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What is the brand name for tramadol and diclofenac? Understanding Common Brands and Combinations

4 min read

Prescription pain medications like tramadol and diclofenac are widely used, but they are often known by their specific brand names, which can vary depending on the country and formulation. This is why knowing what is the brand name for tramadol and diclofenac is so important for patients, as it helps clarify their prescriptions and understand the differences in their treatment options.

Quick Summary

Tramadol's brand names include Ultram, Conzip, and Qdolo, while diclofenac is sold under brands like Voltaren, Cataflam, and Cambia. Fixed-dose combinations also exist that combine both medications into one product.

Key Points

  • Tramadol Brands: Common brand names for tramadol include Ultram, Ultram ER, Conzip, and Qdolo, and it is also available generically.

  • Diclofenac Brands: Well-known brand names for diclofenac are Voltaren (including topical gel), Cataflam, Cambia, and Zipsor, with many formulations available.

  • Combination Products: Fixed-dose combinations of tramadol and diclofenac exist under specific brand names like Adorlan and DURAPAIN in certain markets, and combine an opioid with an NSAID.

  • Different Drug Classes: Tramadol is an opioid-like pain reliever, while diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with different mechanisms of action.

  • Patient Safety: It is critical for patient safety to verify the correct brand, formulation, and dosage of any tramadol or diclofenac product with a healthcare provider due to variations and potential side effects.

  • Formulation Matters: Different brand names can correspond to different formulations (e.g., immediate-release vs. extended-release) or dosage forms (e.g., oral vs. topical), which affects how and when the medication should be taken.

In This Article

Both tramadol and diclofenac are medications prescribed to manage pain, but they belong to different drug classes and work through distinct mechanisms. Tramadol is an opioid-like analgesic, whereas diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As such, they are sold under numerous brand names worldwide, and are sometimes combined in a single medication to offer multi-modal pain relief.

Brand Names for Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. In addition to being available as a generic drug, it is marketed under several different brand names, often with specific formulations. Some brand names are for immediate-release (IR) versions, while others denote extended-release (ER) forms.

Here is a list of common tramadol brand names:

  • Ultram: This is one of the most widely recognized brand names for immediate-release tramadol in the United States.
  • Ultram ER: An extended-release version designed for continuous pain management.
  • Conzip: Another extended-release capsule for tramadol.
  • Qdolo: A liquid formulation of tramadol.
  • Tramal: A brand name used in various countries.
  • Zydol: A UK-based brand name for tramadol.

Brand Names for Diclofenac

Diclofenac is an NSAID used to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by conditions like arthritis and migraines. It is available in various forms, including oral tablets, capsules, powder for solution, topical gels, and patches.

Common diclofenac brand names include:

  • Voltaren: A very well-known brand, available in oral, extended-release (Voltaren XR), and topical gel forms. The topical gel formulation is available over-the-counter.
  • Cataflam: An oral tablet formulation, often used for acute pain.
  • Cambia: A powder for oral solution used specifically for migraine headaches.
  • Zipsor: A liquid-filled capsule formulation.
  • Flector: A topical patch containing diclofenac.
  • Pennsaid: A topical solution used for osteoarthritis pain.

Fixed-Dose Combination Products

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of tramadol and diclofenac to treat acute severe pain. These medications combine the analgesic properties of the opioid with the anti-inflammatory effects of the NSAID. This approach allows for a lower dose of each medication, potentially reducing the risk of side effects associated with either drug alone.

Brand names for tramadol and diclofenac combinations include:

  • Adorlan: An FDC tablet combining tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg and diclofenac sodium 50 mg.
  • DURAPAIN®: A brand name for an FDC in India, containing sustained-release diclofenac and immediate-release tramadol.
  • DIBOL® / DIBOLS®: Other brand names for the FDC available in India.
  • RESYNC®: Another brand name for the FDC in India.

Comparison of Tramadol and Diclofenac

Understanding the fundamental differences between these two drugs is essential for appreciating why they are used separately or in combination. While both treat pain, their mechanisms and risk profiles are significantly different.

Feature Tramadol Diclofenac
Drug Class Opioid Analgesic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Mechanism of Action Centrally-acting, binds to opioid receptors, and inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.
Pain Type Moderate to moderately severe pain. Mild to moderate pain, especially with inflammation.
Controlled Substance Yes, Schedule IV (in the US) due to potential for abuse and dependence. No.
Key Side Effects Nausea, constipation, dizziness, respiratory depression, serotonin syndrome, potential for addiction. Stomach pain, ulcers, bleeding, cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), kidney issues.
Best For Post-operative pain or chronic pain not responding to non-opioids. Pain and swelling from arthritis, migraines, or menstrual cramps.

Navigating Prescriptions and Safety

With the wide variety of brand names and formulations for both tramadol and diclofenac, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. When receiving a new prescription, always double-check the medication name, strength, and dosage with your pharmacist. This is especially important for extended-release products, which should never be crushed or chewed, as doing so can lead to a dangerously high dose being released at once. The availability of different brands and formulations also highlights the importance of discussing your medical history and other medications with your doctor, as both tramadol and diclofenac can have significant interactions and side effects.

Conclusion

While tramadol is known by brands like Ultram and Conzip, and diclofenac by brands such as Voltaren and Cataflam, these are just a few examples of many available options. The existence of fixed-dose combination products further adds to the complexity. Understanding that the same active ingredient can be sold under different brand names, in various strengths and formulations, is key to being an informed patient. Always rely on your healthcare provider and pharmacist for accurate information regarding the specific brand and generic versions of tramadol or diclofenac that are best suited for your needs. For additional information on medication safety and usage, you can refer to authoritative sources like Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common brand name for tramadol in the United States is Ultram. It is available in both immediate-release tablets and an extended-release form known as Ultram ER.

Yes, Voltaren is a brand name for the generic drug diclofenac. It is available in various forms, including oral tablets, extended-release tablets (Voltaren XR), and a topical gel for joint pain.

In some markets, fixed-dose combination products are available under brand names such as Adorlan, DURAPAIN®, and DIBOL®. These combine both active ingredients into a single tablet.

Yes, tramadol is classified as an opioid analgesic and is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.

While most forms of diclofenac require a prescription, the topical gel formulation, often sold under the brand name Voltaren Arthritis Pain, is available over-the-counter.

Diclofenac is typically used for mild to moderate pain, particularly pain associated with inflammation from conditions like arthritis, as well as migraines and menstrual cramps.

Tramadol works by affecting the central nervous system to alter the perception of pain, while diclofenac is an NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation by blocking specific enzymes in the body.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.