{"id":3833,"date":"2020-01-08T08:05:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T13:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3833"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:40:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T09:40:15","slug":"diclofenac-vs-ibuprofen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diclofenac-vs-ibuprofen\/","title":{"rendered":"Diclofenac vs. ibuprofen: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so many treatment options for arthritis, it can be overwhelming to choose the best medication. If you experience regular pain from arthritis, a healthcare provider may recommend an <\/span>NSAID<\/span><\/a> like diclofenac or ibuprofen. These medications decrease prostaglandins\u2014natural substances that cause pain and inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both diclofenac and ibuprofen are nonselective NSAIDs that block COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins. However, COX-1 also protects the stomach lining, so blocking it may lead to gastrointestinal issues. Here’s how these medications compare.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between diclofenac vs. ibuprofen?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diclofenac<\/span><\/a> is a prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug that also goes by the brand name Voltaren. It is available as a generic medication <\/span>used to treat osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a>, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that affects the spine). Diclofenac sodium comes in the form of a delayed-release tablet, extended-release tablet, and topical gel or solution. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults 18 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> is a commonly used NSAID analgesic that can be purchased over the counter as an oral tablet, capsule, suspension, or topical gel. Brand names for OTC ibuprofen include Advil and <\/span>Motrin<\/span><\/a>, which can be used for mild pain and fever in adults and children six months and older. However, for moderate to severe pain from arthritis and other chronic pain conditions, prescription-strength ibuprofen is needed. Prescription-strength ibuprofen comes in higher doses and is typically reserved for more severe pain in adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Main differences between diclofenac vs. ibuprofen<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Details<\/strong><\/td>\nDiclofenac<\/b><\/td>\nIbuprofen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nNSAID<\/span><\/td>\nNSAID<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/span><\/td>\nVoltaren<\/span><\/td>\nAdvil, Motrin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet, enteric-coated Oral tablet, extended-release\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Topical gel\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Topical solution<\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral capsule\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral suspension<\/span><\/p>\n

Topical gel<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\n50 mg 2 to 3 times per day or 75 mg twice daily. The maximum daily dosage is 150 mg per day.<\/span><\/td>\nRX: 400, 600, or 800 mg 3 or 4 times daily. The maximum daily dosage is 3,200 mg per day.<\/span><\/p>\n

OTC: 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dosage is 1,200 mg per day.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort or long-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort or long-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 months and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by diclofenac and ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diclofenac is FDA-approved to treat <\/span>osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a>, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It can also help treat migraines, general mild to moderate pain, and dysmenorrhea, or pain from menstrual cramps. Topical diclofenac can be applied directly to the joint areas to relieve pain and swelling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen can be used in <\/span>higher doses<\/span><\/a> than those commonly found in OTC forms to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be used to treat menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), migraines, mild pain, and fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is diclofenac or ibuprofen more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diclofenac is a prescription NSAID painkiller often considered more potent than ibuprofen. A meta-analysis from <\/span>Arthritis Research & Therapy<\/span><\/i> found oral <\/span>diclofenac more effective<\/span><\/a> for arthritis pain. Diclofenac, especially at a dose of 150 mg per day, was likely more effective at relieving pain than other NSAIDs like celecoxib, naproxen, and ibuprofen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another study compared the <\/span>topical forms<\/span><\/a> of diclofenac and ibuprofen. It found that while ibuprofen was absorbed into the skin more quickly and to a greater extent, diclofenac showed stronger overall anti-inflammatory effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The effectiveness of these medications can depend on their doses and your response to the medications. The best pain management option can also be influenced by your overall health condition and other medications you\u2019ve tried in the past.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of diclofenac vs. ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most Medicare and health insurance plans cover the generic version of diclofenac when given as a prescription drug. The average retail cost of a month\u2019s supply of oral <\/span>diclofenac<\/span><\/a> can be around $30.39<\/span> for 60, 75 mg tablets, but this cost can be lowered to around $9.99<\/span> with a SingleCare coupon card.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most Medicare and insurance plans often cover prescription-strength ibuprofen. Without insurance, the average retail cost for a month\u2019s prescription-strength <\/span>ibuprofen tablets<\/span><\/a> is around $24.11<\/span> for 60, 800 mg tablets. However, with a SingleCare ibuprofen coupon, the price could be as low as around $16.06<\/span> .<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nDiclofenac<\/b><\/td>\nIbuprofen<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/span><\/td>\n60, 75 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n60, 800 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare price<\/span><\/td>\n$9.99 at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n$16.06 at CVS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Side effects of diclofenac and ibuprofen<\/span><\/h2>\n

As NSAIDs, diclofenac and ibuprofen share similar side effects. Common side effects of NSAIDs include:<\/span><\/p>\n