Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel is a twice-daily diclofenac gel for the local relief of pain and inflammation from sprains, strains and bruises of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, localised soft-tissue rheumatism, and the pain of non-serious arthritic conditions, for adults and children aged 14 and over. Pharmacy (P) medicine sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac diethylammonium 2.32% w/w (equivalent to diclofenac sodium 2%) (双氯芬酸) |
|---|---|
| Format | Gel for application to the skin; the 12-hour formulation, applied morning and evening |
| Relieves | Local pain and inflammation from trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints (sprains, strains, bruises), localised soft-tissue rheumatism, and pain of non-serious arthritic conditions |
| Age | Adults and children aged 14 years and over |
| Dose | 2–4g (a circle about 2 to 2.5cm across) rubbed gently into the affected area twice a day, preferably morning and evening |
| Maximum | 8g a day (56g a week); use for up to 21 days under pharmacy supervision – see a doctor if no better after 7 days, or if you need it for longer than 21 days |
| Pack | 30g or 50g tube |
| Storage | Do not store above 30°C |
Who it is for
- Adults and children aged 14 and over with a sprain, strain or bruise, or a localised soft-tissue rheumatic pain such as tennis elbow.
- People with the pain of non-serious arthritic conditions who want a gel applied only twice a day.
- People who prefer a topical anti-inflammatory to tablets, for example because of a sensitive stomach – ask our pharmacist.
Not suitable for: Do not use if you are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or other NSAIDs, or if aspirin or NSAIDs have ever given you asthma, wheezing, swelling of the face or tongue, hives or a runny nose; on children under 14; or in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Do not apply to broken, infected or diseased skin, wounds, eyes, mouth or mucous membranes, and do not cover with an airtight dressing. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if you have or have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, asthma, kidney, heart or liver problems, are taking NSAID tablets or other painkillers, or are pregnant (first 6 months), trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
- Squeeze out 2–4g of gel (a circle about the size of a 1p to 2p coin, 2 to 2.5cm across) and rub it gently into the skin over the painful area.
- Apply twice a day, preferably morning and evening. Do not use more than 8g in a day or 56g in a week.
- Wipe your hands with a paper towel and then wash them, unless your hands are the area being treated. Let the gel dry for a few minutes before covering with a bandage.
- See a doctor if the pain is no better after 7 days or gets worse. Do not use for more than 21 days unless a doctor recommends it.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I apply Voltarol Max Strength 2.32%?
Twice a day, morning and evening, using 2–4g each time (a circle about 2 to 2.5cm across). The maximum is 8g a day and 56g a week.
How long can I use it for?
Up to 21 days under pharmacy supervision. If symptoms have not improved after 7 days, or worsen, see a doctor. Do not use for longer than 21 days unless a doctor recommends it.
What age is it for?
Adults and children aged 14 and over. It must not be used on children under 14 – there is not enough safety data. For 14 to 18 year olds, see a doctor if it is needed for more than 7 days.
Can I use it with ibuprofen or other NSAID tablets?
Very little diclofenac is absorbed through the skin, but using it with NSAID tablets may add to the risk of side effects. Ask our pharmacist before combining them, especially if you have a history of stomach ulcers.
Can I use it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Do not use it in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, or if breastfeeding, only use it on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor, and never on the breasts or over large areas.
What is the difference between 2.32% and 1.16% Voltarol gel?
The 2.32% gel is the higher-strength, 12-hour product applied twice a day; the 1.16% Emulgel is applied three to four times a day. Do not use both at once.
Safety and storage
- For use on the skin only. Do not swallow, and keep away from the eyes, mouth and broken skin.
- Stop using it if a skin rash develops. Avoid strong sunlight on treated skin, as diclofenac can make skin more sensitive to light.
- Contains propylene glycol and butylhydroxytoluene, which may cause local skin irritation.
- Fire hazard: do not smoke or go near naked flames – fabric such as clothing, bedding and dressings that has been in contact with the gel burns more easily.
- Do not store above 30°C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.