Diclofenac sodium is a prescription medication classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory with pain-relieving properties. Diclofenac works by reducing specific hormones in the body that lead to inflammation and pain, according to Drugs.com. Diclofenic is used as a topical agent in Voltaren Emulgel, which is an emulsified prescription gel used for the relief of pain and inflammation associated with acute sprains and strains, as cited by Health Canada. Diclofenac-based topical Voltaren Emulgel contains several inactive ingredients.
Carbomer
Carbomer is an inactive ingredient in Voltaren Emulgel, and is essentially a series of polymers of acrylic acid. The Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine notes that carbomers are used in topical pharmaceutical products because they readily absorb water to form gels or thick creams that are non-toxic, stable and resist spoilage. As such, carbomer is considered a good thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer that is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Another inactive ingredient in Voltaren Emulgel is isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. The primary purpose of isopropyl alcohol is as a solvent, although it has the ability to quickly evaporate water, so when it is applied to the skin it produces a cooling effect on the surface.
Propylene Glycol
Another type of solvent in Voltaren Emulgel is propylene glycol, which is a common solvent used to help dissolve the hydrophobic components of gels and creams, according to "Mosby's Drug Consult." Propylene glycol can also be considered as a binder of the other inactive ingredients in Voltaren Emulgel.
Cocoyl Caprylocaprate
Cocoyl caprylocaprate is a mixture of esters of saturated alcohols obtained by the reaction of these acids with vegetable saturated fatty alcohols, as cited on NewDrugInfo.com. It is considered a pharmaceutical aid that combines well with alcohol and liquid paraffin.
Liquid Paraffin
Liquid paraffin, also known as mineral oil, is another inactive ingredient in Voltaren Emulgel. It is used as a thickening agent, an emulsifying agent and potentially as a lubricant during the manufacturing process.
Diethylamine
According to Mosby's, diethylamine is a strongly alkaline liquid made from ethanol and ammonia that is used in the production of pharmaceutical preparations.
Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether
Macrogol cetostearyl ether is a mixture of ethers of mixed macrogols with linear fatty alcohols. It is used as a pharmaceutical aid, mainly as a binder and an emulsifier in creams and gels.
Purified Water and Perfume
The final ingredients in Voltaren Emulgel are purified water and perfume. The purified water accounts for the majority of the gels volume. Purified water can also be considered a mixing agent or solvent for preparations such as creams and gels.
References
- Drugs: Diclofenac Sodium
- Health Canada: Voltaren Emulgel
- "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine"; G. Nahler et al; 2009
- "Mosby's Drug Consult"; C.V. Mosby; 2004
- NewDrugInfo.com: Cocoyl Caprylocaprate
