VOLTAREN 1% EMULGEL 100G

Indications

Approved Uses

Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in: (1) acute soft-tissue injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, contusions), (2) localized forms of soft-tissue rheumatism (e.g., tendinitis), and (3) osteoarthritis of superficial joints (e.g., knee, finger joints).

Off-Label Uses

Common off-label/real-world uses include localized tendinopathy/tennis elbow, bursitis, and other minor musculoskeletal overuse injuries where topical NSAIDs are used for symptomatic relief.

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Apply to the affected area 4 times daily and rub in gently; use 4 g for lower extremities (foot, knee, ankle), 2 g for upper extremities (hand, wrist, elbow).

Maintenance Dose

Apply 4 g to the affected foot, knee or ankle 4 times daily; apply 2 g to the affected hand, wrist or elbow 4 times daily.

Children's Dosage

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; not recommended under 18 years

Dose Adjustment Notes

No routine dose adjustment is required for topical use due to low systemic absorption; use caution/avoid excessive area or prolonged use in patients with significant renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular disease or when using other NSAIDs.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Common: application-site reactions such as erythema/redness, pruritus/itching, rash, burning/stinging, and dry skin; may include contact dermatitis.

Side Effect Frequency

Common (≥1%): local application-site reactions such as dermatitis/eczema, pruritus, erythema, rash, dryness, burning; Uncommon (<1%): contact dermatitis, papular/vesicular rash; Rare/very rare: photosensitivity and systemic hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria/angioedema/bronchospasm).

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to diclofenac or excipients; history of hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin/other NSAIDs (e.g., asthma/bronchospasm, urticaria, rhinitis); third trimester of pregnancy; do not apply to broken/damaged skin, open wounds, eyes, or mucous membranes

Warnings & Precautions

External use only; avoid eyes/mucosa and broken/infected skin; do not use under occlusion; limit duration and treated surface area; stop if rash/irritation or hypersensitivity occurs; caution in NSAID-sensitive asthma; avoid excessive sun/UV on treated area; avoid in 3rd trimester; be mindful of additive risk with other NSAIDs/anticoagulants

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

Clinically significant interactions are unlikely with recommended topical use; caution with concomitant oral NSAIDs/aspirin (additive NSAID toxicity) and anticoagulants/antiplatelets (bleeding risk) especially with large-area/prolonged use

Food Interaction

No clinically relevant food interactions (not applicable for topical administration).

Alcohol Interaction

Safe

Special Populations

Pregnancy

Avoid use, especially in third trimester; Category C (first and second trimesters), Category D (third trimester)

Children

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established; not recommended under 18 years

Liver Impairment

No adjustment needed for topical use, but use with caution in severe hepatic impairment.

Storage & Patient Advice

Patient Counseling

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry, intact skin and rub in gently; avoid eyes/mouth/nose and broken skin; wash hands after use (unless treating hands); do not use occlusive/airtight dressings and do not apply external heat; avoid sun/UV exposure on treated area; stop if rash/irritation or allergy occurs; seek medical advice if not improving within 7 days (or if needing longer use).

Monitoring Requirements

No routine monitoring required for short-term topical use

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), reducing local prostaglandin synthesis and thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and swelling at the application site.

Half-Life

Terminal plasma half-life of diclofenac is about 1-2 hours for the systemically absorbed fraction (same intrinsic half-life as oral; topical mainly reduces exposure, not half-life).

Bioavailability

Approximately 6% systemic absorption of the applied dose through intact skin (order of magnitude; varies with dose/area/skin condition).

Excretion

Elimination is mainly renal as metabolites (about two-thirds) with the remainder via biliary/fecal excretion (about one-third).

Protein Binding

>99% plasma protein binding, mainly to albumin.

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Topical gel (emulgel).

Composition per Dose

Each 1g of gel contains: 11.6mg of diclofenac diethylamine (equivalent to 10mg of diclofenac sodium).

Generic Availability

Yes

Pain Type

Muscular/Joint

Nsaid

Yes

Opioid

No

Reviewed by Al Mujtama Pharmacy Medical Review Team. Last reviewed 18-05-2026