Diclofenac - for back, muscle and joint pain relief
Voltarol Gels contain diclofenac – a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Diclofenac is the active ingredient in the medicinal range of topical Voltarol products that relieve pain by targeting inflammation.1,2
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that targets key steps in inflammatory cascades
Acts through cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, striking inflammation at its source
Learn how diclofenac reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis through action on the COX enzymes with selectivity for COX-2, and inhibiting phospholipase A2 activity to reduce the production of inflammatory leukotrienes.1
Diclofenac is a potent anti-inflammatory agent1
Its effect on the COX-2 enzyme means that, unlike non-NSAID medications such as paracetamol, diclofenac not only provides pain relief but also reduces inflammation – a root cause of pain.
Diclofenac, an NSAID (and therefore in the same drug class as ketoprofen and ibuprofen), shows marked potency in its inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme.3
Diclofenac targets inflammation to strike pain at its source
Product Information
Full information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics.
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel, Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Joint & Back Pain Relief 2.32% Gel, Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium). Indications Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation in trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints e.g. due to sprains, strains and bruises, and localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism. Osteoarthritis and Max Strength Gel only: Relief of pain of non-serious arthritic conditions. Dosage and method of use Adults and children aged 14 years and over. Gently rub 2-4 g into skin of affected site. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days, seek medical advice. For children aged 14 years and over, if the product is required for more than 7 days for pain relief or if the symptoms worsen the patient/ parents of the adolescents is/are advised to consult a doctor. Back & Muscle Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 14 days. Leave at least 4 hours between applications. No more than 4 applications in 24 hours. Not to be used for more than 14 days unless recommended by a doctor. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Max Strength Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 21 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 21 days unless recommended by doctor. Joint & Back Pain Relief: Apply 2 times daily (morning and evening) for up to 14 days. Maximum daily dose 8 g. Not for use for longer than 14 days unless recommended by doctor. Osteoarthritis Gel: Apply 3-4 times daily for up to 21 days. Maximum daily dose 16 g. Not for use for longer than 21 days unless recommended by doctor. Consult doctor if more than two major joints affected. Contraindications Patients whose asthma, angioedema, urticaria or acute rhinitis are precipitated by aspirin or other NSAIDs. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, aspirin, other NSAIDs or excipients. Third trimester of pregnancy. Osteoarthritis and Back & Muscle Gel: Children under 14 years. Precautions Use at higher dosage/large amounts over large areas of skin and / or over a prolonged period may lead to systemic adverse events. Do not smoke and avoid naked flames. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight to reduce incidence of photosensitivity. Apply only to intact, nondiseased skin. Do not use with occlusion. Avoid ingestion or contact with eyes or mucous membranes. Caution in patients with previous or active peptic ulceration; suffering from/previous history of asthma or allergic disease. Discontinue use if skin rash develops. Caution with concomitant use of other diclofenac products or systemic NSAIDs. Joint & Back Pain Relief and Max Strength Gel contain propylene glycol, which may cause mild skin irritation, and butylhydroxytoluene, which may cause local skin reactions or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. Back & Muscle Gel and Osteoarthritis Gel contain propylene glycol and benzyl benzoate, which may cause mild localised skin irritation. Side effects See SPCs for full details. Common: Rash, eczema, erythema, dermatitis (including dermatitis contact), pruritus. Product licence number, legal category, pack size and RSP (excl. VAT) Back & Muscle Gel: PL 44673/0156 (GSL) 30 g £5.41, 50 g £7.96, 100 g £12.75. 100 g (no mess) £14. Max Strength Pain Gel: PL 44673/0154 (P), 30 g £7.49, 50 g £10.57, 100 g £15.57. Joint & Back Pain Gel: PL 44673/0160 (GSL), 30 g £7.49, 50 g £10.57. Osteoarthritis Gel: PL 44673/0155 (P), 30 g £5.41, 50 g £7.96, 100 g £10.71. PL holder Gels: Haleon UK Trading Limited, The Heights, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K. Date of preparation: January 2026.
Diclofenac-containing products
Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
Scientifically proven to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and restore movement.4-6
See the evidence for Voltarol Back & Muscle Pain Relief 1.16% Gel.
Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
Contains a permeation enhancer for up to 3x greater skin penetration.*7
See how Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel can help your patients.
*compared with 1.16% Gel. In vitro study
Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium)
As effective as oral NSAIDs in osteoarthritis8
See how Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief Gel can help your patients with osteoarthritis.
Diclofenac – a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient1
Patient care resources
Review educational materials on Voltarol products for your patients.
Conditions
Our overviews of common pain conditions explore the causes, signs, symptoms and impact of each condition, and summarise the latest evidence-based management recommendations.
