Best Pain Relief Diclofenac-or-Ibuprofen?

Difference Between Diclofenac and Ibuprofen

Many factors such as dosage strength, cost, side effects, etc. set Diclofenac apart from Ibuprofen. Let’s discuss them in detail!

1. Availability

Diclofenac relieves pain but it also increases the risk of heart diseases and gastrointestinal problems compared to other NSAIDs.

That is why it is available by prescription only. On the other hand, Ibuprofen treats mild-moderate pain and is less likely to cause stomach-related side effects. So, it is available over-the-counter or with a prescription. 

2. Treatment Conditions

The doctor prescribes diclofenac for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It also treats back pain, menstrual cramps (period pain), migraine headaches, sciatica, muscle pain, aseptic necrosis, frozen shoulder, and chronic pain. 

However, OTC Ibuprofen is used to treat mild pain and fever while prescription Ibuprofen treats arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), ankylosing spondylitis, back pain, toothache, gout, and chronic pain. 

3. What is the effectiveness of these pain killers?

So, which is more effective, Ibuprofen or Diclofenac? Diclofenac requires your doctor’s prescription and is more potent than other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Celecoxib for the treatment of arthritis.

Its 150 mg daily dose is more effective than the 3200 mg daily dose of Ibuprofen. 

Moreover, the lower dose of Diclofenac also lowers the risk of stomach-related side effects compared to Ibuprofen. However, before taking Diclofenac or Ibuprofen, you must consult your doctor for better advice and results.

4. Side Effects

Diclofenac and Ibuprofen cause many side effects such as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, or cramps.

They also affect your CNS (central nervous system) and cause headaches, dizziness, edema (swelling in feet, legs, arms, or hands), and pruritus (itching). 

Diclofenac and Ibuprofen also increase the risk of stomach ulcers, liver damage, or renal problems if you have a history of these problems, are taking other drugs that interact with NSAIDs, are using high doses of Diclofenac or Ibuprofen for a long-term, or drinking alcohol while taking these medicines.

Furthermore, the severity and frequency of these side effects are different in both drugs such as:

Ibuprofen is more likely to produce upper gastrointestinal problems and withdrawal symptoms in patients with arthritis than Diclofenac. Diclofenac is more likely to produce liver damage than Ibuprofen.

Drug Interaction

Diclofenac and Ibuprofen can interact with many drugs and cause adverse side effects. These medications include: 

• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril, enalapril, and lisinopril.
• Beta-blockers such as atenolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol. 
• Water pills or diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, and valsartan. 
• Blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants like fluoxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, and paroxetine.
• Lithium (mood stabilizer) 
• Dioxin (cardiac glycoside) 
• Methotrexate (antimetabolite)
• Selective-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants like desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine. 
  Certain antiviral drugs or medicines are used to treat cancer. 
• Corticosteroids, renin inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers. 
• Diclofenac and Ibuprofen interact with these medications and increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, and other side effects. So, if you are taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor before taking Diclofenac and Ibuprofen.

Warnings

Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart problems like stroke and heart attack if you have a medical history of these problems. The other earnings associated with Diclofenac and Ibuprofen are:

• They increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues such as stomach ulcers or intestinal bleeding.
• NSAIDs may cause kidney, heart, or liver problems in those who have a history of these issues.
• They must not be taken during late pregnancy because if you take them after the 30th week of your pregnancy, they will cause complications and affect your baby. 
• NSAIDs can worsen heart failure so you must not take it before or after CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) surgery.
• They can lower the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications. 
• If you are breastfeeding or have an allergic reaction, you must consult your doctor before taking any NSAIDs.
• These drugs cause ulcers and bleeding problems in smokers, and older people. 

So, before taking any painkiller like Diclofenac or Ibuprofen, tell your doctor about your health conditions to avoid any side effects.

8. Lifestyle Changes

If you are an alcoholic, you should not take Diclofenac or Ibuprofen as alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

So, if you get any symptoms of stomach or intestine bleeding like bloody stool, bloody vomiting, or coughing up blood, consult your doctor immediately.

Moreover, if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or medications, tell your doctor before taking Diclofenac or Ibuprofen. 

9.Dosage and Strength

Diclofenac is more potent than Ibuprofen, which is why a small amount of it is needed to produce the same results as Ibuprofen.

Diclofenac tablets come in strengths of 25, 50, and 75 mg to treat mild-moderate pain resulting from menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

On the other hand, Ibuprofen comes with a strength of 200 mg and alleviates mild pain associated with headache, toothache, fever, etc.

Prescription Ibuprofen is sold under the name Motrin and available in 400, 600, and 800 mg doses to treat moderate pain due to arthritis or other conditions. 

Diclofenac Vs. Ibuprofen: A Quick Summary

After discussing the notable differences between Diclofenac and Ibuprofen in detail, let’s have an overview of these drugs to figure out how they are different from one another.

Diclofenac Gel vs. Ibuprofen Gel

Diclofenac and Ibuprofen gel are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that treat musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, muscle injuries, or arthritis.

However, Diclofenac gel comes in strengths of 1% and 3% and offers better and quicker pain relief than Ibuprofen gel due to its higher absorption rate and tolerance level.

Besides this, you must consult your doctor to find the best gel for you according to your desired conditions.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider?

NSAIDs like Diclofenac or Ibuprofen rarely cause side effects. So while using these drugs, if you get any side effects, consult your doctor immediately. These side effects may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
• Itchiness
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting blood
• Flu symptoms
• Bloody stool
• Skin rash or blisters followed by fever
• Unusual weight gain
• Swelling in the limbs

However, you must seek emergency help if you experience:

• Chest pains
• Breathing problems
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Weakness on one side of the body

So, adhere to your doctor’s advice and recommended dose to avoid these unwanted side effects.

Which Is More Potent for General Pain Relief/Inflammation, Ibuprofen or Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is more potent for reducing pain and inflammation than Ibuprofen as it has stronger anti-inflammatory properties.

Diclofenac effectively treats arthritis and severe musculoskeletal pain while Ibuprofen is used to relieve mild-moderate pain and inflammation.

However, Diclofenac has a higher risk of side effects so you must use it according to your doctor’s advice. 

Diclofenac Vs Ibuprofen 800: Are There any Significant Difference In Pain Relief Between Diclofenac 75 mg And Ibuprofen 600/800 mg?

Diclofenac 75 mg is more potent than Ibuprofen 600/800 mg and you must take it 2-3 times a day. Diclofenac 75 mg effectively treats arthritis, a condition containing significant pain and inflammation.

It also has stronger anti-inflammatory properties so its small amount is enough to produce better results than Ibuprofen. 

On the other hand, Ibuprofen 600/800 mg is also a powerful painkiller that treats moderate inflammation and pain. So, before taking any of these drugs, consult your doctor, and he will suggest a better one according to your condition and pain severity.

What Is the Difference In Strength Between Ibuprofen 400 mg and Diclofenac 50 mg, and Which Might be Better for Mild to Moderate Pain?

Both drugs i.e. Diclofenac 50 mg and Ibuprofen 400 mg offer pain relief, but Diclofenac is stronger than Ibuprofen due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties allow Diclofenac to treat certain types of pain effectively. However, Ibuprofen 400 mg is best for the treatment of mild-moderate pain as it has a lower risk of adverse effects than Diclofenac.

So, if you want a safe and effective option for the treatment of mild-moderate, Ibuprofen 400 mg will suit you. 

How do Diclofenac and Ibuprofen Compare to Naproxen In Terms of Effectiveness and Side Effects?

Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that effectively treat pain and inflammation. But they are different in terms of effectiveness and risk of side effects such as:

Diclofenac is a stronger anti-inflammatory for the treatment of severe conditions like arthritis but can increase the risk of heart problems and gastrointestinal issues.

Ibuprofen is less potent and is effective for the treatment of mild-moderate pain. It is well-tolerated and causes fewer side effects.

Naproxen offers an effective and long-lasting treatment for pain resulting from conditions like musculoskeletal problems and arthritis.

It causes fewer cardiovascular problems than Diclofenac but has a higher risk of gastrointestinal issues than Ibuprofen. 

How to choose between them? It will be based on your condition, previous medical history, tolerance level, and severity of pain. So consult your doctor for better advice.

 What Are the Key Differences Between Aceclofenac, Diclofenac, and Ibuprofen?

Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Aceclofenac are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that treat pain and inflammation. However, these drugs are different from one another in such a way that:

Diclofenac is a stronger anti-inflammatory that treats arthritis but it is associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases.

Aceclofenac is a derivative of Diclofenac and treats pain and inflammation similar to Diclofenac. However, it has fewer risks of gastrointestinal issues, making it perfect for long-term treatment of chronic pain or inflammatory conditions. 

Ibuprofen is less potent and treats mild-moderate pain. It rarely causes side effects, making it a perfect option for short-term treatment.

To make a better choice between these drugs, consult your doctor and take medicine according to his advice and recommendation. 

Can I Safely Alternate Between Ibuprofen and Diclofenac for Pain Management?

It is not recommended to alternate between Diclofenac and Ibuprofen for pain management as these NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects.

If you alternate these drugs, you will get cumulative issues such as kidney damage, heart problems, and gastrointestinal issues.

So, consult your doctor for better pain management and your doctor will suggest safer and effective pain management strategies.

Diclofenac Vs Ibuprofen Which Is Safer?/What Is Safer Than Diclofenac?

Ibuprofen is safer than Diclofenac as it rarely causes cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. It is a safer option for mild-moderate pain management and short-term treatment than Diclofenac.

Although Diclofenac is stronger than Ibuprofen, it carries a high risk of heart and digestive tract problems. However, you must consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Your doctor will prescribe a better option according to your health condition and medical history.

Diclofenac Vs Ibuprofen: Which One Is Better? Let’s Wrap Up!

Diclofenac and Ibuprofen are effective NSAIDs for pain management, treating arthritis and other conditions, and reducing inflammation.

However, Diclofenac is stronger than Ibuprofen due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic properties. So, which one is the best?

It depends on your medical history, pain condition, and severity of the pain. Consult your doctor and take medicine according to your doctor’s suggestions and recommendations to avoid the risk of any unwanted side effects.

Which Is More Effective for Toothache, Ibuprofen or Diclofenac?

For toothache relief, Ibuprofen is more effective than Diclofenac as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and a lower risk of side effects.

Although Diclofenac is stronger than Ibuprofen, it causes many adverse effects, making Ibuprofen a safe solution for toothache. 

Diclofenac Vs Ibuprofen for Back Pain: Which Is Typically Recommended for Back Pain, Diclofenac Or Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen and Diclofenac are effective for back pain management. Diclofenac is more potent so works at a lower dose than Ibuprofen while Ibuprofen offers a lower risk of side effects than Diclofenac.

So consult your doctor and figure out the best solution for you according to your pain condition. 

Can Diclofenac or Ibuprofen Effectively Manage Menstrual Cramps?

Ibuprofen and Diclofenac effectively manage menstrual cramps due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic properties. They restore your physical performance and let you handle your daily tasks efficiently. 

75 mg of Diclofenac Is Equivalent to How Much Ibuprofen?

Diclofenac is stronger than Ibuprofen so its lower dose is more effective than large doses of Ibuprofen. 75 mg of Diclofenac is equivalent to about 400 mg of Ibuprofen, alleviating pain and inflammation effectively.

However, you must consult your doctor before taking any medicine as doses and strength vary according to an individual's medical condition. 

Accidentally Took Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, What to Do Now?

If you accidentally take Diclofenac and Ibuprofen together, you may get adverse effects like stomach pain, intestine bleeding, nausea, bloody vomiting, and dizziness.

So, consult your doctor or seek emergency help immediately for further guidance. 

Diclofenac Vs Paracetamol: Which Is Better?

Diclofenac is stronger than Paracetamol in terms of effectiveness however, Paracetamol is safer due to a lower risk of side effects than Diclofenac. So consult your doctor as the choice depends on your health status and severity of the pain. 

Why Are Doctors Reluctant to Prescribe Diclofenac?/What Is The Controversy with Diclofenac?

Why was Diclofenac taken off the market? Diclofenac is associated with a higher risk of digestive tract issues, liver damage, and cardiovascular events compared to other NSAIDs like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

For safety concerns, doctors avoid prescribing Diclofenac for long-term treatment. Moreover, regulatory agencies also limit or withdraw its availability in some countries. 

Why Is Diclofenac Preferred?/Do Doctors Still Prescribe Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is still preferred and prescribed by the doctor to treat various conditions. Diclofenac has stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic properties and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

It also provides relief from back pain, menstrual cramps (period pain), migraine headaches, sciatica, muscle pain, aseptic necrosis, frozen shoulder, and chronic pain.