Ibuprofen vs. Voltaren

• Are Ibuprofen and Voltaren the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Voltaren?
• What Is Ibuprofen?
• What Is Voltaren?
• What Drugs Interact with Ibuprofen?
• What Drugs Interact with Voltaren?
• How Should Ibuprofen Be Taken?
• How Should Voltaren Be Taken?

Ibuprofen and Voltaren (diclofenac) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation.

Ibuprofen is available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC). Brand names for ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin.

The brand name Voltaren is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available

Common side effects of Ibuprofen include:

• stomach pain,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• bloating,
• gas,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in the ears.

Other side effects of Motrin may occur. Consult your physician if you experience any possible side effects of Motrin.

Common side effects of Voltaren include:

• upset stomach,
• heartburn,
• stomach pain,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• gas,
• ulcers,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• blurred vision,
• or ringing in the ears.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A generic formulation is available.

Voltaren (diclofenac) is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation.

Ibuprofen may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Voltaren may interact with antidepressants, blood thinners, cyclosporine, isoniazid, lithium, methotrexate, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, diuretics (water pills), steroids, antifungal medications, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), cholesterol-lowering medicines, or heart or blood pressure medications.

The recommended dose of Motrin should be adjusted to suit individual patients needs but should not exceed 3200 mg in the total daily dose. Use of alcohol and smoking could increase side effects. Safe use of Motrin for use by children has not been established. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby.

For the relief of osteoarthritis, the recommended dosage of Voltaren (diclofenac) is 100-150 mg/day in divided doses (50 mg twice a day or three times a day, or 75 mg twice a day). For the relief of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended dosage of Voltaren (diclofenac) is 150-200 mg/day in divided doses (50 mg three times a day. or four times a day, or 75 mg twice a day.). For the relief of ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dosage of Voltaren (diclofenac) is 100-125 mg/day, administered as 25 mg four times a day, with an extra 25-mg dose at bedtime if necessary. Voltaren should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.