Anesthetizing ointments and gels are especially popular with those who suffer from diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The main advantage of such drugs is their ease of use, as well as the absence of pronounced side effects.
Today we will provide you with information about the pharmacological characteristics of a tool such as Voltaren Emulgel (gel). Instructions for use, as well as the indications of this medication will be presented below.
Composition, packaging and description
Instructions for use "Voltaren" (emulsifier) is enclosed in a cardboard box along with a laminated or aluminum tube, which contains a creamy and uniform 1% gel of white or slightly yellowish color, intended for external use.
The active element of this drug is diclofenac diethylamine. Also, the composition of the therapeutic agent includes auxiliary components, which are presented in the form of carbomer, water, macrogol cetostearate, propylene glycol, cocoyl caprylocaprate, aromatic cream, diethylamine, liquid paraffin and isopropanol.
Pharmacology (gel characterization)
What is Voltaren gel (emulgel)? Instructions for use (reviews, the price of the drug will be described below) states that this drug is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for external use. It has a pronounced analgesic effect, indiscriminately inhibits COX-1,2, and also disrupts the metabolism of arachidonic acid.
The medication in question is used to reduce swelling and eliminate pain, which are directly related to the inflammatory process.
Pharmacokinetics
Instructions for use "Voltaren" (emulsifier) reports that this medication is poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation (about 6%). This is due to the fact that it is intended for local use.
The total amount of the active substance of this agent in the blood is proportional to the area of application of the gel. If the drug is used with an occlusive dressing, then its absorption increases by 3 times.
After the drug enters the bloodstream, diclofenac diethylamine binds rather quickly to plasma proteins (99%), mainly to albumin.
With topical use of the gel, the concentration of this substance in the synovial fluid exceeds the concentration in the blood plasma.
The resulting metabolites of diclofenac are less active than he is.
The half-life of this medicine is 1-3 hours. The drug is excreted from the body along with feces and urine.
Indications
What diseases can a local drug Voltaren (emulsifier) be prescribed for? Description, reviews, instructions for use report that this medication is actively used to eliminate discomfort in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
Thus, the drug in question is prescribed for:
- back pain that accompanies inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the spine (for example, osteoarthritis, radiculitis, sciatica, lumbago);
- muscle pain that has arisen due to overstrain, sprain, injuries, or bruises;
- joint pain, including knee joints and finger joints (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis);
- inflammation and swelling of the soft tissues, as well as the joints that accompany rheumatic diseases or were obtained from trauma (damage to periarticular tissues, bursitis, tendovaginitis).
Contraindications
Instructions for use "Voltaren" (emulgel) reports that this medication should not be used for:
- skin rashes, a tendency to asthma attacks of bronchial or acute rhinitis, when taking other NSAIDs or acetylsalicylic acid;
- in the third trimester of pregnancy;
- violation of the integrity of the skin in the proposed area of application;
- in childhood up to twelve years;
- during breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other substances of the drug.
With caution, this drug is recommended for use with erosion or ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract, liver porphyria, severe violations in the work of the kidneys and liver, asthma of bronchial, heart failure (chronic), as well as in old age and in the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
Gel "Voltaren" (emulsifier): method of application and dose
Adults and adolescents from 12 years of age should be applied to the skin four times a day, rubbing it lightly with their palms.
The amount of drug used for treatment depends on the size of the painful area. A single dosage of the gel should be no more than 2-4 g (comparable with the size of cherries and walnuts, respectively). After applying the gel, wash your hands thoroughly.
The duration of therapy with this agent depends on its effectiveness and indications. To enhance the effect, the gel can be combined with other forms of the Voltaren drug.
14 days after the start of treatment, it is necessary to assess the appropriateness of the subsequent use of the medication.
Side effects
Instructions for use "Voltaren" (emulgel) indicates that adverse reactions that occur after using the gel are characterized by moderate, as well as self-passing skin manifestations.
Local adverse reactions include: eczema, erythema, dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, pruritus, rash, swelling of the treated area, papules, bullous dermatitis, vesicles, pustular eruptions and desquamation.
As for the systemic reaction, it manifests itself in the form of generalized skin rash, allergies (angioedema, urticaria, bronchospastic reactions, hypersensitivity, asthma attacks) and photosensitivity reactions.
Reviews and price
Now you know what the Voltaren gel (emulsifier) is. Instructions for use, price, reviews are described in this article.
The cost of the drug in question is 200-550 rubles (depending on the volume of the tube).
Most patients respond to this remedy only on the positive side. They report that after applying the gel to the affected area, discomfort and pain go away within half an hour and do not bother for a long time.
The only drawback of this drug is its overpriced. However, experts argue that the price of Voltaren gel (emulsifier) is fully consistent with its quality and effectiveness.