Diclofenac Sodium vs. Diclofenac Potassium

Key Differences
Comparison Chart
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Receptors at Which Drug Acts
Mode of Action
Pain Reliever

Anti-inflammatory

Combination With Other Drugs

Available Dosage Forms
Contraindications

Adverse Effects
Diclofenac Sodium vs. Diclofenac Potassium
Diclofenac Sodium is a phenylacetic acid derivative and a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug while Diclofenac Sodium a benzeneacetic acid derivative and a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. Diclofenac Sodium is sodium salt of diclofenac whereas Diclofenac potassium is potassium salt of diclofenac. Diclofenac Sodium is slightly less soluble in the water, on the other hand, Diclofenac Potassium is more soluble in water. Diclofenac Sodium is used to treat severe arthritis pains while Diclofenac Potassium is used to treat mild arthritis pains. Diclofenac Sodium has delayed onset of action as compared to Diclofenac Potassium, on the other hand, Diclofenac Potassium has a quicker onset of action as compared to Diclofenac Sodium because of more water solubility. Diclofenac Sodium use is less safe while Diclofenac Potassium use is relatively safe.
What is Diclofenac Sodium
Diclofenac Sodium is sodium salt of diclofenac which is Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs). Diclofenac Sodium shows pharmacological actions by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)., Diclofenac Sodium is used to treat the pain and inflammatory disorders. Diclofenac Sodium is used to treat the pain and inflammation in different disorders like gout, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Diclofenac Sodium has slight antipyretic action. Diclofenac Sodium also possesses some bacteriostatic activity. Diclofenac Sodium can be given orally and topically. Duration of action is 6-8 hours. The half life of Diclofenac Sodium is approximately 1.2-2 hrs. Like all other NSAIDs, Diclofenac Sodium can cause severe adverse effects in gastrointestinal tract bleeding and ulceration, perforation in stomach and intestine.
Example
Examples of famous brand containing Diclofenac Sodium is Voltaren.
What is Diclofenac Potassium
Diclofenac potassium is potassium salt of diclofenac which is Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAIDs). Diclofenac potassium shows pharmacological actions by inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Diclofenac Potassium is of white to off-white color or slightly yellowish. Diclofenac potassium is crystalline powder. Diclofenac potassium is sparingly water-soluble at 25ºC. The chemical name of this drug is Potassium [o-(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 mild pain and inflammatory disorders like gout, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The base of Diclofenac potassium possesses bacteriostatic activity so does the Diclofenac potassium. Diclofenac potassium is available in oral and topical dosage forms. Three formulations are available which are immediate-release, extended-release, and delayed-release. Duration of action is approximately 6-8hours with the half-life of 1-2 hrs.
Example
Common brand that contains Diclofenac Potassium is Cataflam.