How long does Voltaren gel stay in your system? (3 tips to apply it) 

In this blog post, we are going to answer the question, “How long does Voltaren gel stay in your system?”. Voltaren gel is the gel formulation of Diclofenac, which is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be used for the management and treatment of severe pain and inflammation. 

This blog will cover how much time can the gel take to stay in your system. We will also talk about the uses of this gel and how to use it properly. 

How long does Voltaren gel stay in your system? 

Voltaren gel can stay in your system for about a day or two, depending on how well the gel was absorbed into your skin in the first place. Several experts have explained the best way to apply the gel in order to achieve the maximum pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects of the drug. 

Diclofenac, the drug present in Voltaren gel stays in your system for about 15 to 20 hours, depending on the dosage and the formulation.

When you apply Voltaren gel topically, it reaches its maximum peak concentration and within 2 hours, the plasma concentration of the drug reduces to half. The remaining amount of the drug is further reduced to half after the next 2 hours. 

This is how the drug is completely washed out from your body. Voltaren (Diclofenac) is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It works by blocking both cyclooxygenase I and II pathways (COX I and COX II). 

These pathways lead to the synthesis of prostaglandins that can act as mediators for pain and inflammation. This is how it can actively control your pain and inflammation. 

What are the best tips to apply Voltaren gel? 

Voltaren gel is a topical gel that you can apply on the affected area of the skin or on the affected bone or joint. The only problem with gel formulation is the risk of inappropriate use which can lead to therapeutic failure. 

This is why it is extremely important to make sure that you apply this gel in the best possible way. Experts have suggested some good tips to apply this gel in the best possible way and to achieve the maximum therapeutic response. These tips include:

• Do not over-rub the gel
• Avoid covering the gel-covered skin with anything for 10 to 20 minutes after application 
• Refrain from taking a shower for at least an hour 

Do not over-rub the gel

Experts have suggested not to over-rub the gel when you’re applying it on the affected site of your skin. This is because the gel is a different formulation when compared to topical ointment and creams. 

Gels are more absorbable and can readily penetrate the layers of your skin to reach the tiny blood capillaries through which it enters the systemic circulation. If you over-rub the gel thinking you’re massaging your skin, it will reduce the amount of the drug that enters your skin. 

This is because a lot of the gel will get absorbed in your fingers instead of the actual site of pain or injury. This is why you should slightly rub the gel on your skin and leave it be. The gel will itself start to get absorbed in your skin and you don’t have to rub it to enhance its absorption. 

Avoid covering the gel-covered skin with anything for 10 to 20 minutes after application 

Another tip that experts have shared with us is to not cover your gel-covered skin with anything for 10 to 20 minutes after application. This is because the gel needs some time to penetrate into your skin and gets absorbed into your bloodstream. 

If you start to wrap some bandages around it right after the application of the gel, it will move from the surface of your skin. The bandage will absorb some of the gel and a lesser quantity will go into your skin. This can result in lesser pain relief. 

The best way to apply a gel and avoid therapeutic inefficiency is to leave the gel on your skin untouched for at least 10 to 20 minutes before you cover it with something. 

This way the gel on the surface of your skin will enter into the layers efficiently and then you can cover it up to provide some warmth which is actually a good thing to do. This is because warmth can increase blood circulation and more blood will flow toward the site of gel application. 

This way more amount of gel will actually go into your bloodstream. So, covering up that part of your skin is actually good, just don’t do it immediately after applying the gel. Give it some time and wrap a bandage around it when your skin feels dry. 

Refrain from taking a shower for at least an hour 

The last tip that our experts have given us is to not take a shower after an hour of gel application. This is because the shower will eliminate any remaining gel on your skin and it will literally wash it away, as a result of which you will not be able to achieve your desired therapeutic outcome. 

This is why you should leave the gel on at least an hour before you either wash that site off of the skin or take a shower. 

Does Voltaren gel cause side effects? 

Voltaren gel is associated with some local side effects and some systemic side effects. This is because the drug is in the form of gel, which is a topical mode of drug administration. 

You are not taking it by mouth, you’re applying it to your skin. So some of the side effects are local in nature which means they appear on that part of the skin to which you have applied the gel. 

Once the gel enters your bloodstream, it circulates in your systemic circulation, which means that it circulates in your entire body and binds to the respective receptors of the drug through which it starts to provide pain relief. This is how it can cause some systemic side effects. Let’s look at them both. 

Local/Topical side effects of Voltaren Gel

Some of the local or topical side effects (the site of gel administration) of Voltaren Gel include:

• Rash
• Itching 
• Burning sensation 
• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensation 
• Pain
• Irritation 
• Pimples 

Systemic side effects of Voltaren Gel

Systemic side effects of Voltaren Gel include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Flatulence 
• Constipation 
• Acid reflux 
• Heartburn 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Drowsiness 
• Insomnia or inability to fall asleep 
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in arms and legs 
• Difficulty in hearing 
• Tinnitus 
• Symptoms associated with cold and flu 
• Headache 
• Excessive thirst or Polydipsia 

Voltaren can also cause some rare and serious side effects which may require immediate medical attention. Make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you can if you suffer from the following side effects:

• An allergic reaction 
• Redness of skin 
• Itching 
• Burning sensation 
• Blue-purple patches 
• Tightness of chest 
• Wheezing 
• Hoarseness 
• Inability to breathe 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body 
• Muscle twitching and weakness  
• Severe diarrhoea 
• Fatigue 
• Arrhythmia 
• Severe back pain
• Pale-coloured skin or eyes
• Confusion 
• Discoloured or bloody urine

These side effects can vary from person to person. Some people can suffer from side effects that may not have been mentioned here. Make sure you monitor your side effects properly and inform your doctor if you exhibit any sign of an allergic reaction or any unusual side effect. 

If you’re allergic to this Diclofenac you will definitely be allergic to its gel as well. It may cause an immediate skin reaction which may become extremely painful to deal with it. This is why experts recommend you to do a patch test. 

Apply a small amount of Voltaren gel to a small part of your skin. Wait at least an hour to see if you react to the drug in any way. If you do or your skin becomes red, do not apply this gel on a larger part of your skin and consult your healthcare provider. 

If nothing happens, you can apply it to your skin safely. Make sure you wash your hands after gel application and do not touch your face or eyes before washing your hands. If you accidentally do, immediately wash your face and eyes when clean water. 

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed the time taken by Voltaren gel to leave your system. Several experts have explained the best way to apply the gel in order to achieve the maximum pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects of the drug. 

They have advised to not over-rub the gel, to not cover the gel-covered skin with anything for 10 to 20 minutes after application, and to refrain from taking a shower for at least an hour. 

Make sure you monitor your side effects properly and inform your doctor if you exhibit any sign of an allergic reaction or any unusual side effect. If you’re allergic to this Diclofenac you will definitely be allergic to its gel as well. It may cause an immediate skin reaction which may become extremely painful to deal with it.

FAQs: how long does Voltaren gel stay in your system

How many hours does Voltaren Gel last?

Voltaren gel can stay in your system for about a day or two, depending on how well the gel was absorbed into your skin in the first place. When you apply Voltaren gel topically, it reaches its maximum peak concentration and within 2 hours, the plasma concentration of the drug reduces to half. The remaining amount of the drug is further reduced to half after the next 2 hours. This is how the drug is completely washed out from your body.

Is Voltaren gel absorbed into the bloodstream? 

Yes, Voltaren gel is absorbed into the skin. Gels are quite absorbable in nature and can readily penetrate the layers of your skin to reach the tiny blood capillaries through which it enters systemic circulation. This way, this gel can help you get rid of pain and inflammation. 

Can you wash off Voltaren Gel?

It is not recommended to take a shower after an hour of gel application. This is because the shower will eliminate any remaining gel on your skin and it will literally wash it away, as a result of which you will not be able to achieve your desired therapeutic outcome. This is why you should leave the gel on at least an hour before you either wash that site off of the skin or take a shower. 

How long does it take for Voltaren gel to absorb?

Voltaren gel may take up to an hour to absorb completely into your skin. It is not recommended to cover your gel-covered skin with anything for 10 to 20 minutes after application. 

This is because the gel needs some time to penetrate into your skin and gets absorbed into your bloodstream. If you start to wrap some bandages around it right after the application of the gel, it will move from the surface of your skin. The bandage will absorb some of the gel and a lesser quantity will go into your skin. This can result in lesser pain relief. 

What are the dangers of using Voltaren gel?

Some of the local or topical side effects of applying Voltaren gel include:

• Rash
• Itching 
• Burning sensation 
• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensation 
• Pain
• Irritation 
• Pimples 

References