What Is The Difference Between Cataflam And Voltaren?

Answer

Hi and thanks for writing to us! While these two drugs aren’t very different, they both contain diclofenac after all, there are a few differences between them.

Voltaren And Cataflam Are Different Forms Of Diclofenac

First and foremost, Voltaren is the brand name of the drug Diclofenac Sodium. Cataflam is the brand name of Diclofenac Potassium.

Diclofenac needs to be bound to a molecule like sodium or potassium in order for you to absorb them. While the molecule a drug is attached to can alter some of the chemical properties of the compound, it's not very common that it makes a significant clinical difference. Having said this, there often is at least some difference.

For example, studies suggest that Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) may work slightly faster than Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) since it is absorbed more quickly.

In case you're wondering what some other examples are of drugs that are available in different salt forms, here are a few:

• Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) and Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide)
• Calcium supplements (e.g. calcium carbonate, calcium citrate)
• Doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate
• Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate) and Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)

Different Strengths Available

Next are the different strengths and formulations that exist.

Cataflam is only available in one strength, an immediate release 50mg tablet. Voltaren is available in several more strengths and formulations, a gel, an eye drop, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg enteric coated tablets, and a 100mg extended release tablet.

You might be wondering what is the difference between the oral formulations of both medications. As mentioned in the section above, Cataflam may absorb faster than Voltaren, and thus, work faster.

Additionally, Cataflam is an immediate release tablet. It gets broken down and dissolved in your stomach, then absorbed in the beginning of your small intestine. It is absorbed relatively quickly and reaches its peak concentration in your blood in about an hour.

Voltaren is an enteric coated and has a special coating on the tablets which only dissolves in the basic upper region of the small intestine, so it avoids being dissolved in the stomach. It might cause less stomach irritation because of this, but is also absorbed slower, reaching peak blood concentration after about 2.3 hours.

Price Differences

Lastly, there is a difference in price. While both medications are covered by the majority of commercial insurance plans, diclofenac potassium is over two times more expensive than diclofenac sodium when comparing a 50mg dose. Again, neither medication is overly expensive, but if price is a big concern, I would recommend diclofenac sodium.

Final Words

I hope this helps to clear up any confusion. Feel free to write us again in the future!