Almost white and translucent gel without a specific odor Diclogen is a non-steroidal drug that can quickly eliminate the inflammatory process and reduce pain in many diseases. Diclogen gel helps to alleviate the symptoms of joint and spinal diseases.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Many disorders can occur in the spine and joints. We list the most common of them:
- arthritis - inflammation that affects only the joints;
- arthrosis is a chronic inflammatory process in the joint sac;
- osteoporosis - a decrease in bone density due to metabolic failure;
- osteochondrosis - depletion of cartilage, most often intervertebral discs;
- sciatica - pinching or inflammation of the nerve roots due to swelling of soft tissues near the spine;
- scoliosis - curvature of the spine to one side from the normal position as a result of improper posture, injury or rickets;
- spondylosis - ossification of the vertebrae (bone sprouts), which causes pain during movement;
- spondylitis - the primary destruction of vertebral elements under the influence of a serious inflammatory process of an infectious nature (most often due to tuberculosis).
Drug action
The drug is prescribed if it is necessary to provide a quick anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect. The main mechanism of influence is the inhibition of the activity of cyclooxygenase, that is, the main enzyme that is directly involved in the metabolism of prostanoids. These enzymes play an important role in the course of inflammation, pain and fever.
The drug is perfectly absorbed and penetrates the subcutaneous tissue muscle tissue, and, accordingly, into the joint capsule.
The analgesic effect of the Diclogen gel is due to two mechanisms:
- peripheral (indirectly, by suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandins);
- central (by retaining prostaglandin synthesis in the central and peripheral nervous system).
Indications
If we consider the instructions for use, Diclogen (gel) is used in the following cases:
- With severe degenerative and inflammatory back pain that occurs with sciatica, radiculitis, osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine.
- For pain in the joints of the knees and fingers.
- With swelling and inflammation of the soft tissues and joints due to the development of rheumatic diseases.
- For muscle pain due to mechanical injuries - bruises, overstrain and sprain.
Diklogen gel is actively used by doctors when prescribing symptomatic therapy of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, namely rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatic lesions of the soft tissues of the body, ankylosing spondylitis.
Mode of application
The gel is used by patients only externally. The amount of drug that is applied to the skin depends on the area where soreness is observed. Adults and children over 12 years of age apply the drug to the skin 3-4 times a day, while slightly rubbing the gel.
The preparation in the form of a 5% gel should be used no more than twice a day in a volume of not more than one gram (about 2.5 cm of the gel, which is squeezed out of the tube). According to reviews, Diklogen gel can cause severe burning if it gets on the mucous membranes, so it is important to wash your hands immediately after using the drug.
The duration of treatment depends on the patient’s health status and on the diagnosis made by the doctor. After two weeks of using the gel, it is important to consult your doctor about adjusting the treatment regimen.
Contraindications
According to reviews and instructions for use, Diklogen gel should not be taken with a high sensitivity of the patient's body to the components of the drug. Also, the drug is not prescribed for small children under 6 years of age.
Diklogen gel cannot be used in case of violation of the integrity of the skin. Use the drug with caution, if the following conditions are diagnosed:
- Exacerbation of hepatic porphyria.
- The acute form of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Serious impairment of liver and kidney function.
- Chronic heart failure.
- Aspirin asthma.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- High bleeding tendency.
It is not recommended to apply the gel to affected areas of the skin, such as burned skin or wounds. Gel "Diclogen" for joints with extreme caution is prescribed to women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as to people in old age.
Overdose
An overdose is unlikely, since the active substance of the gel practically does not accumulate in the tissues and does not enter the systemic circulation when applied topically. In case of accidental ingestion of the drug, it should be borne in mind that 1 gram of gel contains one gram of diclofenac sodium, therefore, systemic inflammatory reactions may occur. In this situation, it is important to immediately rinse the stomach in any way, and then you should take the sorbent.
Side effects
In the case of an incorrectly prescribed dosage of the drug, pustular rashes on the skin can occur. Also, patients can observe the appearance of severe burning, itching, the appearance of swelling and redness. With constant non-compliance with the doctor’s prescriptions, mild side effects can turn into constant dryness and peeling of the skin, brucellosis or contact dermatitis, erythema. In some cases, after applying the Diclogen gel, pustules, photosensitivity and papules appear.
When applying the gel, bronchial asthma and angioedema may occur. The possibility of the development of systemic reactions is not excluded.
The use of Diclogen gel during pregnancy
The drug is contraindicated in women during the third trimester of pregnancy. The question of using the drug in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy is determined individually. Due to the lack of experience with the use of Diklogen gel during lactation, doctors do not recommend the use of this drug.
special instructions
Please note that after applying Diklogen gel, do not apply an occlusive dressing. The drug should be stored out of the reach of children at an ambient temperature of no higher than +25 degrees. The shelf life of the gel is three years. Most often, in pharmacies the gel is dispensed without a doctor’s prescription. Analogues of Diclogen gel are the following preparations: Veral gel, Diklak gel, Dikloran gel, Rapten gel and Feloran gel.
The musculoskeletal system of a person performs the most important functions: it gives the body shape and support, protecting internal organs, allowing the person to move normally and take various poses. Therefore, it is important to monitor the health of the spine and with the slightest pain you should consult a specialist.