"Voltaren" (ointment): instruction manual, reviews

Stretching of ligaments and bruises, dislocations and inflammatory processes in the joints and muscles - how often does man face similar phenomena in his life? The answer to this question every reader of this article can give one: almost every day. Therefore, in every home medicine cabinet you need to have a drug that will relieve pain, reduce inflammation and generally act on injured tissues in a favorable manner. Such drugs include Voltaren. Ointment, the composition of which is able in a short time to restore the working capacity of a person (mobility of joints, elasticity of muscles), is inexpensive, and the benefits are enormous. This article is devoted to this medicine.

The preparation "Voltaren": forms of release

At the moment, pharmacologists are issued several dosage forms of the drug "Voltaren." Instructions for use refers to film-coated tablets with prolonged action, rectal suppositories, regular tablets, injection solutions and even eye drops. However, unlike these drugs, the most popular among consumers are considered dosage forms that do not have a systemic effect on the body, and, as a result, have less undesirable effect on many organs and tissues. Such preparations include ointments, gels, and sprays for topical application.

Voltaren ointment, which is said to be about the greatest popularity of this remedy, as well as the epimel (emulgel), are considered to be the most effective in eliminating various pathological processes in the joints and muscles. This opinion is expressed not only by patients, but also by their treating physicians. Ointment "Voltaren-emulgel", for example, is recommended for use even with a severe headache, the cause of which lies in the excessive tension of the muscles of the neck and upper back. However, the methods of use and indications for the use of the drug will be discussed later.

Voltaren ointment: description and composition

Consider what is included in the drug "Voltaren" (ointment). The composition of this agent includes, in addition to the auxiliary substances (carbomers, paraffins, propylene glycol, water and aromatic fragrances) diethylamine diclofenac. It is this compound and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. The concentration of the active substance, according to the official instructions for use, is 1%, which implies the presence of 1.16 g of diclofenac diethylamine in 100 g of gel for external use. Externally, the gel (ointment) looks like a white or slightly yellowish creamy substance. Emulgel has a more transparent, watery structure, while the ointment is matte and denser.

The drug "Voltaren" (ointment) is packaged in tubes of aluminum or laminated material (soft plastic) for 10, 20, 50 or 100 g. There are two types of such tubes that differ in the design of the screw cap: normal and for patients with impaired mobility of hands . In addition, the ointment "Voltaren" (gel) is available in aluminum bottles of 75 and 100 grams, as well as in plastic containers (containers) of 100 grams.

The wide choice of the drug package allows each patient to purchase the one that best meets his requirements, this factor plays a role in the choice of medicinal product in the elderly and consumers with impaired mobility of the joints.

Mechanism of action of ointment "Voltaren"

Consider the mechanisms of action on the body of the drug "Voltaren". Ointment instruction on the use of the drug refers to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) of local action. The main active substance of the drug after penetration into tissues begins to indiscriminately inhibit such formations as COX1 and COX2, which in turn provokes a violation of the metabolism of arachidonic acid in the surrounding tissues.

The analgesic effect of the drug is due to this property of the active substance, as well as the water-ethanol components that make up the ointment. It should be noted that the drug "Voltaren" Quickly absorbed, especially if applied under a bandage. In addition, the effect of the drug on the tissue lasts up to 12 hours, which allows using it only 2 times a day.

Indications for use

At what diseases is the use of the drug "Voltaren" shown? For joints, the ointment should be used in case of occurrence or development of such inflammatory processes as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile chronic arthritis. In addition, its use is advisable in ankylosing spondylitis, gout, bursitis, osteoarthritis (including deforming) and osteochondrosis.

In addition, the drug "Voltaren" (ointment) recommends the use of the instruction for the treatment of pain syndrome caused by the presence of lumbago, sciatica, rheumatoid soft tissue lesions. The drug is effective in neuralgia, myalgia, tendovaginitis, trauma, as well as inflammations of tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints that have arisen as a result of traumatic circumstances.

Contraindications

Consider the circumstances in which the instruction does not recommend the use of the drug "Voltaren" (ointment). Contraindications, above all, apply to patients who are under 6 years of age. Also, it is not possible to use the drug for people who are hypersensitive to its constituents, including diclofenac. With special attention to this should be treated patients who suffer from intolerance to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ointment "Voltaren-emulgel" is not recommended to apply to areas of the body, the skin on which have lost their integrity and have such damages as rubs, intertrigo, scratches, rashes, etc.

The use of the Voltaren ointment requires caution and with such diseases as hepatic porphyria in the acute stage, impaired renal and hepatic function, blood clotting (tendency to prolonged bleeding or hemophilia), as well as with aspirin asthma.

The preparation for external application of "Voltaren" (ointment) is recommended for use only after preliminary consultation with a specialist, since its use can provoke the aggravation of several quite serious chronic diseases or cause a severe allergic reaction of the body.

How to use "Voltaren" ointment

The first thing to be said about the use of the drug: the only thing to be guided by the application of the "Voltaren" - the instruction. Ointment, reviews about which you can read further, is applied to the skin in a problematic place with a thin layer 2-3 times a day. The amount of ointment per application should not exceed 2-4 grams. The duration of treatment is at least one and not more than 2 weeks.

Ointment "Voltaren-emulgel", which combines the properties of the gel and emulsion, is applied in the same amount (2-4 g). In this case, experts recommend rubbing the drug into the skin with light massage movements. After application of the drug to the skin, the instruction advises washing hands to avoid accidental ingestion of the drug on the mucous membranes of the eyes or in the digestive tract.

In the case of a pronounced pain syndrome, it is not allowed to apply an insulating bandage over the applied cream or emulsifier, which accelerates the penetration of active substances into the affected tissues and enhances their effect.

The "Voltaren" ointment works 12 hours, so patients need to observe this time interval between applying the product to the skin.

Side effects of the drug "Voltaren" (ointment)

As with any medicine, the ointment has a number of side effects. Some of them require the complete abolition of its use, while others require the need to revise the dosage of the drug. To date, experts point to adverse reactions that disturb patients during treatment with the drug "Voltaren" (ointment). The instruction on the use of this medicine also contains in this case an impressive list of undesirable consequences, which include:

• Skin reactions in the form of multiforme exudative erythema, eczema, dermatitis;
• Severe allergic reactions in the form of angioedema, hives, itching and burning at the site of application of the drug;
• Digestive disorders, including pain in the epigastric region, vomiting, nausea, increased formation of gases in the intestine, the development of toxic hepatitis, erosive and ulcerative lesions of the stomach and intestines;
• Disorders of the nervous system, such as insomnia, anxiety, headache and asthenia;
• Impaired sensory organs, for example, hearing and vision loss, ringing in the ears, etc .;
• Violations in the work of the hematopoiesis, which are expressed in the appearance of anemia, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;
• Heart pain, arrhythmia, increased blood pressure;
• Spasm of the bronchi;
• Swelling.

It is worth noting the fact that most of the above symptomatic manifestations were observed if the drug was used in a time much longer than recommended in the instructions. In addition, the risk of developing adverse reactions of the body increases significantly when applying cream on the skin (ointment) in dosages exceeding the recommended ones. In this regard, many experts do not advise using this drug for the treatment of muscle and joint pain without first consulting a doctor.

Special instructions, use during pregnancy

The use of the medicinal product "Vtlaten" (ointment) is permitted only if the skin of the patient is not damaged. The fact is that the elements of ethyl contained in the preparation can irritate tissues. It is worth remembering at least the fact that these compounds cause irritation even of absolutely healthy tissues. For the same reason, do not use ointment and emulsifier in combination with an insulating bandage. In addition, it is important to ensure that the drug does not get on the mucous membranes of the eyes, in the mouth or nose.

Experts advise with extreme caution to use the drug "Voltaren" (ointment) during pregnancy. In the first two trimesters, the future mother can use this medicine only after consulting a gynecologist observing the course of her pregnancy. In the last trimester, the drug should not be used at all, as this can lead to fetal pathologies. Voltaren ointment when breastfeeding should also not be used, since active ingredients are found in breast milk. Diclofenac, as mentioned above, can provoke the development of a variety of disorders in the digestive and other organs, and at the stage of active growth this can greatly harm the child.

The terms of treatment with the drug "Voltaren" are established by the attending physician. The generally accepted rules for determining the duration of therapy are the recommendations outlined in the official instruction for the drug. Inflammatory processes in soft tissues are treated with ointment (emulgel) no more than 14 days, and bone structures (joints) - no more than 21 days.

Before applying the ointment on the skin, you should thoroughly clean them from contamination. Also, you should wash your hands before using the product and immediately after it.

Specialists pay attention to the fact that such symptoms as pain and aggravation of joint mobility during treatment with Voltaren take place within 7 days after the start of therapy. In the absence of any improvement, it is recommended to stop using the drug and contact the clinic.

Interaction with medicinal products

Often several means are used to treat pain in muscles and joints. In addition, in addition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, patients often suffer from a number of concomitant diseases, the treatment of which involves the use of drugs from a variety of pharmacologically effective groups. Is it safe to use them together with the drug "Voltaren"? Ointment, despite the lack of a pronounced systemic effect on the body, can interact with many medications. First, it is not recommended to use the drug with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Ibuprofen", "Diclofenac" in tablets or injections, etc.). Secondly, the negative consequences can arise as a result of the joint use of the drug "Voltaren" with drugs from the group of diuretics and anticoagulants. In addition to the above medicines, it is not recommended to use antibiotics from the quinolone group together with ointment.

Storage of the preparation: terms and rules

Ointment Voltaren, according to the instructions for use, should be used within 3 years from the date of release. The fact is that the components that make up it inevitably react with each other, as a result of which they gradually lose their therapeutic properties. In addition, the resulting compounds can cause a severe allergic reaction in the patient's body.

In order to avoid premature loss of medicinal properties of the drug, it is worthwhile to think about its proper storage. It is not recommended to store tubes with ointment in heat, and also under direct sunlight. The best place for preserving the drug throughout the term is the refrigerator.

If there is any doubt about the proper quality of the ointment or emulsifier (too liquid or thick consistency, atypical odor or color), it is better to abandon the use of the agent.

Reviews about ointment "Voltaren", prices

Ointment Voltaren, reviews about which in most cases are positive, refers consumers to the most affordable medicines. The cost of the drug starts at 120 rubles per package. It is this, along with high efficiency and a wide range of medicinal products, that has determined its high popularity among consumers.

In addition to the cost, patients who used ointment or emulsion Voltaren, note the convenience of its use. Emulgel has its own peculiarities: it absorbs faster than ointment, does not leave greasy marks on clothes. For elderly patients and those who have problems with mobility of hands, it has become especially valuable that there is a special form of lids on tubes that can be easily opened.

Regarding the effectiveness of the drug "Voltaren" and the frequency of side effects, customer reviews say the following: less than 30% of cases there were minor reddening of tissues in the field of ointment application, which were carried out independently in a short time. Allergic reactions to ointment or emulsifier in 40% of cases developed even because of a small excess of dosages of the drug. About 70% of respondents noted a rapid decrease in soreness of joints and muscles after application of ointment. Complete recovery after a week of drug use has occurred in more than 80% of patients.

Positively characterize the ointment "Voltaren" and doctors. They note that its high efficiency in many cases allows shortening the duration of treatment for patients. However, specialists pay attention to the fact that the drug has many side effects and contraindications, which should be taken into account when prescribing the drug and when determining the duration of therapy and dosage.