The Uses And Effects Of Voltaren (Diclofenac)

In the article below, we’ll take a closer look at Voltaren’s uses and effects. Voltaren is the commercial brand of an active ingredient known as diclofenac.

The active ingredient is a chemical that produces an effect in the body. In this sense, diclofenac is a drug that belongs to the family of NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This drug is therefore prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat pain, such as that of menstrual cramps. That is, the same conditions that the rest of the drugs of its chemical category also treat.

The effects of Voltaren on the body

Voltaren, or diclofenac, is a phenylacetic acid derivative with a mechanism of action similar to that of other NSAIDs. And as with other NSAIDs, scientists are not fully aware of their mechanism of action.

It appears to involve the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Cyclooxygenase or COX is an enzyme that allows the body to synthesize substances called prostaglandins from another chemical, arachidonic acid.

However, the mechanism of action of diclofenac may also be related to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. These are substances that participate in inflammatory reactions and stimulate pain from the nerve endings.

In this way, diclofenac works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and thus the production of prostaglandins to ultimately reduce pain and inflammation.

At the same time, these substances also have a different set of functions, such as maintaining the integrity and proliferation of the gastric mucosa. This is because they provide adequate blood supply.

This mucous membrane is responsible for protecting the stomach from irritants or microorganisms. Since this synthesis of prostaglandins is inhibited, the gastric mucosa is thus unprotected. This explains why these drugs can cause an ulcer.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Effects of Voltaren

In addition to fighting menstrual cramps, this drug is a popular option for treating arthritic conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the joints.

In some people, the condition can damage different parts of the body in addition to the joints, such as the skin, eyes or lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues of the body, causing episodes of pain and inflammation.

It is therefore, thanks to Voltaren’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic power, able to reduce the annoying symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

This is another rheumatic disease for which Voltaren is helpful. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only the joints and no other parts of the body. It is the most common type of arthritis.

This disease damages the cartilage in the joints. As a result , the bone no longer has protection to prevent it from rubbing against other bones. As a result, the bones immediately begin to collide with each other. This friction leads to pain, swelling and loss of motion in the joint.

Over time, the joint often loses its normal appearance. Additional bone spurs or growths may appear at the edges of the joint. In addition, some joint structures can become loose, causing even more pain.

What about ankylosing spondylitis?

This is another disease that Voltaren can be beneficial for. Ankylosing Spondylitis, or Ankylosing Spondylitis, is a rheumatic disease that causes inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints.

It usually manifests with pain in the lumbar region of the back that can affect the entire spine and peripheral joints. Ankylosing spondylitis can be accompanied by extra-articular symptoms such as inflammation of the eyes or heart valves.

Experts have yet to discover the cause of this disease (Spanish link). However, they have linked it to genetic factors. It also affects more men than women and usually occurs in adolescence or youth.

The side effects of Voltaren

Rheumatoid arthritis

Like all medicines, diclofenac can cause certain side effects (Spanish link). The best known and most common side effects of Voltaren are stomach ulcers caused by its continued use by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.

However, there are also other undesirable effects with the administration of this NSAID. For example, we can mention the following additional side effects of Voltaren:

• Changes in the intestinal tract: Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or flatulence.
• Central nervous system: headache, dizziness and vertigo.

• Senses: blurred vision or changes in taste.
• Skin: rash or hives.
• kidney problems.
• Hemodynamic changes.
• Allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Finally, Voltaren is a prescription drug that is effective in reducing inflammatory conditions and severe pain. Patients can take it orally or use it topically as a cream.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, as improper use of this medication can cause serious damage to the stomach lining and other unwanted effects.