Recommended Dosage of Voltaren (Diclofenac) 1% Gel
The recommended dose of Voltaren (diclofenac) 1% gel is 2-4 grams applied to the affected area 3-4 times daily, not exceeding the maximum daily dose of 16 grams per affected joint. 1, 2
Proper Application Technique
- Apply to clean, dry skin
- Dispense the appropriate amount (2-4 grams, approximately the size of a cherry to walnut)
- Spread evenly around the affected area (front, back, and sides)
- Wash hands thoroughly after application
- Allow the area to dry completely (approximately 30 minutes) before:
- Covering with clothing
- Applying sunscreen, insect repellent, or other topical products
- Allowing skin-to-skin contact with others
Dosage by Specific Condition
Osteoarthritis
- For knee osteoarthritis: Apply 2 pump actuations (40 mg diclofenac) to each affected knee, twice daily 2
- For other joints: Apply 2-4 grams to the affected area 3-4 times daily 1
Acute Musculoskeletal Pain
- Apply 2-4 grams to the affected area 3-4 times daily 1, 3
- Particularly effective for acute pain conditions with an NNT of 1.8 for diclofenac gel 3
Localized Neuropathic Pain
- May be used as an over-the-counter option at standard dosing (2-4 grams applied 3-4 times daily) 4
Special Considerations
Duration of Treatment
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize adverse effects 1, 2
- Evaluate treatment response after 2-4 weeks of use 1
Safety Profile
- Topical diclofenac has significantly lower systemic absorption compared to oral diclofenac (5-17 fold lower) 5
- Local adverse events occur in approximately 4.1% of patients with acute pain and 14% with chronic pain 3
- Avoid using in combination with oral NSAIDs unless the benefit outweighs the risk 2
Efficacy Considerations
- More effective for acute pain (NNT 1.8) than chronic pain (NNT 9.5) 3
- Different formulations may affect efficacy - gel formulations appear to have better efficacy than some other topical NSAID preparations 3, 6
Contraindications and Precautions
- Avoid application to open wounds
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Do not apply external heat or occlusive dressings to treated areas
- Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease due to potential systemic effects 1
- Consider gastric protection if used long-term, especially in high-risk patients
By following these dosing guidelines, patients can maximize the benefits of Voltaren 1% gel while minimizing potential adverse effects. The topical route offers the advantage of targeted pain relief with reduced systemic exposure compared to oral NSAID formulations.