What is the brand name for Diclofenac?
The brand name for Diclofenac is Voltaren.
PTCE Top 200 · #73
Diclofenac
Voltaren
Diclofenac is the generic name for the brand-name drug Voltaren. It is a nsaid used to treat osteoarthritis pain. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Diclofenac ranks #73 and is one of the most frequently tested pain/inflammation medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Diclofenac |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Voltaren |
| Drug class | NSAID |
| Class group | Pain/Inflammation |
| Common use | osteoarthritis pain |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Both prescription and OTC |
What is Diclofenac used for?
• Pain and inflammatory conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), acute pain (formulation dependent).
What drug class is Diclofenac?
Diclofenac is a NSAID in the Pain/Inflammation group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Diclofenac
- arrow_rightDyspepsia
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightEdema
- arrow_rightElevated blood pressure
Major interactions
- arrow_rightAnticoagulants/antiplatelets/SSRIs/SNRIs ↑ bleeding risk
- arrow_rightACE inhibitors/ARBs + diuretics + NSAIDs (“triple whammy”) ↑ acute kidney injury risk
- arrow_rightMethotrexate may have increased toxicity
- arrow_rightLithium levels may increase (toxicity)
Is Diclofenac a controlled substance?
No. Diclofenac is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
NSAID risks: increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events (MI, stroke) and serious GI bleeding/ulceration/perforation; use lowest effective dose for shortest duration.
How to remember Diclofenac (PTCE mnemonic)
VOLTAR-en VOLTs out inflammation — diclofenac is an NSAID. Topical gel = lower systemic risk; oral has highest CV risk among NSAIDs (boxed).
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Diclofenac is an NSAID available as a topical gel (Voltaren) as well as oral — the usual NSAID GI / cardiac / renal cautions still apply.
Diclofenac FAQ
What is Diclofenac used for?
Diclofenac is used to treat osteoarthritis pain. • Pain and inflammatory conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), acute pain (formulation dependent).
What drug class is Diclofenac?
Diclofenac is a NSAID (Pain/Inflammation group).
Is Diclofenac a controlled substance?
No. Diclofenac is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group
Drill Diclofenac the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).