Voltaren and alcohol - are they compatible?

Definition and introduction

Pain can be bothersome and protracted. Relief is often promised by pain killers that target different mechanisms of action and application. Voltaren® is one of these so-called analgesics (painkillers).

Voltaren® is classified as a non-opioid analgesic and is used for mild to moderate pain.

The main area of ​​application of Voltaren is pain in the musculoskeletal system. This pain can affect the neck, back, or joints. Movement pain is often caused by inflammatory processes. In addition to this type of pain, Voltaren® is also used for sports injuries. Sports injuries can be strains, bruises or sprains, for example. In addition to its pain-relieving effect, Voltaren® also has an anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) component.

Voltaren® in combination with alcohol

The active ingredient of voltaren, that Diclofenac, is a medicinal substance of potentially liver damaging can be.

In interaction with other potentially liver-damaging substances like it among others alcohol interactions can occur much more frequently.

In the case of alcohol abuse, taking Voltaren® can cause a Liver damage more common occur. Alcohol also intensifies those caused by Voltaren® Side effects.
So can fatigue, dizziness or delayed responsiveness especially through alcohol occur more frequently and more strongly. You should note that under the influence of alcohol you cannot drive and should not use machines.

Mechanism of action

Voltaren® contains as an active ingredient Diclofenac.

The effect of the Diclofenacs is based on an inhibition of Cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. Cyclooxygenases are responsible for that Regulation of inflammation.

They express enzymes such as prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a tissue hormone which is used for pain, inflammation and Blood clotting responsible is. Due to the non-selective inhibition of the Cyclooxygenases unfolds Diclofenac its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The active substance Diclofenac is available in many different commercial products.

Executions

Voltaren® is commercially available in various designs and dosage forms. Voltaren® can be used as a tablet or capsule be taken.

It is also called ointment, Voltaren pain gel or spray sold. All versions of the Voltarens are only available from a pharmacy and, depending on the amount of active ingredient, also require a prescription.

application

The application of the Voltarens depends on the version purchased.

Voltaren® gel or ointment is used for external application. The gel or ointment is applied thinly to the affected area and carefully rubbed in. A Association should be created, however not airtight be. Wait a few minutes before applying a bandage until the gel or ointment dries up slightly. Voltaren® gel or ointment can 3 times a day be applied.

Voltaren® Tablets are available in different versions. these can 25mg (available as both hard and soft capsules) or even 75mg of the active ingredient.
Voltaren® 25mg will an hour or two before a meal taken with a sip of water. The maximum daily dose should be here not over 75mg lie. So the tablets can be taken with a sip of water at intervals of 4-6 hours. If possible, it should be taken before eating.

Voltaren® spray can up to 3 times a day to be used. Here you should spray about 4-5 sprays per application on the respective area.

Voltaren® band Aid can be used 2 times a day. Here you should pay attention to the plaster at the latest after 24 hours to remove.

Voltaren® tablets with 75mg Active ingredient should be maximum 2 times a day be taken.

Side effects

Side effects are like with any other preparation also with Voltaren® possible. However, most of the side effects are extremely rare.

More frequent Side effects, occurring in 1-10 people under 100, are fatigue, nausea, Vomit, Indigestion, a headache, Loss of appetite or Rashes.

Mediated through Voltaren® it can be easy Bleeding in the stomach come. Gastric bleeding is often caused by the development of Stomach ulcerwhich can be caused by Voltaren®. Patients who suffer from a sensitive stomach should always use Voltaren® tablets in combination with Gastric protection preparations take in.

In rare cases, Voltaren® can have a Increase in blood pressurecause decreased kidney function or an increased tendency to bleed. Voltaren® can too Liver damage cause, these arise in particular in combination with other potentially liver-damaging substances.

Interactions

Generally, as with any other drug Interactions with other medicinal products also occur with Voltaren®.

You should be particularly careful here elderly patients be frail or under long-term medication with other drugs. With them it can come more often to unwanted side effects, among other things gastrointestinal bleeding could be.

There may also be interactions during the pregnancy come.
Therefore, taking Voltaren® tablets during pregnancy should always be discussed with your doctor.
This is especially true in first and second third pregnancy. in the last third should Voltaren® not at all be taken.

It is advisable not to take Voltaren® while breastfeeding, as this cannot be ruled out Degradation products des Voltarens® in the Breast milk are located.

Especially with higher dosed Voltaren® tablets, the Ability to drive and the Operate machines to be disabled. Due to rare side effects such as fatigue or dizziness the safe operation of machines or safety in road traffic can no longer be guaranteed.

In combination with other drugs, Voltaren® can be a Increase their effect trigger. If you are taking other medications, always ask your doctor for advice.

In combination with Corticosteroids there may be an increased risk of Gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

Voltaren® can have the effect of antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors weaken. Likewise, with the simultaneous use of Voltaren® and antihypertensive and diuretic drugs, it can lead to a Renal dysfunction come.

When taken at the same time with potassium-saving Diuretics It is recommended to check the potassium level, as this can lead to an increased potassium concentration in the blood.

At Antidiabetic drugs It is also recommended to check the blood sugar level when taking Voltaren® tablets.