Drug

Diclofenac ointment

definition

Diclofenac is used as an active ingredient primarily for pain relief, fever reduction or anti-inflammatory measures. The substance is available in numerous dosage forms, including also as an ointment.

Effect of the diclofenac ointment

Diclofenac uses several intermediate steps to biochemically inhibit an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase. This is why diclofenac is called a COX inhibitor.

The cyclooxygenase produces substances that lead to an inflammatory reaction and the development of pain. If one now inhibits this enzyme, the corresponding effect is reduced.
Just as diclofenac works in the form of a tablet, it also works in the form of an ointment, but a little weaker. The pain and inflammation inhibition is only locally limited in the form of ointments, the lowering of the fever does not tend to take place.

Application of the diclofenac ointment

Diclofenac as an ointment is mainly used for orthopedic complaints. Above all, strains, sprains and overloads, but also pain in the joints if the cause is unclear, should be mentioned. Diclofenac is also used quite frequently as an ointment for back pain and is supposed to provide anti-inflammatory and pain relief. It is usually not used as an ointment to lower fever. The reason is that diclofenac as an ointment does not have a systemic effect and even so, as a rule, it cannot lower the fever in the entire body.

The ointment should be applied to the affected, painful areas and massaged in for a few minutes. Thereafter, the treated area should not be covered or come into contact with liquid. The application can be repeated several times as required.
In general, the effect of Diclofenac ointment is described as slightly weaker than the effect of the Diclofenac tablet. This is due to the relatively low dose on the one hand, but also to the local effect of the ointment on the other.

What side effects does the diclofenac ointment trigger?

Like all medicinal substances, diclofenac has a long list of possible side effects.

In general, it can be said that the side effects of diclofenac tablets can be a little stronger because the corresponding dose is higher, but diclofenac ointment can also lead to some side effects.

When using diclofenac ointment, the allergic reaction is probably the most common. It can happen quite often that after applying the ointment, the skin becomes reddened with possible itching or pustules.

In this case, the ointment should be washed off as soon as possible and an ointment with a different active ingredient should be applied. It should be noted that a diclofenac allergy is to be feared after such a skin reaction.
In this case, you should also refrain from taking Diclofenac tablets, as a similar but much stronger allergic reaction can be expected.

Special notes on diclofenac ointment

According to the manufacturer, Diclofenac ointment should only be used from the age of 14. Furthermore, special care must be taken when treating pain during pregnancy.

If you have experienced shortness of breath, other breathing difficulties or skin reactions such as hives in the past while taking diclofenac, you should definitely not use the diclofenac ointment.
Diclofenac ointment is prescription-free but only available in a pharmacy. This means that no prescription is required for the purchase but the dispensing may only be made by approved pharmacies.

When used for several days, the symptoms should usually subside or disappear completely. If this is not the case or if it even worsens, a doctor should be consulted in any case, as the cause of the complaints could be more serious and require other treatment. If the use of Diclofenac ointment does not provide sufficient relief from the symptoms, an alternative treatment attempt with Diclofenac tablets 25 mg can be undertaken.

Does diclofenac ointment require a prescription?

Dicofenac ointment does not require a prescription. So it can also be bought without a prescription. However, it is only available from a pharmacy and can therefore only be purchased in a local pharmacy or an online pharmacy, but not in a drugstore.

Can diclofenac ointment be used in children?

The use of diclofenac ointment in children under 14 years of age is not recommended. No direct harmful effect is to be expected, as the active ingredient mainly works in the skin area where the ointment is applied.

However, there is insufficient experience, for example through scientific studies, to ensure that the use of diclofenac ointment in children is safe. In children and adolescents over 14 years of age, however, as in adults, the ointment can also be used for the short-term treatment of muscular or joint-related pain.

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Exclusion of liability / disclaimer

We would like to point out that medication must never be discontinued, applied or changed independently without consulting your doctor.
Please note that we cannot claim that our texts are complete or correct. The information may be out of date due to current developments.