Differences Between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium

Diclofenac Sodium vs Diclofenac Potassium

Many of us depend on medications especially when we are experiencing pain. These days, having headaches and migraines are very common due to several stressors like your work environment and family issues. And as we grow older, we experience back pains and arthritic pain. We have been hoping that these types of pain can be gone forever. With the help of medications, we can ease the pain we are experiencing. One type of medication that can make our pain go away is the Diclofenac medicine. It can be subdivided into other forms of medication which include Diclofenac sodium and Diclofenac potassium.

Diclofenac sodium is mainly used for treating arthritis, be it rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. It belongs to the class of NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You cannot buy it over the counter. You have to have a doctor’s prescription for it. When you take this medicine, it can help reduce the swelling of your joints. In turn, it will reduce the pain you are having as well as joint stiffness. Other than treating arthritic pain, it is also used in treating headaches and chronic muscle pain.

Due to Diclofenac sodium’s side effects and risks, doctors only prescribe to their patients the minimum amount of dosage. They will only increase its dosage if the medication seems to be ineffective. Among the side effects of the Diclofenac sodium are: nausea, heartburn, and forms of stomach discomfort like diarrhea. Its risks include: developing ulcers, liver problems, and even a heart attack.

Diclofenac potassium is another form of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is used to treat moderate forms of pain and inflammation. It is often used in treating mild arthritic pain or any swollen joints. This type of medication is safer to use than Diclofenac sodium. However, serious side effects may still occur when not taken with proper precautions. It can lead to cardiovascular problems like heart attack or stroke. Its minor side effects include: diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and light-headedness.

There are not many differences between Diclofenac sodium and Diclofenac potassium since they are rooted from Diclofenac. But when it comes to response time, Diclofenac potassium is preferred since it is more soluble in water than Diclofenac sodium. With that, it relieves the pain of the patient in a faster time. Using Diclofenac potassium is a preferable choice if you want to see immediate results. Doctors usually prescribe Diclofenac potassium for patients experiencing acute and severe pain. Diclofenac sodium is a delayed release while Diclofenac potassium is a quick release.

Summary:

1. Diclofenac sodium and Diclofenac potassium both belong to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class.
2. Both medications are used to relieve pain, swelling, and fever. Among the forms of pain these Diclofenac medications can treat are: arthritic pain, headaches, muscle pain, joint stiffness, and others.
3. Take these medications with proper precautions since they have side effects and potential risks. Among the side effects of Diclofenac sodium are: nausea, heartburn, and forms of stomach discomfort like diarrhea. Its risks include: developing ulcers, liver problems and even a heart attack. Among the side effects of Diclofenac potassium are: diarrhea, bloating, constipation and light-headedness.
4. The difference between Diclofenac sodium and Diclofenac potassium is their response time. In treating acute and severe pain, Diclofenac potassium is prescribed by doctors since it’s a quick release while Diclofenac sodium is a delayed release. Since Diclofenac potassium dissolves faster in water, it can produce immediate results.
5. Among the fatal risks of Diclofenac sodium and Diclofenac potassium are cardiovascular-related problems which include heart attacks. That is why doctors only prescribe their patients a minimum dosage.

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