Diclofenac in the form of an ointment or gel is an excellent analgesic for inflammatory processes in the joints, sprains and pain in the muscles.
In addition, this drug is often used by those who lead an active lifestyle or engage in sports on a professional level.
Gel( ointment) for external use Diclofenac belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is derived from phenylacetic acid.
Contents of the article
- Ointment VS gel
- Pharmacological action of the preparation
- Indications for use
- Restrictions on prescription
- Dosage and method of application of the drug
- Overdose and application features of
- Adverse events
- Patient's voice
- specialists are said to be Buying and storing
- How to replace if necessary?
Ointment VS gel
It should be noted right away that Diclofenac ointment does not differ significantly from the gel. The auxiliary components that make up the preparation are different.
In addition, the gel is much more quickly absorbed( leaving no traces on bed linens and clothes), so you can see more pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac. And this is not surprising, since the agent contains the maximum amount of 5% of the active substance.
Of course, the drug in the form of a gel is more convenient to use. It is not necessary to say unambiguously that the gel is better than ointment, it also has a number of contraindications to use that should be taken into account.
In addition, today almost every pharmacy can buy Diclofenac in the form of tablets and injections.
The active substance of the gel is diclofenac, as auxiliary substances in the medicinal product are:
- purified water;
- propylene glycol;
- ethanol;
- carbomer;
- trolamine;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- lavender oil.
Diclofenac is also used as the active substance of the ointment( in the same concentration - 5%), and additional components are:
- dimexide;
- polyethylene oxide - 400;
- polyethylene oxide - 1500;
- 1,2-propylene glycol.
Gel Diclofenac is transparent, has a distinct specific odor, and ointment - white, with a subtle specific flavor.
Pharmacological action of the drug
Diclofenac, which is an active substance, has an anti-inflammatory and pronounced analgesic effect, 
is characterized by anti-edematous effect. The drug eliminates the stiffness of the joints, providing painless motor activity.
The drug prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, which, in turn, allows to completely block the inflammatory process. Both cream and gel are characterized by excellent penetrating ability.
The use of this drug makes it possible to get rid of edema and pain in the joints and muscles. As a result of the application of the agent, it is possible to achieve a significant anti-inflammatory effect and improve the mobility of the joints.
Subject to the conditions for the use of the medicinal product, the percentage of absorption of diclofenac is not more than 6%.
Indications for use
What helps ointment gel Diclofenac:
- rheumatic diseases of soft tissues( bursitis, tendovaginitis, lesions of periarticular tissues);
- post-traumatic inflammatory processes of the joints;
- post-traumatic inflammation of soft tissues;
- articular syndrome with rheumatism;
- rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis;
- radiculitis;
- osteoarthritis;
- lumbago;
- sciatica;
- bruises and dislocations.
Restrictions on the assignment of
Like many anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, diclofenac in the form of a gel or ointment has a number of contraindications. These include:
- intolerance to diclofenac, acetylsalicylic acid and other constituent components of the drug;
- pregnancy;
- period of breastfeeding;
- age to 6 years;
- bronchial asthma;
- rhinitis;
- peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach at the stage of exacerbation;
- bleeding disorders;
- chronic heart failure;
- impaired liver or kidney function.
Dosage and method of application of the preparation
Ointment and gel Diclofenac are used exclusively externally. Dosage is completely dependent on the size of the affected area. If it is an ointment, then an amount equal to 2-4 g of the agent( cherry size), a gel at a time, will use a strip of not more than four centimeters.
The drug is applied directly to the skin at the site of inflammation and is gently rubbed gently until completely absorbed. The procedure is repeated two to three times during the day.
Diclofenac is used until the pain and inflammation are completely eliminated. It is not recommended to use for more than two weeks.
After applying the medication, it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and do not allow the product to reach the mucous membranes. Exceptions are cases where ointment or gel is applied to the skin of the hands( for example, with arthrosis of the fingers).
Overdose and particular application of
Do not use more than 8 g of medicament within 24 hours. As practice shows, with external application in recommended doses, an overdose is not observed.
For the purpose of strengthening the anti-inflammatory and angalgesic effect, simultaneously with ointment or gel for external use, tablets or Diclofenac injections are prescribed. Depending on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient, the treatment regimen is determined by the specialist.
During pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding, the use of the drug is undesirable, since its effect is not yet known.
Do not use the product in the treatment of children who are under 6 years of age. In old age, the drug is used only after receiving advice from a doctor.
At the same time, the expected benefit from the use of the remedy should exceed the possible risks to the health of a patient of advanced age.
In the event that a patient has a dysfunction of the liver or kidney, Diclofenac is used with great care and under the supervision of specialists. After applying the ointment or gel, do not use an occlusive dressing.
Adverse events
Adverse reactions are conventionally divided into two subgroups:
- Local - these include photosensitization, eczema, and contact dermatitis, which manifests as flaking, redness, itching, swelling.
- Systemic - these include allergic reactions( urticaria, bronchospastic reactions, angioedema), generalized skin rash,
. The voice of patients
Reviews of patients who use Diclofenac gel or ointment for various purposes.
I would like to share a pleasant impression of the use of Diclofenac gel. I never thought that such a cheap drug could be so effective.
I bought a medicine for radiculitis, and did not believe it myself - the pain was gone within 10 minutes. I do not abuse the drug, but if there are unpleasant sensations in the lumbar region, then I get out of the medicine cabinet right away.
Ivan Petrovich, Tula
I was recommended by Diclofenac Ointment Coach when I twisted my leg. But in the pharmacy they said that there are many more drugs that work more efficiently, and Diclofenac is very cheap, and it's not worth waiting for miracles.
I did not listen and I bought this ointment. After a week of treatment( I did not drink any tablets), I was able to continue playing sports. It is very good that there are such medicines that are available to everyone.
Valya, Kaliningrad
specialists speak. Opinion of doctors.
Certainly, pharmacological production does not stand still, but, nevertheless, there are such drugs that are both effective and simple. One of them can rightly be called Diclofenac. Both gel and ointment are a broad-spectrum medicinal product with a minimum of contraindications and side effects.
Irina Petrovna, orthopedist-traumatologist
In some cases, to obtain optimal results, it is necessary to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include Diclofenac. This drug in the form of an ointment or gel can greatly enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. If the patient has no contraindications, I appoint it without hesitation.
The most important thing is to use ointment( or gel) in strict accordance with the instructions. Do not overdo it and keep the dosage.
To achieve the best result in the treatment of radiculitis, after applying the ointment it is worth wrapping yourself in something warm.
Valery Igorevich, neurologist
Buying and storage of
Both gel and Diclofenac ointment are available in aluminum tubes mostly 30 and 50 g( you can find tubes of 40 g, 60 g and 100 g).The cost of the drug 30 g varies from 20 to 30 rubles.
The drug should be stored at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees in a dry place, which is not accessible to children. When frozen, it loses its properties. Shelf life of the drug is two years from the date of release.
The product can be purchased at the pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
Than to replace if necessary?
To the analogues of Diclofenac the following medicines of domestic production are considered:
- Orthofen;
- Ibuprofen.
Of the most commonly used analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs are the following:
- Dolgit;
- Ibalgin;
- Voltaren Emulgel;
- Nurofen;
- Diklak-gel;
- Diklovit-gel.
You should not choose an analogue of an agent prescribed by a specialist.
Before doing this, it is worth consulting with your doctor.
