Heparin ointment

Heparin ointment is a combined remedy consisting of three main components: heparin anticoagulant, as well as auxiliaries benzilnicotinate (vasodilator) and benzocaine (analgesic). Each of these components has its own effect, but together they complement each other. Ointment belongs to the group of direct anticoagulants for local (external) use.

Heparin has anti-edematous effect and prevents the development of thrombi, benzlinicotinate promotes vasodilation, and benzocaine effectively anesthetizes, facilitating the patient's condition. This ointment has proven itself in the treatment of hemorrhoids, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of superficial veins. It helps to remove swelling, eliminating the appearance of bruises and bruises, helps with bruises and injuries. The fields of application of heparin ointment are quite extensive, and this is proved by medical practice. Some women have experienced the beneficial effect of the ointment, trying to get rid of wrinkles. However, the independent reception of such a tool is strictly prohibited. This is due to some contraindications and side symptoms of the ointment, which are prescribed in the instructions. The drug is used after the diagnosis is established according to the prescription of the doctor and under its strict control. 

Heparin ointment, according to many doctors, is considered "morally obsolete" because of the appearance of other analog drugs. Despite this, the ointment remains in demand in medicine and is successfully used by many patients. With a weak effect, it is replaced by more effective drugs.

[1], [2], [3], [4],

Indications Heparin ointment

Heparin ointment is initially assigned to patients for the treatment of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of superficial veins. Such a pathology often occurs against the background of infusions and injections (intravenous and subcutaneous administration of various drugs), resulting in hematomas due to mechanical damage to the veins.

Indications for the use of heparin ointment are associated with the removal of bruises and edema, therapy for varicose veins, and treatment of complications caused by the disease.

Ointment with heparin content has proven to be very effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids - thrombosis of hemorrhoidal veins (including inflammation of the hemorrhoids in women in the postpartum period), lymphangitis, trophic ulcers of the lower leg, domestic bruises, sports injuries of muscle tissue, joints and tendons. In addition, heparin ointment is prescribed for the treatment of superficial mastitis, elephantiasis, subcutaneous and extensive hematomas, localized infiltrates.

The effective effect of heparin ointment on the inflamed skin with bruises is proved by the patients' reviews, which note that under the action of this remedy, hemorrhages disappear much more quickly and painful sensations decrease. This is due to the complex action of the ointment: anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and antithrombotic.

[5], [6],

Release form

Heparin ointment with a pronounced anticoagulant and antithrombotic effect is used in medical practice as a means for external application to the skin, most often with thrombophlebitis of the extremities, edema and thrombosis of hemorrhoidal veins, as well as with bruises and injuries that are not characterized by a violation of the integrity of the skin.

The form of this medicine, as well as many other ointments, is convenient, compact aluminum tubes in cardboard packages. There are several options for ointments by volume - 10, 20, 25, 30 and 50 grams, which allows you to buy the necessary dosage of the ointment, depending on the situation and the degree of complexity of the disease. In our pharmacies, you can often find a heparin ointment, available in tubes of 10 and 25 grams from the pharmaceutical company Nizhpharm. In a pack of white, there is one tuba with ointment, as well as instructions for the use of the drug.

The medical instructions for the heparin ointment indicate that 100 grams of the product contains 10,000 units of sodium heparin, 0.8 mg of benzonicotinic acid (benzilnicotinate) and 40 mg of benzocaine (anestesin). Of the auxiliary substances used distilled glycerin, medical Vaseline, as well as peach oil, cosmetic stearin and other components.

Pharmacodynamics

Heparin ointment is quickly absorbed when applied to inflamed skin, and after a short time has a pronounced effect as an anticoagulant with a complex effect.

Pharmacodynamics, that is, the mechanism of action on the human body and the pharmacological effect of heparin ointment, is as follows. The components that make up the product are absorbed through the skin, releasing sodium heparin. This substance reduces aggregation (gluing) of platelets and has a blocking effect on the synthesis of thrombin. In addition, heparin helps to increase the fibrinolytic (reducing) properties of blood and suppress the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Using benzilnicotinate, small surface vessels expand. As a result of this process, active absorption of sodium heparin into the damaged tissues takes place.

Benzocaine, acting as an anesthetic and included in the composition of the ointment, reduces the pain syndrome and fights with the negative consequences of bruising, trauma or swelling. In the complex heparin ointment has anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous and antithrombotic effect.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Pharmacokinetics

Heparin ointment visually represents a thick mass of white with a yellowish tinge and a jelly-like consistency without a pronounced odor. This drug can not only reduce inflammation, but also prevent blood clotting, eliminate pain. Ointment is quickly absorbed into the skin and contributes to the effective action of the components that make up its composition.

Pharmacokinetics as a section of pharmacology gives an assessment of the dynamics of drug stay in the body, as well as its distribution in tissues, transformation and isolation.   

Approximately 3 hours after the application of the ointment, Cmax of heparin is observed in the blood plasma. It should be noted that heparin, because of its significant molecular weight, does not penetrate well through the placenta wall and is practically not secreted from the mother's breast milk. Therefore, with the inflammation of the veins or hemorrhoids in pregnant women and nursing mothers, the appointment of a heparin ointment is acceptable, but solely by the attending physician. The half-life of the active substance from the plasma is from 30 to 60 min. It is important to emphasize that heparin can not be used to treat purulent wounds. 

[13], [14]

Dosing and administration

Heparin ointment is intended exclusively for topical, topical application. Before treatment, it is necessary to read the instructions to this product, which clearly states that this product is not allowed to be applied to open wounds and places with damaged skin (sores) and purulent processes.

The method of administration and dose of heparin ointment is also prescribed in the medical manual. The agent should be applied to the affected areas in a thin layer, daily, at least 2-3 times a day, for 3-7 days (and sometimes longer - up to 14 days) until the signs of inflammation disappear. Rub the ointment carefully, after applying it to the diseased skin area in small amounts.

In the treatment of hemorrhoids ointment is recommended to apply on a tampon, which is then laid in the anal passage. You can also use a bandage bandage or a gasket, fixing it on the affected area. The exact dosage of heparin ointment and the duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician. Despite the fact that heparin ointment is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, self-medication is unacceptable. Coordinate the use of the drug and treatment regimen is mandatory with the doctor.

[20], [21], [22]

Use Heparin ointment during pregnancy

Heparin ointment has found extensive use in medicine as a pharmaceutical drug, whose action is aimed at reducing blood coagulability and preventing thrombosis. The active substance heparin refers to a group of direct-acting anticoagulants that can reduce the tendency of blood cells to stick together and prevent thrombogenesis.

The use of heparin ointment during pregnancy is associated with inflammation or blockage of the veins in various injuries and pathologies accompanied by hemorrhages. Treatment of ointment should appoint a doctor, most often this applies to cases of development of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, as well as hemorrhoids, against which thrombosis of hemorrhoidal veins develops. The ointment is applied to the skin in a thin layer up to 3 times a day, except for situations involving purulent wounds. Duration of treatment is approximately 2 weeks. When hemorrhoids in pregnant women are used daily impregnated with heparin ointment tampons. Such treatment is carried out for 2 weeks until the disappearance of symptoms.

Heparin ointment is forbidden for pregnant women with a strong sensitivity of the body to the components contained, with ulcers and necrosis of tissues located in the zone of altered blood vessels. In addition, it should be noted such a factor as reduced blood clotting due to a decrease in the number of platelets, at which it is strictly forbidden to take ointment. Side effects caused by the action of heparin ointment are most often manifested in the form of skin allergic reactions.

Contraindications

Heparin ointment has a number of contraindications, which must be taken into account when prescribing treatment. First of all, it concerns open, purulent or bleeding wounds, as well as necrotic ulcers in the area of thrombophlebitis. In such cases, it is strictly forbidden to use heparin ointment. Since the action of heparin is aimed at suppressing thrombosis, it is unacceptable to use ointment with a decrease in the number of platelets and disorders of the process of blood coagulability.

Other contraindications to the use of heparin ointment:

• childhood;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• hemophilia;
• thrombocytopenia;
• thrombocytopenic purpura;
• genetic predisposition to bleeding;
• deep venous thrombosis;
• pregnancy and lactation (except in certain cases).

It is important to consider that heparin is a strong allergen, so the use of ointment can trigger allergic reactions, accompanied by unpleasant itching and burning. To avoid such a side effect, you should first apply a small amount of ointment on the skin area and monitor the reaction of the body to the effects of the drug.

[15], [16],

Side effects Heparin ointment

Heparin ointment in most cases is well tolerated by the body, without causing any serious problems and unpleasant symptoms. However, there are a number of side effects that should be taken into account before using this medication.

Side effects of heparin ointment can be associated with the usual reaction of the body, which manifests itself in the form of slight burning, swelling, or itching in the places of ointment application. Most often this side effect is rapid, so the patient does not need to worry about it again.

Benzocaine, one of the components of the heparin ointment, is capable of provoking an allergic reaction. Therefore, ointment is contraindicated in patients with varicose veins, who are allergic to local anesthetics at the same time.

If the side effects (itching, skin rashes, edema) are severe enough and are observed for a long period of time, the doctor prescribes to the patient another drug that has a more sparing effect. It is important to note that due to low absorption of heparin ointment, an overdose of this drug is excluded.

[17], [18], [19]

Overdose

Heparin ointment should be used as directed by the doctor in the dosages that he prescribes. This moment is very important, because self-medication and the use of ointment in large quantities can cause unpleasant, and in some situations - serious complications.

An overdose of a heparin ointment, which consists in a dose violation, can lead to bleeding. Most often this is due to individual hypersensitivity to heparin, which is the strongest anticoagulant and is capable of provoking internal bleeding. In this case, emergency assistance should be provided, after which the doctor will decide whether to continue or stop treatment. In severe situations, surgical intervention can not be avoided.

Self-medication is a direct way to disruption of the treatment regimen and improper dosage, resulting in problems due to the use of heparin ointment, primarily in the form of allergic reactions. On the skin may appear rashes, severe itching and burning. In addition, when rubbing a large amount of ointment may occur hyperemia (increased blood flow) of the skin.

[23], [24], [25]

Interactions with other drugs

Heparin ointment can be used together with other anticoagulant drugs. In this case, it is very important to strictly adhere to the prescribing doctor's instructions and to accurately take prescribed dosages to avoid deterioration in the form of muscle hemorrhage and even more severe consequences.

Interactions with other drugs, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet agents and NSAIDs, enhance the effect of heparin ointment. And, on the contrary, antihistamines, tetracyclines, hydrocortisone, drugs with salicylic acid and nicotine significantly weaken its effect.

Therapy is supplemented by moderate motor activity, as well as the use of elastic bandages and compression knitwear. The anticoagulant effect of heparin decreases with interaction with thyroxine, digitalis preparations and ergot alkaloids. During the course of treatment it is not recommended to drink alcohol. In any case, before starting therapy it is important to tell the doctor about other medications you use to avoid possible complications. The doctor will prescribe the optimal treatment regimen and will consult on issues related to the administration of heparin ointment and its compatibility with other medicinal products.

[26], [27], [28]

Storage conditions

Heparin ointment should be stored, like any other ointment, in a dry, cool and sheltered place from the sun, at a temperature not exceeding 15-20 ° C. These are the main requirements for this medication, which are set out in the medical manual. Failure to observe the storage rules will lead to a change in the physico-chemical properties of the ointment.

Storage conditions must be observed, in the first place, so that the heparin ointment does not deteriorate. In principle, all ointments are recommended to be stored in original packages from the manufacturer. Thus, their stability and effective effect will be ensured during the indicated shelf life. Temperature, light, humidity - all these factors must be taken into account when storing heparin ointment at home.

After using the ointment, tighten the cap tightly. It is important to ensure that the product does not fall into the hands of the child. Therefore, all medicines should be stored in a closed closet on the top shelf. Less resistant are ointments on emulsion bases, and more resistant are ointments prepared on fat-like and mineral bases. 

[29], [30], [31], [32],

Shelf life

Heparin ointment has a fixed shelf life of 3 years, and this information is indicated in the product instructions. At the end of this period, the ointment must be disposed of. Do not use overdue drugs, because their properties are violated and in some cases can cause unforeseen consequences. In cases with ointments, it can be an allergic reaction.

The shelf life and storage conditions of any ointment should be strictly observed. For example, with changes in the temperature regime, the influence of light and moisture on the quality of ointments, there is an adverse effect. Emulsion ointments at low or too high temperatures are capable of stratification. Suspension ointments or ointments, prepared on a gel basis, quickly dry out. In overdue ointments, there is a decrease in the activity of medicinal substances, as well as an increase in microbial contamination.

[33], [34], [35], [36]