Diclofenac topical gel

VOLTAREN ARTHRITIS PAIN

Open Diclofenac topical gel in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: dye-KLOE-fen-ak

Diclofenac topical gel ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Diclofenac topical gel ballicule

Diclofenac topical gel VOLTAREN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Diclofenac topical gel mascot
**“Dick Loaf Voltron”**
“The N said... NSAID”

What it isDiclofenac sodium 1% topical gel inhibits COX-1 and COX-2; localized osteoarthritis pain.

Why this oneVOLTAREN (Rx 2007; OTC 2020 as VOLTAREN ARTHRITIS PAIN) delivers diclofenac to superficial joints with less systemic exposure than oral NSAIDs.

What limits itSkin reactions are common; avoid stacking it with oral NSAIDs, and remember cardiovascular and GI boxed warnings still apply.

Diclofenac topical gel molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Diclofenac topical gel

Diclofenac topical gel prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, NSAIDs (1914–2026). Diclofenac topical gel enters in 2007 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

osteoarthritis pain, topical (2007)
nonprescription (OTC) status (2020)

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger1 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk3 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryMultiple / indication-, trimester- or formulation-dependent

Defining liabilityGI bleeding, kidney injury, hypertension and fluid retention; many agents increase lithium concentrations.

FDA label

Read the full label on DailyMed ↗

NO BOXED WARNINGS

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Temporary relief of arthritis pain (hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, knee)	Adults (≥18 yr)	upper body 2 g (2.25 in) per area; lower body 4 g (4.5 in) per area	4 times per day	no more than 2 body areas at same time; use up to 21 days unless directed by doctor

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Undefined

Use up to 21 days unless directed by a doctor; stop and ask a doctor if pain lasts more than 21 days

Instructions

For external use only
Use enclosed dosing card to measure each dose
Apply 4 times per day; do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time
May take up to 7 days to work; if no relief in 7 days, stop use
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, or mouth

Available strengths

gel 1 %

Contraindications

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever or fever reducer
Do not use for strains, sprains, bruises, or sports injuries
Do not use right before or after heart surgery
Do not use in the eyes, nose, or mouth

Cautions

Allergy alert: may cause severe allergic reaction, especially in those allergic to aspirin
Liver damage warning with excessive/prolonged use
NSAID stomach bleeding risk (higher if age ≥60, ulcer history, anticoagulant/steroid use, other NSAIDs, ≥3 alcoholic drinks/day)
Heart attack and stroke risk (NSAIDs except aspirin)
Not for use under age 18

Adverse reactions

Skin irritation at application site (stop use and ask a doctor if it occurs)

Pregnancy Especially avoid at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless directed by a doctor (may cause problems in the unborn child or delivery complications)

Lactation If breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use

Cost

Diclofenac topical gel (VOLTAREN ARTHRITIS PAIN)

Strength		#/mo	generic $/unit	CostPlus
1 %	gel	per unit		not offered

NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Diclofenac topical gel is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.

Other forms: Diclofenac (VOLTAREN) · Diclofenac oral solution (CAMBIA)

Open Diclofenac topical gel in the interactive console ↗