"Artrum" is a transparent gel with a pronounced specific odor. This Russian-made drug is one of the most effective and popular local painkillers. There are many analogues of this gel, which act in the same way. The difference between all similar drugs is only in the percentage of active active substance. However, pricing is markedly different. Foreign products traditionally cost several times more. More detailed instructions on the use of the gel "Artrum" can be found further.
Description
Why is Artrum gel prescribed by specialists? It is used for external use. First of all, you need to understand that the gel has a local anesthetic effect on the joints, muscles and ligaments. With regular use it reduces swelling and swelling of the joints in the morning. Relieves pain at rest and during movement. However, the effect of the gel on the process of treatment and recovery is insignificant and begins to appear only on the 3-4th day of drug use. But as a local analgesic, it is recognized as much more effective compared to its counterparts.
General information
The drug is available in two dosages - 2.5 and 5%. Manufacturer - OJSC Biosynthesis.
In an aluminum tube, which is coated with a special varnish, 30 g of gel is placed directly. In pharmacies, it is sold in cardboard packaging, equipped with instructions for use with a full description in Russian. You can buy "Artrum" gel if you have a medical prescription, so a visit to a doctor before purchase is necessary. This drug is stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees and in a dark place. Like all medicines, the gel must be hidden from children in order to avoid unpleasant and life-threatening consequences. At the expiration of a period of two years, the drug should be stopped using and disposed of.
Structure
The main active ingredient in the "Artrum" gel - ketoprofen - belongs to the group of non-steroidal therapeutic components. This pharmacological substance is non-hormonal in itself, but has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Contained in an amount of 2.5 or 5 g for 2.5 and 5% gel, respectively. Ketoprofen is also used in such popular drugs as Fastum Gel, Bystrumgel and the like. Also, the "Artrum" gel contains ethyl alcohol 96%, propylene glycol, purified water, trolamine, carbomer.
Indications for use
The scope of the drug is wide enough. The instructions for use of the "Artrum" gel describe in detail the features of the use of the drug.
It is used in the treatment of the following diseases:
- Rheumatism and muscle pain of a non-rheumatic nature.
- Soft tissue damage without damage to the skin.
- Arthritis: rheumatoid and psoriatic.
- Osteoarthritis of the joints and spine.
- Inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Post-traumatic syndrome.
- Postoperative pain.
- Sprain.
- Gout.
- Osteochondrosis.
- Lumbago - acute pain in the lower back.
- Bursitis (inflammation of the mucous bags near the joints) and sciatica (pain along the sciatic nerve).
Doctors and pharmacists emphasize that this drug does not pose a potential danger to the condition of articular cartilage.
Dosage and route of administration
According to the instructions for the "Artrum" gel, adults are recommended to use the drug in a dosage of 3-5 g (this is approximately the volume of large cherries) at a time. For adolescents, the dose is 1.5-2 g.
For an effective and noticeable result, doctors advise using the gel 2-3 times a day. The drug must be gently rubbed into the damaged or painful area in a circular motion until completely absorbed. The gel is absorbed slowly, so it is important to devote a lot of time to an analgesic effect.
If using the gel for ten days has not brought tangible results, you should seek the help of a qualified doctor.
"Artrum" is often used for physical procedures, in particular for iontophoresis. In this case, the medicine should be applied to the negative pole.
Contraindications
The main contraindications for taking the drug include:
- Hypersensitivity to the active active substance and other components.
- Intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and other anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids.
- Pregnancy.
- Lactation. Gel "Artrum" with breastfeeding is not used.
- Allergic reactions of the skin to ketoprofen, perfumes, tiaprofenovoy acid, as well as various UV blockers.
- Age is less than 15 years.
- Bronchial asthma.
- It is contraindicated to apply to the skin around the eyes, the region of the anus and genitals, as well as to any mucous membrane.
- It is forbidden to apply the gel to inflamed, damaged skin, as well as with, for example, diathesis, eczema, open wounds, acne.
- It is undesirable to visit the solarium during the course of using the "Artrum" gel.
Side effects
When using the drug, such side effects may occur:
- Allergy to the skin within the radius of application of the gel. Occurs infrequently. It is expressed by redness, burning and severe itching.
- Rarely, the use of the gel can lead to severe skin diseases such as bladder eczema, urticaria. Such symptoms can occur both locally and throughout the body. Also, a gel rarely can cause consequences after a long exposure to the sun and under artificial UV rays.
- Swelling of the skin.
- Renal failure.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Bronchial asthma in patients with contraindications to acetylsalicylic acid.
- Complications associated with the kidneys are very rare: nephritis, renal failure, and sodium and water retention in the body, which can lead to arterial hypertension and heart failure.
- Against the background of viral diseases, there are isolated cases of the development of Reye's syndrome.
- Overly frequent and prolonged application of the gel may result in reactions that are characteristic of the entire group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - headache, dizziness, impaired normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Cases of anaphylactic shock and angioedema (swelling of the face or part thereof due to an allergic reaction) after the use of the drug are unknown.
Side complications appear in case of improper use of the gel, misuse, as well as abuse of the product. All of these reactions are quite serious, and in the event of at least one of them, it is urgent to consult a physician.
Overdose
When used for its intended purpose, taking into account all the recommendations, an overdose is extremely unlikely. If mistakenly administered orally, drowsiness, vomiting, or nausea, headache, or dizziness may occur. If such a situation occurs, it is necessary to immediately wash the stomach and take activated charcoal in a dose of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight, and then pay attention to the frequency of respiration, pulse and the state of the heart rhythm. If you take a large dose, it can reach coma, seizures, or decreased respiratory function. In such situations, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.
Interaction with other medicinal products
The risk of side effects, especially from the gastrointestinal tract, increases with the simultaneous use of the gel with other anti-inflammatory drugs of the same drug group, as well as ethanol and all drugs that reduce blood coagulation.
The simultaneous administration of ketoprofen and digoxin, a medicine prescribed for heart failure, can cause an increase in the concentration of the latter in blood plasma, especially in patients with renal failure.
The active ingredient ketaprofen can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, therefore, in combination with alendronate, there is a risk of gastropathy - the initial stage of inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Simultaneous administration of the gel with Zidofovir (an antiviral drug in injections) can cause toxicological effects and affect the kidneys. Ketoprofen should be discontinued at least 7 days before the appointment of cidofovir.
The use of the gel can cause an excess of potassium in the body, which in turn seriously violates the heart rhythm. This is possible when combined with potassium-sparing drugs.
special instructions
This drug should be used exclusively for its intended purpose, avoiding contact with the mucous membranes, eyes, and also inside the body. If there is damage to the skin, it is better to inform the doctor about this, most likely he will prescribe another type of pain medication or in a different form.
It is recommended to wash your hands with soap every time after applying the gel. If any incomprehensible reactions appear immediately after using the drug, it is necessary to immediately stop treatment and consult a doctor.
Doctors also recommend protecting the place of applying the gel with clothing during the entire course of treatment and for 2 weeks later. This recommendation is given to minimize the risk of reactions that may occur during photosensitization - the pronounced sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet and light radiation. This process has unpleasant consequences for the body, so do not neglect the recommendations of doctors in this regard.
If the patient has a history of any diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract (bleeding, chronic ulcer or gastritis), as well as problems with the kidneys, liver or heart, this should be reported to the attending physician before appointment.
The use of large doses of the gel can cause systemic reactions, including asthma and hypersensitivity reactions. The gel can not be used with the so-called occlusive dressings. This refers to special protection against the penetration of air into the affected area. This dressing is a sealed waterproof material that is applied to open wounds. Adhesive plaster, rubberized fabric, plastic film belong to this group.
The drug does not have any effect on drivers of vehicles, as well as when working with potentially dangerous mechanisms, so it can be used without fear. Analogs of "Artrum" gel include drugs from any price category. The most common are:
- "Teraflex".
- "Dimexide".
- Nimide gel.
- "Traumeel C".
- Diclofenac.
Reviews
The drug has established itself as an effective affordable medication that perfectly relieves acute pain in a short time. Judging by the reviews about the "Artrum" gel (the instructions for the drug were presented above), this medication is an indispensable tool for everyday injuries, muscle strain, it accelerates the healing process. Only a specific unpleasant odor is called a minus, but this does not prevent the gel from being in great demand in the territory of not only Russia, but also in the countries of the former Soviet Union.