Diclofenac potassium Vs Diclofenac sodium: Difference between diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium
Diclofenac sodium(Voltaren) is different from Diclofenac potassium(Cataflam).
Let me explain:
Diclofenac potassium has a very fast onset of action, as such it is used when a fast and rapid onset of action is required. Diclofenac potassium is mainly used for acute pains like tooth pain, pains due to accident injuries.
While Diclofenac sodium have slow onset of action and from that, it acts longer, as such it is usually used for chronic pains like chronic rheumatoid arthritis to reduce inflammation.
Diclofenac potassium (Cataflam) is not to be used for the management of chronic pains and when an immediate action is needed, Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) is not to be used.
-If you have hypertension or heart issues, you are not to use diclofenac. Talk to your doctor or your healthcare provider about this. This is because diclofenac can worsen it.
-If you have ulcer, you are not to use diclofenac, if you are to use it, take it with food, this reduces the side effects it has on the stomach as it can cause ulcer or make ulcer worse if you already do have ulcer.
-Don’t take it more than it’s prescribed or more than you are told to, you do more harm than good by doing that. If it seems nothing is happening or your pain is getting worse, see your healthcare provider. So that the source of the problem might be looked into this is because if what causes the pain is not attended to, the pain will always return.
Also if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or your healthcare provider first before using diclofenac, this is because Diclofenac can harm the fetus, you might give birth to a child with low birth weight or breathing problems and while breastfeeding if you are to use it, use it short term and only use low doses. Don’t take large doses of diclofenac when you are still breastfeeding please.
Felvin is better for managing menstrual cramps. Considering the side effects of NSAIDs, they should only be used when necessary, also there are people that shouldn’t use it or be cautious with it use and it shouldn’t be taken more than prescribed. And should be taken short term.
Written by Sub-pharmacist
