What is the brand name for Diclofenac?
The brand name for Diclofenac is Voltaren.
PTCB 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).
Study guides that cover Diclofenac
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
Pharmacy math cheat sheetthe five calculation types the PTCE asks
What changed on the 2026 PTCB examthe new domain weights for 2026See all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Diclofenac the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. 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).