How should I use the drug "Artrokol" (gel)? Instructions for using this medication will be described in this article. You will also learn about why this medication is prescribed for patients, whether it has analogues, and what reviews consumers leave about it.
Compositions, packaging of the medicine and its form
"Artrokol" - gel (2.5%), intended for external use. It goes on sale in an aluminum tube of 45 g. Also in a cardboard box along with the medicine is a leaflet with detailed instructions for use.
What does the external medicine “Artrokol” (gel) contain? 100 g of this product contains 2.5 g of an active ingredient such as ketoprofen. In addition, the composition of the drug under consideration includes the following auxiliary elements: trolamine, carbomer 980, 96% ethanol, purified water and methyl parahydroxybenzoate.
The principle of action of the drug
“Arthrocol” is a gel whose active ingredient is ketoprofen. Mentioned drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as derivatives of arylpropionic acid.
The main substance of the medication in question provides an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect that occurs during the indiscriminate inhibition of COX-1, bradykinin and COX-2, as well as stabilization of membranes (lysosomal) and inhibition of macrophage migration.
Among other things, the drug "Artrokol" (gel) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. It is able to affect the early vascular and late cellular phase of the inflammatory process. Also, this medication slows platelet aggregation.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics
According to the attached instructions, ketoprofen (the active component of the drug) is absorbed by the skin after external application, and then penetrates the focus of the inflammatory process and maintains the necessary therapeutic concentration in the tissues for a long time.
The absorption of this drug into the systemic circulation is minimal (about 5% of the used dose). In this case, absorption into the bloodstream occurs very slowly.
The concentration of the active substance of the drug (when using 50-150 mg of ketoprofen) in the blood after 7.5 hours is only 0.08-0.15 ÎĽg / ml.
The drug "Artrokol" (gel): what is it for?
Indications for use of the gel in question are the following conditions:
- myalgia of non-rheumatic and rheumatic origin;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (including rheumatoid arthritis, articular syndrome during exacerbation of gout, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, osteochondrosis, various localization of osteoarthritis, inflammatory lesion of tendons, ligaments, sciatica, bursitis or lumbago);
- as part of a comprehensive treatment for inflammatory pathologies of veins (for example, with phlebitis, peripheralitis), lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels (for example, with lymphangitis, superficial lymphadenitis);
- post-traumatic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues (including symptomatic therapy of uncomplicated injuries, including dislocations, sports injuries, sprains or tears of tendons and ligaments, bruises, post-traumatic pains).
Bans to use
From what ointment "Arthrocol" helps, we described above. However, this remedy also has contraindications for use. These include the following:
- age up to 12 years;
- high sensitivity to the elements of the drug, as well as acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs;
- third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The drug "Artrokol" (gel): instructions for use
For treatment with the agent under consideration, a strip of gel 4-5 cm long is applied to the skin in the required place and rubbed with gentle massaging movements until it is completely absorbed.
It should be especially noted that the larger the area of ​​the affected area, the more drug is spent on one treatment procedure. Thus, a five-centimeter strip of the medicine "Artrokol" corresponds to 100 g of ketoprfen.
After the ointment has been used, wash your hands immediately.
The gel under consideration is allowed to be used simultaneously with other medicines containing ketoprofen (for example, in combination with tablets, capsules, rectal suppositories).
The maximum dose of this drug per day is 200 mg. This amount of the drug does not depend on the form of the drug.
The duration of the therapeutic course should be determined individually by the attending physician. However, it should be noted that using liniment for more than 10 days in a row is prohibited.
Feasible side effects
What negative phenomena can cause the drug "Artrokol" (gel)? The instruction speaks about the following effects of a negative nature:
- bronchospasm, angioedema;
- asthmatic attacks, anaphylactic reactions, including shock;
- redness, itching, hives, burning and swelling on the skin;
- bullous and conflictenosis eczema, which can spread to other areas, as well as acquire a generalized character;
- photosensitivity, bullous or contact dermatitis;
- nausea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vomiting;
- bleeding, stomach ulcer, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation;
- impaired renal function, exacerbation of chronic renal failure, interstitial nephritis, and development of renal failure.
It should also be noted that when using the “Artrokol” gel, other side reactions from the digestive system and urinary system may occur. The intensity of such effects depends on the amount of the drug used, as well as the penetrating ability of its active ingredient, the size of the treated area, the duration of the therapeutic course and the condition of the skin.
We can not say that the elderly are most likely to experience side effects in the treatment of NSAIDs.
Pregnancy and lactation
Is it possible to use the drug "Artrokol" (gel) during breastfeeding and pregnancy? In the course of experiments on rodents, it was found that the agent in question does not cause a teratogenic and embryotoxic effect in young animals. However, it should be noted that a small embryotoxic effect was noted in experiments on rabbits.
Due to the fact that the safety of ketoprofen in pregnant women was not supported by any studies, experts do not recommend the use of this tool for expectant mothers.
It should also be said that ketoprofen and other inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis are capable of provoking toxic damage to the kidneys, pulmonary and cardiac systems of the fetus.
The breakdown products of the agent in question are found in breast milk. For this reason, the gel "Artrokol" should not be prescribed to nursing women.
Special information
The drug "Artrokol" (gel), the analogues of which are listed below, is forbidden to be applied to areas of the skin with pathological changes such as acne or eczema. The same goes for infected areas or open wounds.
It is also necessary to avoid getting the medicine on the mucous membranes. After using the medication, wash your hands.
This tool is not recommended for use with occlusive dressings.
During treatment with Arthrocol and for two weeks after therapy, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight.
"Artrokol" (gel): reviews and similar remedies
The analogues of this medication include such drugs as “Karmolis-gel”, “Indomethacin”, “Diclofenac”, “Remisid”, “Vipratox”, “Denebol”, “Goal T”, “Chondra-force”, “Ibuprofen”, Ketonal and others.
What do consumers say about this medicine? According to their reports, the gel "Artrokol" is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It treats pathological conditions such as myalgia, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, inflammatory diseases of the veins, and post-traumatic inflammation.
The disadvantages of this medication for external use include many side effects that occur after using the gel. Most often, patients observe redness, itching, hives, burning and swelling on the skin, as well as nausea, eczema, stomach ulcer, diarrhea and heartburn. Another disadvantage of the drug in question is that it can not be prescribed to pregnant women, and also to use during lactation.