Medication guide
Diclofenac Sodium Gel (1%)
- Generic name
- Diclofenac Sodium Gel (1%)
- Common brand names
- Voltaren Arthritis Pain
- Medication class
- Topical NSAID
Overview
Its medication class is Topical NSAID. Common uses include Local relief of minor aches and pains. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Topical application to intact skin.
- Time of day
- Apply at symptom onset; often 2–4 times daily.
- With food/water
- No food involved; apply on clean, dry area after cleansing.
- Preparation
- Thin layer to affected skin only; avoid eyes, mouth, and open wounds.
- Safe dose
- Use smallest effective area and quantity.
- Max dose
- Stay within package coverage and frequency limits.
- Frequency
- As labeled, typically every 3–6 hours; avoid layering multiple analgesic topicals.
- Other recommendations
- Wash hands after use and avoid external heat/occlusive wraps unless instructed.
Common uses
- Local relief of minor aches and pains
Common side effects
- Skin irritation
- redness
- stinging
- itching
- dry skin
- blistering
- and local rash
Important warnings
- Apply only on intact skin; avoid cuts, burns, eczema flares, and eyes/mucosa. Avoid prolonged use over large surface areas or under occlusion without clinician review. Do not layer with other topical NSAIDs or salicylate rubs to reduce systemic absorption. Watch for local allergic reactions, worsening skin infection, or systemic symptoms in extensive use.
General interactions information
Lower systemic exposure than oral NSAIDs, but avoid combining with oral diclofenac or multiple NSAID topicals.
Sources / references
- Diclofenac Topical (arthritis pain) — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
Editorial record
Recorded content review date:
A named medical reviewer and their credentials have not yet been documented for this guide.
Editorial standards and corrections