Voltaren vs Neurontin: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Neurontin (Neurological Medications) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Voltaren | Neurontin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Gabapentin |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Pfizer |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Neurological Medications |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 100mg, 300mg, 400mg, 600mg, 800mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | capsule, tablet, oral solution |
What's the same
Voltaren and Neurontin are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Voltaren belongs to Pain Relief Medications while Neurontin belongs to Neurological Medications. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen. Neurontin: Gabapentin binds the alpha-2-delta auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing presynaptic calcium influx and the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate…
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
When Neurontin is preferred
Neurontin is approved in adults and children aged 3 years and older as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures, and in adults for post-herpetic neuralgia.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Neurontin better? ▾
Voltaren and Neurontin are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Voltaren to Neurontin? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Neurontin is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Voltaren and Neurontin have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Voltaren comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.