Diclofen gel

Diclofen gel is used for local treatment of affected areas of the body. After local application, it demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and analgesic activity.

The therapeutic effect of the drug develops with the suppression of the processes of biosynthesis of PG components, as well as kinins and other inflammatory mediators. The drug allows to normalize the function of lysosomal membranes and reduces the temperature in the area of inflammation development. [ 1 ]

Indications Diclofen gel

It is used for local treatment of inflammation and pain that appears in the area of muscles with tendons, joints and ligaments (of traumatic or rheumatic origin).

Release form

The drug is released in the form of a gel, inside tubes with a capacity of 25 g.

Pharmacodynamics

Menthol, which is contained in the composition of the drug, has an analgesic effect, provided by its cooling properties; it potentiates the analgesic effect of diclofenac.

During inflammations associated with rheumatic diseases or injuries, the drug reduces tissue swelling and pain, and at the same time reduces the period of renewal of the functionality of damaged ligaments with muscles, tendons and joints. [ 2 ]

Pharmacokinetics

The volumes of diclofenac penetrating the epidermis are proportional to the period of drug contact and the size of the treated body surface, and also depend on the portion of the drug and the intensity of epidermal hydration. When treating the epidermis, the absorption rate of Diclofen gel is approximately 6%. The resorption of the substance can increase many times when using an airtight dressing.

When used locally, the drug is registered in the blood plasma, joint synovium and synovial membrane. Diclofenac also participates in protein synthesis (by 99%). [ 3 ]

Diclofenac metabolism processes are mostly realized through hydroxylation, which forms several derivatives, 2 of which have a therapeutic effect (but much weaker than diclofenac).

The substance with its metabolic elements is excreted mainly in the urine in the form of glucuronide components.

Dosing and administration

The medicine is used for external treatment. It is necessary to apply 1 g of gel evenly (the length of the strip is 2.5-3 cm) to the epidermis, rubbing it in lightly (the procedure lasts 1-2 minutes). After the procedure, you need to wash your hands (excluding situations in which the application is performed specifically in the hand area). The treatment must be repeated 2-4 times a day. On average, 4-5 g of the medicine is applied per day (equivalent to 0.12-0.15 g of diclofenac Na).

If the gel needs to be combined with tablets, the daily dose of the medication in tablets should not exceed 50 mg.

• Application for children

There is no information regarding the use of the gel in individuals under 15 years of age.

Use Diclofen gel during pregnancy

Diclofen gel should not be prescribed during pregnancy.

If it is necessary to use the medicine during breastfeeding, you should stop breastfeeding for the duration of therapy.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• severe intolerance caused by diclofenac, menthol or other components of the drug;
• history of urticaria, asthma attacks, acute rhinitis, or other allergy symptoms associated with the use of aspirin or other NSAIDs.

Side effects Diclofen gel

With local treatment with the drug, the probability of occurrence of general side effects is very low. Given the probability of prolonged use, treatment of large areas of the epidermis, use of dosages exceeding the standard, prescription in combination with substances that also contain diclofenac or other NSAIDs, the development of negative symptoms is possible (although they more often develop when using diclofenac tablets or injections).

In some people, the following symptoms develop: signs of intolerance (including urticaria), itching, erythema, Quincke's edema, eczema, rashes (also pustular), and also allergic dermatitis (also a contact form, in which papules are formed) and burning. Occasionally, bronchial asthma or photosensitivity appears.

Overdose

There is no information on the development of intoxication with the gel. Given the type of use, in case of compliance with the dosage portions, and due to the weak general absorption of diclofenac, poisoning with Diclofen-gel is extremely unlikely. However, in case of prolonged application in very large portions or when treating large body surfaces, general side effects may be observed (due to the resorptive effect).

It is necessary to wash off or otherwise remove the gel remaining on the epidermis. The medicine has no antidote. Symptomatic procedures are performed if necessary. The effectiveness of forced diuresis is very low, because diclofenac strongly binds to protein.

Storage conditions

Diclofen gel should be stored in a place closed to small children. The temperature indicator should not exceed 25°C.

Shelf life

Diclofen gel can be used within a 3-year period from the date of sale of the therapeutic product.

Analogues

The analogs of the drug are Diclofenac gel with Diclac gel, as well as Clodifen gel.