A disease such as psoriasis is characterized by red spots, excessively dry and raised above the surface of the skin with spots or the so-called papules. Merging with each other, they form plaques, which are areas of excessive proliferation of keratinocytes, macrophages and skin lymphocytes, as well as chronic inflammation.
To prescribe therapy for such a chronic non-infectious disease, you should consult a dermatologist. In turn, the doctor must prescribe drugs to the patient that help reduce the main symptoms of the disease.
The most effective drugs for psoriasis include the drug "Xamiol". Instructions for use, price, reviews on the effectiveness of this medication will be presented below.
Composition, form of release of the drug, its description and packaging
In what form is the drug “Xamiol” available? The instructions for use claim that the drug is in the form of a clear gel for external use. It can be colorless or white. On the surface of the drug, a thin and oily film is often noted.
The active ingredients of the drug in question are betamethasone dipropionate and calcipotriol monohydrate. The gel also includes auxiliary elements in the form of liquid paraffin, polypropylene glycol stearate and hydrogenated castor oil.
The Ksamiol medication (instructions for use, price, reviews are described below) comes in bottles of high density polyethylene.
Pharmacological characteristics
What is remarkable about the Xamiol medication? Instructions for use, reviews of experienced specialists report that the effectiveness of this drug is due to the properties of its active substances.
Calcipotriol is a synthetic analogue of the active metabolite of vitamin D. It inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes, and also increases the speed of their morphological differentiation.
As for betamethasone, it is a glucocorticosteroid for external use. It has a local immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive and antipruritic effect. In this case, the exact mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory properties of this steroid have not been identified.
We can not say that the use of occlusive dressings significantly enhances the effectiveness of glucocorticosteroids, since in this case their penetration into the skin increases.
Kinetic properties of the drug
Is Xamiol (gel) absorbed? Instructions for use indicate that the absorption of betamethasone and calcipotriol through intact skin is less than 1%. If the drug was applied to psoriatic plaques or under fixing dressings, the absorption of the external corticosteroids is significantly increased.
The elimination of the considered product from the skin occurs over several days.
Betamethasone metabolism occurs in the kidneys and liver with the formation of sulfoesters and glucuronides. Withdrawal of the drug is carried out through the kidneys and intestines.
Indications
Why is such a medicine prescribed as “Xamiol” (gel)? Instructions for use, reviews of doctors indicate that this tool is especially effective for:
- psoriasis on the head ;
- psoriasis of moderate and mild severity on other parts of the body.
Contraindications
Does the Xamiol medication have contraindications? Instructions for use (analogues of this medication are sold in all pharmacies) indicates that this drug should not be prescribed for:
- severe insufficient renal or hepatic function;
- diseases that are accompanied by a violation of calcium metabolism;
- viral diseases (herpes, shingles), fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections of the skin, rosacea, rosacea, acne vulgaris, perioral dermatitis, skin manifestations of syphilis and tuberculosis, skin atrophy, ulcers, wounds, itching in the genital area, perianal area fragility of blood vessels of the skin, striae and ichthyosis;
- hypersensitivity to any of the substances of the drug;
- psoriatic erythroderma, guttate, exfoliative and pustular psoriasis;
- at a minor age.
The drug "Xamiol": method of administration and dose
The drug "Xamiol" is used only externally. Before applying the gel, the vial should be shaken thoroughly. The medication is applied in a thin layer on plaques (psoriatic) or other affected areas of the body, including on the scalp once a day.
The maximum dose per day is not more than 15 g. In this case, the maximum weekly dosage should not be higher than 100 g.
The duration of the course of therapy with this agent is 4 weeks for psoriasis of the head and 2 months for damage to the skin.
The area of application of the medication should not be more than 30% of the entire surface of the body. The drug should remain on the skin throughout the night or the day. This will help to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect.
If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated, but only under the supervision of a doctor.
Adverse reactions
What side effects does Xamiol gel cause? Instructions for use (the price of this medication is quite high) indicates such undesirable reactions as:
- eye irritation;
- itchy skin, rash, acne, burning sensation, pustular psoriasis, pain, irritation, exacerbation of psoriasis, dermatitis, folliculitis and dry skin.
It should also be noted that calcipotriol can provoke local skin irritation, burning sensation, itching, tingling, erythema, dermatitis, photosensitivity, eczema and facial edema.
With prolonged use of betamethasone, atrophy of the skin, striae, telangiectasia, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, allergic contact dermatitis, depigmentation, colloid skin degeneration, generalized pustular psoriasis develop.
Special recommendations for the use of the gel
What should the patient know before applying Xamiol gel to the skin? Instructions for use informs that this tool can not be used on mucous membranes.
Special care must be taken when applying the medication to the skin of the face and genitals.
If the gel accidentally enters the eyes, such unwanted reactions as irritation and conjunctivitis can develop.
After using the medication, wash your hands thoroughly.
If secondary infections have developed against the background of the use of the drug in question, then the patient should be prescribed antimicrobial therapy.
Abrupt drug withdrawal increases the risk of developing pustular generalized psoriasis. Therefore, after discontinuation of therapy, it is required to continue clinical monitoring of the patient's condition.
During treatment with this product, the patient should avoid excessive exposure to artificial or natural sunlight.
Calcipotriol may be used topically in combination with ultraviolet radiation only if the doctor considers the risk of unwanted effects justified.
What other features are inherent in Ksamiol gel? Instructions for use states that this product contains butylhydroxytoluene. This component may cause local skin reactions (for example, contact dermatitis) or eye irritation.
To achieve the optimal therapeutic effect, after using the drug, it is not recommended to immediately take a shower or bath, as well as wash your hair (when treating the head).
Cost and analogues
The cost of the medication in question is about 800-1000 rubles. Many consumers find this price too high.
As for the analogues, the Xamiol preparation does not have a lot of them. The most similar in its properties is the drug "Daivobet." However, it should be noted that its cost may exceed 1600 rubles per bottle.
Reviews of specialists and patients
Now you know what diseases the drug “Xamiol” (gel) treats. Instructions, price, reviews about this medicine are presented in this article.
According to consumer reviews, this tool is quite effective in relation to psoriasis. Moreover, it is well applied to the skin, and also does not contribute to the appearance of oily and sticky skin.
The drug is absorbed quite easily. It has a very pleasant and unobtrusive aroma. One tube of medicine is enough for a long time.
Many patients using this medication note that after the start of the use of this medication, their itching was characteristic for psoriasis rather quickly, and plaque brightened. Over time, they completely disappeared.
As for the negative responses, most of them contain the indignation of people about the cost of the medicine. Also, some consumers are afraid to use this drug, since it is hormonal.
It should be noted that after applying the gel in some patients, rather unpleasant side effects occur. Although experts argue that if you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, such reactions can be avoided.