Clinoril vs. Voltaren

• Are Voltaren and Clinoril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Clinoril?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Voltaren?
• What Is Clinoril?
• What Is Voltaren?
• What Drugs Interact with Clinoril?
• What Drugs Interact with Voltaren?
• How Should Clinoril Be Taken?
• How Should Voltaren Be Taken?

Clinoril (sulindac) and Voltaren (diclofenac) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain or inflammation caused by forms of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Clinoril is also used to treat used to treat pain or inflammation caused by tendinitis, bursitis, or gout.

The brand name Voltaren is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Side effects of Clinoril and Voltaren that are similar include upset stomach, stomach pain, heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, headache, nervousness, skin itching or rash, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Side effects of Clinoril that are different from Voltaren include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, increased sweating, or runny nose.

Side effects of Voltaren that are different from Clinoril include ulcers.

Both Clinoril and Voltaren may interact with alcohol, aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other cold/allergy/pain medicine that contains NSAID, cyclosporine, diuretics (water pills), lithium, methotrexate, blood thinners, steroids, heart or blood pressure medications, or antidepressants.

Clinoril may also interact with oral diabetes medications or ACE inhibitors.

Voltaren may also interact with isoniazid, pronbenecid, rifampin, secobarbital, sertraline, sulfamethoxazole, teniposide, zafirlukast, antifungal medications, or cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Common side effects of Clinoril include:

• upset stomach,
• stomach pain,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• gas,
• bloating,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• fatigue,
• headache,
• nervousness,
• skin itching or rash,
• dry mouth,
• increased sweating,
• runny nose,
• blurred vision, or
• ringing in your ears.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Clinoril including:

• swelling of the hands or feet (edema),
• sudden or unexplained weight gain,
• mental/mood changes,
• difficult or painful swallowing, or
• unusual tiredness.

Common side effects of Voltaren include:

• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• gas,
• ulcers, or
• itching,
• dryness,
• redness,
• scaling,
• numbness and tingling,
• cysts,
• pimples, or other
• skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

Clinoril (Sulindac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, or gout. Clinoril is available in generic form.

Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) is a topical gel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain of osteoarthritis of joints that are amenable to topical treatment, such the hands and knees.

Clinoril may interact with cyclosporine, diuretics (water pills), lithium, methotrexate, blood thinners, steroids, heart or blood pressure medications, oral diabetes medications, ACE inhibitors, voltaren or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. Clinoril should be used only when prescribed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to a fetus and interference with normal labor/delivery. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using this medication is not recommended.

Voltaren Gel may interact with aspirin, lithium, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, and methotrexate.

Voltaren Gel may also interact with heart or blood pressure medications, cyclosporine, steroids, certain antibiotics, and other topical treatments.

Clinoril is administered under a physician's supervision. The dose of Clinoril varies depending on the disorder being treated and the number of infusions (doses) needed.

The proper amount of Voltaren® Gel should be measured using the dosing card supplied in the drug product carton. The dosing card is made of clear polypropylene. The dosing card should be used for each application of drug product. The gel should be applied within the rectangular area of the dosing card up to the 2 gram or 4 gram line (2 g for each elbow, wrist, or hand, and 4 g for each knee, ankle, or foot). The 2 g line is 2.25 inches long. The 4 g line is 4.5 inches long. The dosing card containing Voltaren® Gel can be used to apply the gel. The hands should then be used to gently rub the gel into the skin. After using the dosing card, hold with fingertips, rinse, and dry. If treatment site is the hands, patients should wait at least one (1) hour to wash their hands.

Lower Extremities, Including The Feet, Ankles, Or Knees

Apply the gel (4 g) to the affected foot, ankle, or knee 4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuring application to the entire affected foot, or knee or ankle. The entire foot includes the sole, top of the foot and the toes. Do not apply more than 16 g daily to any single joint of the lower extremities.

Upper Extremities Including The Hands, Wrists, Or Elbows

Apply the gel (2 g) to the affected hand, wrist, or elbow 4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuring application to the entire affected hand, wrist, or elbow. The entire hand includes the palm, back of the hands, and the fingers. Do not apply more than 8 g daily to any single joint of the upper extremities.

Total dose should not exceed 32 g per day, over all affected joints.

Special Precautions

• Avoid showering/bathing for at least 1 hour after the application. Inform patient to wash his/her hands after use, unless the hands are the treated joint. If Voltaren® Gel is applied to the hand(s) for treatment; inform patient not to wash the treated hand(s) for at least 1 hour after the application.
• Do not apply Voltaren® Gel to open wounds.
• Avoid contact of Voltaren® Gel with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not apply external heat and/or occlusive dressings to treated joints.
• Avoid exposure of the treated joint(s) to natural or artificial sunlight.
• Avoid concomitant use of Voltaren® Gel on the treated skin site with other topical products, including sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellants, or other topical medications
• Concomitant use of Voltaren® Gel with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) has not been evaluated, and may increase adverse NSAIDs effects. Do not use combination therapy with Voltaren® Gel and an oral NSAID unless the benefit outweighs the risk and conduct periodic laboratory evaluations.
• Avoid wearing of clothing or gloves for at least 10 minutes after applying Voltaren® Gel.