Sprain and bruises, dislocations and inflammatory processes in the joints and muscles - how often does a person encounter similar phenomena in his life? Each reader of this article can give one answer to this question: almost every day. Therefore, in every home medicine cabinet it is necessary to have a drug that will relieve pain, reduce inflammation and generally act on injured tissues in a favorable way. Such drugs include Voltaren. An ointment, the composition of which is able to quickly restore a person’s working capacity (joint mobility, muscle elasticity), is inexpensive, and brings huge benefits. It is to this drug that the article is devoted.
The drug "Voltaren": release form
Currently, pharmacologists produce several dosage forms of the drug "Voltaren". The instruction for use mentions film-coated tablets with prolonged action, rectal suppositories, conventional tablets, injection, and even eye drops. However, unlike these drugs, the most popular among consumers are dosage forms that do not have a systemic effect on the body, and, as a result, have less undesirable effect on many organs and tissues. Such drugs include ointments, gels, and sprays for topical application.
Ointment "Voltaren", reviews of which indicate the greatest popularity of this particular product, as well as the cream of the same name (emulgel), are considered the most effective in eliminating a variety of pathological processes in the joints and muscles. This opinion is expressed not only by patients, but also by their attending physicians. Voltaren-Emulgel ointment, for example, is recommended for use even with severe headaches, the cause of which lies in the excessive tension of the muscles of the neck and upper back. However, we will talk about the methods of use and indications for using the drug later.
Ointment "Voltaren": description and composition
Consider what is included in the drug "Voltaren" (ointment). The composition of this tool includes, in addition to auxiliary substances (carbomers, paraffins, propylene glycol, water and aromatic fragrances), diclofenac diethylamine. It is this compound that has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The concentration of the active substance, according to the official instructions for use, is 1%, which implies the presence of 1.16 g of diclofenac diethylamine in 100 g of gel for external use. Externally, the gel (ointment) looks like a white or slightly yellowish creamy substance. Emulgel has a more transparent, watery structure, while the ointment is matte and more dense.
The Voltaren medicine (ointment) is packaged in tubes of aluminum or laminated material (soft plastic) for 10, 20, 50 or 100 g. There are two types of tubes that differ in the design of the screw cap: conventional and for patients with impaired mobility of the hands . In addition, Voltaren ointment (gel) is available in aluminum bottles of 75 and 100 g, as well as in plastic baths (containers) of 100 g.
A large selection of drug packaging allows each patient to purchase the one that best meets his requirements, it is this factor that plays a role in choosing a drug for the elderly and consumers with impaired joint mobility.
The mechanism of action of the ointment "Voltaren"
Consider the mechanisms of action on the body of the drug "Voltaren". Ointment refers the instructions for use of the drug to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) of local action. The main active ingredient of the drug after penetrating into the tissue begins to selectively inhibit such formations as COX1 and COX2, which in turn provokes a violation of the metabolism of arachidonic acid in the tissues surrounding the inflammation.
The analgesic effect of the drug is due to this property of the active substance, as well as water-ethanol components that make up the ointment. It is worth noting that the drug "Voltaren" absorbed quickly enough, especially if applied under a bandage. In addition, the effect of the drug on the tissue lasts up to 12 hours, which allows you to use it only 2 times a day.
Indications for use
What diseases are indicated for the use of Voltaren? For joints, ointment is recommended to be used in case of the occurrence or development of such inflammatory processes as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile chronic arthritis. In addition, its use is advisable for ankylosing spondylitis, gout, bursitis, osteoarthrosis (including deforming) and osteochondrosis.
In addition, the drug "Voltaren" (ointment), the instructions for use are recommended for the treatment of pain due to the presence of lumbago, sciatica, rheumatoid lesions of soft tissues. The drug is effective in case of neuralgia, myalgia, tendovaginitis, injuries, as well as inflammation of the tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints resulting from traumatic circumstances.
Contraindications
Consider the circumstances in the presence of which the instruction does not recommend the use of the drug "Voltaren" (ointment). Contraindications primarily apply to patients whose age has not reached 6 years. Also, you can not use the drug to people who have hypersensitivity to its constituent components, including diclofenac. Patients who suffer from intolerance to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should pay special attention to this. Voltaren-Emulgel ointment is not recommended to be applied to areas of the body on which the skin integument has lost its integrity and has such damage as abrasions, diaper rash, scratches, rashes, etc.
The use of Voltaren ointment requires caution also in diseases such as hepatic porphyria in the acute stage, impaired renal and hepatic function, blood coagulation (tendency to prolonged bleeding or hemophilia), as well as for aspirin asthma.
The drug for external use, Voltaren (ointment), instructions for use are recommended only after prior consultation with a specialist, since its use can provoke an exacerbation of several fairly serious chronic diseases or cause a severe allergic reaction of the body.
How to use Voltaren ointment
The first thing to say about the use of the drug: the only thing that should be followed when using the Voltaren means is the instruction. An ointment, reviews of which you can read further, is applied to the skin in a problem place with a thin layer 2-3 times a day. The amount of ointment per application should not exceed 2-4 grams. The duration of treatment is at least one and no more than 2 weeks.
The Voltaren-Emulgel ointment, which combines the properties of a gel and an emulsion, is applied in the same amount (2-4 g). At the same time, experts recommend rubbing the drug into the skin with light massage movements. After applying the drug to the skin, the instruction advises washing your hands to avoid accidentally getting the drug on the mucous membranes of the eyes or in the digestive tract.
In the case of a pronounced pain syndrome, it is not allowed to apply an insulating dressing over the applied cream or emulgel, which accelerates the penetration of active substances into the affected tissues and enhances their effect.
The Voltaren ointment is effective for 12 hours, so patients must observe this time interval between applying the product to the skin.
Side effects of the drug "Voltaren" (ointment)
Like any medicine, ointment has a number of side effects. Some of them require the complete abolition of its use, while others imply the need to review the dosage of the drug. To date, experts point to adverse reactions that concern patients during treatment with Voltaren (ointment). The instructions for use of this medication also contain an impressive list of undesirable effects in this regard, which include:
- skin reactions in the form of multiforme exudative erythema, eczema, dermatitis;
- severe allergic reactions in the form of angioedema, urticaria, itching and burning at the site of application of the drug;
- digestive disorders, including soreness in the epigastric region, vomiting, nausea, increased gas formation in the intestines, the development of toxic hepatitis, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines;
- disorders of the nervous system, such as insomnia, anxiety, headache and asthenia;
- disorders of the sensory organs, for example, decreased hearing and vision, ringing in the ears, etc.
- disorders in the work of the blood forming organs, which are expressed in the appearance of anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
- heart pain, arrhythmia, increased blood pressure;
- bronchospasm;
- edema.
It is worth noting the fact that most of the above symptomatic manifestations were observed if the drug was used for a period of time far exceeding the recommended one in the instructions. In addition, the risk of developing adverse reactions of the body increases significantly when applying to the skin cream (ointment) in dosages exceeding the recommended ones. In this regard, many experts do not recommend using this drug for the treatment of muscle and joint pain without first consulting your doctor.
Special instructions for use during pregnancy
The use of the drug "Vltaren" (ointment) instructions for use allow only if the patient's skin is not damaged. The fact is that the elements of ethyl that are part of the preparation can irritate tissues. It is worth recalling even the fact that these compounds irritate even completely healthy tissues. For the same reason, ointment and emulsifier should not be used in combination with an insulating dressing. In addition, it is important to ensure that the drug does not get on the mucous membranes of the eyes, in the mouth or nose.
Experts advise with extreme caution to use the drug "Voltaren" (ointment) during pregnancy. In the first two trimesters, the expectant mother can use this medicine only after consulting a gynecologist who monitors the course of her pregnancy. In the last trimester, the drug should not be used at all, as this can lead to fetal pathologies. Voltaren ointment should not be used during breastfeeding, since the active components are found in breast milk. Diclofenac, as mentioned above, can provoke the development of various disorders in the functioning of the digestive and other organs, and at the stage of active growth, this can greatly harm the child.
The timing of treatment with the drug "Voltaren" is set by the attending physician. The generally accepted rules in determining the duration of therapy are the recommendations set out in the official instructions for the drug. Inflammatory processes in soft tissues are treated with ointment (emulgel) for no more than 14 days, and bone structures (joints) for no more than 21 days.
Before applying the ointment to the skin, thoroughly clean them from contamination. It is also worth washing your hands before using the product and immediately after it.
Specialists draw attention to the fact that symptoms such as pain and worsening joint mobility during treatment with Voltaren pass within 7 days after the start of therapy. In the absence of any improvement, it is recommended to stop using the drug and contact the clinic.
Drug Interactions
Often, several drugs are used to treat pain in muscles and joints. In addition, in addition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, patients often suffer from a number of concomitant diseases, the treatment of which involves the use of drugs from groups with different pharmaceutical effects. Is it safe to use them together with Voltaren? Ointment, despite the absence of a pronounced systemic effect on the body, can interact with many drugs. Firstly, it is not recommended to use the drug with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac in tablets or injections, etc.). Secondly, negative consequences may arise as a result of the joint use of the Voltaren drug with drugs from the group of diuretics and anticoagulants. In addition to the above medicines, together with the ointment, it is not recommended to use antibiotics from the quinolone group.
Storage of the drug: terms and rules
Ointment "Voltaren", according to the instructions for use, should be used within 3 years from the date of release. The fact is that the components included in its composition inevitably react with each other, as a result of which they gradually lose their therapeutic properties. In addition, the resulting compounds can cause a severe allergic reaction in the patient's body.
In order to avoid premature loss of medicinal properties of the drug, it is worth considering the proper storage of it. It is not recommended to store tubes with ointment in the warmth, as well as in direct sunlight. The best place to preserve the drug throughout the term is considered a refrigerator.
If there is doubt about the proper quality of the ointment or emulsifier (too thin or thick texture, atypical odor or color), it is better to refuse to use the product.
Reviews about the ointment "Voltaren", prices
Voltaren ointment, reviews of which in most cases are positive, is considered by consumers to be the most affordable medicines. The cost of the drug starts from 120 rubles per package. It is this, along with high efficiency and a wide spectrum of action of the drug that determined its high popularity among consumers.
In addition to the cost, patients who used the Voltaren ointment or emulsifier note the convenience of its use. Emulgel at the same time has its own characteristics: it is absorbed faster than the ointment, does not leave greasy marks on clothes. For elderly patients and those who have problems with arm mobility, it was especially valuable that there is a special form of caps on the tubes that can be easily opened.
Regarding the effectiveness of the drug "Voltaren" and the incidence of side effects, customer reviews say the following: in less than 30% of cases, slight reddening of tissues in the area of application of the ointment was observed, which took place independently in a short time. Allergic reactions to ointment or emulgel in 40% of cases developed even due to a small excess of the dosage of the drug. About 70% of respondents noted a rapid decrease in pain in the joints and muscles after applying the ointment. Full recovery after a week of drug use occurred in more than 80% of patients.
Positively characterize the ointment "Voltaren" and doctors. They note that its high efficiency in many cases can reduce the treatment time for patients. In this case, experts pay attention to the fact that the drug has many side effects and contraindications, which should be taken into account when prescribing a drug and when determining the duration of therapy and dosage.