The drug "Amelotex" belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is a selective inhibitor. The main active substance of the drug "Amelotex" is meloxicam. The gel based on it has an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Meloxicam-based tablets and injections also have an antipyretic effect.
In the article, we consider "Amelotex" (gel): a description of the drug, methods of its use, contraindications and special precautions, and also find out whether there are similar means.
Forms of release of the drug "Amelotex"
There are four forms of release of the drug "Amelotex":
- Tablets. They are intended for oral administration and may have 15 or 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
- Injection. Designed for intramuscular injection. One ampoule contains 15 mg of meloxicam.
- Candles (suppositories). They are intended for rectal use. One suppository contains 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
- Gel. Designed for external use. Let us dwell on a more detailed examination of this form of the drug.
The composition of the gel "Amelotex" and its appearance
"Amelotex" (gel) is a translucent gel-like mass of yellow color and has a specific pleasant odor. The drug is produced in tubes of 30 or 50 grams.
As mentioned above, the main active substance of Amelotex is meloxicam. In addition to it, the gel includes trometamol, methylpyrrolidone, ethanol, lavender and orange blossom oil, carbomer, purified water.
"Amelotex" (gel): indications for use and principle of action
In most cases, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints, which are accompanied by painful sensations. These include osteochondrosis, sciatica, spinal bruises, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.
The principle of action of the drug will differ depending on the goal.
1. Anti-inflammatory effect.
The active substances of the Amelotex gel penetrate the affected tissues, after which many chemical reactions are launched in them. Ultimately, there is a blockade of inflammatory mediators: leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
2. Anesthetic effect.
It is achieved thanks to the ability of the drug "Amelotex" -gel to increase the pain threshold by partially blocking the center of pain in the brain.
3. Antipyretic effect.
It is achieved by blocking mediators of inflammation and lowering the sensitivity of the part of the brain responsible for thermoregulation.
"Amelotex" (gel): instructions for use
It is important to remember that the use of the drug without the appointment of a doctor is extremely undesirable.
How to apply "Amelotex" (gel)? The instruction for the drug says that it must be applied with light movements to the skin and gently rub into it. You need to do this twice a day. The average course of treatment is within one month.
It is important to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Also, its use in combination with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of local action is not recommended.
If Amelotex (gel) must be used in combination with meloxicam tablets or injections, it is important to ensure that the maximum daily dose of the active substance does not exceed 15 mg.
Contraindications and special precautions
There are some contraindications to the use of Amelotex.
This applies to cases when the patient has such diseases as:
- renal failure;
- liver failure;
- stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer;
- heart failure;
- aspirin asthma.
In addition, the use of the drug is prohibited for pregnant women and women during lactation, as well as children who are less than 15 years old. This is due to the fact that the effect of the drug on a growing organism has not been fully studied.
Gel "Amelotex" can not be used if you are allergic to one or more components of the drug and violations of the integrity of the skin in the form of cuts, scratches and other wounds.
Side effects
Like any other pharmacological drug, Amelotex (gel) can cause some side effects. They can occur in the form of:
- local allergic reactions to the skin;
- hyperemia at the site of application;
- the appearance of papular vesicular rashes;
- skin peeling;
- photosensitization of the skin.
If at least one of the above phenomena appears, you need to cancel the use of the gel and consult a doctor for prescribing symptomatic therapy.
Analogues of the drug
Is it possible to replace "Amelotex" (gel) with something? Analogs, of course, exist. The most famous among them: "Mataren plus", "Chondroxide forte".
All of them contain basically the same active substance. The logical question arises: why then do we need analogues? Firstly, they usually differ in cheaper cost. Secondly, the main drug may not be available at the pharmacy, and then you will have to look for a replacement for it. In this case, the choice of an analogue is recommended, since it has a similar type of action due to the same active substance.
Let us consider in more detail how it is possible to replace "Amelotex" (gel).
Mataren Plus
The drug is available in the form of a cream and is intended for external use. It has two active substances: meloxicam and tincture of capsicum fruits. Excipients are chloroform, coriander and lavender oils, liquid paraffin, purified water, etc.
It is used "Mataren plus" for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with rheumatic lesions of the soft tissues, as well as sore joints, muscles and tendons.
The use of the drug is contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance to the main active substance or other components of the cream, as well as for violations of the integrity of the skin, children under 12 years of age, pregnant women and women during breastfeeding.
With extreme caution, "Mataren plus" should be used for impaired liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. Before using the drug in combination with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you must first consult your doctor. The same applies to cases where it is necessary to use this cream for a period of more than 10 consecutive days.
You can use the drug 1-3 times a day. To do this, a thin strip of cream must be gently rubbed into the skin. To achieve a greater effect, a dry dressing can be applied.
Perhaps the appearance of side effects, which will manifest themselves in the form of a rash, peeling, itching, hyperemia. If at least one of them is found, it is necessary to cancel the use of the drug.
Chondroxide Forte
The next drug, which is an analog of Amelotex gel, is Chondroxide Forte cream. It exerts several types of action at the same time: it slows down the development of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis, has anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent analgesic, reduces swelling of joints and increases the volume of their movement.
Meloxicam in the drug is combined with dimexide, propylene glycol, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, purified water and other auxiliary substances.
Chondroxide Forte cream is used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis, osteoarthrosis and other diseases of the spine, which are accompanied by pain.
Contraindications to use are violations of the integrity of the skin, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as the age of 12 years, pregnancy and lactation. With special care and only after consultation with a doctor, “Chondroxide forte” can be used in old age, as well as in patients with impaired kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and also with severe blood pathologies.
Cream treatment lasts an average of up to two weeks. It must be rubbed into painful areas 2-3 times a day. The amount of cream in this case depends on the size of the affected area. After using the drug, wash your hands with soap.
After using the product, side effects may occur in the form of a local allergic reaction (redness, rash, itching).
Other forms of the drug "Amelotex"
As a substitute for the Amelotex gel, as prescribed by a doctor, you can use other forms of the drug: tablets, rectal suppositories, injectable solutions. At the same time, they will have an even greater advantage due to the fact that the active substance that they contain enters the blood much faster.
However, the use of tablets or the use of injections has a much greater number of possible side effects compared to gel. It can be:
- headache;
- nausea and vomiting;
- gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea, bloating);
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- heart palpitations;
- the appearance of drowsiness;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease or the appearance of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Contraindications to use remain the same as with Amelotex gel. But two points should be added to them. The use of an injectable drug for treatment is prohibited in combination with drugs that thin the blood. The use of rectal suppositories is contraindicated in the presence of inflammation in the rectum or with violations of its integrity.
Reviews on the gel "Amelotex" and its analogues
What do those who have already used Amelotex (gel) for treatment say? Reviews in most cases are positive. Patients note the high effectiveness of the drug in the fight against back pain and joint diseases. The disadvantage of the drug is its rather high cost, because of which many seek and buy other similar products.
You can also hear only good things about Mataren Plus cream . It is an excellent tool to combat rheumatism, pain in the musculoskeletal system, stiffness and swelling of the joints.
About the drug "Chondroxide Fort" reviews are twofold. At a time when he helped one quickly get rid of the problem, others noted a worsening situation. The latter talk about the appearance of puffiness at the place of application of the cream and its inefficiency even after prolonged use.
Where can I buy Amelotex (gel)? Kaliningrad, Moscow and other Russian cities offer to buy the drug in local pharmacies. You can buy gel online.
Be healthy!