Ibalgin

Ibalgin is a typical representative of the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can affect bone structures and joints. This drug belongs to the group of medications that are widely used in the presence of pain syndrome in muscles and joints.

The main active ingredient is ibuprofen, which has a wide spectrum of action. Ibalgin is used for local application to the site of pain in order to reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome.

The method of application is based on the form of release, since Ibalgin is presented in the form of a cream. According to the ATC code, the drug belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (M02AA), in particular, ibuprofen is coded as M02AA13.

The international name of the drug is Ibuprofen. The main physical and chemical characteristics are white or almost white color, the consistency is a cream - emulsion "oil/water".

Indications Ibalgin

The drug is intended to reduce the intensity of pain syndrome that develops as a result of degenerative processes and inflammatory reaction of joint structures. The lesion of the spine and joints may have rheumatic lesions or characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthrosis.

In addition, indications for the use of Ibalgin include the presence of pain during an exacerbation of gout involving the joints, psoriatic arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, radiculitis and the inflammatory process due to traumatic injury.

However, not only pathology of joints and bone structures are an indication for use, but also the presence of pain syndrome during inflammation of nerve endings and muscles.

Indications for the use of Ibalgin also include taking the drug for diseases of the ENT organs, the cause of which is an infectious agent with a further increase in the inflammatory reaction.

This anti-inflammatory agent is also widely used for adnexitis, algodisminorrhea, toothache and headache. Ibalgin can be used to reduce temperature in pathologies of infectious and inflammatory genesis in the presence of hyperthermia.

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Release form

The anti-inflammatory agent is presented in the form of a cream for use by applying to the painful area. This form of release allows for local action on the pathological focus without significantly changing hemodynamic parameters.

The cream is a substance of pleasant soft consistency, due to which it is easy to apply to the area with painful sensations, completely covering the skin. As the cream penetrates into the underlying layers of the skin, the main active substance begins to show its pharmacodynamic properties.

Ibalgin, which is available in the form of a cream, is available in filled tubes with a volume of 30 ml and 50 ml. It is worth considering that 1 g of cream contains approximately 0.05 g of the active substance - ibuprofen. This is necessary to know in order to avoid overdose and side effects.

In addition to the main substance, auxiliary substances should be highlighted: solid fat, triglycerides, alcohols, propylene glycol and some other components.

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Pharmacodynamics

Ibalgin is a derivative of phenylpropionic acid, due to which the main therapeutic effects of the drug are distinguished. Among them, it is necessary to dwell on the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect.

Due to the mechanisms of action of Ibalgin, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory reaction is observed by reducing the intensity of exudative processes and the production of inflammatory mediators. Thus, a decrease in swelling, redness, pain syndrome and restoration of motor activity of the affected joint is ensured.

The pharmacodynamics of Ibalgin consists of inhibiting the activity of COX, which is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The latter, in turn, is associated with prostaglandins involved in the development of an inflammatory reaction.

Due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the central and peripheral areas, a decrease in the intensity of pain syndrome is ensured. In addition, the pharmacodynamics of Ibalgin includes a decrease in the process of platelet adhesion.

Thus, the drug, when applied externally on a regular basis, provides an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, which restores the motor activity of the joint.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug is intended for external application to the area of the affected joint, therefore, only a small amount enters the systemic bloodstream, which does not cause significant hemodynamic changes.

The pharmacokinetics of Ibalgin is observed after applying the cream to the skin, after which the drug is quickly absorbed into the deep layers and begins to provide therapeutic assistance.

The maximum concentration of the main active substance after application of 5 g of cream (in terms of 250 g of ibuprofen) is approximately 100 ng/ml. If we compare these figures with oral administration of the same dose of ibuprofen, we can see that they constitute only 0.5% of the concentration after oral administration.

The small portion of ibuprofen that is absorbed into the bloodstream is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine – up to 80% and through the intestines – about 20%.

The main effect occurs at the site of application of the cream without changing blood counts.

Dosing and administration

The cream is intended for application to the skin of the area where pain syndrome and other clinical manifestations of the inflammatory reaction are observed.

The method of application and dosage must be strictly taken into account to avoid adverse side effects on the skin or internal organs. Thus, for a single application, you need to squeeze out a strip of cream from the tube, the length of which depends on the affected area. Basically, the length is from 4 to 10 centimeters.

The frequency of use of the drug is 3-4 times a day. The cream should be spread over the area and rubbed in lightly. If there is hemorrhage and a need to apply a sterile bandage, apply the cream and cover with material.

The duration of cream application depends on the severity of the pathological process and the rate of restoration of joint motor activity. Most often, the duration of the therapeutic course is 2-3 weeks.

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Use Ibalgin during pregnancy

Pregnancy throughout its entire duration requires special attention from a woman in taking medications. Their independent use without prior consultation with a doctor threatens the life of the fetus and her health. In addition, depending on the term of pregnancy, there may be disturbances in the processes of organ formation, their development and preparation for independent life.

The use of Ibalgin during pregnancy should be permitted only after assessing the risk to the fetus and the benefit to the woman. Thus, in the first and second trimesters, the use of Ibalgin is less dangerous than at later stages. This is due to the fact that in the third trimester, the mammary glands begin to intensively prepare for feeding the baby.

Ibuprofen can be excreted in small amounts in breast milk, therefore, it is not recommended to use Ibalgin in the last months of pregnancy, as well as during the period of natural feeding.

If the use of this drug cannot be avoided, then it is necessary to strictly control the dosage. If the daily dose exceeds 800 mg, the issue of stopping breastfeeding during the use of Ibalgin should be considered.

Contraindications

Each person has their own body characteristics, which may result in the development of allergic reactions to the use of certain medications.

Contraindications to the use of Ibalgin include individual intolerance to the main active substance and auxiliary components. Reactions can manifest themselves as both local and general clinical symptoms.

In addition, contraindications to the use of Ibalgin suggest that the drug should not be used in the presence of ulcerative and erosive lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, which are in the acute stage. Ibalgin is also not recommended for people with severe kidney and liver dysfunction, with pathology of the optic nerve and circulatory system.

The drug should not be applied to areas with damaged skin integrity or immediately after surgery. During the use of the drug, it is advisable to monitor the liver, kidneys, and blood counts.

It is necessary to use Ibalgin with caution in the subcompensated stage of pathology of the heart, digestive organs, as well as in the presence of a history of bleeding while taking similar drugs.

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Side effects Ibalgin

If the rules for using the drug are not followed or if there are individual characteristics of the body, there is a high probability of side effects from taking Ibalgin.

Side effects of Ibalgin may manifest as dyspeptic disorders in the form of nausea, discomfort in the abdominal area, vomiting, impaired intestinal peristalsis, as well as the development of bleeding from ulcerative affected areas of the gastric or intestinal mucosa.

Long-term use of the drug may provoke changes in liver function. As for the nervous system, headaches, sleep and vision disorders, and irritability and anxiety may occur.

In addition, changes in the circulatory system may be observed in the form of a decrease in the number of platelets, erythrocytes and agranulocytosis.

Side effects of Ibalgin, manifested by an allergic reaction, have symptoms of Quincke's edema, skin rashes, bronchospasm syndrome, and in the presence of autoimmune diseases - aseptic meningitis.

Local manifestations include redness, itching, tingling, burning and skin rash.

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Overdose

In case of uncontrolled use of the drug, the risk of developing adverse reactions and the appearance of clinical symptoms of overdose increases. To avoid this, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance and monitor the volume of the drug used and the frequency of application.

An overdose of the cream is very unlikely, since the volume of the drug used is applied to the skin, after which only a small part enters the systemic bloodstream.

The proportion of the main active substance in the blood cannot have a significant therapeutic effect, much less significant hemodynamic changes. Only in rare cases can dizziness, headache or nausea occur.

Nausea and vomiting may occur if the drug for external use is mistakenly taken internally. In this case, gastric lavage is necessary.

Overdose may manifest itself in clinical symptoms of adverse reactions if a person has an individual intolerance to the drug. In this case, redness, itching and swelling may appear on the skin.

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Interactions with other drugs

Since the cream is intended for use on the skin, the interaction of Ibalgin with other drugs is possible to a greater extent only with those that are also used externally.

Thus, if it is necessary to apply several different medications to the affected area, one of which is Ibalgin, then their absorption time should be taken into account. After applying Ibalgin, it is necessary to take a break of about 3-4 hours before using another drug.

The interaction of Ibalgin with other drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the likelihood of developing adverse reactions. To avoid this, it is recommended to adhere to a certain time interval between applications.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the interaction of Ibalgin cream with drugs that are administered intra-articularly. When using methotrexate, its side effects may increase.

With controlled use of the cream, the amount of ibuprofen entering the blood is not capable of causing a conflict with drugs taken orally. Caution is needed when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, diuretics and ACE inhibitors orally.

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Storage conditions

Each medicine requires certain recommendations on storage conditions and periods. The manufacturer of a pharmaceutical product specifies in the instructions the characteristics of the premises and climatic features in which the product is to be stored.

Storage conditions for Ibalgin suggest keeping this medicine in a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight. In addition, the temperature should not exceed 25 degrees.

Particular attention should be paid to storing it in a place inaccessible to children, as children can taste the cream. As a result, clinical symptoms of both poisoning and overdose may appear.

The storage conditions of Ibalgin must be strictly observed to avoid the loss of the medicinal product's therapeutic properties and premature expiration.

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Shelf life

The manufacturer of any drug must indicate the expiration date and storage conditions. The effectiveness of the drug and human health depend on this data.

The date of manufacture and last use is indicated on the tube and on the outer cardboard packaging. The expiration date is the period of time during which the drug retains the medicinal properties specified in the instructions and does not cause harm to health.

After this period, the use of any drug is prohibited, as the likelihood of adverse side effects and the absence of the desired therapeutic effect increases. The shelf life of Ibalgin is 2 years.

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