Voltaren (gel): analogues, instructions, use, contraindications

At what deviations are the medicines "Voltaren" (gel) prescribed? Analogues, indications for the use of this remedy, its side effects and contraindications will be described below. Also we will tell you about what you can replace the presented drug, how much it costs, how it should be used, and so on.

Composition and packaging

What components includes Voltaren (gel)? Analogues of this external agent and the drug itself can contain completely different substances, but have a similar effect.

According to the enclosed instructions, the composition of 1% gel for external use includes diclofenac diethylamine. It is an active substance that contributes to the elimination of pain syndromes.

Also, the medicament includes auxiliary components in the form of carbomers, macrogol, cetostearate, capillar caprate, diethylamine, isopropanol, paraffin liquid, aromatic cream, propylene glycol and water.

In what packaging is Voltaren on sale? Gel (the price of it is listed below) has a homogeneous and creamy consistency. This allows it to be produced in aluminum and laminated tubes of 10, 50, 20, 75 and 100 g.

Pharmacological features of the external agent

What is the drug "Voltaren" (gel)? Analogues of this drug and the drug itself are NSAIDs. Such drugs can have pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the process of indiscriminate inhibition of COX-2 and COX-1, the drug leads to a disruption of the metabolism of arachidonic acid.

It should also be noted that the drug is actively used to eliminate pain syndromes and reduce swelling related to inflammatory processes.

Pharmacokinetic indices of the external agent Voltaren

Is the active substance of this drug absorbed (diclofenac)? "Voltaren" is used only externally. When the dosages are recommended by the doctor, the medicine is absorbed no more than 6%. But this is only if the skin on which it is applied does not have injuries and wounds.

Indications for use

At what diseases is the "Voltaren" (gel) appointed? Analogues of this drug and he himself is especially often used when:

• Back pain, including degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the spine (for example, with radiculitis, osteoarthritis, lumbago, and sciatica);
• Pain in the joints, including the fingers and knees;
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
• Pain in the muscles that have arisen from overexertion, distension, injury and bruises;
• Inflammations and swelling of the joints and soft tissues that have arisen due to various injuries;
• Rheumatic diseases (for example, with tendovaginitis, bursitis, lesions of periarticular tissues).

Contraindications for use

Do you know about which states can not use an active substance such as diclofenac? Gel, the price of which is quite high, is not recommended for people with a tendency to develop bronchial asthma attacks, with acute rhinitis, skin rashes, and also with the simultaneous use of acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs.

Also, it is forbidden to use external medicines for violations of skin integrity (at the site of application), in the third trimester of pregnancy, during lactation, in childhood (up to 12 years) and with increased sensitivity of the patient to diclofenac or other elements of the drug.

Careful use

What precautions should be known before using such an active substance as diclofenac? Gel, the price of which is indicated at the very end of the article, is prescribed with special caution to people with hepatic porphyria (especially in the acute stage), as well as erosive and ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract, bronchial asthma, chronic heart failure, severe liver and kidney disorders , In the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and in old age.

Dosage and administration

"Diklak" is an analog of "Voltaren". Use it should only be prescribed by a doctor. This is due to the fact that these drugs can have completely different side effects, dosages and contraindications.

So how to use the "Voltaren" medication? The drug is used only externally. Adults and children over 12 years of age are applied to the skin four times a day. At the same time, it is only slightly rubbed.

The amount of the drug under consideration depends on the size of the painful area. One-time dosage is usually 2-4 g. By volume, this is comparable to the size of one cherry or walnut. After using the medication, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The duration of therapy depends on its effectiveness and indications. By the way, some specialists recommend using it together with other forms of "Voltaren" for the enhanced effect of the drug.

After a lapse of two weeks after the start of therapy, it is necessary to evaluate the appropriateness of further use of the gel.

Rules for the use of an anesthetic

Depending on the packaging in which the gel is produced, the methods of using it also change.

• Laminated tubes. To remove the protective membrane from the preparation, use a screw cap (ie a recess with a projection that is on the outside) as the key. Thus, it is required to combine the recess with the protective membrane and make a circular movement.
  
  (By the way, laminated tubes are produced not only with a conventional lid, but also with an innovative one, which has a triangular shape.This package is especially useful for those patients who have limitations in joint mobility due to osteoarthritis or other diseases, injuries.)

• Aluminum tubes. Before using the medication, the protective membrane must be pierced using a special protrusion on the outside of the screw cap.

Overdose Symptoms

Very low systemic absorption of the active substance of the drug makes an overdose almost impossible. But with the occasional use of 100 g of gel, which is equivalent to 1000 mg of diclofenac, the patient may develop unwanted reactions, similar to side effects. In this case, in-patient treatment is required.

Side effects

Undesirable reactions that appear after using the gel externally, are characterized by moderately expressed, as well as passing skin manifestations. Very often, patients have erythema, eczema and dermatitis, including contact and bullous dermatitis. Sometimes, pustular eruptions, generalized rashes and allergic reactions such as urticaria can occur on the skin.

Also, the drug can cause angioedema, photosensitivity reactions, bronchospastic reactions and attacks of suffocation.

Special Recommendations

Gel "Voltaren" can enhance the effect of the means that cause photosensitivity. Therefore, combining such drugs is not recommended.

Apply medication only on intact skin areas, avoiding getting to various wounds. After using the drug, it is not recommended to apply an occlusive bandage.

Similar drugs

Today there is a huge number of analogues of such a drug as "Voltaren". Among the most popular are the following: Diclofenac, Rapidus, Diclac, Rapten 75, Almiral, Asephil, Diclobert, Aertal, Dicloran, Actinac, Diclo Duo, Dolex, Diclo-F, Diclocaine, Diclotol, Dicloreum, Blokium B12, Diclobru, Ketanov, Olfen, Indomethacin, Naklofen, Ketalgin, Orthofen, Ketolak, Feloran, Bol-Run, Diklovit.

The gel "Voltaren" and all of the listed products quite quickly eliminate pain syndromes, significantly improving the patient's condition.

The price of an outdoor product

How much is the drug "Voltaren" (gel)? Its price is quite high. 50 g of the drug you can buy for 300 rubles. If you require a large dosage, you can buy a 100-g tube or 2% gel. Their cost is 320 and 560 rubles respectively.

Reviews about the drug

Most reviews about the Voltaren gel are positive. Patients claim that after the first use of the drug pain sensations are becoming less noticeable. At the same time, the puffiness decreases, which is manifested as a result of injury.

The only drawback of this medication is its high cost. However, experts say that even a small tube with gel is enough for a whole course of treatment.