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Voltaren vs. Indocin

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

Key takeaways

Diclofenac (Voltaren) and indomethacin (Indocin) are both NSAIDs used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Diclofenac is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and powder, and is used for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraines. Indomethacin, on the other hand, is available as a capsule or rectal suppository and is used for more severe conditions like gouty arthritis and shoulder bursitis or tendonitis. Both medications should be taken with food, and indomethacin suppositories need to be refrigerated and moistened before use. Neither medication is available over-the-counter and both require a prescription. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, but indomethacin also has warnings about worsening mental health conditions and nervous system problems.

Diclofenac

 

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Indomethacin

(Indocin)

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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

Summary for Indocin

Prescription only

Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Indications for Indocin

Pros and Cons for Indocin

Pros

  • Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Can treat many different types of arthritis
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
  • Might need to take multiple times per day
  • Not available over-the-counter

Common Side Effects for Indocin

Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset

Warnings for Indocin

  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney damage and high potassium levels
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe asthma attack
  • Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
  • Harm to unborn babies

Prices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Indocin

Price Card Drug Icon
Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$14.38$20.85
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Price Card Drug Icon
Indomethacin1 vial / 1mg
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