In what situations do doctors prescribe Meloflex to their patients? Instructions for use of the mentioned funds, its indications, composition, analogues and release forms will be presented in this article. In addition, from it you will learn about whether this medication has side effects and contraindications, what is known about cases of overdose, how patients and specialists respond about it, how much it costs and so on.
The composition of the drug and its release form
In what form does the Meloflex medicine go on sale? Injections are his only form of release. The solution for intramuscular injection contains such an active element as meloxicam. In addition, the drug includes additional components. These include the following: meglumine, sodium chloride, glycofurfural, glycine, poloxamer, sodium hydroxide solution and water.
In the pharmacy, Meloflex injections, the instructions for which will be presented later, can be purchased in cardboard packages of 5 or 3 ampoules inside (1.5 ml).
Pharmacological characteristics of the injectable
What is the Meloflex preparation (injections)? The instruction for use of the injection solution states that it refers to anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal). This medication is a derivative of enolic acid, so it is able to have an antipyretic and analgesic effect.
The pronounced anti-inflammatory effect of the drug is installed on all models of (standard) inflammation. The principle of the drug is that it is able to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which, in fact, are known mediators of inflammation.
It should be noted that the Meloflex drug, whose price is not very high, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the area of inflammation much more than in the kidneys or gastric mucosa. These differences are directly related to the more selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 compared to cyclooxygenase -1. Experts say that thanks to the inhibition of COX-2, the therapeutic effect of the drug is provided. However, inhibition of the persistent COX-1 isoenzyme is very often the cause of side effects from the kidneys and stomach.
Pharmacokinetics of the drug
After using the Meloflex preparation, reviews of which are ambiguous, its active component binds to plasma proteins in a volume of 99%. This medication passes through the histohematological barrier, and also enters the synovial fluid. Moreover, the concentration in it is 50% of the concentration in plasma.
The metabolism of the drug occurs in the liver (metabolized to inactive metabolites). The drug leaves through the intestines and through the kidneys (in equal parts). In this case, the drug is excreted unchanged in the amount of 5% of the daily dose.
Indications for the use of NSAIDs
At what deviations is the Meloflex remedy indicated (injections)? The instructions for use contain information that the medication presented is prescribed only in the following cases:
- with rheumatoid arthritis;
- with osteoarthrosis;
- with ankylosing spondylitis (that is, with ankylosing spondylitis).
It can not be said that this type of medication is often prescribed for symptomatic treatment, reduction of pain syndromes and inflammation, which were present at the time of the use of the drug. It should also be said that it does not affect the progression of the disease. Therefore, it can be prescribed without any fear to patients with the above diagnoses.
Contraindications to the use of NSAIDs
When should you not use Meloflex injections? Instructions for use of this solution contain a fairly large list of contraindications. You can familiarize yourself with it right now.
- Hypersensitivity of the patient to other anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal).
- The combination of recurrent polyposis of the paranasal sinuses and nose, as well as bronchial asthma, intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid and pyrazolone drugs.
- Ulcerous lesions of the lining of the stomach and duodenum, especially during exacerbation.
- Hypersensitivity to the elements of the injection solution.
- Active bleeding from the digestive tract.
- The patient's condition after shunting (coronary artery bypass).
- Children's as well as adolescence (can not be used up to 18 years).
- Renal failure (chronic) in patients who have not undergone dialysis (CC less than 30 ml / min.).
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Kidney disease (progressive).
- Hyperkalemia confirmed.
- Severe liver failure or active liver disease.
Gentle use of the product
In what cases is Meloflex prescribed with extreme caution? The instruction for the use of an injection solution contains information that it should be prescribed very carefully to the elderly, as well as patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure (chronic), dyslipidemia / hyperlipidemia, peripheral arterial disease, renal failure ( with CC 30-60 ml / min), a history of ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract, the presence of Helicobecter pylori infection and severe somatic abnormalities.
Also, with extreme caution, this drug must be used by people who smoke and suffer from alcoholism. In addition, the prolonged use of the indicated NSAIDs, as well as its simultaneous use with oral GCS, including Prednisolone, anticoagulants, including Warfarin, antiplatelet agents, including Clopidogrel, selective reuptake inhibitors, is prohibited serotonin, including the medicines Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine and Sertraline.
Medication "Meloflex": instructions for use
How and in what dosages should the drug be used? It must be entered deeply and only intramuscularly. In this case, intravenous use of the solution is strictly prohibited.
Intramuscular administration of the drug is indicated only during the first few days of therapy. Subsequently, the patient is usually given oral NSAIDs.
So in what dosages should the drug be used for a particular disease? We will answer this question right now.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis in the acute phase are prescribed in the amount of 7.5 mg per day. If the patient's condition does not change for the better, then this volume can be increased to 15 mg per day.
- With ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, the medication presented is prescribed in the amount of 15 mg per day. Depending on the effect, the volume of the solution can be reduced to 7.5 mg per day. It is highly recommended not to exceed the daily dose of this drug (15 mg).
How do older people treat a disease such as osteoarthritis (treatment)? Anti-inflammatory drugs should be prescribed with extreme caution. With long-term treatment of ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, the dosage is 7.5 mg per day. Those who are prone to side effects, therapy should begin with a similar dosage.
Patients who are on dialysis and have severe renal failure should not be prescribed a drug higher than the daily dose (7.5 mg per day). In people with moderate or mild renal impairment (CC more than 25 ml / min.) There is no need to reduce the dosage.
Side effects
What should I do if the medication mentioned does not help the patient or affects him negatively? A table of drug analogues should always be at hand. Thanks to her, the patient can acquire a similar remedy, which is more suitable for his body.
Do injections have anti-inflammatory “Meloflex” side effects? According to the instructions, this drug can cause a number of negative consequences. What kind? Consider them right now.
- Hematopoietic organs: anemia, thromocytopenia, a change in the blood formula, including leukopenia.
- Digestive system: dyspepsia, hyperbilirubinemia, nausea, gastroduodenal ulcer, vomiting, belching, abdominal pain, esophagitis, constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding, including latent, flatulence, stomatitis, diarrhea, transient increase in hepatic transaminase activity, hepatitis, peritonitis, hepatitis, peritoneum, hepatitis and pricks.
- Respiratory system: asthma attacks in people allergic to NSAIDs and acetylsalicylic acid.
- Skin: urticaria, pruritus, photosensitivity, skin rash, bullous eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme.
- CNS: tinnitus, dizziness, disorientation, headache, confusion, vertigo, emotional lability and drowsiness.
- Urinary system: acute renal failure, albuminuria, hypercreatininemia, hematuria, interstitial nephritis.
- Vessels and heart: palpitations, peripheral edema, flushing of the face and increased blood pressure.
- Allergy: anaphylactoid or anaphylactic reactions, angioedema.
- Sense organs: visual impairment, conjunctivitis, blurred visual perception.
Overdose cases
What are the consequences for those who exceeded the dose of Meloflex (injections)? Patient reviews say that in such cases, dose-dependent side effects are amplified. The following pathological conditions occur: epigastric pain, acute renal failure, impaired consciousness, respiratory arrest, nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting, asystole, and acute liver failure.
In case of an overdose, symptomatic therapy is required. At the same time, alkalization of urine, forced diuresis and hemodialysis are not very effective due to the high binding of the drug to plasma proteins.
Special instructions for use
What rules should be followed in the process of using the medicine "Meloflex" (injections)? Reviews of experts say that this solution should be used with extreme caution, especially in the treatment of people with a history of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Such patients should be regularly observed by a doctor. If bleeding or ulcerative lesions occur, you should immediately stop using the product.
Special attention from specialists should be directed to people who report the development of undesirable side effects from the mucous membranes and skin. In such situations, it is better to consider stopping the use of the medication.
In patients with a reduced volume of circulating blood, as well as reduced glomerular filtration, the appearance of chronic renal failure. As a rule, such a side effect is completely reversible. But for this, it is recommended to cancel the use of an injection solution.
With a significant increase, as well as with persistent values of transaminase and changes in other indicators of liver function, the use of the drug should also be discontinued. Moreover, after this it is necessary to immediately carry out control tests.
To date, there is no information about the negative effect of the drug on the ability to drive machines or other mechanisms. If the patient has disorders of the central nervous system (increased fatigue, decreased visual acuity, dizziness, etc.), then the above activities are contraindicated.
Interaction with other drugs
Does the drug Meloflex affect other medicines, the price of which varies between 200-300 Russian rubles?
The simultaneous use of several NSAIDs increases the risk of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract. That is why it is highly not recommended to use the drug with other anti-inflammatory drugs.
During the use of the medication with diuretics, the patient should consume a large amount of liquid. At the same time, he needs regular medical monitoring of the kidneys.
Experts do not recommend combining NSAIDs with indirect anticoagulants, as this can increase the risk of bleeding due to damage to the intestinal mucosa or stomach, as well as inhibition of platelet function. The simultaneous use of the drug with thrombolytic and antithrombotic agents can lead to the same consequences.
It should also be noted that the drug "Meloflex" can increase the concentration of lithium in the blood to a toxic level. Also, with its simultaneous use with the drug "Methotrexate" increases the negative effect on blood formation.
The substance colestyramine accelerates the release of the drug, increasing the clearance of the active substance by 50%. It is impossible not to say that NSAIDs reduce the effectiveness of intrauterine contraceptives.
Meloflex injection solution: analogues
Currently, in pharmacy chains you can find a fairly large number of analogues of the mentioned drug. It should be noted that their price can be both higher than the original medication, and lower.
Thus, if for some reason you were not able to buy Meloflex injection solution, then you should definitely have a table of analogues of medicines on hand. This will allow you to purchase the right medication on site, which is in no way inferior to the original. However, it should be said that such drugs can have completely different side effects, drug interactions and contraindications. That is why it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them. If you do not have such an opportunity, then you should definitely read the instructions for use.
So what analogues does the medication presented have? Among them, I would like to especially highlight the following drugs: Meloflex Rompharm, Amelotex, Bi-Xikam, Arthrosan, Lem, Liberum, Mataren, Medsikam, Melbek, Meloksikam , Mesipol, Exen-Sanovel, Oksikamoks and so on.
Taking medication during lactation and during pregnancy
Suppression of prostaglandin synthesis negatively affects fetal development. That is why the drug can not be used during pregnancy. If necessary, it can be replaced by other, safer means. But for this, a pregnant woman should definitely contact her doctor.
It should also be noted that the medication is excreted along with breast milk, therefore, during the period of its use, breastfeeding should be stopped.
Duration and place of storage of the drug
Meloflex injection solution must be placed in a dark place where direct sunlight does not fall. Moreover, it should not be accessible to young children. It is desirable to store the medication at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees for 4 years. After the expiration date, the use of the drug is strictly prohibited.