Gel "Clodifen" belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of local action. It is used to eliminate pain in muscles and joints, as well as to relieve tissue edema.
The composition of the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is diclofenac sodium. The auxiliary substances are: ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, nipagin, hydroxyethyl cellulose ether, purified water, carbomer.
Gel "Clodifen" has a colorless or yellowish tint homogeneous consistency. There is a faint smell of ethyl alcohol. It is packed in 45-gram aluminum tubes. On sale you can find 1% and 5% gel. In addition to the tube, in a cardboard box there is an instruction for the use of Klodifen gel.
general characteristics
The drug has an analgesic and antipyretic effect. It also fights inflammation. Its effect consists in suppressing the first and second type cyclooxygenase enzymes, inhibiting the metabolism of arachidonic acid and blocking the biological synthesis of PG (prostaglandins) in the center of the inflammatory process.
The amount of active substance is absorbed into the skin evenly over the entire area of the lesion and depends both on the degree of its hydration and on the dose of the applied drug.
After applying the product in the recommended way, about 6% of diclofenac is absorbed. If you create a tight seal of damaged skin with an occlusive dressing for about 9-10 hours, the absorption will increase several times, but this is not recommended. The metabolic products of the main component are excreted to a large extent with urine. Accumulating in the skin, it gradually penetrates into deeper tissues, where its concentration is 20 times stronger than in blood plasma.
This drug has no effect on the brain, so it is not prohibited when driving a car or working that requires concentrated attention and high speed of psychomotor reactions.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Clodifen gel is used for severe symptoms of inflammatory processes in the tissues. It effectively removes signs of hyperemia and relieves pain.
This medication is intended for the treatment of inflammation, pain, or swelling that occurs due to damage to joints and soft tissues. This can be a sprain, injury to the tendons or ligaments, joint dislocation, bruising, injuries sustained in sports, etc. Soft tissue rheumatism - tendovaginitis, tendonitis, periarthritis, bursitis, osteoarthritis. And also the application is indicated for:
- gout
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- osteoarthrosis;
- psoriatic, juvenile and rheumatoid arthritis;
- polymyositis;
- rheumatic polymyalgia;
- Wagner-Unferricht-Hepp disease (dermatomyositis).
It is prescribed for edema or a pronounced pain syndrome associated with diseases of the joints and muscles, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- radiculitis;
- lumbago;
- osteoarthrosis;
- sciatica etc.
Topical use of Clodifen gel helps to reduce the use of other painkillers and NSAIDs that are used orally. He quickly relieves pain and relieves swelling. With its help, the activity of the motor apparatus is much improved.
Contraindications
Of the contraindications to the use of the drug, note:
- hypersensitivity to the constituent components of the drug and acetylsalicylic acid;
- individual intolerance to NSAID drugs;
- history of symptoms of urticaria, rhinitis or bronchial asthma, which were caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- last trimester of pregnancy;
- age to 18 years.
In addition, it is forbidden to apply the gel on damaged skin and on open wounds. The drug is prescribed with great care to people who have an ulcer or erosive lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial asthma, heart failure, impaired liver and kidney function, hepatic porphyria.
Dosage and dosage regimen
Depending on the area of the affected area, the amount of the agent used is also determined. For example, if the skin is 600 square cm, then gel should be used 3 g.
1% gel "Clodifen" is used 3 to 4 times a day, but only adults or children over 12 years old.
A 5 percent gel is used 2 to 3 times per day, and also only adults or children over 12 years old. Procedures should be carried out at regular intervals. The duration of admission should not exceed 2 weeks. If within 10 days the patient’s situation has not improved, you should certainly consult a doctor.
The drug is used only on the affected area. A strip of gel is applied and gently rubbed into the skin with massage movements. Be sure to wash your hands with soap after use. You can do without this only if your hands are diseased and you need to lubricate them with gel.
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children. When using, avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If accidental penetration into the oral cavity occurs, immediately rinse the stomach and take an adsorbent.
Pregnancy and lactation
The drug can be used only in the third trimester of pregnancy. In the first two, taking is undesirable, but if the benefit for the expectant mother exceeds the potential risk for the baby, then with the permission of the doctor, this is possible.
It is also not recommended to use this drug during lactation, since the main active ingredient, diclofenac, is able to penetrate into breast milk.
Side effects
Side reactions are not excluded. They may appear in the form of itching, burning, hyperemia, dryness or contact dermatitis.
Reactions such as:
- hives;
- bronchial asthma;
- angioedema;
- bullous dermatitis;
- photosensitivity;
- bronchospasm;
- stomach ache;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- dyspepsia.
The risk of overdose is unlikely.
Interaction with other drugs
Since diclofenac is absorbed in very minimal doses, the interaction with other drugs is negligible. However, the reception of the gel enhances the effect of those agents, due to which photosensitization is manifested.
In addition, the drug is strictly forbidden to be used simultaneously with cosmetic products that are applied locally, similar to a gel.
Analogs of gel "Klodifen"
To choose an analog or generic for a particular drug, you need to carefully study the composition of the drugs. If the active ingredients are the same, then you have found a pharmaceutical alternative. However, the difference in the composition of additional substances can lead to undesirable negative consequences, so you should always consult your doctor.
Here is a sample list of Clodifen gel analogues (see photo below):
- Almiral. In the medicine, diclofenac also acts as the main active ingredient. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is prescribed in the form of a cream, ointment or gel of local application. Indications are the inflammatory processes of the musculoskeletal system, muscle tissue injuries and pain in the joints and muscles.
- Voltaren. It belongs to the NSAID group. With its help, pain and inflammation are relieved. It has a warming effect at the place of use. The regeneration of cells and tissues after using the gel is much faster.
Of the analogues of the Klodifen gel (in Kazakhstan and Russia) the most suitable, in addition to Almiral and Voltaren, are:
- Diclogen gel. Its active substance is diclofenac diethylamine. Among the auxiliary ones are: chlorocresol, triethanolamine, propylene glycol, liquid light paraffin, lavender, purified water, etc. It is indicated for use in inflammation after injuries in joints, tendons, tissues, muscles and ligaments. It is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age, with individual intolerance to the components, as well as for older people and heart failure, impaired liver and kidney function.
- Orthoflex. In this preparation, the main component is absolutely identical to the Clodifen gel substance - diclofenac sodium. And from the additional components emit: imidazolidinyl urea, benzyl benzoate and sodium hydroxide. It is prescribed for periarthropathy, osteoarthritis of the spine and peripheral joints, sprains, dislocations, epicondylitis, fibrositis and myalgia. Contraindications are exactly the same as with the Clodifen gel.
And also it is possible to get Diklak, Diklomek, Naklofen or Tabifleks gel.
Patient Reviews
Reviews about the gel "Clodifen" are mostly positive. Patients using the drug claim that assistance is provided almost instantly. And the pain can completely disappear in literally 3-4 days. This is especially true for injuries sustained in sports.
Also, patients are advised not to use bandages in the form of warm scarves or bandages, as you can get a burn or rash. In a small number of people using this tool, there were short-term pains in the stomach.
You have learned all about the reviews and analogues of the Clodifen gel. Next, we will provide a brief information about the prices of this drug.
Prices for the drug in Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation
Prices for Klodifen gel range from 1370 tenge (approximately 240 rubles) to 1540 tenge (270 rubles). The average cost is 1411 tenge (249 rubles).