Ointment "Ibuprofen" is considered an anti-inflammatory drug that is used externally. The drug is in demand because of its effectiveness and affordable price. Ibuprofen ointment relieves pain, and also treats inflammation. The rules for its application are presented in the article.
Form and composition
What is the composition of ibuprofen ointment? The active substance is ibuprofen. Another drug consists of:
- purified water;
- lavender oil;
- carbomer;
- ethyl alcohol;
- triethanolamine;
- propylene glycol.
The product is available in the form of ointment and gel. The concentration of the main component is 5%. The volume is divided into 25, 50, 75 or 100 g. Ibuprofen ointment has a slight yellowish tint. She has no pronounced aroma.
Ointment or gel?
As indicated in the instructions, both forms are effective. They are used for one purpose. The main difference between the drugs is pharmacokinetics. Due to its special structure, the gel is rapidly absorbed by the skin and penetrates the blood, but the ointment has a prolonged effect for the same reason. According to reviews, the second tool is used more often.
Act
As indicated in the instructions, ibuprofen ointment is applied externally. This is not a hormonal drug, so it can be used by those who have disorders in the endocrine system. After eliminating pain and inflammation, the drug relieves swelling of the tissues.
The effect of ibuprofen ointment is manifested due to the presence of an active substance in its composition. The main component disrupts the synthesis of prostaglandin and interrupts the appearance of pain mediators. As a result, not only discomfort and stiffness are eliminated, but also the mobility of the diseased joint improves. The inflammatory mediators are blocked, which provides a therapeutic effect. The rate of decrease in the intensity of inflammation is determined by the type of pathology.
Ibuprofen ointment has a beneficial effect on blood circulation at the site of application. Strong vascular permeability is also reduced. As a result, swelling, which is usually with inflammation, is eliminated. The medicine is excreted by the kidneys.
When is it used?
Before using the product, you need to familiarize yourself with the prescriptions of ibuprofen ointment. As stated in the instructions, the drug is effective for degenerative ailments or inflammation of the musculoskeletal system. The indications of ibuprofen ointment include the presence of:
- arthritis;
- spondylarthrosis ankylosing;
- periarthritis of the shoulder;
- osteochondrosis;
- tendonitis;
- osteoarthritis;
- tenosynovitis;
- sciatica;
- intervertebral hernia;
- myalgia;
- sciatica;
- bursitis;
- lumbago;
- soft tissue injuries.
Although the tool helps with these ailments, still first you need to get advice from a specialist. Other procedures that are part of the comprehensive treatment are likely to be required. The use of ibuprofen ointment is effective for eliminating pain during hemorrhoids, but this indication is absent in the annotation for this remedy. Proctologists in a practical way revealed the positive effect of the drug on the symptoms of external nodes. But with internal hemorrhoids, you can not use the drug.
Instruction manual
As indicated in the instructions for use, ibuprofen ointment should be used in compliance with the dosages and duration of the course. To eliminate problems with joints and soft tissues, the drug treats the affected area with a strip of 10 cm in length, and then rub it with light movements until it is absorbed.
In this dosage, adults can use the ointment up to 4 times a day, which is important for patients with intense pain. After application, a burning sensation appears, which disappears after 5-10 minutes. This is the norm, and it is not considered a reason for stopping the use of the medicine.
Dosage for children 6-12 years old is prescribed by a doctor. Older than this age, the drug is used in the same way as in adults. Children are more likely to be allergic to ointment. Therefore, if it is used for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the reaction for several hours. If there are no negative manifestations, then treatment can be continued.
With hemorrhoids, the drug is used only with external non-bleeding nodes to get rid of pain and itching. Before using the ointment, the problem area is washed with cool water and laundry soap. Then wiped with a paper towel. The anus is smeared with a thin layer.
Throughout the day, the hemorrhoidal cone is lubricated up to 4 times a day. Secondarily, the drug is allowed to be used after 4 hours. If this is done earlier, then there is the likelihood of an overdose that will adversely affect a person’s condition. Improvement occurs in 1-2 days. If this is not the case, another means is needed.
Patients who use the ointment for the first time need to perform a tolerance test in advance. Even if no side effects were observed after ibuprofen tablets, the ointment can lead to negative reactions.
Contraindications
According to reviews, most people tolerate ibuprofen ointment well. But it is important to consider the presence of contraindications. There are many restrictions on the use. Ointment is not used for:
- intolerance to the components;
- allergic rhinitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- allergies to skin rashes;
- violation of the integrity of the epidermis;
- dermatosis in the field of drug treatment;
- eczema
- pregnancy in the 3rd trimester;
- under 12 years old;
- violations in the digestive tract;
- kidney or liver disease.
You can not use the drug in the presence of chronic inflammation in the respiratory system. The reason is that the likelihood of acute allergies with swelling of the mucosa on these organs is significantly higher. In this case, a tolerance test is performed before the primary procedure.
During pregnancy in the 1st and 2nd trimester, the ointment is allowed to be used, but only for medical reasons and under the supervision of a doctor. The tool is prescribed if the expected benefit for the woman significantly exceeds the risks for the child. In the 3rd trimester, you can not use ibuprofen. Self-prescribing ointment is prohibited due to the risk of negative consequences from improper therapy.
During lactation, an external agent can not be used if you do not stop feeding. If necessary, mandatory treatment of the child is previously transferred to an artificial mixture. The reason is that substances penetrate into milk, which will negatively affect the condition of the crumbs.
Side effects
Side effects of the ointment appear in rare cases. Many patients tolerate medicine well. Usually negative reactions occur when applying a very large amount of the product or its too frequent use.
Side effects are manifested in the form of:
- violations in the digestive tract;
- skin manifestations - itching, burning, redness;
- severe headaches;
- sleep disturbances;
- impaired liver function;
- impaired renal function.
One or more of these negative effects may appear. If negative consequences of treatment are identified, you must immediately complete the use of the drug and visit a doctor. He will prescribe subsequent treatment.
Nuances
Ointment is forbidden to be applied to the skin near the mouth and eyes. If the product gets on the mucous membranes, it is necessary to rinse them. After contact with it, wash your hands well.
According to reviews, an external drug enhances the analgesic effect if a person drinks a caffeinated drink. With the simultaneous intake of potassium carbonate and the use of ointment in the blood, the lithium content increases. Overdose situations of "Ibuprofen" in the form of an ointment are not described. If the drug has got inside, then rinse your mouth and visit a doctor. The tool can disrupt the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Interaction
In the treatment of articular pathologies, the drug is used with other drugs. Their dosage and frequency of administration is established by a rheumatologist or traumatologist. No cases of negative effects of ointment with other drugs have been identified.
But, to minimize complications, doctors advise using the tool one hour after applying other drugs. If other drugs are used, it is important to consult a doctor before applying the ointment.
Safety regulations
Ointment should be used only externally. It is important to prevent the drug from getting on the mucous membranes or in the eyes. It is better not to use the ointment for children under 12 years of age due to the lack of reliable information about safety and effectiveness.
In the presence of asthma, hay fever, chronic lung disease, infections of the respiratory system and with hypersensitivity to analgesics and antirheumatic drugs, there is a risk of asthmatic attacks, swelling of the mucous membranes. Use the medicine in these cases should be under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to carefully apply the ointment for allergies to other substances, which manifest as skin irritation, itching, urticaria. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, consult a doctor.
Analogs
Ibuprofen ointment costs about 50 rubles per tube. The product is sold without a prescription. But there are analogues. Medicines with ibuprofen include:
- Deep Reef.
- "Long."
- "Nurofen."
Many do not know what is better to choose: "Fastum gel" or ibuprofen ointment. The pharmacodynamics of both agents are almost the same. The gel eliminates pain and inflammation, but is absorbed into the skin more slowly, therefore it will be less effective. Another difference is the cost - Ibuprofen is several times cheaper than its counterpart.
Diclofenac Gel is also used. This is a proven tool that allows you to get rid of inflammation, pain in the place of local use. The price of both funds is similar. Diclofenac is used in the same way, with the same dosages, which ensures its effectiveness.
It is impossible to change the remedy intended for treatment on its own. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will tell you which drug will be effective.
Most reviews about this ointment are positive. Many people notice improvement after several procedures. Another tool is in demand due to low cost. To achieve a positive effect, you only need to use the ointment correctly.