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Pills from pain in the legs
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Tablets from pain in the legs, which really help to remove this symptom, should appoint a doctor - after finding out the cause of the disease.
After all, this clinical sign is characteristic for many pathologies, in particular, for articular arthrosis and osteoarthritis (with pains in the hip and knee joints), spinal hernia (pulling pain along the entire leg), sciatica (pains in the hind area of the hip), etc.
Only after the examination and determination of the exact diagnosis can you decide which pills from pain in the legs should be taken.
[Indications for the use of tablets from pain in the legs
Among the indications for the use of tablets from pain in the legs, experts note a wide range of diseases. These are all varieties and localizations of arthrosis, rheumatoid and reactive arthritis, infectious nonspecific polyarthritis, arthritis in Paget and Reiter's disease, deforming osteoarthritis (articular cartilage damage), osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone tissue), gout, calcaneal spur, Bechterew's disease (ankylosing spondylitis) rheumatic diseases of extraarticular soft tissues (inflammation of muscles), neuralgia, osteomalacia (softening of bones due to weak mineralization of their tissues). Pain in the legs of varying intensity affects varicose enlargement and atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower limbs. And, of course, these traumatic leg injuries are accompanied by pains - fractures, sprains or ligament ruptures.
Pharmacodynamics tablets from pain in the legs
In the basis of pharmacodynamics of tablets from leg pain related to NSAIDs - derivatives of acetic acid (Diclofenac, Indomethacin), lies the ability of their active substances to slow the production of a special enzyme - cyclooxygenase. And this, in turn, reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are formed during the metabolism of arachidonic acid. These lipid mediators in any inflammatory process in the body cause a response - pain and fever.
As a result of lowering the concentration of prostaglandins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs not only relieve pain in the legs, but also suppress inflammation, contributing to the disappearance of edema of soft tissues and swelling of the joints.
Meloxicam (and its generics) is also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, but from the group of oxycam. However, the mechanism of its action is analogous to Diclofenac and Indomethacin.
Pharmacodynamics tablets from pain in the legs Naproxen, which is a derivative of propionic acid, is based on inhibition of the synthesis of the enzyme lipoxygenase, which is a catalyst for the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, arachidonic. Thus, the development of intermediate components of prostaglandins synthesized from this acid is significantly slowed down. The end result is the same: a sharp decrease in the activity of inflammatory mediators, which gives an analgesic effect. In addition, the movement of leukocytes slows down, so Naproxen has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
Pharmacokinetics of pain relievers in the legs
After taking the pill from pain in the legs (Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Meloxicam or Naproxen), the drugs are rapidly absorbed in the stomach and enter the blood plasma. Virtually all of these drugs, the compound with plasma proteins is 90%.
The maximum concentration in blood plasma is achieved: after 1-2 hours in Diclofenac, Indomethacin; in 5-6 hours - at Meloksikam - in 5-6 hours. The percentage of absolute bioavailability of drugs is 99% and 90%, respectively.
Diclofenac and indomethacin pass through the BBB and the placenta, and also get into the synovial fluid and breast milk. Metabolism occurs in the liver with the formation of phenolic metabolites. The inference from the body is through the kidneys (up to 60%) and the intestines (35%).
Meloksikam is digested with hepatic enzymes and is excreted by the kidneys and intestines (the half-life period is about 20 hours).
The pharmacokinetics of tablets from pain in the legs Naproxen is characterized by the highest percentage of binding to blood plasma proteins - 99%, after 2-4 hours its maximum concentration in plasma is reached. However, the absolute bioavailability of the drug is lower - 50%. Excreted naproxen, mainly through the kidney (with urine), the half-life is between 12 and 15 hours.
Names of tablets from pain in the legs
As a rule, medicines for pain in the legs use preparations of the pharmacological group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have a powerful analgesic effect regardless of the etiology and localization of the painful focus.
Here are the names of tablets from leg pain, which are most often prescribed to patients with the aforementioned diseases. This is Diclofenac (generics - Diclac, Voltaren, Diphene, Naklof, Naklofen, Orthofen, Revmavek, Flotac), Indomethacin (trade names: Indobene, Indovis, Indocollir, Indotard, Indocid, Metindol), Naproxen (synonyms - Noritis, Nalixan, Anaprox, Apranax, Flognas, Inaprol, Naxen, Proxen, Pronaxen, Artagent, Flanaks, Naproben, Daprox, etc.), Meloxicam (synonyms - Arthrosan, Myrlox, Meloks, Melbek, Movalis).
Dosing and Administration
With pain in the legs, Diclofenac is taken orally for half or a whole tablet three times a day (before meals); the maximum daily dose is 150 mg (3 tablets).
Dosage and administration of indomethacin: inside 25 mg 2-3 times daily (after meals). With very severe pain, it is permissible to increase the dose to 50 mg three times a day; the maximum daily dose is 200 mg, and in the case of a prolonged course of treatment, 75 mg per day.
During the day, pills from pain in the legs Meloxicam (at a dosage of 7.5 mg) are taken once - during meals, with a glass of water. For pain associated with exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, doctors allow an increase in the dose to 15 mg (once a day).
Naproxen should be taken orally while eating, with water. Tablets of this drug are available in various dosages: 0,125; 0.25; 0.375; 0.5; 0.75 and 1 g). When acute pain is recommended to take 0.5-0.75 g - twice a day (the maximum daily dose should not exceed 1.75 g). In the case of an attack of gout, you can first take 825 mg of Naproxen, but then you need to reduce the dose to 275 mg, which should be taken every 8 hours.
Contraindications to the use of tablets from pain in the legs
In the list, which includes contraindications to the use of tablets from pain in the legs, the pharmacological agents under consideration are included.
So, Diclofenac is contraindicated to use in peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum; the presence of a history of asthma attacks, urticaria and acute rhinitis in the treatment with aspirin ("aspirin triad"), as well as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This medicine should not be taken to children under 6 years of age and pregnant women. With caution should be prescribed Diclofenac for pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, bronchial asthma, elevated blood pressure and heart failure.
Indomethacin has a contraindication similar to Diclofenac's contraindications.
Contraindications Meloxicam include: peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, gastrointestinal and other bleeding, severe renal, hepatic or heart failure, pregnancy, children's age (up to 14 years).
Naproxen is not prescribed for the same pathologies and conditions as the listed drugs, in addition, it is not used in diseases associated with the oppression of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow.
The use of tablets from leg pain during pregnancy - Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Meloxicam, Naproxen, etc. - is strictly contraindicated, since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) negatively affect the fetal cardiovascular system, causing premature closure of the arterial duct. This leads to right ventricular heart failure in newborns.
Side effects of tablets from pain in the legs
Diclofenac and Indomethacin: headache, dizziness, tinnitus, pain and spasms in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, palpitations, chest pains, high blood pressure. The most common side effects of tablets from leg pain.
Among the side effects that can accompany taking Meloxicam tablets, there are skin itch and rashes, swelling, headache and loss of consciousness, decreased visual acuity, discomfort or epigastric pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, anemia.
In addition to the listed side effects, the use of naproxen may cause weakness, increased drowsiness and confusion, a decrease in hearing, liver or kidney dysfunction, the formation of gastrointestinal ulcers and the occurrence of bleeding, as well as thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia.
Interactions of tablets from pain in the legs with other drugs
Since these drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in this case, the interaction of tablets from pain in the legs with other drugs, in the first place, relate to reducing the diuretic effect of diuretics.
The combination of taking tablets from pain in the legs and paracetamol or cyclosporine threatens toxic damage to the kidneys, and hormonal drugs (glucocorticoids) - gastric bleeding.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used for any pain, can enhance: the action of insulin to reduce blood glucose levels; the effect of indirect anticoagulants (increasing the risk of bleeding); side effects of glucocorticoids and estrogens. Drugs that reduce the function of hematopoiesis, while taking with tablets from pain in the legs from the group of NSAIDs increase their side effects, which can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells (anemia) and leukocytes (leukopenia).
In addition, NSAIDs reduce the effectiveness of drugs used in the treatment of arterial hypertension, and hormonal contraceptives.
Overdose of the above medicines leads to the emergence of severe headache and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, convulsions and sensitivity disorders (paresthesia). In case of an overdose, it is necessary to wash the stomach and take activated charcoal.
Optimal conditions for storing tablets from leg pain are protected from direct light and room temperature. The shelf life of the drugs is indicated by their manufacturers on the package.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Pills from pain in the legs" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.