What is the difference between Voltaren and naproxen?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 24, 2026
Naprosyn is also used for pain management for many diseases and inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, and gout. A difference is that Voltaren Gel is a topical gel and Naprosyn is an oral medication.
Which is more effective diclofenac or naproxen?
Diclofenac (150 mg/day) was likely to be more effective in alleviating pain than celecoxib (200 mg/day), naproxen (1000 mg/day), and ibuprofen (2400 mg/day), and similar to etoricoxib (60 mg/day); a lower dose of diclofenac (100 mg/day) was comparable to all other treatments in alleviating pain.
Can I use Voltaren with naproxen?
Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation. Gastrointestinal perforation is a potentially fatal condition and medical emergency where a hole forms all the way through the stomach or intestine.
Is naproxen the best anti-inflammatory?
Overall, both naproxen and ibuprofen have similar effectiveness and safety for common types of pain and inflammation. Both medications are available OTC and with a prescription, and both have risks of side effects.
Does Voltaren reduce inflammation or just pain?
Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren (diclofenac) works by reducing inflammation in the body. When taken in oral form, it's used to treat pain related to such forms of arthritis as osteoarthrtis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The oral version of this drug is still available only by prescription.
33 related questions foundWhy was Voltaren taken off the market?
Canadian and British researchers are calling for the anti-inflammatory diclofenac to be pulled from the market worldwide because of its heart risks. Diclofenac is sold under a variety of brand names including Voltaren and is widely used for pain such as headaches, toothaches and arthritis.
Who should not use Voltaren?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Flector, and others), or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID. Diclofenac topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Is there anything stronger than naproxen?
Flurbiprofen may be slightly more effective than naproxen, and is associated with slightly more gastro-intestinal side-effects than ibuprofen. Ketoprofen has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and has more side-effects.
What's the strongest anti-inflammatory?
“We provide sound evidence that diclofenac 150 mg/day is the most effective NSAID available at present, in terms of improving both pain and function,” writes Dr da Costa.
Why should you not take naproxen?
NSAIDs such as naproxen may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach), stomach, or intestine. These problems may develop at any time during treatment, may happen without warning symptoms, and may cause death.
Can you take Voltaren everyday?
Adults The recommended daily dose of Voltaren SR tablets is 75mg-150mg. Adults The recommended daily dose ranges from 1 to 3 Voltaren D dispersible tablets, depending on the situation. Children (over 14 years of age) For children over 14 years of age, 2 tablets daily is usually sufficient.
Why do doctors not prescribe diclofenac?
The Feb. 12, 2013 study in PLoS Medicine (2013;10:e1001388) indicates that diclofenac use can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol or other high risk factors for cardiovascular problems.
Does Voltaren gel get into the bloodstream?
Dear Dr. Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?
What anti-inflammatory is stronger than diclofenac?
Oxaprozin was shown to be superior to diclofenac in improving shoulder function and was considered by investigators and patients to have greater overall efficacy than diclofenac. In addition, oxaprozin showed a trend toward superior results in improving patients' quality of life compared with diclofenac.
Is naproxen 500 mg a strong painkiller?
Naproxen is a powerful anti-inflammatory painkiller which is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with a range of different health conditions (such as arthritis, gout or menstrual pain).
How fast does naproxen work?
This medicine usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Also, several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of this medicine. Check with your doctor first before changing dosage forms (eg, tablets, suspension).
What can I take instead of naproxen?
Naproxen Alternatives Compared
- Tramadol.
- Gabapentin.
- Oxycodone.
- Acetaminophen.
- Hydrocodone.
- Tylenol.
What is the fastest way to reduce inflammation in the body?
To reduce inflammation fast, limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Perhaps, more importantly, though, pursue exercise, stress-reducing behaviors, a good night's sleep, and a diet full of colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.
Is naproxen stronger than ibuprofen?
Both drugs were well-tolerated. Another small study comparing naproxen to ibuprofen found both drugs to be helpful in reducing stiffness, resting pain, movement pain, night pain, interference of the disease with daily activities, and overall disease severity. Naproxen was found to be more effective in this study.
What is stronger than naproxen for arthritis?
There are more than 20 approved NSAIDs available in the U.S. Some are available over the counter and are likely familiar to you (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Other, stronger NSAIDs are available only by prescription (such as meloxicam or celecoxib).
What happens if you take 2 naproxen 500mg?
As a side note, do not take more than two 500 mg tablets in 24 hours without talking to your doctor. Taking a third tablet will result in an increased risk side effects including a potential decrease in kidney function.
Does naproxen cause weight gain?
No, Naproxen does not cause weight gain — weight changes of any kind are not listed as a side effect of this painkiller. Although Naproxen weight gain isn't a side effect, Naproxen can cause fluid retention and swelling in the body. This may lead to temporary weight gain due to your body holding excess water.
Is Voltaren a muscle relaxant?
Voltaren Emulgel Back & Muscle Pain is used to treat pain and inflammation of muscles, joints, due to sprains and strains, sports injuries (eg. tennis elbow).
Why can't I use Voltaren on my back?
It reduces inflammation and pain. Voltaren gel is approved for use on arm and leg joints only. It has not been studied for use in the hips or spine. You should not use Voltaren gel to treat muscle pain in other areas of the body, such as the lower back.
Can I use Voltaren for hip pain?
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
They are used for all forms of arthritis and other painful hip conditions. Most NSAIDs are taken orally, but topical preparations are available, such as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and Pennsaid.