Pain in the joints and muscles can bother not only the elderly, but also quite young people. To eliminate such sensations, different drugs are used. The most effective of these is capsaicin ointment. Instructions, analogues, reviews, indications of this tool are presented in the materials of this article.
Composition, packaging
It is easy to guess what components the capsaicin ointment contains. The main ingredients of this tool are capsaicin. As you know, this is a chemically resistant substance.
Also in the composition of the drug in question are: ethylene glycol salicylate, ethyl nicotinate and other elements.
Capsaicin ointment is available in aluminum tubes, which are placed in cardboard boxes.
Features of the medication
How does capsaicin ointment work? The instruction states that such a tool has vasodilating, warming and analgesic properties. In addition, a capsaicin-based drug is able to have a pronounced distracting and anti-inflammatory effect.
The active ingredients of this medication affect prostaglandins and substance P, which is located in the peripheral nerve fibers. It is this effect that explains the high effectiveness of this tool.
Due to the ability of hydroxyethyl salicylate to affect the structure of the epithelium, the medication in question penetrates deep into the tissues.
The therapeutic effect of the drug in question is developing quite quickly. It lasts for 60 minutes. At the same time, capsaicin ointment relieves pain, reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process, and also improves joint mobility in people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Characteristics of capsaicin
What is capsaicin ointment? Reviews say that the effectiveness of this medicine is completely due to its composition. Capsaicin is called 8-methyl-6-nonenoic acid vanillamide. As mentioned above, it is a chemically resistant substance that looks like a crystalline powder. This element does not have a pronounced color, but has a rather pungent taste.
The powder begins to melt at a temperature of 65 degrees. One milligram of capsaicin in its pure form when exposed to the skin can cause a chemical burn, comparable to exposure to hot iron.
Like many alkaloids, this substance is poorly soluble in water, but it is well soluble in chloroform, various alcohols, acetone, caustic alkalis and benzene.
Indications for use of local funds
Capsaicin ointment, the composition of which was described above, is actively used to eliminate pain syndromes in people suffering from joint diseases, including arthrosis, arthritis and spondylarthrosis (including spondylarthrosis, accompanied by neuralgia).
It should also be noted that this remedy is prescribed for patients with myalgia of various origins and during the recovery of patients with tendovaginitis.
Capsaicin ointment is often used by athletes during the workout as an adjuvant.
Contraindications
Capsaicin ointment is contraindicated in case of increased individual sensitivity to its components. Also, this drug can not be used with an active inflammatory process. In addition, this medicine is not prescribed to the fairer sex during pregnancy and lactation.
Capsaicin ointment is prohibited for use by underage children due to the lack of reliable data on the effectiveness and safety of the drug in this category of patients.
Instructions for use
Capsaicin ointment, the analogues of which are listed below, is used only externally. According to the instructions, before using this tool, skin areas should be thoroughly washed with soap and water and then wiped dry with a towel.
The drug is applied to the problem area with a thin layer 2-3 times a day. To achieve a better result, it should be rubbed into the integument with the fingertips.
If this medication was recommended for an athlete to warm up muscles before exercise, then the ointment should be used with a strip of about 4 cm in length.
For joint diseases, this medicine should be used during the first three days once a day. Subsequently, the drug is applied to the skin 2 times (preferably in the morning and before bedtime).
Side effects
The agent in question is well tolerated by patients. In some cases, the use of this medication can cause allergic reactions that occur at the site of application.
Overdose and drug interactions
No cases of overdose with this agent have been reported.
According to experts, this drug enhances the absorption of other drugs intended for external use. Therefore, it is prohibited to combine it with other medicines.
Special recommendations
If capsaicin enters the mucous membranes, severe burning sensation, pain, tearing and mucus separation occurs. Also, in some cases, this substance can cause a spasm of the larynx and bronchi, which leads to short-term loss of speech.
If, after applying the ointment to the patient’s skin, severe irritation occurs, then the drug is immediately removed with vegetable oils, soda, vinegar, honey or milk.
Similar tools and price
Capsaicin ointment in its pure form is not sold in the pharmacy. However, there are many other drugs based on capsaicin. They include: “Nikoflex”, “Espol”, pepper patch, “Capsicum” and others. These medicines have similar properties. They are used for local anesthesia and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
As for the cost, it can be different for different drugs. For example, Nikoflex ointment is sold for 180 rubles, and Kapsikam for 150-170 rubles.
Local Agent Reviews
Unfortunately, many modern people suffer from various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Using oral NSAIDs for pain relief is not always advisable. Moreover, such drugs have a large number of side effects and contraindications. Therefore, for pain in the joints and muscles, doctors recommend using local remedies.
Capsaicin ointment is quite difficult to find in pharmacies. Therefore, doctors prescribe capsaicin-based drugs to patients. According to consumer reviews, such funds quickly and effectively stop pain syndromes. Moreover, they rarely cause side effects and have virtually no serious contraindications. Another advantage of this drug is that it can be purchased at a very reasonable price.