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What is the difference between diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium?

Answers

Official Answer by Drugs.com 10 Aug 2009

Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Diclofenac exists in two salt forms - diclofenac sodium (the sodium salt) and diclofenac potassium (the potassium salt). Each salt contains the same amount of diclofenac base. The main difference between the two salts is that diclofenac potassium is slightly more soluble in water than diclofenac sodium.

Diclofenac potassium is generally considered to be more quickly absorbed and have a faster onset of analgesic activity than diclofenac sodium.

Diclofenac is available in the following branded products for oral use:

  • Cambia 50 mg (diclofenac potassium) for Oral Solution
  • Zipsor 25 mg (diclofenac potassium) Liquid Filled Capsules
  • Zorvolex 18 mg and 35 mg (diclofenac) Capsules

The following products have been discontinued:

  • Cataflam 50 mg (diclofenac potassium) Immediate-Release Tablets
  • Voltaren 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg (diclofenac sodium) Enteric-Coated Tablets
  • Voltaren-XR 100 mg (diclofenac sodium) Extended-Release Tablets

The different formulations of diclofenac cannot be considered equivalent even if the dose is the same.

Votes: +3
shani123 14 Aug 2010

thz is difference thz is quality of both saltz

shani123 14 Aug 2010

thz is not difference thz is quality of both saltz

zainab729 29 Oct 2010

if the potassium salt form of diclofenac is more quickly absorbed:does this mean that less side effect of stomach uler and pain with respect to the soudium salt form?

tariq3 21 Nov 2010

no... because NSAIDS can effect stomach even they are given i.m so faster absorption does not rule out the chances of NSAIDS INDUCED ulcerS AND THEIR PAIN

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