Which Is Better, Oral Diclofenac Or Diclofenac Gel?

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Medications, just like any other things in this world, it will definitely cause havoc over the course of time. It is not necessary if you apply it topically, intravenously inject it, or take it orally. However, medications have its own two sides. The good thing about it is that it can have lesser side effects in various forms. And the bad thing is that there are forms that have reduced effectiveness.

This particular article aims to give a review about diclofenac gel, which can be of a great help in treating gout. Read on and know whether diclofenac gel is effective when taken orally or some other ways. But before that, let us first discuss some necessary facts about this medication.

Diclofenac: What is this?

Diclofenac is actually a medication that is prescribed to those who suffer from gout. This particular medication for gout doesn’t lower the uric acid, however, it can mask the inflammation and pain temporarily. Moreover, it is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAID. Thus, it works by way of inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme. This particular enzyme plays a very important role in igniting and relieving the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. The diclofenac is actually beneficial in getting rid of the inflammation and pain by way of removing your own capability of feeling them. Furthermore, it is also not precisely prescribed for gout alone. There is more to it than meets the eye.  In the actual fact, diclofenac is suggested for whatever condition that involves inflammation and pain.

Diclofenac: Oral vs. Topical

The oral medications are those that are being taken via the mouth. As its term implies –oral. The main purpose for this is for the convenience, ease of use, cost containment, and easy absorption of the medicine. Therefore, it is the most common method that us, people use.

On the other hand, the topical medications are the medications that you simply apply to your own skin and then it relieves your pain. Furthermore, most often than not, the topical medication means the application to the surface of the body like the skin or the mucus membrane to treat illnesses through a large range of classes, including ointments, lotions, gels, foams, and creams. Furthermore, a number of topical medications are epicutaneous or those that are being applied to the skin directly.

Diclofenac has both oral and topical varieties, which makes it more beneficial to those who want to use it orally and topically.

Diclofenac: Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of the oral medication is its strength once used. In the actual fact, the bioavailability of the topical medications is very much lesser than that of the oral ones. Actually the bioavailability of the topical medications has about 93% lesser than the oral medications.

On the other hand, the topical medications are way more controlled. This is because you can apply them in a particular area on the skin. Furthermore, the oral medications may affect all the areas where the bloodstream pass. Nevertheless, take note that the topical medications would also affect some other parts of the body due to the bloodstream. But it will affect the area where you apply it the most.

Oral Diclofenac vs. Diclofenac Gel

As stated earlier, diclofenac is a Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAID. Therefore, it may cause some severe damage to the stomach. This is mainly due to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase. Apart from inducing the inflammation and pain, cyclooxygenase is also capable of maintaining the stomach’s mucus lining. Therefore, preventing the cyclooxygenase to make the mucus lining thinner. It may actually cause an ulcer, and in much worse cases, it may cause bleeding in the stomach. Since the stomach is where the food we eat, as well as the oral medications land after taking in, it will be the most affected part.

On the other hand, the diclofenac gel will not land on the stomach. Thus, the topical form will not cause any damage to the stomach. Unluckily, the diclofenac gel contains a base, which may cause skin allergy to people.

Depending on the individual, oral diclofenac may work faster than the diclofenac gel. This is mainly because the pathway of the diclofenac gel may vary from a person to another. Furthermore, it is also has a much lesser chance of inducing the damage to the liver. The oral diclofenac will not be able to roam on the body without getting clearance from the liver, dissimilar to the topical form, which enters through the skin.

The worst thing about the diclofenac gel is its own complexity. Not like the typical cream applied to the skin, necessary knowledge is a must. Applying too much may cause you to suffer from various side effects, and apply less then you will feel no relief.

Conclusion

Whatever you choose from the two, they will both not affect or reduce the uric acid level. They will just simply mask to hide the pain. If you want to find something that may truly help you in treating your gout, then look for a medication that will really address the condition from its root cause –uric acid. No matter you hide or alleviate the pain, it will still come back.

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