Ointment "Actovegin" is prescribed to accelerate the healing process. The instruction involves the use of ointments in the treatment of frostbite, burns, radiation, as well as diabetic foot, varicose veins and trophic ulcers. On the Internet you can also find information on the use of anti-wrinkle ointments. Below we consider all the areas of application of the drug and its main properties.
Structure
The therapeutic effect of Actovegin ointment is due to the inclusion of a biological stimulator of animal origin in its composition. This substance is obtained from the blood of calves during the decomposition of protein structures. The scientific name for the active ingredient is deproteinized dialysate. A foreign protein is removed from the extract, which can cause an allergic reaction. However, during processing, the resulting substance retains all biologically active components.
The composition of the Actovegin ointment includes oligopeptides, amino acids, macro- and microelements, oligosaccharides, enzymes, etc. All of these substances have a low molecular weight, which increases their penetrating ability.
Mechanism of action
When producing dialysate, animal tissues are used, namely the blood of calves. It is processed at high and low temperatures, radiation, etc., that is, its structure is destroyed. Under the influence of adverse conditions, cells begin to undergo changes aimed at survival in new conditions. This is how active substances are formed after heating and cooling blood serum or plasma. Getting into the soft tissues or blood of a person, these substances stimulate the regeneration and restoration processes in the organs and cells of the body.
Dialysate is an antihypoxant, that is, it prevents the development of suffocation, hypoxia and lack of oxygen, and it is also a biological stimulant. Its therapeutic effect is achieved due to the normalization of cell oxygen supply. Actovegin also normalizes glucose uptake.
Under the influence of glucose and oxygen, the metabolic process is normalized, and additional energy arises, which is directed to the formation of new cells and the strengthening of old membranes. Among other things, in the place of use of Actovegin, amino acids accumulate in large quantities, which also contributes to the regeneration of cells and the restoration of damaged membranes. Increasing the concentration of oxygen in the blood also contributes to good blood circulation. This allows the treatment of inflammation and toxins. That is, the ointment is used as a means for healing wounds.
Nerve tissue repair
In addition to the wound healing effect, Actovegin ointment helps to restore nerve tissue. For this reason, the ointment is prescribed for the treatment of diabetic foot and other wounds formed in patients with diabetes mellitus. The drug restores some damage to the nerves, which normalizes the transmission of impulses and tissue sensitivity. In addition, it is considered an insulin-like drug.
What is Actovegin ointment used for?
Indications for use
The medication was originally made to treat neurological diseases. However, it quickly began to be used in a wider range of areas in medicine. It is prescribed by various specialists, including diabetologists, dentists, ophthalmologists, surgeons and cosmetologists. This is possible thanks to various forms of release of the drug, including ointment, gel, cream, eye ointment, etc.
Instructions for use of Actovegin ointment determine the following indications for its use:
1. Damage to the skin of various origins, such as scratches, minor abrasions, deep wounds. Open wound therapy will require ointment up to six times per day.
2. Any types of burns - chemical, thermal, solar, etc.
3. Frostbite.
4. Treatment of pressure sores in bedridden patients, which arise as a result of soft tissue damage due to impaired blood circulation and constant compression.
5. Irradiation of the skin. Ointment is also used as a prophylactic in radiation therapy of the skin or surfaces of the mucous membranes.
6. Trophic ulcers, the treatment of which is complicated by vascular disorders.
7. Varicose veins. In this case, ointment is applied to the affected veins overnight under a bandage. Such therapy improves blood flow and reduces stagnant processes in the veins, which reduces their bulging. Why is Actovegin ointment used, not everyone knows.
What does the instruction report?
The instructions say that the therapeutic effect of applying the ointment occurs after 20-30 minutes. The effectiveness of the therapy is determined by reducing the intensity of symptoms. It is quite difficult to track the presence of therapeutic substances in the blood and tissues, since they are biological components and are themselves in the human body. They do not differ from enzymes, trace elements and peptides produced by humans.
Other areas of use
In cosmetology, Actovegin ointment is used as a remedy for acne, acne, peeling, ulcers and wrinkles. It should be borne in mind that the composition of the drug includes alien biologically active substances that can provoke an allergic reaction. Therefore, for the first use, it is necessary to conduct a sensitivity test, smearing a small area of the skin and looking at the reaction.
From wrinkles, ointment helps due to its property to stimulate the formation of new cells. The composition of the ointment helps with facial and other fine wrinkles. With deeper signs of aging, the drug is ineffective. Ointment also improves skin firmness and elasticity and improves complexion.
Use of the product in gynecology
In some cases, Actovegin ointment in gynecology is used in the treatment of cervical erosion. The drug is often prescribed after cauterization as a healing agent. The ointment is laid with a swab in the vagina. Sometimes Actovegin is prescribed for tears and other injuries of the perineum during childbirth. Ointment can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
For women during gestation, “Actovegin” is often prescribed for injection and in tablet form in order to normalize blood circulation in the placenta.
Analogues of the drug
Ointment "Actovegin" is replaced by similar drugs in several cases. Firstly, if it is not available in the pharmacy, which is rare, but it happens. Secondly, if the cost of the original drug is not satisfied and you want to find a cheaper analogue.
A common analogue of Actovegin in the form of an ointment is Solcoseryl. The latter also contains dialysate obtained from the blood of calves. In properties, it is similar to Actovegin and has a regenerative and tissue regenerating effect. The difference between the drugs is that Actovegin is not suitable for the treatment of purulent wounds, while Solcoseryl can help cope even with such injuries. Actovegin contains more preservatives, which makes its shelf life longer than Solcoseryl.
Reviews about this drug
Experts recognize Actovegil ointment as a highly effective, wound healing drug that has a wide range of applications. Ointment is called a mandatory component of a home medicine cabinet. It has no contraindications and side effects (except for a possible allergy). Quite a lot of information in the reviews about the unproven effectiveness of the ointment and the placebo effect. Neither to prove nor to refute this statement is not possible, since relevant studies are not conducted. However, it should be noted that there are more positive comments on the use of Actovegin than negative comments, so everyone should decide on their use independently.
Which is better - Actovegin ointment or cream? Cream "Actovegin" is a tool that accelerates the regeneration and recovery process in the epidermis. As a result, tissue healing is faster. The renewal of the surface layer is stimulated. The active components have a positive effect on metabolic processes, the breakdown of glucose is accelerated, oxygen is better absorbed. The issue of replacement should be decided by a specialist. The difference most often lies in the auxiliary components. If you are allergic to Actovegin, you can try replacing it with an analog. In order to increase the therapeutic effect, a drug is prescribed in the form of an ointment. The ability of this medication is striking in speed of action, an excellent result.