Pharmacological action of "Citralgin"
The drug is used to provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, it reduces stiffness in the morning, swelling of the joints, and increases the range of active and passive movements of diseased joints. Highly effective for thrombophlebitis and postthrombophlebitis. Citralgin cream reduces pain, swelling, paresthesia and cramps, and reduces the feeling of heaviness in the legs. A beneficial effect of the drug on the rate at which various hemorrhages and hematomas resolve was also noted. Moreover, this product helps to reduce pigment spots on the skin caused by trophic changes. Massage performed with this drug becomes much more effective. The complex of components included in the Citralgin cream (photo of the product below) determines its therapeutic effect.
Citrate ions help bind free calcium ions, thereby normalizing blood clotting and microcirculation, which has a positive effect on the affected joint. Salts of fruit acids (glutamate, lactate, malate, citrate and pyruvate), included in the preparation, provide ATP molecules and energy to enzyme cells after transformations during the Krebs cycle, normalizing disrupted energy processes in cartilage and periarticular tissues.
"Citralgin" helps to reduce and soften gouty tophi and Heberden's nodes and prevents the formation of calcifications after the inflammatory process in the periarticular tissues. This effect is caused by its ability to bind uric acid and calcium salts in tissues. This is confirmed by the instructions included with the Citralgin cream.
Release form, composition and packaging
The dosage form of Citralgin is cream: from light cream to white in color, with a slight odor (in 50 ml jars).
The cream contains:
- active substance: salts of fruit acids (citrate complex);
- auxiliary components: purified water, fragrance, propylparaben, methylparaben, beeswax, emulsifiers, lanolin, petroleum jelly, dimethicone.
The product is used in the form of a cream or ointment. It is a plastic mass with a slight citrus scent. The original version has a pronounced light cream shade. Active components are salts of fruit acid.
Beeswax, Vaseline, and methylparaben are used as thickeners and binders. The components are safe for external use. No allergic reactions or other contraindications were identified.
The cream is sold in plastic containers of 50 ml. Instructions included. Citralgin is available without a prescription.
The instructions for use indicate that the main components of Citralgin are a thoroughly purified citrate complex of salts of fruit acids:
- citrate salts;
- lactate salts;
- malate salts;
- glutamate salts;
- pyruvate salts
In order for the active substances to be better absorbed and to create the desired consistency, the composition contains auxiliary components that soften the coating and ensure high-quality application:
- beeswax;
- silicone;
- purified water;
- petrolatum;
- methylparaben;
- lanolin;
- propylparaben.
Citralgin cream is easy to use. Thanks to a well-chosen “base” of the product, it is used sparingly, which has earned it many positive reviews among massage therapists and patients.
Cream Citralgin has a light, unobtrusive scent. Color – light cream.
Citralgin ointment, according to the manufacturer's instructions, has a single dosage form - a 50 ml massage cream in a jar.
Its price is inexpensive, however, finding it will cause a lot of trouble. The country of origin is Russia, the company is Inpharma.
Citralgin is produced in the form of a cream (ointment) for massage, which is a plastic, homogeneous mass of white or light cream color with a slight odor. The cream is packaged in plastic bottles of 50 ml.
The main active ingredients of Citralgin ointment are the following active substances: citrate complex or salts of fruit acids (citrate, malate, pyruvate, glutamate, lactate). The ointment also contains the following substances: dimethicone, lanolin, petroleum jelly, beeswax, emulsifiers, propylparaben, methylparaben, purified water and fragrance.
Citralgin is available:
- In the form of a cream (ointment) intended for massage, a homogeneous plastic mass of white or light cream color, with a slight odor.
Active ingredient: salts of fruit acids (glutamate, malate, lactate, citrate, pyruvate).
Excipients: petrolatum, dimethicone, lanolin, propylparaben, beeswax, methylparaben, emulsifiers, fragrance and purified water.
The cream is packaged in 50 ml plastic bottles.
The use of "Citralgin"
The use of Citralgin cream is indicated in the following cases:
- long-term compartment syndrome;
- in complex therapy of coronary heart disease;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- diabetic microangiopathy;
- postthrombotic disease;
- the appearance of headaches due to spasm of extra- and intracranial arteries (cerebrovascular diseases and migraines);
- Bekhterev's disease;
- lumbosacral, cervical, thoracic radiculitis;
- myositis;
- spinal osteochondrosis with secondary radicular syndrome and osteoarthritis;
- rheumatic, gouty and infectious arthritis;
- Reiter's disease;
- arthropathy of psoriatic type;
- chronic juvenile and rheumatoid arthritis;
- thrombophlebitis of superficial and deep veins.
Indications for use
Thanks to its natural composition, Citralgin has many positive effects on the body. It eliminates not only joint pain, but also headaches and migraines. The drug improves blood clotting, relieves inflammation, and helps restore cartilage tissue. The medication also eliminates stiffness of movement, improves the resorption of hematomas and other hemorrhages.
The medicine also helps to reduce age spots on the skin that appear as a result of trophic changes. If you use the ointment during a massage, the effectiveness of this procedure will only increase.
Citralgin is effective for the following pathologies:
- myositis;
- Bekhterev's disease;
- cervical and thoracic radiculitis;
- thrombophlebitis of deep or superficial veins;
- acute inflammation of the skin;
- lumbosacral radiculitis;
- joint dystrophy;
- chronic muscle inflammation;
- diabetic microangiopathy;
- Reiter's disease;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- osteoarthritis;
- gouty arthritis;
- osteocondritis of the spine;
- acute inflammation of the joints;
- postthrombotic disease;
- juvenile chronic arthritis.
Instructions for use of "Citralgin"
Before using this medication, you should consult your doctor. It is not recommended to self-medicate, as side effects may occur. Individual intolerance to the components of the drug is possible, which will cause a severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, redness, swelling, anaphylactic shock).
"Citralgin" is intended for local external use and is recommended for use in various doses depending on the type of specific disease.
In cases where trophic changes in the skin develop, caused by obliterating atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, post-thrombotic disease, etc., the drug is applied to the areas of ulcers along the veins and arteries. However, you should avoid applying the cream to damaged areas. If there are pigment spots, the drug is applied to them. A reduction in age spots can be observed no earlier than 2 weeks after using Citralgin.
In cases of post-thrombophlebic disease or thrombophlebitis, Citralgin is applied to the lower leg and thigh in a thin layer over the area of the affected vein, without rubbing. Cover the compress with special paper and leave until the cream is completely absorbed. The procedure is repeated 2-4 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks. The course of treatment must be completed once every 3 months.
Massage with cream is also carried out for Heberden's nodes, gouty tophi and deforming osteoarthritis.
What else does the instruction included with a medicine such as Citralgin cream indicate? You must read it before you start using the drug.
To treat joint diseases, the medication is applied to the most painful area or above/below its surface by 10-15 cm 3-4 times a day. The drug is rubbed in until completely absorbed. If the cream is absorbed too quickly, it is necessary to apply a second layer. One joint of the drug requires up to 1 ml. After the massage, the medication is reapplied, then the treated area is covered with wax paper. This application remains on the joint until the ointment is completely absorbed.
Pharmacology
Citralgin cream is an analgesic, it is well tolerated by the body and is not addictive.
When applied in the morning, the ointment copes well with joint swelling and a feeling of stiffness in the morning, helping to improve motor activity. According to the instructions, Citralgin cream helps relieve the symptoms of thrombolphlebitis and post-thrombavlebitis, which is confirmed by a large number of positive reviews. In addition to swelling, the product helps with cramps, the feeling of goose bumps running through the body, and relieves heaviness in the limbs.
After using Citralgin, bruises quickly disappear and other subcutaneous bleeding stops. The ointment can even cope with pigmentation on the skin associated with changes in biochemical processes in the body. Using the product during massage increases its effectiveness.
Penetrating into the skin, the main substances of the cream reduce gouty nodules, Heberden's nodes on the hands, make them softer, and also prevent calcium from accumulating in the muscle walls. Citralgin has a binding ability, thereby preventing the deposition of calcium salts and uric acid.
Cream "Citralgin": reviews from doctors
This medicinal drug is produced by several pharmaceutical companies, which, however, does not greatly affect its cost. The average price of a package of Citralgin cream varies from 70 to 120 rubles. One package is enough for treatment for 2 weeks. The cream is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, but it cannot be used for self-medication. Prescribed by your doctor if you have problems with your joints.
Most experts come to the conclusion that the effect of Citralgin is weak and does not help everyone if joint pain is severe. However, the opinions of doctors are controversial. They also insist that the use of this drug is appropriate at an early stage of identifying problems with the joints and when the pathological process is not at an advanced stage. Otherwise, you will have to choose a more effective and powerful analogue.
Storage conditions
Store in a place protected from light and moisture, at temperatures up to 20 °C. Keep away from children.
Shelf life – 2 years.
Contain Citralgin in a dark place, out of reach of children, at a storage temperature of 4 to 20 °C. Shelf life, subject to all storage conditions, is 12 months.
Available in pharmacy chains without a doctor's prescription.
Citralgin should be stored in a dry place away from light. Storage temperature should be from 4 to 20 degrees Celsius. The cream has a shelf life of one year.
Citralgin can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
The cream is stored in a dark, well-ventilated place, away from children. The optimal temperature is from 4 to 20 degrees. When sharply heated, the salts of fruit acids are destroyed. The maximum shelf life from the date of manufacture is 12 months.
Patient opinions
Patient reviews about the effectiveness of the drug “Citralgin” can also be called contradictory and can be divided into positive and negative.
The category of buyers who consider the drug effective and use it for joint diseases respond positively. Not so long ago they had already enrolled themselves in the group of disabled people, but this cheap and widely available remedy helped solve their health problems. But it should be noted that patients noted a weaker effect of the drug upon repeated use and its inability to quickly relieve pain. Therefore, an addictive effect cannot be ruled out in the case of this analgesic. This is indicated by the instructions for using Citralgin cream.
The second group of buyers is more categorical about the drug, because for them the cream turned out to be ineffective, the effect was weak and painful. Acute attacks of pain did not subside, and no changes in well-being were observed. But before you refuse to buy the drug, you should still consult with a specialist, and not just rely on reviews.
Side effects
A persistent allergic reaction to the active components of Citralgin is observed. In rare cases, pain and severe swelling occur during massage or therapy that increases blood circulation in the tissues.
When using Citralgin ointment, side effects are possible:
- short-term increase in pain or swelling caused by improved blood circulation in the tissues;
- allergy.
If adverse reactions occur, it is necessary to reduce the dosage of the drug.
Citralgin is well tolerated by patients and only in some cases causes side effects (in particular allergic reactions, short-term increased pain or swelling).
Due to compresses, allergic irritation on the skin may occur.
Due to increased blood supply to the tissues, there may be increased pain and swelling at the beginning of therapy. With such manifestations, the dose of the cream should be reduced.
Reviews of Citralgin say that the use of the cream sometimes causes allergic reactions in patients, and swelling or pain may temporarily increase. This usually goes away quickly. You can slightly reduce the dose of cream.
During Citralgin therapy, allergic reactions may develop. There are reports of increased pain or swelling at the beginning of using the cream due to increased blood circulation in the tissues (requires a reduction in the dose of the drug).
