What deviations are prescribed for the Voltaren medication (gel)? Analogs, indications for the use of this tool, its side effects and contraindications will be described later. We will also tell you about how you can replace the drug presented, how much it costs, how it should be used, and so on.
Composition and packaging
What are the components of Voltaren (gel)? The analogs of this external agent and the preparation itself can contain completely different substances, but have a similar effect.
According to the attached instructions, 1% gel for external use includes diclofenac diethylamine. This is an active substance that helps to eliminate pain syndromes.
The medication also includes auxiliary components in the form of carbomers, macrogol cetostearate, cocoyl caprylocaprate, diethylamine, isopropanol, liquid paraffin, aroma cream, propylene glycol and water.
In what packaging does Voltaren go on sale? The gel (its price is indicated below) has a uniform and creamy consistency. This allows you to produce it in aluminum and laminated tubes of 10, 50, 20, 75 and 100 g.
Pharmacological features of an external agent
What is the medicine "Voltaren" (gel)? Analogues of this tool and the drug itself are NSAIDs. Such agents are capable of exerting pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
In the process of indiscriminate inhibition of COX-2 and COX-1, the drug leads to a violation of the metabolism of arachidonic acid.
It should also be noted that the drug in question is actively used to eliminate pain syndromes and reduce swelling associated with inflammatory processes.
Pharmacokinetic indicators of the external drug "Voltaren"
Is the active substance of this drug (diclofenac) absorbed? Voltaren is used only externally. At the dosages recommended by the doctor, the medication is absorbed by no more than 6%. But this is only if the skin on which it is applied does not have damage and wounds.
Indications for use
What diseases are prescribed "Voltaren" (gel)? Analogues of this drug and he himself is especially often used for:
- back pain, including degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the spinal column (for example, with radiculitis, osteoarthritis, lumbago and sciatica);
- joint pain, including fingers and knees;
- osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
- muscle pain that has arisen as a result of overstrain, sprains, injuries and bruises;
- inflammation and swelling of the joints and soft tissues that arose as a result of various injuries;
- rheumatic diseases (for example, with tendovaginitis, bursitis, lesions of periarticular tissues).
Contraindications
Are you aware of the conditions under which you cannot use an active substance such as diclofenac? The gel, whose price is quite high, is not recommended for people with a tendency to asthma attacks, with acute rhinitis, skin rashes, as well as with the simultaneous use of acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs.
Also, external medication is forbidden to use for violations of the integrity of the skin (at the place of application), in the third trimester of pregnancy, during lactation, in childhood (up to 12 years) and with increased sensitivity of the patient to diclofenac or other elements of the drug.
Careful use
What warnings should you know before using an active substance such as diclofenac? The gel, the price of which is indicated at the very end of the article, is prescribed with special caution to people with hepatic porphyria (especially in the acute stage), as well as for erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, in bronchial asthma, chronic heart failure, and severe violations of the liver and kidneys , in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and in old age.
Dosage and application
Diklak is an analogue of Voltaren. Use it should only be prescribed by a doctor. This is due to the fact that these drugs can have completely different side effects, dosages and contraindications.
So how to use the medicine "Voltaren"? The drug is used only externally. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the gel is applied to the skin four times a day. At the same time, they rub it only slightly.
The amount of the agent in question depends on the size of the painful area. A single dosage is usually 2-4 g. In volume, this is comparable to the size of one cherry or walnut. After using the medication, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
The duration of therapy depends on its effectiveness and indications. By the way, some experts recommend the use of it in conjunction with other forms of Voltaren for the enhanced action of the drug.
After two weeks after the start of therapy, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of further use of the gel.
Rules for the use of anesthetic
Depending on the packaging in which the gel is produced, the methods for its use also change.
- Laminated tubes. To remove the protective membrane from the preparation, a screw cap (i.e., a recess with a protrusion located on the outside) must be used as a key. Thus, it is required to combine the recess with a protective membrane and make a circular motion.
(By the way, laminated tubes are available not only with a conventional cap, but also with an innovative one, which has a triangular shape. Such packaging is especially convenient for those patients who have limitations in the mobility of the joints of the hands due to osteoarthritis or other diseases, injuries.)
- Aluminum tubes. Before using the medication, the protective membrane must be punctured using a special protrusion on the outside of the screw cap.
Overdose symptoms
The very low systemic absorption of the active substance of the drug makes an overdose almost impossible. But with the accidental use of 100 g of gel, which is equivalent to 1000 mg of diclofenac, the patient may manifest unwanted reactions similar to side effects. In this case, inpatient treatment is required.
Side effects
Undesirable reactions that occur after using the gel externally are characterized by moderately severe, as well as passing skin manifestations. Very often, patients have erythema, eczema and dermatitis, including contact and bullous dermatitis. Sometimes pustular rashes, a generalized rash, and allergic reactions such as hives can occur on the skin.
Also, the drug can cause angioedema, photosensitivity reactions, bronchospastic reactions and asthma attacks.
Special recommendations
Gel "Voltaren" can enhance the action of funds that cause photosensitivity. Therefore, the combination of such drugs is not recommended.
Apply the medication only on intact skin areas, avoiding contact with various wounds. After using the drug, it is not recommended to apply an occlusive dressing.
Similar drugs
Today, there are a huge number of analogues of such a drug as Voltaren. Among the most popular are the following: “Diclofenac”, “Rapidus”, “Diclac”, “Rapten 75”, “Almiral”, “Asefil”, “Dicloberl”, “Aertal”, “Dicloran”, “Actinak”, “Diclo Duo ”,“ Dolex ”,“ Diklo-F ”,“ Diclocaine ”,“ Diclotol ”,“ Dicloreum ”,“ Blockium B12 ”,“ Diclobru ”,“ Ketanov ”,“ Olfen ”,“ Indomethacin ”,“ Naklofen ”, “Ketalgin”, “Ortofen”, “Ketolak”, “Feloran”, “Bol-Run”, “Diklovit”.
Gel "Voltaren" and all of the above funds quite quickly eliminate pain syndromes, significantly improving the patient's condition.
The price of external funds
How much is the drug Voltaren (gel)? Its price is quite high. You can buy 50 g of the drug for 300 rubles. If you need a large dosage, then you can buy a 100 g tube or 2% gel. Their cost is 320 and 560 rubles, respectively.
Reviews about the drug
Most reviews of Voltaren gel are positive. Patients claim that after the first use of the drug, pain is becoming less noticeable. At the same time, puffiness, which manifests itself as a result of injury, also decreases.
The only disadvantage of this medication is its high cost. However, experts say that even a small tube with gel is enough for a whole course of treatment.