Voltaren vs Xalatan: side-by-side comparison
Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) and Xalatan (Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments) 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 | Xalatan |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Diclofenac | Latanoprost |
| Manufacturer | Novartis | Pfizer |
| Class | Pain Relief Medications | Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments |
| Strengths | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg | 0.005% |
| Forms | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository | ophthalmic solution |
What's the same
Voltaren and Xalatan 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 Xalatan belongs to Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments. 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. Xalatan: Latanoprost is a prodrug ester hydrolysed by corneal esterases to its active free acid, which selectively binds the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor.
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 Xalatan is preferred
Xalatan is approved in adults and children for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voltaren or Xalatan better? ▾
Voltaren and Xalatan 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 Xalatan? ▾
Switching between Voltaren and Xalatan 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 Xalatan 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.