Voltaren (Diclofenac) vs. Advil (Ibuprofen)

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSimilaritiesDifferencesNSAID WarningsDrug InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Similarities

Differences

NSAID Warnings

Drug Interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Voltaren (diclofenac) and Advil (ibuprofen) are two medications that take on inflammation, fever, and pain. Both arenonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used to manageosteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, post-operative pain, fever, and menstrual cramps.

Though they have very similar effects on the body, key differences exist. For example, in its pill or tablet form, you need a prescription for Voltaren, and only a topical form is available without one. On the other hand, Advil and Motrin come in both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) forms.

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Being of the same class of medications, Voltaren and Advil may also interact, hindering efficacy and increasing risks of side effects if taken together.

This article explains how these drugs work, as well as their similarities and differences.

How Voltaren and Advil Are Similar

What diclofenac and ibuprofen have in common is the way they act on the body. Basically, they inhibit the activity of a specific enzyme, cyclooxygenase (COX), which regulates pain and inflammatory responses.

In sites of infection, injury, or damage to tissues, this enzyme stimulates substances calledprostaglandins. These are associated with pain sensation, and they help regulate blood flow and aid in blood clotting.By limiting the effect of COX, Advil and Voltaren relieve pain (analgesia) and reduce swelling.

Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen Differences

The differences between diclofenac and ibuprofen primarily have to do with the strength of the dosage. Diclofenac is the more potent of the two, so a smaller amount is needed compared to ibuprofen to produce similar results.Diclofenac is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory drugs.

As such, aside from itstopical form(a cream spread on affected areas), Voltaren is only available in the U.S. with a prescription.

Voltaren pills or tablets, coming in 25, 50, and 75 milligram (mg) forms typically are used for mild or moderate pain related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

In contrast, Advil takes on a wider set of conditions. Its over-the-counter form, with a strength of 200 mg, provides temporary relief from mild pain associated with:

Prescribed forms of ibuprofen, usually sold under the name Motrin, come in 400, 600, and 800 mg doses. These are primarily prescribed in cases of moderate pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other conditions.

Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen GelWhile both aim to treat musculoskeletal injuries, research suggests that diclofenac gel (which comes in strengths of 1% and 3%) seems to provide slightly better pain relief more quickly compared to ibuprofen gel.

Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen Gel

While both aim to treat musculoskeletal injuries, research suggests that diclofenac gel (which comes in strengths of 1% and 3%) seems to provide slightly better pain relief more quickly compared to ibuprofen gel.

Differences in Side Effects

Other distinctions between these two drugs have to do with differences in the rate and severity of side-effects.

Researchers have found that:

Which Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Is Best?

In light of both the widespread availability of NSAID drugs and their many applications, the FDA has issued some warnings about their use:

Interactions With Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen

Drug interactions are what happens when you take two or more drugs and they react to each other. This can impact how well the drugs work and how your body reacts to the medications. This also puts you at an increased risk for side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medication, including other NSAIDs, vitamins, or supplements. Diclofenac and ibuprofen may interact with a variety of drugs.

The following chart lists drugs that may interact with diclofenac and ibuprofen.

DiclofenacRenin inhibitors, which help relax blood vesselsACE inhibitors, which are taken to lower blood pressureCorticosteroids, an anti-inflammatory drugAngiotensin II receptor blockers, which help lower blood pressureDiuretics, or water pillsCertain anti-viral drugsMood stabilizers like lithiumCertain drugs used to treat cancerBeta blockers, which help lower blood pressureCertain anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugsCertain anti-coagulants, or blood thinnersIbuprofenCertain blood thinnersOral steroidsCertain anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugsACE inhibitorsAngiotensin receptor blockersBeta blockersWater pills

DiclofenacRenin inhibitors, which help relax blood vesselsACE inhibitors, which are taken to lower blood pressureCorticosteroids, an anti-inflammatory drugAngiotensin II receptor blockers, which help lower blood pressureDiuretics, or water pillsCertain anti-viral drugsMood stabilizers like lithiumCertain drugs used to treat cancerBeta blockers, which help lower blood pressureCertain anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugsCertain anti-coagulants, or blood thinners

Renin inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels

ACE inhibitors, which are taken to lower blood pressure

Corticosteroids, an anti-inflammatory drug

Angiotensin II receptor blockers, which help lower blood pressure

Diuretics, or water pills

Certain anti-viral drugs

Mood stabilizers like lithium

Certain drugs used to treat cancer

Beta blockers, which help lower blood pressure

Certain anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugs

Certain anti-coagulants, or blood thinners

IbuprofenCertain blood thinnersOral steroidsCertain anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugsACE inhibitorsAngiotensin receptor blockersBeta blockersWater pills

Certain blood thinners

Oral steroids

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin receptor blockers

Beta blockers

Water pills

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Serious side effects of NSAIDs, though rare, may occur due to their effects on the heart, blood circulation, liver, kidneys, brain, and intestines, among other systems. Stop using your medication and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

In addition, call 911 and seek emergency help if you have:

Summary

While there may be some drawbacks and unintended effects to taking NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen, it’s important to note that these are generally very successful in managing pain and swelling. Especially for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, these drugs have proven time and again to be essential in helping alleviate symptoms.

There’s a reason these have been consistently prescribed and made so widely available. That said, they should never be taken together, and you need to be careful aboutdosage.

Learn MoreBest Arthritis Creams

Very rarely. Less than 1% of people experience this.Learn MoreIs It Safe to Combine Motrin and Tylenol?

Very rarely. Less than 1% of people experience this.

Learn MoreIs It Safe to Combine Motrin and Tylenol?

If you are currently taking diclofenac, you should not use ibuprofen alongside it or soon afterward. Using NSAIDs concurrently or one after another can worsen their performance and potentially cause harmful side effects. It’s important to always follow a healthcare provider’s instructions when using a drug.Learn MoreReumatoid Arthritis Pain Medications

If you are currently taking diclofenac, you should not use ibuprofen alongside it or soon afterward. Using NSAIDs concurrently or one after another can worsen their performance and potentially cause harmful side effects. It’s important to always follow a healthcare provider’s instructions when using a drug.

Learn MoreReumatoid Arthritis Pain Medications

Ibuprofen can be helpful for pain relief associated with arthritis flares. However, healthcare providers don’t usually advise daily ibuprofen due to gastrointestinal risks.Learn MoreAdvil Arthritis

Ibuprofen can be helpful for pain relief associated with arthritis flares. However, healthcare providers don’t usually advise daily ibuprofen due to gastrointestinal risks.

Learn MoreAdvil Arthritis

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.van Walsem A, Pandhi S, Nixon R, Guyot P, Karabis A, Moore R.Relative benefit-risk comparing diclofenac to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis.Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17(1). doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0554-0Sherve K, Gerard CJ, Neher JO, St Anna L.Cardiovascular effects of NSAIDs.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4).da Costa BR, Reichenbach S, Keller N, et al.Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis.The Lancet. 2017;390(10090):e21-e33. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31744-0MedlinePlus.Diclofenac.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Food and Drug Administration.Motrin® Ibuprofen Tablets, USP.Wade AG, Crawford GM, Young D, Corson S, Brown C.Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries.J Int Med Res. 2019;47(9):4454-4468. doi:10.1177/0300060519859146LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Diclofenac. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesGazal G, Al-Samadani K.Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations.Saudi Med J. 2017;38(3):284-291. doi:10.15537/smj.2017.3.16023Food and Drug Administration.Medication guide for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Bariguian Revel F, Fayet M, Hagen M.Topical diclofenac, an efficacious treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review.Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):217-236. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00196-6Arthritis Foundation.NSAIDs.Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.van Walsem A, Pandhi S, Nixon R, Guyot P, Karabis A, Moore R.Relative benefit-risk comparing diclofenac to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis.Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17(1). doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0554-0Sherve K, Gerard CJ, Neher JO, St Anna L.Cardiovascular effects of NSAIDs.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4).da Costa BR, Reichenbach S, Keller N, et al.Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis.The Lancet. 2017;390(10090):e21-e33. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31744-0MedlinePlus.Diclofenac.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Food and Drug Administration.Motrin® Ibuprofen Tablets, USP.Wade AG, Crawford GM, Young D, Corson S, Brown C.Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries.J Int Med Res. 2019;47(9):4454-4468. doi:10.1177/0300060519859146LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Diclofenac. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesGazal G, Al-Samadani K.Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations.Saudi Med J. 2017;38(3):284-291. doi:10.15537/smj.2017.3.16023Food and Drug Administration.Medication guide for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Bariguian Revel F, Fayet M, Hagen M.Topical diclofenac, an efficacious treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review.Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):217-236. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00196-6Arthritis Foundation.NSAIDs.Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

van Walsem A, Pandhi S, Nixon R, Guyot P, Karabis A, Moore R.Relative benefit-risk comparing diclofenac to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis.Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17(1). doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0554-0Sherve K, Gerard CJ, Neher JO, St Anna L.Cardiovascular effects of NSAIDs.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4).da Costa BR, Reichenbach S, Keller N, et al.Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis.The Lancet. 2017;390(10090):e21-e33. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31744-0MedlinePlus.Diclofenac.Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Food and Drug Administration.Motrin® Ibuprofen Tablets, USP.Wade AG, Crawford GM, Young D, Corson S, Brown C.Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries.J Int Med Res. 2019;47(9):4454-4468. doi:10.1177/0300060519859146LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Diclofenac. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesGazal G, Al-Samadani K.Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations.Saudi Med J. 2017;38(3):284-291. doi:10.15537/smj.2017.3.16023Food and Drug Administration.Medication guide for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Bariguian Revel F, Fayet M, Hagen M.Topical diclofenac, an efficacious treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review.Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):217-236. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00196-6Arthritis Foundation.NSAIDs.Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.

van Walsem A, Pandhi S, Nixon R, Guyot P, Karabis A, Moore R.Relative benefit-risk comparing diclofenac to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: a network meta-analysis.Arthritis Res Ther. 2015;17(1). doi:10.1186/s13075-015-0554-0

Sherve K, Gerard CJ, Neher JO, St Anna L.Cardiovascular effects of NSAIDs.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4).

da Costa BR, Reichenbach S, Keller N, et al.Effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis: a network meta-analysis.The Lancet. 2017;390(10090):e21-e33. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31744-0

MedlinePlus.Diclofenac.

Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.

Food and Drug Administration.Motrin® Ibuprofen Tablets, USP.

Wade AG, Crawford GM, Young D, Corson S, Brown C.Comparison of diclofenac gel, ibuprofen gel, and ibuprofen gel with levomenthol for the topical treatment of pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries.J Int Med Res. 2019;47(9):4454-4468. doi:10.1177/0300060519859146

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.Diclofenac. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Gazal G, Al-Samadani K.Comparison of paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac potassium for pain relief following dental extractions and deep cavity preparations.Saudi Med J. 2017;38(3):284-291. doi:10.15537/smj.2017.3.16023

Food and Drug Administration.Medication guide for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.

Bariguian Revel F, Fayet M, Hagen M.Topical diclofenac, an efficacious treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review.Rheumatol Ther. 2020;7(2):217-236. doi:10.1007/s40744-020-00196-6

Arthritis Foundation.NSAIDs.

Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes.

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