When pain occurs in the musculoskeletal system, doctors recommend using local remedies, which include gels and creams, to reduce the pain syndrome. Among the most effective medicines that have a combined effect is the ointment "Finalgon". The instructions for use and reviews describe in detail how to use the drug to quickly fix the problem and get rid of pain.
Composition and dosage form
The product is available in the form of an ointment or gel for external use. Finalgon has a uniform, dense consistency and a tan color. The metal tube inside the red cardboard box has a volume of 20 g. The box contains instructions for using the “Finalgon” and a special applicator designed for applying the medicine.
The main active ingredients are nonivamide - 4 mg, nicoboxyl - 25 mg. Additional ingredients:
- citronella oil;
- purified water;
- sorbic acid;
- soft paraffin;
- crodamol;
- colloidal silicon dioxide.
pharmachologic effect
Finalgon ointment has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, warming and vasodilating effects on the painful area. It should be used topically for additional therapy for dystrophic or inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. When applying the drug, the metabolism normalizes and blood circulation is restored.
Nonivamide, as one of the capsaicin analogues, has strong analgesic properties. They appear as a result of the penetration of the active component to peripheral nociceptive C-fibers and A-delta nerve endings. With repeated application of the gel to the skin, the medicinal effect is enhanced. Nonivamide also helps to dilate blood vessels. The patient has a feeling of warmth at the place of use. This is due to the fact that the afferent nerve endings in the epidermis are stimulated.
Another active substance is nicoboxyl, which is an agent from the same pharmacological group with nicotinic acid. This drug also has the ability to dilate blood vessels. The process involves prostaglandins I2 and E2. It has a hyperemic effect on the sore spot, far superior to the active effect of nonivamide.
In addition, both active components are complementary substances. Due to this interaction, the rate of enzymatic reactions becomes much greater and the metabolism of subcutaneous tissue begins to become more active. This is manifested by an increase in skin temperature and the appearance of hyperemia. The effect lasts only a few minutes, and after about half an hour the patient will feel relief. At this time, the maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is determined.
Before the release of the drug, special studies were conducted. Then it was proved that the best combination is the percentage ratio: 2.5% nicoboxyl and 0.4% nonivamide. The experiment involved patients who complained of acute nonspecific pain in the lower back. After applying the Finalgon ointment, they felt a decrease in the intensity of pain 4 hours after the first use (the drug was applied three times a day, the duration of the study was 4 days). All subjects confirmed that pain began to disappear after 30-60 minutes.
There are no data on the pharmacokinetics or excretion of active substances from the body.
Indications for use
As indicated in the instructions for use with Finalgon ointment, it must be used for diseases that are associated with inflammatory and degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. This list includes the following diseases:
- arthritis - inflammation of the joint;
- myalgia - pain in the muscles that are higher due to increased physical activity;
- neuritis - non-infectious inflammation of the peripheral nerve endings;
- sciatica - the appearance of sciatic nerve pain;
- bursitis - inflammation of the joint bags;
- lumbago - pain in the lumbar.
- sprain;
- bruises.
In addition, Finalgon ointment helps with complex therapy, when the patient is diagnosed with “violation of peripheral blood circulation of tissues”. Sports doctors advise professional athletes to use the drug to quickly warm their muscles before they begin to exercise.
Contraindications
Judging by the instructions and reviews for the ointment "Finalgon", then before you start using you should make sure that there are no contraindications. Doctors advise choosing another drug for local anesthesia, if any:
- hypersensitivity of the skin;
- individual intolerance to one or more ingredients contained in the drug;
- open wounds on the surface of the skin.
It is also forbidden to use Finalgon ointment for children under 12 years of age. There is no information on how the use of the drug during breastfeeding and pregnancy does not affect patients. However, doctors advise choosing safer painkillers at this time.
Side effects
Despite the fact that the ointment "Finalgon" refers to drugs that have undergone clinical trials, negative reactions sometimes appear on the background of its use. They affect the skin, nervous and respiratory systems. The most common side effects are:
- dyspnea;
- violation of skin sensitivity;
- burning;
- paroxysmal cough;
- the appearance of an allergic rash;
- itching
- hives;
- skin edema;
- anaphylactic shock;
- vesicles - vesicles on the epidermis, filled with liquid;
- feeling of suffocation.
If any of these conditions or other negative feelings occur during the use of the Finalgon ointment, you should immediately stop using the drug, rinse the place of application with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Most likely, another local vasodilator and analgesic will be prescribed.
Overdose
Often patients inattentively read the annotation. Especially the section where it is indicated in what quantities and how to apply the Finalgon gel. The instructions for use describe cases when too much is used. With an overdose of the drug, systemic reactions most often occur:
- painful hyperemia;
- hot flashes;
- intense burning;
- increase in body temperature;
- severe redness of the skin;
- the appearance of vesicles;
- lowering blood pressure;
- cardiopalmus;
- weakness and nausea.
Reactions that relate to the respiratory and nervous systems arise due to the fact that any nicotinic acid derivatives have increased transdermal absorption (absorption into the skin layer). When these symptoms appear, you need to act the same way as with any of the side effects - remove excess ointment and rinse the area of ​​application with plenty of water. A fat cream or medical vaseline will help to remove the drug. The next time you need to reduce the dosage, applying the product on the surface of the skin with light movements.
Instructions for use
The drug is used externally, so treatment with this drug is prescribed by the doctor individually. The age of the patient and the specificity of pain are taken into account. If the drug is used for the first time, then first you should evaluate the sensitivity to the medication. This can be done by conducting a simple test - a few drops of the product should be applied to the wrist, where the epidermis is more sensitive. If there are no side effects or individual intolerance within one to two hours, then you can safely begin a therapeutic course.
In the event that there is no negative reaction, the average therapeutic dose is selected and applied to the skin in the place where the pain is disturbing. In order not to make a mistake with the dosage, squeeze out 5 mm ointment from the tube and distribute it using a special applicator. It is recommended to apply the drug with light movements, without rubbing it too much into the skin.
It is noted that with prolonged use of the medication (7-10 days), its effectiveness slightly decreases, therefore, to improve the therapeutic effect, you can slightly increase the dosage and squeeze 7-8 mm of the gel. The maximum single dose should not be more than 1 cm of the gel squeezed out of the tube. With a uniform distribution, it covers an area of ​​10 by 20 cm.
The instructions for use of "Finalgon" indicate that it can be used no more than 2-3 times a day. It is best to do this at regular intervals of 4-5 hours. After the product has been applied to the skin, wash your hands thoroughly.
If you plan to use the drug to warm the muscles, then you need to apply it about half an hour before the workout. If after using the Finalgon ointment, the pain syndrome does not resolve, it is recommended to consult a doctor to conduct a thorough examination, find out the causes of the disease and choose another drug.
special instructions
Before you start the local use of the drug, you should read the instructions for use of the ointment "Finalgon". It indicates what you must pay attention to in order to avoid negative consequences. The following features of the use of the drug are listed there:
- It is important to avoid getting the medication on healthy areas of the skin, because they have an increased sensitivity.
- After the ointment is applied, wash your hands with soap.
- If by chance the product gets on the conjunctiva of the eyes or other exposed parts of the mucous membrane, then immediately rinse them with plenty of running water and contact a medical institution for help.
- Burning, itching, flushing of the skin, the appearance of vesicles can be caused by a vasodilating property. If the amount of ointment is slightly reduced, then this effect is likely to disappear. Otherwise, you need to replace the tool with an analog.
- It is strictly forbidden to take a bath or shower for an hour after using the drug.
- Sorbic acid, which is contained in the composition of the medication, often leads to the appearance of contact dermatitis.
- Sometimes sweating with increased physical exertion leads to the re-emergence of burning or heat in the area of ​​application of the product.
- Despite the fact that the ointment does not directly affect the central nervous system, care should be taken with special care, which requires the proper speed of psychomotor reactions and concentration of attention.
Analogs
You can always replace the drug with another if there are contraindications or intolerance to the ointment "Finalgon". Instructions for use of the analogue will not differ much from that which we considered earlier. Complete structural drug substitutes sold in a network of pharmacies are Betalgon and Betanicomilon creams. The composition includes the same active components - nonivamide and nicoboxyl. The proportions of the substances are fully observed. But these drugs are not suitable for those who have allergic reactions or side effects from Finalgon ointment.
In this case, generic drugs are selected that have a different composition, but with a similar therapeutic effect. This list includes;
- Capsicum
- "Long";
- "Vyprosal";
- Deep Relief;
- Ketonal;
- Ibufen
- Nimulide;
- Diclogen Plus
- "Camphor ointment";
- "Voltaren Emulgel";
- Venolife
- "Fast Relief";
- "Revmon gel."
In order to avoid the appearance of allergic reactions and negative effects, you should consult your doctor to select an analog. He will tell you which of the “Finalgon” substitutes will help to eliminate the painful sensations.
Storage Features
The validity of the Finalgon ointment according to the instructions is no more than 4 years. These data should be indicated on cardboard packaging, as well as on an aluminum tube. If after printing it is found that the integrity of the tube is broken, then using such a drug is not recommended. The drug should be stored in a dark place where the air temperature does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.
Price
The cost of the drug may be different. It mainly depends on the region of acquisition. On average, the price of Finalgon ointment is 280-350 rubles per 20 g.
Terms of sale in pharmacies
Finalgon ointment is sold in any pharmacy and dispensed without a prescription. But it is not recommended to buy this drug without first consulting your doctor. A competent specialist will help you choose the right application strategy and dosage.
Drug interaction
After studying the instructions and reviews for "Finalgon", we can conclude that at the moment there is no information about the combination of ointments and other drugs that are used topically and orally. In order to avoid overdose, it is better not to use medications containing similar active substances and which are generics.
Reviews
After using this medication, many patients leave their positive reviews. Some used the Finalgon ointment not according to the instructions, and this often leads to an overdose and the appearance of negative consequences. Negative reviews appear when the wrong dose is selected and storage conditions are not met.