Diclofenac Sodium vs Diclofenac Potassium: Difference and Comparison

People sometimes face pain in their joints or a headache, which sometimes becomes unbearable, due to which a person needs to take some kind of medication to treat the pain. In this kind of pain, the doctors prescribe them to consume medicines which contain Diclofenac.

It can be Diclofenac Sodium or Diclofenac Potassium.

Key Takeaways

  1. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but they differ in chemical forms: sodium and potassium salts.
  2. Diclofenac potassium is absorbed more rapidly, providing faster pain relief, while diclofenac sodium offers a slower onset of action.
  3. Diclofenac potassium is recommended for acute conditions, such as muscle sprains, while diclofenac sodium is more suitable for chronic conditions, like osteoarthritis.

Diclofenac Sodium vs Diclofenac Potassium

Diclofenac sodium is a drug that blocks inflammation and pain-causing substances and is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is absorbed slowly in the body. Diclofenac potassium is a generic prescription drug used to treat mild to moderate pain and is absorbed more quickly into the body.

Diclofenac Sodium vs Diclofenac Potassium

Diclofenac Sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is applied by using a dosing card which is available with the medicine. It is applied directly to the skin.

The medication has to be run on the surface where pain exists. The medication should be applied four times a day. This should not be applied to cuts as it can show side effects.

Diclofenac Potassium is used to treat mild pain. It is used when the pain is mild or moderate. It treats pain in the tooth, cramps, or muscles.

It is also termed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It can treat arthritis, but this should be prescribed by the doctor. Its rate of speed is high.

Also Read:  Open Cell vs Closed Cell Foam: Difference and Comparison

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonDiclofenac SodiumDiclofenac Potassium
SolubilityLessMore
ReactivenessSlowFast
UsageMild PainSevere Pain
Chronic MuscleYesNo
HeartburnYesNo
ConstipationYesNo
Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

What is Diclofenac Sodium?

Diclofenac Sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It can also be referred to as the sodium salt of Diclofenac. It is a antipyretic and analgesic.

It has anti-inflammatory activity. It is stored in highly secure labs, with signs like a health hazard, environmental hazard, irritant, and acute toxicity.

It is considered a competitive inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. The arachidonic acid cannot be converted to any other precursors. It seizes the growth of the prostaglandins, which grow during pain or fever.

It releases the pain and makes you feel better. It cannot be consumed in a larger portion as the pain is a lot.

It has to be consumed in the proper amount. It has to be consumed as per the doctor’s prescription. Many other brands are there that sell these types of medicines under their name.

Those brands are Arthrotec, Solaraze, and Voltaren. The symptoms of Diclofenac Sodium are drowsiness, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, and many more.

It is also known as Voltaren overdose when the person consumes the medicine in a higher dose. The medicine has to be swallowed; otherwise, the medicine can increase the side effects.

The medicines are prescribed and always consumed as per the doctor’s instruction; otherwise, it can create problems in the body.

diclofenac sodium

What is Diclofenac Potassium?

Diclofenac Potassium is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used to treat Mild pain, or it can treat moderate pain. It treats the pain in the back, stomach, or teeth.

These conditions can slow you down and make you lazy about yourself. These conditions need instant treatment because they can stop you from doing your daily activities.

Also Read:  Adrenaline vs Epinephrine: Difference and Comparison

The dosage of the medicine should only be consumed after you prescribe the doctor. An overdose of the dosage can show adverse effects or side effects that cannot be controlled later on.

The dosage should be taken as much as prescribed by your doctor. The speed of reaction is faster, so it will quickly treat the pain.

The medicine can also decrease swelling or fever in the body. The medication is to be mixed with only water.

There should not be any liquid other than water. Sometimes it can make your stomach upset, so it should be consumed with food, antacid, or milk. Different brands sell this type of medicine.

The medications should always be started in the first phase of pain; otherwise, if the pain increases, it would be difficult to treat. Sometimes the pain can be a symptom of a big problem. The medication should be started in the first phase of the pain.

diclofenac potassium

Main Differences Between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium

  1. Diclofenac Sodium is less soluble than Diclofenac Potassium.
  2. The reactive process is slow in Diclofenac Sodium than in Diclofenac Potassium.
  3. Diclofenac Sodium is used in mild pain, but Diclofenac Potassium is used in severe pain.
  4. Diclofenac Sodium can also treat chronic muscle pain, but Diclofenac cannot treat chronic pain.
  5. Diclofenac Sodium can cause heartburn, but Diclofenac Potassium cannot cause heartburn.
  6. Diclofenac Potassium can cause constipation, and Diclofenac Sodium cannot cause constipation. 
References
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099542808603664
  2. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02226.x

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

Piyush Yadav
Piyush Yadav

Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.

19 Comments

  1. The article’s detailed descriptions and comparison of Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium are very informative and beneficial in making informed choices.

  2. I found the distinguishing factors between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium quite enlightening, especially their recommended usage for different conditions.

  3. The detailed explanation of Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium is highly comprehensive and beneficial for anyone looking to understand these medications at a deeper level.

    • I completely agree, understanding the detailed information can help in making informed decisions about these drugs.

  4. The in-depth explanation of both Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium is very well-written and beneficial in understanding their effects on the body.

  5. The detailed descriptions of both Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium are very helpful in understanding how each drug works and their respective side effects.

    • I completely agree, the article provides a well-rounded view of the drugs’ characteristics.

  6. I appreciate the detailed information provided about both drugs, it would be valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of their differences and effects.

  7. This is a comprehensive comparison of Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium, and a helpful guide for those looking for an overview of both drugs.

  8. The clear outline of the differences between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium is immensely informative and beneficial in making informed health decisions.

  9. I appreciate the detailed comparison table, very helpful to differentiate both drugs based on various parameters.

  10. The detailed comparison of Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium provides an in-depth understanding of their differences and can be very helpful for anyone considering these medications.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!