Can You Crush Voltaren Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if Voltaren tablets can safely be crushed.
Can you crush Voltaren? If not, is there a liquid form of Voltaren? Cheers.
Jun 05, 2023- Voltaren tablets cannot be crushed because crushing them destroys the modified-release properties that make the medication work as intended. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, diclofenac is available in other forms such as a powder for solution that you mix with water, though availability may be limited by insurance coverage.
Answer
Hello, and thanks for reaching out! No, unfortunately, Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) tablets cannot be crushed as doing so will ruin the modified release properties of the tablets.
Voltaren is actually available as an oral tablet in two different forms, Voltaren XR (diclofenac sodium extended-release) and Voltaren Delayed-Release (diclofenac sodium delayed-release).
The extended-release tablets have a mechanism to slowly release the drug over time, extending its duration of action, while the delayed-release tablets delay the release of the drug until the tablets pass through the stomach and into the intestine. This is purported to make the drug better tolerated in terms of side effects.
As mentioned, you cannot crush either form of Voltaren without ruining the modified release properties of the drug.
I also want to point out that diclofenac, the active drug in Voltaren, comes in multiple different forms, including 'diclofenac potassium', which is generic for Cataflam. This also cannot be crushed as the tablets are 'film-coated'.
There are a number of diclofenac products in capsule form too, just for your information, but they are far more expensive than the tablets.
Does Voltaren Come As A Liquid?
Getting to the other part of your question, while Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) doesn't come as a liquid, a different form of diclofenac (diclofenac sodium) is available as a 'powder for solution'. It is generic for a drug called Cambia.
The drug comes in 50mg packets, which you dissolve in one to two ounces of water. Below is an image of the packaging for Cambia:
It should be noted though that Cambia (and the associated generic) is intended for use as a treatment for migraines, and comes in boxes of 9 packets. It may be challenging to get your insurance to pay for a higher quantity.
Lastly, to avoid confusion if you're Googling around looking for liquid products, I want to point out that diclofenac is available as a liquid solution, but it is only for topical use (generic for Pennsaid).
Final Words
Thanks again for your question and I hope you found this helpful.
Please reach back out anytime!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Modified release
- A tablet design that controls when and how quickly a medication is released into your body.
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation that slowly releases the drug over an extended period of time.
- Delayed-release
- A tablet coating that prevents the drug from releasing until it passes through the stomach and reaches the intestines.
- Film-coated
- A thin protective coating applied to a tablet to protect it from damage and control how it dissolves.
- Powder for solution
- A medication in powder form that must be mixed with liquid before taking.
- Topical use
- A medication applied directly to the skin rather than taken by mouth or injection.
- Diclofenac sodium
- The active ingredient in Voltaren, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Migraines
- Severe, often throbbing headaches that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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