The short answer
- Nurofen + Voltaren tablets (or Voltaren Rapid): don’t combine. Pick one.
- Nurofen + Voltaren gel (Emulgel) on one area: low absorption, but labels still advise checking with a pharmacist; avoid regular use of both.
- Better combination: either NSAID plus paracetamol (Panadol).
Are Voltaren and Nurofen the same?
They are different medicines from the same family. Nurofen contains ibuprofen; Voltaren contains diclofenac. Both are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that block the COX enzymes making prostaglandins. That shared mechanism is why they shouldn’t be taken together: the side effects (stomach irritation, kidney strain, raised blood pressure, bleeding) add up, while the pain relief does not double.
|
Nurofen |
Voltaren |
| Active ingredient |
Ibuprofen |
Diclofenac (potassium in Voltaren Rapid; sodium in enteric-coated tablets) |
| Typical OTC tablets |
200–400 mg |
12.5–25 mg (Voltaren Rapid 12.5 and 25) |
| Prescription doses |
Up to 2,400 mg/day |
75–150 mg/day |
| Gel |
Nurofen Gel 5% |
Voltaren Emulgel 1% and 2% |
| Heart and stroke risk |
Lower at OTC doses |
Higher; regulators restricted its use in heart disease in 2013 |
Why combining two NSAIDs is a bad idea
Every NSAID, at its full dose, already blocks prostaglandins nearly as much as it usefully can. Adding a second NSAID mostly adds side effects: indigestion, stomach ulcers and bleeding; less blood flow to the kidneys (dangerous when dehydrated or on blood pressure medicines); fluid retention and higher blood pressure. The same rule applies to naproxen (Naprogesic, Aleve), aspirin at pain-relief doses, mefenamic acid (Ponstan), meloxicam and celecoxib: one at a time.
Switching between them: if you’ve taken Nurofen and want to switch to Voltaren, wait until the next Nurofen dose would have been due (about 6–8 hours) before taking diclofenac, and don’t go back and forth during the same day.
What about Voltaren gel with Nurofen tablets?
Diclofenac gel rubbed on a knee or hand reaches blood levels of only a few per cent of those from tablets. That’s why gels are recommended for older people and for osteoarthritis of the knee and hand. Even so, product leaflets ask you to check with a pharmacist before using the gel with oral NSAIDs, especially if you use large amounts or several areas. A sensible approach is:
- For one painful joint or muscle: use the gel instead of tablets where possible.
- If you need tablets too, choose paracetamol with the gel.
- Occasional short-term use of ibuprofen tablets with gel on a small area is unlikely to cause harm in healthy adults, but ask a pharmacist first if you have stomach, kidney or heart problems.
Safer ways to get more pain relief
| Combination |
Verdict |
| Nurofen + Panadol |
Fine for most adults; see Nurofen and Panadol together |
| Voltaren Rapid + Panadol |
Fine for most adults |
| Voltaren gel + Panadol |
Fine |
| Nurofen + Voltaren tablets |
Avoid |
| Nurofen + naproxen (Naprogesic, Aleve) |
Avoid |
| Nurofen + Ponstan (mefenamic acid) |
Avoid |
| Maxigesic (ibuprofen + paracetamol) + Voltaren |
Avoid: Maxigesic already contains an NSAID |
Which painkiller suits which pain is set out in the pain relief guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take naproxen with Nurofen?
No. Naproxen and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs. Take one or the other, and add paracetamol if you need more relief.
Can I take Nurofen with Ponstan for period pain?
No. Mefenamic acid (Ponstan) is also an NSAID. Choose one; paracetamol or a heat pack can be added.
When should I use Voltaren tablets vs Nurofen vs Panadol?
Panadol for headaches, fever and general aches, especially if you have stomach, kidney or heart concerns. Nurofen for inflammatory pain such as period pain, toothache or sprains. Voltaren tablets are an alternative to Nurofen for musculoskeletal pain, but they have a higher heart risk; many pharmacists prefer ibuprofen or diclofenac gel.
I accidentally took Nurofen and Voltaren together. What now?
A single overlap is unlikely to cause harm in a healthy adult. Don’t take more of either for the rest of the day, take paracetamol if you need more relief, and eat something. Seek advice if you develop stomach pain, black stools or vomiting.
Sources and further reading
CanforaMedicine Guide
