1% Emulgel
- Voltaren Pain Relief Balm with Herbs
Of the five products, Voltaren gel and balm are products that can be found and can be sold freely without a doctor's prescription.
What's that Voltaren
| Active ingredients | Diclofenac sodium |
| group | Prescription and over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Treating pain and inflammation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Voltaren for pregnant and lactating women | Pregnancy trimester 1-2: Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Gestational age 3rd trimester: Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Voltaren may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, injections, gels, suppositories, balms |
Warning Before Using Voltaren
Here are some things you should pay attention to before using voltaren:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Voltaren should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to diclofenac.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had or are planning to have surgery bypass heart. Voltaren should not be used by patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, edema, diabetes, peptic ulcer, liver disease, ulcerative colitis, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Voltaren should not be used by pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after using voltaren.
Dose and Rules of Use Voltaren
The following are the dosages of Voltaren for pain and inflammation in adults based on the form of the drug:
- Voltaren Tablet The dose is 50 mg, 2-3 times a day. In mild cases, the dose is 75–100 per day. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
- Voltaren Suppositories The dose, 1 suppository 100 mg, is taken at night. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
- Voltaren Gel
- Injectable VoltarenThe dose is 1-2 ampoules of 3 ml (equivalent to 75 mg) per day. Given no more than 2 days. The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
Voltaren Pain Relief Balm with herbs can be used for children over 12 years old and adults. The medicine is applied thinly on the painful area 3-4 times a day
Method Using Voltaren correctly
Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the instructions on the medicine package before using voltaren.
Voltaren injection will be given by a doctor or health worker under the direct supervision of a doctor at the hospital. Voltaren injection will be injected through a vein (intravenous/IV) or through a muscle (intramuscular/IM).
Voltaren tablets can be taken after meals. Swallow the Voltaren tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split Voltaren tablets. Do not lie down after taking Voltaren tablets, for at least 10 minutes after taking the drug.
Before using Voltaren gel or balm, clean the area to be smeared with the medicine. Apply an adequate amount of the medicine on the painful area. Always wash your hands and then dry them before and after using this medicine.
Avoid using the drug on open wounds, peeling skin, or infected skin. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the area where voltaren is applied.
Do not rinse the medicated area for at least 1 hour after application. Wait up to 10 minutes before covering the area of skin where the medication was given.
Before using Voltaren suppositories, wash hands and rectum thoroughly with soap, then dry. After that, insert the drug into the rectum, at least 3 cm deep. After that, sit or lie down for 15 minutes, until the drug softens in the rectum.
Store Voltaren in a dry place, at room temperature, and away from sunlight. Keep Voltaren out of reach of children.
Interactions of Voltaren with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if the diclofenac sodium content in Voltaren is used with other drugs, including:
- Increased blood levels of Voltaren when used with CYP2C9 inhibitors, such as amiodarone, miconazole, or gemfibrozil
- Increased levels of lithium, digoxin, methorexate, or phenytoin, in the blood
- Decreased antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors
- Increased blood potassium levels when used with potassium-sparing diuretics, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, or trimethoprim
- Increased risk of bleeding, including bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, if used concomitantly with other NSAIDs, anticoagulant drugs, corticosteroids, or SSRI antidepressants
- Increased risk of seizures when used concurrently with quinolone antibiotics
Side effects and Danger Voltaren
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after using drugs containing diclofenac sodium:
- Stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or headache
- Itchy rash
- Nasal congestion
- Excessive sweating
- Increased blood pressure
- Pain or swelling in the hands or feet
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Heart problems, which can be characterized by swelling in certain body parts, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath
- Kidney disorders, which can be characterized by infrequent urination, pain or difficulty urinating, swelling in the hands or feet, weakness, or difficulty breathing
- Liver disorders, which can be characterized by pain in the upper right abdomen, tiredness, dark urine, or jaundice
- Bleeding in the digestive tract, which can be characterized by bloody stools or dark, coffee-colored vomit
In addition, although it is rare, you should see a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack or stroke after taking diclofenac or products containing this medicine.