Difference Between Diclofenac Sodium and Diclofenac Potassium
Main difference
The main difference between diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium is that diclofenac sodium is slightly less soluble in water than diclofenac potassium.
Diclofenac sodium versus diclofenac potassium
Diclofenac sodium is a derivative of phenylacetic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, while diclofenac sodium is a derivative of benzeneacetic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac sodium is the sodium salt of diclofenac, while diclofenac potassium is the potassium salt of diclofenac. Diclofenac sodium is slightly less soluble in water, on the other hand diclofenac potassium is more soluble in water. Diclofenac sodium is used to treat severe arthritis pain, while diclofenac potassium is used to treat mild arthritis pain. Diclofenac sodium has a delayed onset of action compared to diclofenac potassium, on the other hand, diclofenac potassium has a faster onset of action compared to diclofenac sodium due to higher water solubility. The use of diclofenac sodium is less safe, while the use of diclofenac potassium is relatively safe.
Comparison chart
| Diclofenac sodium | Diclofenac potassium |
| Diclofenac sodium is a sodium salt of diclofenac used to treat pain and inflammation. | Diclofenac potassium is the potassium salt of diclofenac, which is used to treat pain and inflammation. |
| Receptors on which the drug acts | |
| Diclofenac sodium shows pharmacological actions by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 blocks | Diclofenac potassium shows pharmacological actions by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 blocks |
| Action mode | |
| Diclofenac Sodium is an enzyme inhibitor. | Diclofenac potassium is an enzyme inhibitor. |
| Analgesic | |
| Diclofenac Sodium is a pain reliever. | Diclofenac potassium is used to relieve pain. |
| anti-inflammatory | |
| Diclofenac sodium is an anti-inflammatory drug and is used to treat inflammatory drugs. | Diclofenac potassium is an anti-inflammatory drug and is used to treat inflammatory drugs. |
| Combination with other drugs | |
| Diclofenac Sodium is available in combination with misoprostol. | Diclofenac potassium is available in combination with misoprostol. |
| Available dosage forms | |
| Oral, parenteral, topical | Oral, parenteral, topical |
| Contraindications | |
| Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, urticaria | Known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, urticaria |
| Adverse effects | |
| Cardiovascular thrombotic events, GI bleeding, GI ulceration, GI perforations | Cardiovascular thrombotic events, GI bleeding, GI ulceration, GI perforations |
What is diclofenac sodium?
Diclofenac sodium is a sodium salt of diclofenac which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac sodium exhibits pharmacological actions by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Diclofenac sodium is used to treat pain and inflammatory disorders. Diclofenac sodium is used to treat pain and inflammation in different disorders like gout, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Sodium diclofenac has a slight antipyretic action. Diclofenac sodium also has some bacteriostatic activity. Diclofenac Sodium can be administered orally and topically. The duration of action is 6-8 hours. The half-life of diclofenac sodium is approximately 1.2 to 2 hours. Like all other NSAIDs,
Example
Examples of famous brands that contain diclofenac sodium are Voltaren.
What is diclofenac potassium?
Diclofenac potassium is the potassium salt of diclofenac, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Diclofenac potassium exhibits pharmacological actions by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Diclofenac potassium is white to off-white or slightly yellowish in color. Diclofenac potassium is a crystalline powder. Diclofenac potassium is sparingly soluble in water at 25°C. The chemical name of this medication is potassium [ or– (2,6-dichloroanilino) phenyl] acetate. Diclofenac potassium has a molecular weight of 334.24. The molecular formula of diclofenac potassium is C14H10C12KNO2. Diclofenac Potassium is used to treat minor pain and inflammatory disorders like gout, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Diclofenac potassium base has bacteriostatic activity like diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac potassium is available in oral and topical dosage forms. There are three formulations available: immediate release, extended release, and delayed release. The duration of action is approximately 6-8 hours with a half-life of 1-2 hours.
Example
The common brand name containing diclofenac potassium is Cataflam.
Key differences
- Diclofenac sodium is the sodium salt of diclofenac, while diclofenac potassium is the potassium salt of diclofenac.
- Diclofenac sodium is slightly less soluble in water, while diclofenac potassium is slightly more soluble in water.
- Diclofenac sodium is preferred for long-acting inflammation reduction, while diclofenac potassium is preferred for rapid pain relief.
Final Thought
The conclusion from the above discussion is that both diclofenac sodium and diclofenac potassium, which are the salts of diclofenac, are important in treating pain and inflammation with the slight difference in the degree of absorption in water.