Cream "Citralgin" is a non-narcotic analgesic, belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pharmacological action "Citralgin"
The drug is used to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, it reduces stiffness in the morning, swelling of the joints, increases the volume of active and passive movements of diseased joints. Highly effective for thrombophlebitis and postthrombophlebitis. Cream "Citralgin" reduces pain, swelling, paresthesia and cramps, reduces the feeling of heaviness in the legs. The beneficial effect of the drug on the rate at which various hemorrhages and hematomas resolve also was noted. Moreover, this tool helps to reduce age spots on the skin caused by trophic changes. Massage with this drug is much more effective. The complex included in the cream "Citralgin" (photo funds below) components determines its therapeutic effect.
Citrate ions help to bind free calcium ions, thereby normalizing blood coagulation and microcirculation, which positively affects the affected joint. Salts of fruit acids (glutamate, lactate, malate, citrate and pyruvate) included in the preparation provide ATP molecules and energy to enzyme cells after transformations during the Krebs cycle, normalizing disturbed energy processes in the cartilage and periarticular tissues.
"Citralgin" helps to reduce and soften gouty tofus and nodules of Heberden and prevents calcifications from forming after the inflammatory process in periarticular tissues. This action is caused by its ability to bind uric acid and calcium salts in tissues. This is confirmed by the instructions attached to the cream "Citralgin".
Release form
The instructions for Citralgin indicate that it has a single release form in the form of a massage cream with a slight smell. The color of the drug can vary from light gray to white. The drug is packaged in a 50 ml plastic jar.
The use of "Citralgin"
The use of Citralgin cream is indicated in the following cases:
- prolonged compression syndrome;
- in the complex treatment of coronary heart disease;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- diabetic microangiopathy;
- postthrombotic disease;
- the appearance of headaches with a spasm of extra- and intracranial arteries (cerebrovascular disease and migraine);
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- lumbosacral, cervical, thoracic radiculitis;
- myositis;
- osteochondrosis of the spine with a secondary radicular syndrome and osteoarthrosis;
- rheumatic, gouty and infectious arthritis;
- Reiter's disease;
- psoriatic arthropathy;
- chronic juvenile and rheumatoid arthritis;
- thrombophlebitis of superficial and deep veins.
Contraindications
People with hypersensitivity to the components of its composition, as well as patients with increased bleeding, should not use Citralgin Cream. We will consider its application further.
Instructions for use "Citralgin"
Before using this medication, you should consult your doctor. It is not recommended to self-medicate, since the manifestation of side effects is not excluded. Individual intolerance to the components of the drug is possible, which will cause a strong allergic reaction (rash, itching, redness, swelling, anaphylactic shock).
"Citralgin" is intended for local topical use and is recommended for use in various doses, depending on the type of specific disease.
In cases where trophic skin changes develop, caused by obliterating atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, postthrombotic disease, etc., the drug is applied to the area of ulcers along the veins and arteries. However, it is necessary to avoid applying the cream to damaged areas. If there are age spots, the drug is applied to them. Reduction of age spots can be observed no earlier than 2 weeks after the use of Citralgin.
In cases of post-thrombophlebic disease or thrombophlebitis, “Citralgin” is applied to the lower leg and thigh with a thin layer over the affected area of the vein without rubbing. A compress is covered with special paper and left until the cream is completely absorbed. The procedure is repeated 2-4 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks. The course of treatment must be taken every 3 months.
Cream massage is also carried out with Heberden nodules, gouty tofuses and deforming osteoarthrosis.
What else does the instruction attached to such a medicine as cream "Citralgin" indicate? You must familiarize yourself with it before using the drug.
To treat joint diseases, the medication is applied to the area of the most painful or above / below its surface 10-15 cm 3-4 times a day. The drug is rubbed until completely absorbed. If the cream is absorbed too quickly, a second coat must be applied. On one joint of the drug, up to 1 ml is needed. After the massage, the medication is applied repeatedly, then the treated area is covered with wax paper. Such an application on the joint remains until the ointment is completely absorbed.
In case of osteochondrosis of the spine with secondary radicular syndrome (radiculitis), the drug should be applied from the sacrum to the upper part of the neck along the spine and massaged for 10 minutes. At the same time, the most painful places are identified, on which a second layer of the drug is subsequently applied and massaged for 5 minutes. On painful areas it is also recommended to apply a compress and cover until completely absorbed with wax paper. These diseases must be treated comprehensively, that is, in addition to Citralgin cream, it is worth prescribing certain medications, physiotherapy, and massage.
But if you follow all the recommendations of a doctor, then a positive result will come quickly.
Side effects of the cream "Citralgin"
Due to the improvement in blood circulation during use of the drug “Citralgin”, pain, temporary increase in edema or the occurrence of an allergic reaction are possible, which can be attributed to adverse reactions of the cream. To avoid the appearance of irritation from the medication, it is necessary to exclude the use of compress paper and more often change the place of application of Citralgin.
Storage conditions
It is recommended to store the drug in a place protected from children and direct sunlight. The temperature should be 4-20 ° C. It is suitable for 12 months from the date of manufacture. After the expiration date, do not use, otherwise you can cause a negative skin reaction.
Cream "Citralgin": reviews of doctors
This pharmaceutical product is produced by several pharmaceutical companies, which, however, does not greatly affect its cost. The average packaging price of Citralgin cream varies from 70 to 120 rubles. One package is enough for treatment within 2 weeks. In pharmacies, the cream is dispensed without a prescription, but it can not be used for self-medication. It is prescribed by the attending physician in case of problems with the joints.
Most experts conclude that the effect of Citralgin is weak and does not help everyone if the joint pains are severe. However, the opinions of doctors are controversial. They also insist that the appointment of this drug is appropriate at an early stage in identifying problems with the joints and in the pathological process is not at an advanced stage. Otherwise, you will have to choose a more effective and powerful analogue.
This is confirmed by the reviews of doctors about the cream "Citralgin."
Patient opinions
The effectiveness of the drug “Citralgin” patient reviews can also be called controversial and conditionally divided into positive and negative.
The category of buyers responds positively, which considers the drug effective and uses it for joint diseases. Not so long ago, they already enrolled themselves in a group of people with disabilities, but this cheap and generally available tool helped solve their health problems. But it should be noted that patients noted a weaker effect of the drug upon repeated use and its inability to quickly remove painful sensations. Therefore, the effect of addiction is not excluded in the case of this analgesic. This is indicated by instructions for the use of Citralgin cream.
The second group of buyers is more categorical with respect to the drug, because for them the cream was ineffective, the effect was weak and painful. Acute bouts of pain did not subside, and no changes in well-being were observed. But before you refuse to buy the drug, you should still consult with a specialist, and not proceed only from the reviews.