This text is based on the latest medical evidence and my personal experience in selecting and recommending over-the-counter medications, without favoring any particular pharmaceutical company or product. If new medical evidence is published, the recommended medications will be promptly updated accordingly.
When you visit Japanese drugstores, you’ll find a wide variety of topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications on sale.
Do you think they’re all the same?
In fact, the effectiveness and usage restrictions vary by product.
Read this article to discover the perfect topical medication that suits your needs!
The Most Effective Topical Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Medications Available at Japanese Pharmacies
Faitas Zα Jikusus （Hisamitsu）
This topical patch contains 2.0% of the powerful pain reliever diclofenac, making it the most effective over-the-counter external analgesic available at pharmacies in Japan.
Diclofenac is a powerful analgesic that is also used as a medication for cancer pain management.
Among similar products, this is the only one that contains such a high concentration of 2.0% diclofenac.
It provides 24-hour pain relief with just one application per day.
It is safe for use by breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 14th week of pregnancy without any issues.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should not use this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. It is also unsuitable for children under 15 years of age and women who are 28 weeks or more into their pregnancy.
This product may cause photosensitivity reactions. During and after use, regardless of the weather, make sure to cover the application area with clothing and avoid exposure to sunlight.
Voltaren ACα Tape / Voltaren EX Gel
This topical patch contains 1.0% of the powerful pain reliever diclofenac, which is also used as a medication for managing cancer pain.
It provides 24-hour pain relief with just one application per day.
It is safe for use by breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 14th week of pregnancy without any concerns.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should avoid using this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. It is also not suitable for children under 15 years of age or women who are 28 weeks or more into their pregnancy.
This product may cause photosensitivity reactions. During and after use, regardless of the weather, be sure to cover the application area with clothing to avoid exposure to sunlight.
Faitas Z Cream(Hisamitsu)
This topical ointment contains 1.0% of the powerful pain reliever diclofenac, which is also used as a medication for cancer pain management.
It provides 24-hour relief with just one application per day.
It is safe for use by breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 14th week of pregnancy without any issues.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should avoid using this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. It is not suitable for children under 15 years of age or women who are 28 weeks or more into their pregnancy.
This product may cause photosensitivity reactions. During and after use, regardless of the weather, make sure to cover the application area with clothing to avoid exposure to sunlight.
Milder Topical Analgesic Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Vantelin Kowa pat EX (Kowa)
This topical patch is an external analgesic with indomethacin as its main ingredient.
Compared to diclofenac, indomethacin has milder analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but it also has fewer side effects.
It is safe for breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week of pregnancy without any issues. It is suitable for individuals aged 15 and older.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should not use this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. Pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week, but its use should be avoided from the 28th week of pregnancy onwards.
Child-friendly Topical Analgesic Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Salonpas EX (Hisamitsu）
This topical patch is suitable for use from the age of 11.
Its main ingredient, indomethacin, has milder effects compared to diclofenac, but it also has fewer side effects.
It is safe for breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week of pregnancy without any issues.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should not use this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. Pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week, but its use should be avoided from the 28th week of pregnancy onwards.
Vantelin Kowa Liquidα・Vantelin Kowa gel α (Kowa）
It is safe for breastfeeding women, and pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week of pregnancy without any issues.
This topical ointment is suitable for use from the age of 11. Its main ingredient, indomethacin, has milder effects compared to diclofenac, but it also has fewer side effects.
Precautions
People with a history of asthma should not use this product as it may trigger aspirin-induced asthma. Pregnant women can use it up to the 12th week, but its use should be avoided from the 28th week of pregnancy onwards.
This is a gel type.
Salonpas（Hisamitsu）
This topical patch is an external analgesic with methyl salicylate as its main ingredient.
It works by acting on sensory nerves to provide pain relief and also has the effect of dilating peripheral blood vessels to improve blood circulation.
While its analgesic effects are less potent compared to those of diclofenac or indomethacin, it has almost no side effects.
Therefore, it has no age restrictions and can be safely used by children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and the elderly.
