What is Voltarol?

Voltarol is a gel you rub onto your skin to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Its key ingredient is diclofenac, which is part of the NSAID family (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—basically, medicines that help calm down pain and inflammation).

It’s often used to treat:

-Joint pain (like in knees or fingers)

-Backache

-Muscle sprains or strains

-Mild arthritis

Because you apply it directly to the area that hurts, it gets to work exactly where you need it.

How Does Voltarol Work?

Voltarol works by stopping your body from making certain chemicals (called prostaglandins) that cause pain and swelling. When you rub the gel onto your skin, it’s absorbed into the tissues underneath and starts calming things down. It’s like sending in a local pain relief team right where the problem is.

Does Voltarol Contain Ibuprofen?

Nope, it doesn’t. Voltarol contains diclofenac, not ibuprofen—but both are from the same family of anti-inflammatory medicines. So, while they work in similar ways, they’re not the same thing.

If you’ve been told to avoid ibuprofen, it’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist before using Voltarol, just to be safe.

Is Voltarol Stronger than Ibuprofen Gel?

In many cases, yes—Voltarol is often thought to be more effective than ibuprofen gel, especially for joint-related pain. Diclofenac (Voltarol’s active ingredient) is a bit stronger, which means it can offer more relief with less product.

That said, everyone’s different. What works wonders for one person might not be quite as effective for someone else. You might need to try both to see what suits you best.

How Long Does Voltarol Gel Take to Work?

Voltarol doesn’t act instantly, but it doesn’t take ages either. You’ll usually start feeling some relief within a day or two, and for more persistent issues like arthritis, it can take up to a week to really feel the benefits.

Consistency is key—make sure you’re using it as directed, usually a few times a day.

Can I Use Voltarol Gel and Paracetamol Together?

Yes, you can. Voltarol and paracetamol are safe to use together, and they can actually work quite well as a team. While Voltarol tackles inflammation locally, paracetamol works throughout your whole body to dull pain.

However, don’t use Voltarol at the same time as other anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen or aspirin unless a doctor tells you it’s okay.