Naproxen gel

Naproxen is an NSAID used for topical application.

Indications of the naproxen gel

It is indicated for local elimination of pain in the joints with muscles, as well as arthrosis (degenerative articular pathologies).

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Release form

Produced in a gel form, in tubes of 50 g. Inside one package contains 1 tube of gel.

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Pharmacodynamics

The gel has local analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edematous properties. Naproxen, which is an active component of drugs, shows activity by suppressing the prostaglandin-cyclooxygenase enzyme. COX provokes the oxidation of arachidonic acid, followed by conversion to endoperoxides. Such a reaction is considered the initial phase of PG binding (they stop the late stage of the inflammatory process (swelling and flushing)).

The anti-inflammatory effect of the active substance also manifests itself in the form of inhibition of lysosomal activity, inhibition of the migration of leukocytes, and also in the form of neutralization of oxidants and inhibition of IL-2.

Since the gel contains ethanol with menthol, it has a superficial calming and cooling effect on the skin.

Menthol, in addition to the cooling effect, causes local vasodilation, and in addition reduces the sensitivity of the nerve receptors of the skin. Together with this, it increases the force of absorption of the active substance through the skin.

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Pharmacokinetics

After topical application, the naproxen substance is absorbed more slowly than in the case of rectal or oral administration. The peak within the blood is noted 4 hours after the gel is applied to the skin surface. After local use, there is a pronounced accumulation of the active ingredient inside the skin, the epidermis, and also the muscle tissues.

The application of the gel (10%) leads to a weak concentration of the substance inside the plasma (about 1.1%), and within the urine this figure was 1%. In this case, the indices of locally applied naproxen inside the synovial fluid were low (about 50% of its serum values).

About 99.9% of the substance is synthesized with a plasma protein (the bulk - with albumins). The medicine is able to pass through the placenta and penetrate into the mother's milk. The concentrations of the substance in milk are approximately 1% of the serum drug values.

Excretion of naproxen from the blood is carried out quickly - about 98% of the substance is excreted in the urine. At the same time, 10% are withdrawn unchanged, and 60% - as synthesized naproxen (40% as glucuronides and another 20% - as an unknown synthesized compound). In addition, 5% is displayed as 6-desmethyl naproxen, another 12% as 6-desmethyl naproxen glucuronate, and the remaining 11% are in the form of unknown synthesized compounds of 6-methyl-naproxen. Approximately 0.5-2.5% of the substance is excreted with feces.

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Dosing and administration

The gel is applied externally - it is necessary to treat dry and clean skin (a strip of gel about 4 cm in length) 4-5 times a day, making gaps between the procedures in a few hours.

Then, after the drug application, it is necessary to distribute the gel and rub it into the skin until it is completely absorbed. At the end of the procedure, you should wash your hands to reduce the concentration of the substance absorbed through the skin. On the treatment site, you do not need to paste a bandage or bandage.

The duration of the therapeutic course depends on the effectiveness of the drug, as well as the course of the pathology. In most cases, it lasts a maximum of 1 month.

If the period of 7 days of gel use, the swelling and pain did not decrease or become worse, it is necessary to consult the treating doctor.

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Use of the naproxen gel during pregnancy

The testing of naproxen in animals has shown that it is capable of delaying delivery. In addition, it damages the fetal CCC in humans (with the possible closure of the arterial pathway). Because of this, the drug is not allowed in pregnant women. Exceptions are only situations established by the attending physician, and under his supervision. Before using the gel, you need to make sure that the possible benefits for the woman in this case exceed the risk of complications in the fetus (especially in the 1st and 3rd trimester).

Since the active ingredient of drugs can penetrate into the mother's milk, it is necessary to consider the option of abolishing breastfeeding for the period of treatment.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• the presence of intolerance to the elements of the gel, salicylates, as well as other NSAIDs;
• the presence on the skin of injuries, open wounds and inflammation;
• children age less than 3 years.

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Side effects of the naproxen gel

The use of the gel can cause the development of the following side effects: rashes (including vesicular), photosensitivity, irritation and burning sensation.

Prolonged application of the drug over large areas of the skin can cause side effects, which are due to the systemic properties of naproxen (among them a feeling of drowsiness, diarrhea and nausea, headaches and allergy - erythema, itching with hives and skin rashes).

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Storage conditions

The gel should be kept out of the reach of small children, in a tightly sealed tube. Temperature values are a maximum of 25 ° C. Do not freeze or cool the medicine.

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Shelf life

Naproxen can be used in the period of 3 years from the date of manufacture of the medicinal product.

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