Voltaren (Diclofenac Sodium)

What is Voltaren?

Voltaren is also known as Diclofenac, and it belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

What is Voltaren used for?

Voltaren helps cure any pain, inflammation or mild fever, essentially due to arthritis. The Diclofenac powder can be used to treat migraine headache attack. Voltaren can also give relief to ankylosing spondylitis.

How does Voltaren work?

The hormones that cause pain and inflammation are reduced by Voltaren. It blocks the enzyme that produces prostaglandins, further lowering the pain in the body.

How to use Voltaren

A patient must use the smallest dosage of Voltaren required, and must take care to use it for a short period of time. The dose may be altered by the doctor, after some time, after carefully examining its effect on the patient.

For each day, an average dose of Voltaren is about 100-125 mg. This is to be consumed in separate doses. Consult your doctor for proper prescription of the drug.

Voltaren warnings and precautions

Voltaren can higher the sensitivity of the skin. Therefore, one must not expose himself or herself too much to sunlight or artificial UV rays. While going out in the sun, apply sunscreen and/or use protective clothing.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or had any kind of liver, kidney or heart diseases. Also, inform him about any blood disorders, ulcers, asthma, high blood pressure, or eye diseases, if suffered earlier.

For elderly people, the drug should be used with sheer caution. In addition to this, pregnant women and lactating women must consult their doctors before consuming Voltaren. 

If a patient has undergone a heart bypass surgery recently, then he is suggested not to take Voltaren. Also, patients are not recommended to drink alcohol while consuming Voltaren. The two may interact and elevate the threat of stomach bleeding in the body.

What do I do if I have missed a Voltaren dose?

If you have missed your Voltaren dose you should take the dose as soon as you remember, but do not take it if it is already time for the next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Voltaren overdose?

If you have taken a Voltaren overdose you should seek consultation from your doctor.

Voltaren interactions

While you intake Voltaren, avoid consuming other medicines that fall under the group of antidepressants. Interaction between the two may lead to easy bruising or bleeding.

Before taking Voltaren, inform your doctor about any other medicines that you are already taking. These may include minerals, vitamins or various herbal products.

Also, one must not take any medication of cold, allergy or pain tablets alongside, before asking the doctor.

Voltaren side effects

After consuming Voltaren, if any signs of hives, breathing trouble, or swelling on face and lips are witnessed, immediately consult your doctor.

There can be serious threats seen as the side effects of Voltaren. These may include chest pain, slurred speech, improper vision, tarry stools, or feeling short of breath.

Consuming Voltaren for a prolonged period may increase the danger of heart problems, circulation troubles, urination problems, swelling, weight gain, and gastrointestinal effects in body.

Also, there can be serious effects posed on stomach and intestines due to Voltaren. These may cause bleeding or formation of a hole, called perforation. They are harmful for a human body and can be fatal.