Comparison Table: Naproxen vs. Diclofenac
| Feature | Naproxen | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drug Class | NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) | NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) |
| 2. Chemical Class | Propionic acid derivative | Acetic acid derivative |
| 3. Prescription Status | OTC and prescription | Mostly prescription only |
| 4. Common Brand Names | Aleve, Naprosyn | Voltaren, Cataflam |
| 5. Route of Administration | Oral, topical, rectal | Oral, topical, rectal, injectable |
| 6. Onset of Action | 30–60 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| 7. Duration of Action | Longer duration (8–12 hours) | Shorter duration (6–8 hours) |
| 8. Dosing Frequency | Usually twice daily | Usually 2–4 times daily |
| 9. Anti-inflammatory Potency | Moderate | Higher |
| 10. Pain Relief Potency | Moderate | Stronger, especially for joint inflammation |
| 11. GI Side Effects | Moderate to high | High (especially risk of ulcers) |
| 12. Cardiovascular Risk | Lower than diclofenac | Higher cardiovascular risk |
| 13. Renal Risk | Present, especially with long-term use | Present, often higher than naproxen |
| 14. Liver Toxicity Risk | Rare | Higher risk than naproxen |
| 15. Use in Arthritis | Commonly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis | Highly effective for arthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis) |
| 16. Fever Reduction | Effective | Less commonly used for fever |
| 17. Availability of Topical | Yes (less common) | Widely available and effective (e.g., Voltaren Gel) |
| 18. Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| 19. Interaction with Aspirin | May reduce aspirin’s heart benefits | Stronger interaction—avoid use with aspirin |
| 20. Pregnancy Use | Avoid in 3rd trimester; Category C before then | Avoid in pregnancy; Category D in 3rd trimester |
Indications
| Condition | Naproxen | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis |  Yes |
Yes |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Yes |
Yes |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | Yes |
Yes |
| Menstrual cramps | Yes |
Yes |
| Gout flare-ups | Yes |
Yes |
| Muscle and joint pain | Yes |
Yes |
| Post-operative pain | Yes |
Yes |
| Fever | Sometimes |
 Rarely used |
| Back pain | Yes |
Yes |
Contraindications
| Condition or Situation | Naproxen | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| Peptic ulcer disease | Contraindicated |
Contraindicated |
| Severe heart failure |  Use with caution |
Contraindicated |
| Pregnancy (3rd trimester) | Avoid |
Avoid |
| Kidney disease | Use with caution |
Use with caution |
| Liver disease | Rarely an issue |
Use with caution/avoid |
| Aspirin allergy | Avoid |
Avoid |
| Active bleeding (e.g., GI or brain) | Contraindicated |
Contraindicated |
| Children <2 years | Not recommended |
Not recommended |
Typical Dosage
| Parameter | Naproxen | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Oral Dose | 250–500 mg twice daily | 50–75 mg 2–3 times daily |
| Max Daily Dose | 1,000–1,250 mg/day | 150 mg/day (oral); 100 mg/day (topical) |
| Topical Dose | Applied to affected area 2–4 times/day | Gel: 2–4 g up to 4 times/day |
| Half-life | 12–17 hours | 1–2 hours (short, requires more frequent use) |
Warning Signs to Stop Immediately
| Symptom | Both Drugs (Applicable) |
|---|---|
| Severe stomach pain or black stools |  Possible GI bleeding |
| Chest pain, shortness of breath | Heart attack risk |
| Swelling in legs, rapid weight gain | Heart failure or kidney issues |
| Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice) | Liver damage |
| Decreased urination or blood in urine | Kidney dysfunction |
| Skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction | Hypersensitivity reaction |
Which One Is Best and Safe?
| Criteria | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Long-term safety | Naproxen (lower heart risks) |
| Strong anti-inflammatory | Diclofenac (especially topical) |
| Lower gastrointestinal risk | Naproxen with PPI (e.g., omeprazole) |
| Topical use | Diclofenac (Voltaren gel) |
| Heart patient safety | Naproxen (preferable) |
| Budget-friendly | Naproxen |
Conclusion:
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Naproxen is safer for long-term use, especially in patients with heart concerns, and is more affordable and widely available.
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Diclofenac is more potent for inflammation and pain, particularly when used as a topical gel, but comes with higher heart, liver, and GI risks.
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Always consult a doctor before using either, especially for chronic conditions.
