How to Measure Voltaren Gel

Voltaren is a pain-relief medication from a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Voltaren is used to relieve pain caused by inflammation in joints due to osteoarthritis, and the gel has been specifically tested on smaller joints in the body, such as the knees and hands. According to Drugs.com, proper tests on larger joints such as the shoulders or the hips have not been done yet. Voltaren is applied topically over areas where the pain is occurring (such as the hands or knees), and should not be taken internally. Voltaren gel is measured out using a dosing card.

Instructions

Measuring out Voltaren Gel using dosing cards.

• 1

  Extract the dosing card from the product carton. Dosing cards are manufactured specifically for Voltaren gel. They are found inside the product cartons and should be used only once per application of the gel, then discarded after use (do not rinse and re-use). Become familiar with the areas of the card-- it's divided into several oblong-shaped areas separated by a line which indicates the quantity of gel applied. Either 2 grams or 4 grams of gel can be measured out on the dose card. Do not exceed this quantity per card, or per application area.

• 2

  Decide how much gel is needed for the application area. For hands, wrists and elbows, use 2 grams of gel; for the foot, knee or ankles, 4 grams of gel will be required.

• 3

  Measure the quantity of gel by squeezing out the gel onto the dosing card oblong to the 2 grams or 4 grams mark, as required for the area the gel is to be applied to. Do not forcefully pump the gel out as this may cause over-dosage.

• 4

  Apply Voltaren using the dosing card. Ensure that all the gel is removed from the card and then massage it into the affected area gently. Spread the gel evenly over the entire area. Do not allow more than 8 grams to be applied to a single joint or area in the upper extremities (elbows, wrists, hands), and no more than 16 grams of gel to lower extremities (feet, ankles, knees). Voltaren can be applied to these body areas up to 4 times a day as long as the maximum gel weight is not exceeded.

• 5

  Do not overdose. Voltaren gel must not be used in excess of 32 grams each day in total over all joints.

• 6

  Fold and dispose the dose card after use. Do not allow the used card to come into contact with children or pets.