Voltaren

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Voltaren is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medicine. The remedy is effective for treating painful joint inflammation and movement pain. Read all the important information about the effect and use of the drug here.

This active ingredient is in Voltaren

Voltaren contains the anti-inflammatory and pain reliever diclofenac as an active ingredient. 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 therefore also has an anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effect.

The drug works directly in the inflamed and painful tissue. The variety of dosage forms enables the treatment of mild to moderately severe pain from movement 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 pavement
Voltaren suppositories
Voltaren eye drops
Voltaren cream

When is Voltaren used?

A Voltaren application is not only recommended for pain and inflammation of the muscles, tendons and joints ("rheumatism", gout). The preparation also helps in the treatment of wear-related complaints of the spine and joints (osteoarthritis) and in the case of migraines or menstrual cramps. Voltaren can also be used effectively for sports injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains or tendinitis.

What are the side effects of Voltaren?

Despite the generally good tolerability, Voltaren can cause side effects. The most commonly observed side effects affect the digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric mucosal irritation and gastrointestinal ulcers, which may be accompanied by bleeding, may occur. Disturbances of the central nervous system (headache, dizziness, drowsiness, excitement, tiredness) are also possible. Topical use as a gel or ointment can cause a rash and itchy skin.

Occasionally, water retention in the tissue (edema) has been observed in patients with high blood pressure or impaired kidney function. The use of Voltaren can also lead to hair loss, hives (urticaria) or, with long-term use, to liver damage.

Severe intolerance reactions with circulatory problems or asthma attacks occur less often. In very rare cases, a severe allergic reaction with symptoms of shock (swelling and narrowing of the airways, drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat) may occur after use, which requires immediate emergency medical help.

A doctor should always be consulted in the event of severe or unlisted Voltaren side effects. This also applies if the complaints to the musculoskeletal system do not subside despite proper use.

You should keep this in mind when using Voltaren

Do not take Voltaren:

if you are hypersensitive to the active ingredient of Voltaren or other components of the drug
if you have had intolerance reactions in the past (e.g. cramping of the lung muscles, asthma attacks, skin reactions) after taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
with unexplained blood formation disorders
if you have existing or recurring gastric / duodenal ulcers or bleeding
if you have cerebral haemorrhage or other bleeding
if you have severe liver or kidney problems
with advanced heart failure
in the last trimester of pregnancy

The use or degradation of the preparation can be disturbed or restricted by the above-mentioned circumstances and diseases. The effect is reduced or the side effects increased. If other medications are taken at the same time, the way in which the medication works can be impaired. Particular care should be taken when taking the following drugs at the same time:

Means to strengthen the heart's strength (digoxin)
Medicine to treat seizures (phenytoin)
Means for the treatment of mental and emotional diseases (lithium)
dehydrating and antihypertensive drugs (diuretics and antihypertensive drugs)
Quinolone antibiotics

If you take such agents, consult your doctor before using them.

Overdose

A Voltaren overdose manifests itself in central nervous disorders (headache, drowsiness, tinnitus, cramps, unconsciousness) as well as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or functional disorders of the liver and kidneys 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 overdose is suspected, a doctor should assess the severity of the poisoning and initiate appropriate treatment.

Voltaren and alcohol

Possible side effects can be aggravated by alcohol. This is especially true for side effects that affect the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Alcohol should therefore be avoided while taking Voltaren.

pregnancy and breast feeding period

Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before taking any medication. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the preparation must not be used by expectant mothers.

Disadvantages for the infant due to the Voltaren active ingredient, which is excreted in breast milk, are not known up to now. It is therefore not usually necessary to interrupt breastfeeding. If long-term or high-dose intake is required, however, a doctor should be consulted beforehand.

Driving and using machines

Taking Voltaren, especially at high doses, can cause central nervous side effects (tiredness, impaired vision, dizziness), which can dangerously impair the ability to react when driving and using machines.

How to get Voltaren

Voltaren can be purchased without a prescription in pharmacies in low doses and for external use. A prescription is required for high concentrations of Voltaren active ingredients. Talk to your doctor about the best dosage and method of use to treat your symptoms.