Last reviewed 2026-05-13 · How we verify

Voltaren® Gel

Voltaren® Gel is a Topical NSAID Small molecule drug developed by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. India. It is currently FDA-approved for Topical relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, Acute pain relief from minor sprains, strains, and contusions. Also known as: Diclofenac, Voltaren or Votalin..

Voltaren Gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce local inflammation and pain at the site of application.

Voltaren Gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce local inflammation and pain at the site of application. Used for Topical relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, Acute pain relief from minor sprains, strains, and contusions.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren Gel, penetrates the skin to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis in affected tissues. This local anti-inflammatory and analgesic action provides pain relief and reduces swelling in musculoskeletal conditions without the systemic exposure associated with oral NSAIDs.

Approved indications

• Topical relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
• Acute pain relief from minor sprains, strains, and contusions

Common side effects

• Application site reactions (erythema, pruritus, irritation)
• Photosensitivity
• Contact dermatitis

Key clinical trials

• Counterpain PXM Versus Diclofenac Versus Piroxicam (PHASE3)
• Efficacy and Safety of Ingenol Mebutate Gel 0.015% Compared to Diclofenac Sodium Gel 3% in Subjects With Actinic Keratoses on the Face or Scalp (PHASE4)
• A Study of Tirbanibulin Ointment and Diclofenac Sodium Gel for the Treatment of Adult Participants With Actinic Keratosis on the Face or Scalp (PHASE4)
• TRAUMED - a Clinical Trial in Acute Ankle Sprain (PHASE3)
• A Bioequivalence Study Using Clinical Endpoint for Diclofenac Sodium Gel 1% in Osteoarthritis Knee" (PHASE3)
• Long-term Effects of Imiquimod and Diclofenac in Actinic Keratoses (LEIDA 2) (PHASE4)
• Long-term Effects of Imiquimod and Diclofenac in Actinic Keratoses (PHASE4)
• Study Comparing a Generic Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% to Voltaren in the Treatment of Subjects With Osteoarthritis of the Knee (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Voltaren® Gel CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Voltaren® Gel updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. India portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Voltaren® Gel

Related

• Drug class: All Topical NSAID drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes
• Manufacturer: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. India — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Pain Management / Rheumatology
• Indication: Drugs for Topical relief of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions
• Indication: Drugs for Acute pain relief from minor sprains, strains, and contusions
• Also known as: Diclofenac, Voltaren or Votalin.

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing