"Artrocol" (gel): instructions for use, analogues and reviews

How should I use the drug "Artrocol" (gel)? Instructions for using this medication will be described in this article. Also, you will learn about what this medication is prescribed to patients, whether it has analogues, and what responses consumers leave about it.

Compositions, drug packaging and its form

"Artrocol" is a gel (2.5%), intended for external use. On sale, it comes in an aluminum tube for 45 g. Also in the carton box along with the drug is an insert leaflet with detailed instructions for use.

What does the external medicine "Artrocol" (gel) contain? In 100 g of this agent contains 2.5 g of an active ingredient, such as ketoprofen. In addition, the composition of the drug in question includes the following auxiliary elements: trolamine, carbomer 980, 96% ethanol, purified water and methyl parahydroxybenzoate.

Principle of action of a medicament

"Arthrocol" is a gel, the active ingredient of which is ketoprofen. This drug is classified as a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as acid derivatives of arylpropionic.

The basic substance of the drug in question provides an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect that occurs during the indiscriminate inhibition of COX-1, bradykinin and COX-2, as well as stabilization of membranes (lysosomal) and inhibition of migration of macrophages.

Among other things, the drug "Artrocol" (gel) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. It is able to act on the early vascular and late cellular phase of the inflammatory process. Also, this medication slows the aggregation of platelets.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics

According to the attached instructions, ketoprofen (the active component of the drug) after external application is absorbed by the skin, and then penetrates into the focus of the inflammatory process and for a long time maintains the necessary therapeutic concentration in the tissues.

Absorption of this drug in the systemic circulation is minimal (about 5% of the used dose). At the same time, absorption into the bloodstream is very slow.

The concentration of the active substance of the drug (when using 50-150 mg of ketoprofen) in the blood after 7.5 hours is only 0.08-0.15 μg / ml.

The drug "Artrocol" (gel): what is it intended for?

Indications for the use of the gel in question are the following states:

• Myalgia of non-rheumatic and rheumatic origin;
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (including arthritis rheumatoid, articular syndrome during exacerbation of gout, spondyloarthritis ankylosing, psoriatic arthritis, osteochondrosis, various localization of osteoarthritis, inflammatory lesions of tendons, ligaments, sciatica, bursitis or lumbago);
• As part of a comprehensive treatment for inflammatory pathologies of veins (for example, in phlebitis, periphoebitis), lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels (for example, with lymphangitis, superficial lymphadenitis);
• Post-traumatic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues (including symptomatic therapy of uncomplicated injuries, including dislocations, sports injuries, sprains or ruptures of tendons and ligaments, bruises, posttraumatic pains).

Prohibitions to use

From what ointment "Artrocol" helps, we have told above. However, this remedy has contraindications for use. They include the following:

• Age up to 12 years;
• High sensitivity to the elements of the drug, as well as acid acetylsalicylic and other NSAIDs;
• Third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The drug "Artrocol" (gel): instructions for use

For the treatment of the drug under consideration, a strip of gel 4-5 cm long is applied to the skin in the necessary place and soft massaging movements are rubbed until it is completely absorbed.

It should be specially noted that the larger the area of the affected area, the more the drug goes to one treatment procedure. Thus, a five-centimeter strip of Medication "Artrocol" corresponds to 100 g of ketoprfen.

After the ointment is used, immediately wash your hands.

This gel can be used simultaneously with other medicines containing ketoprofen (for example, in combination with tablets, capsules, rectal suppositories).

The maximum dose of this drug per day is 200 mg. This amount of the drug does not depend on the form of the medicine.

The duration of the therapeutic course should be determined individually, by the attending physician. However, it should be noted that the use of liniment for more than 10 consecutive days is prohibited.

Possible side effects

What negative phenomena can cause the drug "Artrocol" (gel)? The instruction says the following negative effects:

• Spasm of bronchi, angioedema;
• Asthmatic attacks, anaphylactic reactions, including shock;
• Redness, itching, hives, burning and swelling on the skin;
• Bullous and fliktenuleleznye eczema, which can spread to other sites, and also acquire a generalized character;
• Photosensitivity, bullous or contact dermatitis;
• Nausea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, vomiting;
• Bleeding, stomach ulcer, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation;
• Impaired renal function, exacerbation of chronic renal failure, interstitial nephritis and development of renal failure.

It should also be noted that when using the gel "Artrocol", there may be other side effects from the digestive system and urinary system. The intensity of such effects depends on the amount of the preparation used, as well as on the penetrating power of its active ingredient, the size of the treated area, the duration of the therapeutic course and the skin condition.

It should also be said that older people are most prone to side effects in the treatment of NSAIDs.

Pregnancy and lactation period

Can I use the drug "Artrocol" (gel) during breastfeeding and pregnancy? In the course of experiments on rodents, it was found that the agent under consideration does not cause a teratogenic and embryotoxic effect in young animals. However, it should be noted that a small embryotoxic effect was noted in experiments on rabbits.

In view of the fact that the safety of ketoprofen in pregnant women has not been supported by any studies, experts do not recommend using this tool for future mothers.

Also it should be said that ketoprofen and other inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis are capable of provoking toxic damage to the kidneys, pulmonary and cardiac fetal systems.

The degradation products of the agent in question are found in breast milk. For this reason, the gel "Artrocol" should not be prescribed to nursing women.

Special Information

The drug "Artrocol" (gel), analogues of which are listed below, is forbidden to apply to areas of the skin with such pathological changes as acne or eczema. The same applies to infected areas or open wounds.

It is also necessary to avoid getting the drug on the mucous membranes. After using the medication, you should wash your hands.

This tool is not recommended for use with occlusive dressings.

During treatment with "Arthrocol" and for two weeks after therapy, it is desirable to avoid direct sunlight on the skin.

"Arthrocol" (gel): reviews and similar means

Analogues of this drug include drugs such as Carmolis gel, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Remisid, Vipratox, Denebol, Target T, Chondra-force, Ibuprofen, "Ketonal" and others.

What do consumers say about this drug? According to their reports, the gel "Artrocol" is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. It treats well such pathological conditions as myalgia, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, inflammatory diseases of veins, posttraumatic inflammation.

To the disadvantages of this drug for external use include many side effects that occur after using the gel. Most often, patients experience redness, itching, hives, burning and swelling on the skin, as well as nausea, eczema, stomach ulcers, diarrhea and heartburn. Another disadvantage of the drug in question is that it can not be prescribed to pregnant women, and also used during lactation.