This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Voltaren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug taken to reduce inflammation and an analgesic reducing pain. It is used for musculoskeletal complaints, especially arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), gout attacks, and pain management in case of kidney stones and gallstones. An additional indication is the treatment of acute migraines. Voltaren is used commonly to treat mild to moderate post-operative or post-traumatic pain, particular when inflammation is also present, and is effective against menstrual pain.

How to Take

Osteoarthritis: The usual dose for adults is 100 to 150 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day or 75 milligrams twice a day.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The usual dose is 100 to 200 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day, 75 milligrams twice a day, or 100 milligrams once or twice a day.

People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 milligrams a day.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: The usual dose is 100 to 125 milligrams of Voltaren a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 milligrams 4 times a day, with another 25 milligrams at bedtime if necessary.

Pain and menstrual discomfort: The usual starting dose of is 50 milligrams every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 milligrams followed by two 50-milligram doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 milligrams in a day.

The safety and effectiveness of Voltaren have not been established in children.

Warning and Precautions

Remember that Voltaren has been known to cause peptic ulcers and bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect a problem.

Use Voltaren cautiously if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention.

This medication can also cause liver problems. If you develop signs of liver disease such as nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, yellowish eyes and skin, tenderness in the upper right area of your abdomen, or flu-like symptoms, notify your doctor at once.

Rare cases of meningitis (inflammation of the membrane enclosing the brain) have been linked to Voltaren. If symptoms such as fever and coma develop, alert the doctor immediately.

In rare instances, Voltaren may also affect your vision. If you notice any problems, stop taking the drug and check with your doctor.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

The symptoms of Voltaren overdose may include: acute kidney failure, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, lung inflammation nausea, vomiting.

Storage

Store Voltaren at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in the original container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Voltaren out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

More common side effects may include: abdominal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramps, abdominal swelling, anemia, blood clotting problems, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, nausea, peptic ulcers, rash, ringing in the ears, vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Voltaren. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.