Both Voltaren® and TYLENOL® help to relieve arthritis pain, however they work in different ways. TYLENOL® is an oral analgesic that provides fast relief of minor arthritis pain. Voltaren® is a topical analgesic that provides relief of arthritis pain but is not intended to work fast. It may take up to 7 days to work. TYLENOL®, which contains acetaminophen, can be a more appropriate option than Voltaren®, which contains diclofenac an NSAID, for those with certain health conditions, such as heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or stomach problems. Although NSAIDs share some similarities, they have different levels of risk. For example, topical diclofenac irritates the stomach less than aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions and please note that the information below is not a substitute for the specific product's Drug Facts Label. Please always read and follow the label.
Explore our chart below to compare Voltaren® vs. TYLENOL® to help you decide if TYLENOL® or Voltaren® is the best pain reliever for your needs.
![]() Voltaren® 1 |
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Characteristics | ||
Forms | Rapid Release Gels, Coated Tablets, Caplets | Topical Gel |
Active Ingredient | Acetaminophen | Diclofenac |
Dosing | 2 pills every 6hrs while symptoms last; do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours | Apply 4 times a day; Upper Body Dose- max 2 grams; Lower Body Dose- max 4 grams; do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time; may take up to 7 days to work |
Contains an NSAID |
No |
Yes |
From the #1 Doctor-recommended Brand of Pain Reliever |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Fever |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Back Pain/ Backache |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Headache |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Muscle Pain/ Muscle Aches |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Premenstrual and Menstrual Pain |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Toothache |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Minor Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain |
Yes |
No |
Relieves Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain |
No |
Yes |
Provides Fast Pain Relief |
Yes |
No |
Provides Targeted Pain Relief |
No |
Yes 2 |
Works Centrally to Relieve Your Pain |
Yes |
No |
May be more appropriate for those with High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, Stomach Problems, or Heart Disease |
Yes |
No |
Increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke |
No |
Yes |
May cause severe stomach bleeding |
No |
Yes |
Contains Liver Warning |
Yes 3 |
Yes 4 |
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