Voltadex is useful for relieving complaints of inflammation of the joints, muscles, or ligaments that can be caused by certain injuries or diseases, such as: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.
The main ingredient in Voltadex is diclofenac. This drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by blocking enzymes cylooxygenase, which is an enzyme in charge of producing prostaglandins. When the prostaglandins are reduced, the pain and inflammation in the body will also subside.
Type and Content of Voltadex
There are 3 variants of Voltadex products available in Indonesia, namely:
- Voltadex 25Each 1 enteric-coated tablet Voltadex 25 contains 25 mg diclofenac sodium. In 1 box contains 5 blisters, 1 blister contains 10 enteric-coated tablets.
- Voltadex 50Each 1 enteric-coated tablet Voltadex 50 contains 50 mg diclofenac sodium. In 1 box containing 5 blisters or 10 blisters, 1 blister contains 10 enteric-coated tablets.
- Voltadex GelEach 1 gram Voltadex Gel 1% contains 11.6 mg diclofenac diethylamine or equivalent to 10 mg diclofenac sodium. In 1 box contains Voltadex gel size 20 grams.
What is Voltadex
| group | Prescription drugs for Voltadex tablets and limited over-the-counter drugs for Voltadex Gel |
| Category | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Relieve complaints of arthritis due to certain injuries or diseases, such as: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis |
| Used by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Voltadex for pregnant and lactating women | Category B for gel use: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Category C for tablet use at <30 weeks' gestation: Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Category D for tablet use at 30 weeks' gestation: Voltadex in tablet form can be absorbed into breast milk, while Voltadex in gel form is not yet known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. Do not use this medication before consulting your doctor while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Enteric-coated tablets and gel |
Precautions Before Using Voltadex
The following are a few things to consider before using Voltadex:
- Do not use Voltadex if you are allergic to diclofenac. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hypertension, nasal polyps, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, asthma, edema, angioedema, or blood clotting disorders.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a procedure bypass heart. Voltadex tablets should not be used under these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially if you are taking SSRI antidepressants, diuretics, ACE inhibitor, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, ciclosporin, cholestyramine, tacrolimus, methotrexate, lithium, or voriconazole.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using Voltadex.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Voltadex
The dose of Voltadex prescribed by a doctor may vary for each patient. The following is a general dosage of Voltadex for adult and pediatric patients which is divided based on the drug variant and the patient's condition:
Voltadexgel 1%
Purpose: Relieve complaints of inflammation of tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints, due to sprains, rheumatism, or osteoarthritis
- Mature: Apply 3-4 times a day on the affected area while rubbing gently.
Voltadex tablets 25 mg and Voltadex tablets 50 mg
Purpose: Relieve pain due to non-rheumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spondyloarthritis
- Mature: Initial dose 25–50 mg, 3 times daily. The maximum dose is 150 mg. Maintenance dose 75–100 mg, once daily.
- Children aged 6 years: 1-3 mg/kgBW divided into several separate doses a day, according to the doctor's instructions.
How to Use Voltadex Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the package when using Voltadex.
Voltadex tablets should be taken after meals. Take Voltadex tablets with a glass of water or milk. Do not split, bite, or crush the tablet.
Apply Voltadex Gel to the affected area. Clean the area and dry it before applying the medicine. After applying the gel, gently rub the area.
Do not apply Voltadex Gel to open wounds or peeling skin areas. Do not apply sunscreen, moisturizer, or cosmetics to the treated area. After using the medication, wait up to 10 minutes before covering the problem area with clothing.
Take Voltadex regularly at the same time every day so that the medicine can work more effectively.
If you forget to use the drug, do it immediately if the break with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store Voltadex in its package in a room that is not damp and not exposed to direct sunlight. Don't put Voltadex in freezer and keep medicine out of reach of children.
Voltadex Interactions with Other Drugs
The content of diclofenac in Voltadex can cause interactions if used with other drugs. Drug interactions that can occur include:
- Increased risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract when used with other NSAIDs, SSRI antidepressants, anticoagulant drugs, or corticosteroids
- Increased risk of side effects on the heart and blood vessels when used with cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia and kidney damage when used together ACE inhibitordiuretics, ciclosporin, or tacrolimus
- Increased risk of drug poisoning when used with methotrexate, phenytoin, or lithium.
- Decreased effectiveness of diclofenac when used with cholestyramine
- Increased blood levels of diclofenac when used with voriconazole
Voltadex Side Effects and Dangers
The use or consumption of drugs containing diclofenac can cause side effects. Side effects that can occur include:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Stomach ache
- Feeling unwell
- Diarrhea
- Rash appears on the skin
Call your doctor if the side effects above do not go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of complaints, such as swollen lips or eyelids, itchy and swollen skin rash, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if after using Voltadex there are more serious side effects, such as black, bloody stools, vomiting that does not subside, jaundice, chest pain, or weakness on one side of the body. However, these side effects are rare.