Diclofen gel

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

The therapeutic effect of the drug develops when the processes of biosynthesis of GHG components are suppressed, as well as kinins and other inflammatory mediators. The medicine allows you to normalize the function of lysosomal membranes and reduces the temperature in the zone of inflammation. [1]

Indications Diclofen gel

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

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 drug, has an analgesic effect, provided by its cooling properties; it potentiates the analgesic effect of diclofenac.

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

Pharmacokinetics

The volume of diclofenac penetrating the epidermis is proportional to the period of contact of the drug and the size of the body surface that was treated, and at the same time depends 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 manifold when using a sealed dressing.

When used locally, the drug is registered inside the blood plasma, articular synovium and synovium. Diclofenac is also involved in protein synthesis (99%). [3]

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

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

Dosing and administration

The medication is used for external treatment. It is required to evenly apply 1 g of gel (the length of the strip is 2.5-3 cm) on the epidermis, rubbing gently (the procedure lasts 1-2 minutes). At the end of the procedure, you need to wash your hands (except for situations in which the application is performed in the area of the hands). It is necessary to repeat the treatment 2-4 times a day. On average, 4-5 g of the drug is applied per day (corresponds to 0.12-0.15 g of diclofenac Na).

If the gel needs to be combined with tablets, then the daily portion of the medication in tablets should be no more than 50 mg.

• Application for children

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

Use Diclofen gel during pregnancy

Diclofen gel cannot be prescribed during pregnancy.

If you want to use the medicine during hepatitis B, you need to stop breastfeeding for the period of therapy.

Contraindications

The main contraindications:

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

Side effects Diclofen gel

With local drug treatment, the likelihood of common side effects is very low. Taking into account the likelihood of prolonged use, treatment of large areas of the epidermis, the use of dosages exceeding the standard, prescriptions in combination with substances that also contain diclofenac or other NSAIDs, the development of negative symptoms is possible (although they often develop when using tablets or injections of diclofenac).

Some people develop the following symptoms: signs of intolerance (among them urticaria), itching, erythema, Quincke's edema, eczema, rashes (also pustular), and in addition, allergic dermatitis (also a contact form in which papules form) and burning. BA or photosensitivity appears singly.

Overdose

There is no information on the development of gel intoxication. Taking into account the type of use, if the dosage portions are observed, and due to the poor total absorption of diclofenac, poisoning with Diclofen gel is extremely unlikely. But in the case of prolonged application in very large portions or when treating large bodily surfaces, general side symptoms (due to the resorptive effect) may occur.

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

Storage conditions

Diclofen gel must be kept in a place protected from the penetration of small children. The temperature indicator is not higher than the 25 ° C mark.

Shelf life

Diclofen gel can be used within 3 years from the date of sale of the therapeutic product.

Analogs

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