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Ibuprofen vs. Voltaren

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and diclofenac (Cambia, Zipsor) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation. They are similar in that they both help with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. However, ibuprofen is available over-the-counter and by prescription, while diclofenac is only available by prescription. Ibuprofen comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid, and is typically taken every 4 to 8 hours. Diclofenac, on the other hand, is available in delayed-release tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, and powder packets, with dosing varying based on the formulation and condition being treated. Common side effects of both medications include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain. They also carry risks of serious side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, especially with long-term use. You should not take ibuprofen and diclofenac together, as this increases the risk of severe side effects. Always consult your healthcare team before starting or combining these medications.

Ibuprofen

 

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Diclofenac

 

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Summary for Ibuprofen

Prescription or over-the-counter

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

Indications for Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

Prescription ibuprofen:

Pros and Cons for Ibuprofen

Pros

  • Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
  • Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
  • Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
  • Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children

Cons

  • Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
  • Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
  • Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
  • Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

Common Side Effects for Ibuprofen

The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Rash

Warnings for Ibuprofen

  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Summary for Voltaren

Prescription only

Diclofenac is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works well to treat pain and swelling in certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Diclofenac comes in different formulations, including delayed-release tablet and powder packet for oral solution. Similar to other NSAIDs, it has warnings for serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, and stomach bleeds, especially with higher doses and longer use.

Indications for Voltaren

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
  • Migraine attacks
  • Menstrual cramps

Pros and Cons for Voltaren

Pros

  • Available in many different formulations, such as tablet, capsule, and powder
  • Available in a long-acting form that only needs to be take once per day
  • Diclofenac potassium (Cambia) powder can help with migraine pain in as quickly as 15 minutes.
  • All brands of diclofenac are available as lower-cost generics.

Cons

  • Typically have to take multiple times a day (except for the powder and extended-release tablet)
  • Not recommended for use in children (except for diclofenac potassium (Zipsor) capsules, which can be used in children age 12 years and older)
  • Not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially starting in the second trimester or later
  • Not the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

Common Side Effects for Voltaren

Up to 10% of people taking diclofenac experience:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Stomach bleeds, ulcers, and damage
  • Passing gas
  • Stomach pains
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Anemia
  • Bleeding that's hard to stop

Warnings for Voltaren

  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Liver damage
  • High blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs
  • Kidney damage and high potassium levels
  • Severe asthma attack
  • Severe allergic or skin reaction
  • Harm to unborn babies

Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Voltaren

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Ibuprofen30 tablets / 800mg
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Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
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