Voltaren vs Norvasc: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Norvasc (Cardiovascular 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 | Norvasc |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Amlodipine |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Pfizer |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Cardiovascular Medications |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | tablet |
What's the same
Voltaren and Norvasc 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 Norvasc belongs to Cardiovascular 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. Norvasc: Amlodipine selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, reducing transmembrane calcium influx and producing peripheral arterial vasodilation.
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 Norvasc is preferred
Norvasc is approved in adults for the treatment of essential hypertension and chronic stable angina, and for vasospastic (Prinzmetal's) angina.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Norvasc better? ▾
Voltaren and Norvasc 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 Norvasc? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Norvasc 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 Norvasc 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.