Beyond the Five: Humans May Have as Many as 33 Senses
December 25, 2025
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Brand Name :
Flector Transdermal Patch, Licart, Voltaren Arthritis Pain, Solaraze Gel, Pennsaid topical solution, Voltaren Gel
Synonyms :
diclofenac topical
Class :
Topical Skin Product
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical solution
1.5%
2%
Gel
1%
3%
Topical system
1.3%
Patch
1.3%
Apply thin layer to affected area of skin for every 12 hours up to 2 to 3 months
Voltaren gel
Administer 2 g for upper limbs or 4 g for lower limbs every 6 hours
Maximum dose of 8 g/day for each joint in the upper limbs and 16 g/day for each joint in the lower limbs
Pennsaid topical solution
For 1.5%: apply 40 drops on each aching knee four times a day and provide 10 drops per application by directly placing them on the knee
Carry out this process until 40 drops have been administered
For 2%: apply 40 mg to each aching knee twice a day; put 40 mg into the palm of the hand and apply uniformly to the anterior, lateral and posterior of the knee
Use one patch every 12 hours applied on the highly aching region
Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel
Avoid applying to more than two body regions at a time
Apply to affected areas four times daily
Dose for upper body region: around 2.25-inches for every upper body region
Dose for lower body region: around 4.5-inches for every lower body region
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Transdermal patch
1.3%
Safety and efficacy not determined in less than six years old
Use one patch every 12 hours applied on highly aching region in more than or equal to six years old
Refer to adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum
diclofenac topical works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are substances that play a role in pain and swelling. diclofenac helps to lessen pain, edema, and inflammation in the area where it is applied by preventing prostaglandin synthesis.
The spectrum of diclofenac topical is generally limited to the area of application. It mainly treats musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, sprains, strains, and other locally inflamed conditions.
Frequency defined
1-10%
Hypertension
Asthma
Conjunctivitis
Hematuria
Alepesia
Photosensitivity
Diarrhea
Pneumonia
Dyspepsia
Edema
Chest pain
Skin ulcer
>10%
Contact dermatitis (19-33%)
Pain (15-26%)
Paresthesia (≤ 20%)
Exfoliation (6-24%)
Pruritus (≤ 52%)
Dry skin (25-27%)
Rash (20-35%)
<1%
Application site pruritus
Post marketing reports
Photoallergic reactions
Adverse reactions: musculoskeletal stiffness hypoesthesia, gait disturbance
Hypersensitivity
Dermal allergic reactions
Burning sensations
Black Box Warning
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindication:
Caution:
Pregnancy warnings:
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology
The enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically the COX-1 and COX-2 isoforms, are inhibited by diclofenac topical. The prostaglandins, which act as mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever, are produced by COX enzymes. diclofenac topical inhibits COX, which lowers prostaglandin production and lessens pain and inflammation when it is applied.
Pharmacodynamics
By preventing the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in the experience of pain, diclofenac topical serves as an analgesic.
The immunological reaction at the application site may be impacted by diclofenac. It might lessen the migration of inflammatory cells to the site of damage or inflammation, including neutrophils and macrophages.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
When diclofenac is topically given as a gel or cream, it is absorbed through the skin and underlying tissues. diclofenac normally absorbs very little through the skin, exposing the body into very little amount.
Distribution
In the tissues close to the application site, diclofenac topical distributes locally. The medication works its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects once it has reached therapeutic concentrations in the underlying tissues.
Metabolism
diclofenac topical undergoes a variety of metabolic processes, such as oxidation and conjugation. Both 4′- and 5-hydroxydiclofenac are the main metabolites produced.
Elimination and excretion
Approximately 65% of the diclofenac metabolites are eliminated in the urine and 35% in the feces, respectively. diclofenac topical elimination half-life can change, it typically lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Administration
diclofenac topical formulations, such as gels or creams, are typically applied directly to the skin at the site of pain or inflammation.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: diclofenac topical
Why do we use diclofenac topical?
diclofenac topical helps ease pain and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis-affected joints. Joints like the knees, hands, or hips are frequently treated with it. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such joint pain and swelling, diclofenac topical may be administered.
diclofenac topical can be used to treat minor injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that result in sprains, strains, and accompanying pain and inflammation.
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