Naproxen Vs Diclofenac Sodium: How Well Do They Work?

What Are NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or simply NSAIDs, are a class of drugs that relieve swelling and inflammation and also tone down pain associated with it. NSAIDs work quickly and have fewer side effects compared to corticosteroids, which are also used to treat inflammation. Diclofenac Sodium and Naproxen both belong to this class of drugs.

What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of NSAIDs?

NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme that facilitates the production of substances called prostaglandins at the site of an injury or infection. Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that help repair a wound or fight an infection. The production of prostaglandins is associated with swelling, pain, and the formation of blood clots. By blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins, NSAIDs reduce symptoms of infection or injury.

Naproxen Tablets

Naproxen is an over-the-counter NSAID, which is widely used as an anti-inflammatory painkiller. It is used for pain relief for conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps. It can be specifically prescribed for pain, swelling, and joint stiffness associated with arthritis, bursitis, or gout (a more common form of arthritis that affects only one joint, usually the big toe joint).

Diclofenac Sodium Tablets

Diclofenac Sodium is an anti-inflammatory prescription medication primarily used to treat pain and inflammation of joints caused by arthritis. It is also very effective for severe pain associated with gout attacks or arthritis flare-ups.

Naproxen vs Diclofenac Sodium: Which Relives Pain Better?

Naproxen vs Diclofenac Sodium: Naproxen is good for relieving pain associated with common conditions such as menstrual cramps, toothaches, and arthritis, whereas studies have shown that Diclofenac Sodium is better for arthritis pain compared to common painkillers such as Tylenol.

Naproxen effects last longer than other NSAIDs, so you don’t have to use it frequently. Diclofenac Sodium doesn’t last as long as Naproxen but can be used according to pain and swelling.

Diclofenac Sodium is available in its generic version, but Naproxen is branded and sold under the name ‘Aleve’.

Overall, Naproxen is a better NSAID for common conditions, whereas Diclofenac can be considered a medication that works very well for gout or osteoarthritis.