Diclofenac is Available as Gel but Not Spray
Based on current evidence, diclofenac is marketed as a topical gel formulation but does not have an approved spray formulation for any indication. Multiple guidelines and research studies consistently reference diclofenac gel preparations (1%, 1.5% solution, and 3% gel formulations) without any mention of a spray formulation 1, 2, 3, 4, 3.
Available Diclofenac Formulations
The following topical diclofenac formulations are currently available:
- Diclofenac sodium 1% gel (Voltaren Gel) - FDA-approved for osteoarthritis pain 1, 5, 6
- Diclofenac sodium 1.5% topical solution (in 45.5% dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle) - FDA-approved 7, 6
- Diclofenac epolamine 1.3% patch (Flector Patch) - FDA-approved 7, 6
- Diclofenac 3% gel (in 2.5% hyaluronic acid vehicle) - used for actinic keratosis 2, 3, 4, 3
Clinical Context
For Osteoarthritis
Diclofenac gel formulations provide effective pain relief for knee and hand osteoarthritis with significantly lower systemic exposure compared to oral NSAIDs 1, 8, 5. The gel achieves therapeutic concentrations locally at the site of inflammation while minimizing gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal adverse events associated with oral NSAIDs 5, 7, 9.
For Actinic Keratosis
Diclofenac 3% gel in hyaluronic acid vehicle is used for field treatment of actinic keratosis, applied twice daily for 60-90 days 2, 4. While less effective than 5-fluorouracil, it causes less intense local skin reactions 4, 10.
Contrast with Other Drugs
Notably, finasteride has recently been developed as a topical spray formulation (0.25% w/w finasteride spray) for androgenetic alopecia, demonstrating that spray technology exists for topical medications 11, 12. However, diclofenac has not been formulated as a spray despite multiple gel, solution, and patch formulations being available.
The absence of a diclofenac spray formulation likely relates to the drug's physicochemical properties and the established efficacy of existing gel and solution formulations that provide adequate skin penetration and therapeutic effect.