Voltaren Information:

In themodern age, more than often than not we come across situations when weneed to be in perfect shape. We may have to make to an importantbusiness meeting or give a very important presentation, but headaches,dental pain or other body pain (particularly joint pain) might preventus from doing so. We may be on the verge of victory in a soccer gameand some injury might make the future of the game look grim. In suchsituations, something that can relieve pain instantly is needed.Voltaren is one such medicine. It helps relieve pain and swelling toenable us to carry on with our work.

Voltaren is a part of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) family. It is generally used for the treatment of athleticinjuries, dental pain, headaches, and other body pain, especiallymuscular pain. Like all NSAIDs, Voltaren also works on the sameprinciple. It acts as an inhibitor to an enzyme in the body calledCyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is the enzyme that producesprostaglandin, which is a stimulant of pain nerve cells. By suppressingthe production of this substance Voltaren significantly reduces pain,thus allowing you to complete the task at hand. Voltaren containsDiclofenac, which is the actual agent that acts as the inhibitor.

Studies have shown that Voltaren only affects one of the two isoformsof Cyclo-oxygenase i.e. Cyclo-oxygenase-2, which is also known asCOX-II. Cyclo-oxygenase-1 is needed for the maintenance and smoothrunning of organic functions such as kidney, heart, cardiovascular andgastrointestinal functions. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 is responsible for theproduction of prostaglandin. As Voltaren affects primarily COX-II, ithas less gastrointestinal side effects than other NSAIDs.

Voltaren is also used to treat chronic pain associated with certaincancers. Favourable results have been seen in treating female breastcancer. The main ingredient of Voltaren, Diclofenac, is also known toraise blood pressure and therefore it is sometimes used to treatpatients with abnormally low blood pressure. What makes Voltaren uniqueis that it also has other molecular targets (voltage-dependent sodiumchannels, acid-sensing ion channels) which help it reduce pain withmore efficiency than other members of the family. It can also be usedto treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by E. coli(a species of bacteria causing infections in the intestines and otherparts of the body)

The typical dosage for Voltaren ranges from 100mg to 150mg per day;every single dose has much longer action than usually indicated.However extensive use is discouraged because of side effects whichinclude heart attack, nausea, diarrhea, stroke and vomiting.

This article is for informational purposes only. For further instructions on Voltaren consult with your doctor.