Diclofenac for external use: indications, instructions for use, where to buy

Comparison of rating participants by main characteristics

There are contraindications! Consult your doctor!

Top 3. Celebrex

Rating (2021): 4.02

Powerful analgesic effect Celebrex is a strong drug with a pronounced analgesic effect, helping even with significant pain.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 630 rub. (10 tablets of 200 mg each)

• Manufacturer: Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC (USA)
• Active ingredient: celecoxib
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Celebrex tablets can rightfully be called an analogue of Diclofenac, because they have similar effects and indications for use. This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is prescribed for osteoarthritis, arthritis and other diseases accompanied by severe pain. When taking Celebrex tablets, the negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract is not as harmful as in the case of Diclofenac and there is no need for additional supportive therapy for the stomach. The drug is available in dosages of 100 and 200 mg. There are also packages in which one tablet contains the maximum permissible dosage of 400 mg and is intended for quick pain relief, and the rest are 100 mg each. The drug is a prescription drug; when taking it, you should take into account your doctor's recommendations.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Several dosages
• Well-known manufacturer
• Does not have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract

• Side effects

pharmachologic effect

Diclofenac is a representative of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reduces the production of arachidonic acid and disrupts the synthesis of prostaglandins, therefore it has a triple effect:

• relieves inflammation;
• relieves pain;
• reduces high temperature.

When used externally, it reduces pain in joints both at rest and during movement, relieves swelling and stiffness in the morning, and allows you to increase physical activity.

Top 2. Texared

Rating (2021): 4.05

Best bioavailability The drug Texared is one of the few with 100% bioavailability. This means that the active substance is completely absorbed by the body.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 420 rub. (10 tablets of 20 mg each)

• Manufacturer: Dr. Reddy's (Türkiye)
• Active ingredient: tenoxicam
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Texared are tenoxicam-based tablets that have an effect similar to Diclofenac. They are also prescribed for arthritis, articular syndrome, injuries and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but have fewer side effects and contraindications. The drug costs almost 10 times more than Diclofenac, but the price is largely justified. It has been proven that tenoxicam in Texared has 100% bioavailability, that is, it is completely absorbed by the body. One tablet per day is enough to quickly relieve pain. For long-term use, it is recommended to take ½ tablet every 24 hours at the same time.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Small tablets
• 100% bioavailability
• Take once a day

• Side effects and contraindications

How to use Diclofenac ointment

According to the instructions for use of Diclofenac ointment, the product in a volume of 2-4 g is distributed over the skin at the site of pain, using a slight rubbing motion. It is allowed to use the ointment 2-3 times a day, but the maximum dose should not exceed 8 g.

Children 6-12 years old are allowed to use the ointment no more than twice a day. When determining it, take into account the fact of simultaneous use of diclofenac drugs in other dosage forms (for example, tablets or suppositories).

Duration of therapy is up to 14 days.

Top 1. Ketoprofen

Rating (2021): 4.33

Best value for money Ketoprofen receives high ratings in reviews from doctors and patients, and is relatively inexpensive, which suggests the best value for money.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 120 rub. (20 tablets of 100 mg each)

• Manufacturer: Vertex (Russia)
• Active ingredient: ketoprofen
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Ketoprofen is prescribed for joint syndrome, injuries and most diseases of the musculoskeletal system accompanied by pain. The drug has a fairly large list of side effects and contraindications in its instructions, but is usually well tolerated by most patients. Taking Ketoprofen for more than five days in a row should be combined with the use of gastroprotectors, which will protect the stomach from the negative side effects of this drug. You can purchase the medicine not only in tablet form, but also in the form of a gel, injection solution, and suppositories. The product is inexpensive, although somewhat more expensive than Diclofenac.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Low cost
• Complex action
• Several release forms

• Side effects and contraindications

See also:

• 10 Best Painkillers for Joints

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The best analogues of Diclofenac in injections

The injection solution is the fastest-acting form of all drugs, which instantly delivers the active substances into the blood and begins to work within 2-5 minutes. With this option of use, the bioavailability of the drug is significantly increased and the risk of side effects is reduced. Diclofenac analogues in injections are less harmful than their other forms of release, but they also have disadvantages. The main one is that not everyone can give an injection on their own, and going to a clinic is not always possible.

Top 3. Movalis

Rating (2021): 4.19

An original drug based on meloxicam Quite a lot of drugs are produced based on an active ingredient such as meloxicam, but Movalis is the original and rightfully the best.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 960 rub. (5 ampoules)

• Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany)
• Active ingredient: meloxicam
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Movalis is a solution for intramuscular administration based on an active substance such as meloxicam. A non-steroidal drug can quickly relieve pain and eliminate its cause, inflammation, however, in injection form it is indicated only in the first 2-3 days of therapy, and then it is recommended to switch to tablets. The indications for use of Movalis are the same as for Diclofenac - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The list of contraindications is very extensive, so the medicine is a prescription and is prescribed only by a doctor. There are also many side effects described, but judging by the reviews, they are rare in life.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Effective pain relief
• High-quality German drug
• There are also tablets

• Many contraindications
• Price

Diclofenac (for injection), 5 pcs., 3 ml, 25 mg/ml, solution for intramuscular administration

The dose is selected individually; it is recommended to use the drug in the minimum effective dose, with the shortest possible treatment period.

For oral and rectal use

Adults

When taken orally in the form of tablets of regular duration or rectally in the form of suppositories, the recommended initial dose is 100-150 mg/day. In relatively mild cases of the disease, as well as for long-term therapy, 75-100 mg/day is sufficient. The daily dose should be divided into several doses.

When taken in the form of extended-release tablets, the recommended initial dose is 100 mg 1 time / day. The same daily dose is used for moderately severe symptoms, as well as for long-term therapy. In cases where the symptoms of the disease are most pronounced at night or in the morning, it is advisable to take extended-release tablets at night.

To relieve night pain or morning stiffness, in addition to taking the drug during the day, diclofenac is prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories before bedtime; in this case, the total daily dose should not exceed 150 mg.

For primary dysmenorrhea, the daily dose is selected individually; usually it is 50-150 mg. The initial dose should be 50-100 mg; if necessary, over several menstrual cycles it can be increased to 150 mg/day. The drug should be started when the first symptoms appear. Depending on the dynamics of clinical symptoms, treatment can be continued for several days.

In elderly patients (65 years and older), no adjustment of the initial dose is required.

In weakened patients and patients with low body weight, it is recommended to adhere to the minimum dose.

The drug should be used with extreme caution in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system (including uncontrolled hypertension) or a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. If long-term therapy (more than 4 weeks) is necessary in such patients, the drug should be used in a daily dose not exceeding 100 mg.

Children aged 1 year and older

The drug is prescribed in a dose of 0.5-2 mg/kg body weight/day (in 2-3 doses, depending on the severity of the disease). For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the daily dose can be increased to a maximum of 3 mg/kg (in several doses). The maximum daily dose is 150 mg.

The drug in the form of extended-release tablets should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.

For parenteral use

Adults

Injected deep into the / m. Single dose - 75 mg. If necessary, repeated administration is possible, but not earlier than after 12 hours.

Duration of use is no more than 2 days, if necessary, then switch to oral or rectal use of diclofenac.

In severe cases (for example, with colic), as an exception, 2 injections of 75 mg each can be given, with an interval of several hours (the second injection should be carried out in the opposite gluteal region). Alternatively, IM administration once a day (75 mg) can be combined with diclofenac in other dosage forms (tablets, rectal suppositories), and the total daily dose should not exceed 150 mg.

During migraine attacks, diclofenac is recommended to be administered as early as possible after the onset of the attack, IM at a dose of 75 mg, followed by the use of suppositories at a dose of up to 100 mg on the same day, if required. The total daily dose should not exceed 175 mg on the first day.

In elderly patients (65 years and older), no adjustment of the initial dose is required. In weakened patients and patients with low body weight, it is recommended to adhere to the minimum dose.

The drug should be used with extreme caution in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system (including uncontrolled hypertension) or a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. If long-term therapy (more than 4 weeks) is necessary in such patients, the drug should be used in a daily dose not exceeding 100 mg.

Children and teenagers under 18 years of age

Diclofenac should not be used intramuscularly in children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to the difficulty of dosing the drug.

Top 2. Xefocam

Rating (2021): 4.31

The best balance between effectiveness and safety Xefocam cannot be called completely safe, but in some respects it is much less harmful than Diclofenac. At the same time, its effectiveness is more than decent.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 740 rub. (5 ampoules)

• Manufacturer: Nycomed (Germany)
• Active ingredient: lornoxicam
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Xefocam in lyophilisate format for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration is a modern non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on lornoxicam, one of the analogues of Diclofenac in terms of therapeutic effect. Possessing a complex mechanism of action, the product effectively copes with its tasks and does not have a serious negative effect on the body. Taking the drug is not addictive, does not affect heart rate, breathing, or ECG readings. Despite the fact that according to a number of indicators, Xefocam is less harmful than Diclofenac, it still has an extensive list of contraindications and side effects. Only a doctor can prescribe this medicine, and it is sold only by prescription.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Modern effective drug
• Good reviews from doctors
• Less harmful than Diclofenac

• Many contraindications

Top 1. Ketonal

Rating (2021): 4.42

Quick pain relief Ketonal can literally provide relief within 20 minutes even with severe pain, eliminating discomfort.

High bioavailability Compared to Diclofenac, whose bioavailability is 50%, for Ketonal this figure is 90%, which guarantees better effectiveness.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 245 rub. (10 ampoules)

• Manufacturer: Lek (Slovenia)
• Active ingredient: ketoprofen
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Ketonal is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug based on ketoprofen. It helps even with severe pain, but is approved for use only in short courses, since it negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug reaches 90%, which is quite a high figure. In terms of effectiveness, Ketonal is not inferior to Diclofenac, but much depends on the individual characteristics of each individual patient. Despite the large number of contraindications and side effects, this drug is slightly safer than a number of analogues. The risk of negative consequences during use will be reduced if the medicine is used strictly according to the recommendations and prescription of the doctor.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Strong analgesic effect
• Pain relief in 20 minutes
• Bioavailability up to 90%
• Safer than some analogues

• Negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract
• Recommended for short courses

See also:

• 10 most effective ointments for lower back pain

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The best analogues of Diclofenac in the format of ointments and gels

Preparations for external use in the form of ointments and gels may contain different amounts of the active substance. Unlike tablets and injections, you can buy them in pharmacies without a prescription, but it is still better to use them on the advice of a doctor and after his detailed consultation. Analogs of Diclofenac in the form of ointment and gel have an exclusively local effect, although they are still partially able to penetrate into the general bloodstream. They have a small number of side effects and contraindications, much less harmful than other forms of release. At the same time, their effectiveness is not so high.

Can the product be used by pregnant women and children?

Pregnancy, especially the third trimester, is a contraindication to the use of Diclofenac. If treatment with the drug is necessary in the first half of pregnancy, the doctor is obliged to evaluate all the negative consequences for the fetus and the expected benefits for the woman.

The ability of the drug to pass into breast milk has not been studied, so treatment is not advisable during breastfeeding. If there are serious reasons to use a gel or ointment during lactation, do not apply the substance to large areas of the skin and do not treat it for a long time.

In pediatric practice, it is used in the treatment of children only from 12 years of age.

Top 3. Voltaren Emulgel

Rating (2021): 4.23

The most popular drug, Voltaren Emulgel, is in demand and trusted by both doctors and patients. We found the most positive reviews about this medicine, which allows us to call it the most popular.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 560 rub. (50 g)

• Manufacturer: Novartis (Switzerland)
• Active ingredient: diclofenac
• Dispensed from pharmacies: without a prescription

Gel Voltaren Emulgel is a rather expensive drug, but very popular. This is an original medicine for external use based on diclofenac, which is trusted by both doctors and patients. The gel quickly and efficiently blocks pain from injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, receiving fairly high ratings in reviews. Many doctors rightly call Voltaren Emulgel the best remedy for external use for back and joint pain. It is much less harmful than its analogues in tablets and injections; in isolated cases it causes side effects in the form of an allergic local reaction.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Original drug
• High popularity
• Fast Pain Relief

• High price

Top 2. Amelotex

Rating (2021): 4.31

Meloxicam-based gel Meloxicam based on Amelotex gel allows you to quickly relieve pain. It is enough to use the product twice a day.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 280 rub. (50 g)

• Manufacturer: Sotext (Russia)
• Active ingredient: meloxicam
• Dispensed from pharmacies: without a prescription

Amelotex gel based on 1% meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for external use. It does an excellent job of relieving pain and reducing inflammation and is recommended for use twice a day. The product is quickly absorbed into the skin, has no odor, does not leave a sticky feeling, and does not stain clothes. According to a number of doctors, the dosage form in the form of a gel is much inferior in effectiveness to tablets and even more so to injections, so its use is justified only for minor pain and a mild form of the disease. The cost is not the most affordable, much higher than Diclofenac, but cheaper than many other analogues.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Average price range
• Odorless, non-sticky
• Quickly relieves pain and inflammation

• Effective only for mild stages of the disease

Composition and features

Diclofenac is available in several dosage forms. Apply ointment or gel externally.

The substance is diclofenac sodium, its concentration in the ointment is 10 or 20 mg per 1 g, in the gel - 10 or 50 mg per 1 g. Accordingly, the gel can be 1 or 5 percent, and the ointment 1 or 2 percent.

The auxiliary components in the gel are alcohol, propylene glycol, lavender oil, purified water and hyaetellose. The ointment additionally contains propylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide and macrogol.

The gel is a homogeneous transparent substance with a slight yellow tint or no color, there is a specific odor, the base is water.

The basic component of the ointment is fat; it has a thicker consistency. Therefore, it is better to use a gel for joints and deep layers of the epidermis. It spreads more easily and dries faster, does not leave stains on clothes and creates a protective film on the skin.

If the skin at the site of application is irritated and prone to peeling, then it is better to use ointment, as it additionally softens and moisturizes the skin at the site of application.

Top 1. Dolobene

Rating (2021): 4.33

The most balanced composition of Dolobene is a drug with a combined composition that allows you to quickly and effectively relieve pain and inflammation, relieve discomfort.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 395 rub. (45 g)

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• Manufacturer: Merckle (Germany)
• Active ingredient: dimethyl sulfoxide + heparin + dexpanthenol
• Dispensed from pharmacies: without a prescription

In some ways, Dolobene gel can be called an analogue of Diclofenac, because it has a similar effect. The combined composition of the drug allows it to quickly relieve pain, reduce inflammation and relieve swelling. The drug is often prescribed for injuries of various origins, but it can also be used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Dolebene is safe enough that it is approved for use in children aged five years and older. Allergic reactions to the components of the gel are possible, but extremely rare. The composition does not leave marks on the skin and clothes, but not everyone likes its smell. Due to the prolonged effect, sometimes it is enough to use the gel 2 times a day.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Combined composition
• Complex action
• Safety
• Allowed for children from 5 years old

• May cause allergies (rare)

See also:

• 10 Best Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Pills

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How to use Diclofenac gel

Instructions for use of Diclofenac gel contain detailed information on doses and methods of use of the medicine.

The gel is used only externally in adults and children over 12 years of age according to indications. Apply to the site of inflammation with light rubbing movements 2 or 3 times a day. For one application, 2 g of the drug is enough, which corresponds to a strip of 4 cm.

The maximum permissible dose per day is no more than 6 g. Duration of therapy is no more than two weeks, longer periods are possible in agreement with the attending physician. Be sure to wash your hands after using Diclofenac.

Top 3. Indomethacin

Rating (2021): 3.74

Best price Indomethacin suppositories are the cheapest drug among those presented in the rating and the winner in the “Best Price” nomination.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 60 rub. (10 pcs. 100 mg each)

• Manufacturer: Biosynthesis (Russia)
• Active ingredient: indomethacin
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Indomethacin is one of the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which is still used in medical practice. This drug has many indications for use, in many ways they are similar to those typical for Diclofenac. Although Indomentacin is formally classified as a prescription drug, almost all of it is sold freely in pharmacies. A number of doctors consider the medicine to be outdated and in most cases ineffective, others continue to actively use it in their practice and talk about good results with its use. Low cost and recognition are one of the advantages of this product.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Affordable price
• A long-known drug
• Prescription, but can be purchased freely

• Some doctors consider the medicine to be outdated

Contraindications and side effects

According to the instructions for Diclofenac ointment, treatment with the drug is contraindicated for:

• high sensitivity to the constituent substances, aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• complete or incomplete combination of bronchial asthma with recurrent polyposis of the nose and paranasal sinuses, angioedema or urticaria;
• late pregnancy and lactation;
• treatment of children under 6 years of age;
• open wound surfaces on the skin at the site of application.

Contraindications also apply to the use of the gel, which is prohibited in the treatment of children under 12 years of age.

The drug is prescribed with caution in the early stages of pregnancy, for erosions and ulcers of the stomach and intestines, for chronic dysfunction of the heart and bronchial asthma, severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, with a tendency to bleeding, in the treatment of elderly patients.

When applied topically, undesirable reactions may occur:

• rash, burning and redness at the application site;
• urticaria and angioedema with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• with prolonged use, in rare cases, the development of bronchial asthma is possible.

Top 2. Voltaren

Rating (2021): 4.01

Convenient shape and small size The use of Voltaren rectal suppositories will be most comfortable due to their small size and thoughtful anatomical shape.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 315 rub. (5 pcs. 100 mg each)

• Manufacturer: Novartis (France)
• Active ingredient: diclofenac
• Dispensed from pharmacies: by prescription

Voltaren suppositories contain diclofenac sodium as a base, that is, they are analogous in composition to the cheaper drug Diclofenac. Thanks to the well-known manufacturer and improved production technologies, doctors and patients consider them more effective and safe, expressing similar opinions based on their own experience. There are many indications for use. Suppositories help with diseases of the back, genitourinary system, migraines and many other problems. The effect develops quickly and allows you to forget about pain and discomfort for a long time. The candles are small in size, have convenient packaging and a thoughtful anatomical shape for comfortable use.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Famous brand
• High efficiency and safety
• Quick effect

• Costs more than analogues