Description of the drug
Diclogen is a transparent gel with a slightly yellowish tint and a pleasant aroma of lavender essential oil. It is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving no greasy marks on clothes and bedding.
The active ingredient diclofenac from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs penetrates directly into pathological foci. Gel (cream, ointment) Diclogen has proven itself in the treatment of almost all diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
- degenerative-dystrophic, occurring against the background of gradual destruction of the cartilaginous surface of the bones;
- inflammatory, often accompanied by joint pain, crunching, and limited mobility.
According to the instructions for Diclogen gel, its use allows you to reduce the doses of systemic drugs - analgesics, glucocorticosteroids. And this helps reduce the pharmacological load on internal organs: liver, kidneys, stomach.
Pharmacological group and action
Diclogen is included in the clinical and pharmacological group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for external use. Its therapeutic effect is determined by sodium diclofenac, which blocks cyclooxygenase. It is under the influence of this enzyme that prostaglandins, bradykinins, and leukotrienes are produced from arachidonic acid.
The less mediators are released into the bloodstream, the easier it is for patients to tolerate relapses of pathologies. Diclogen gel is characterized by a multifaceted positive effect on damaged joints, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs:
- relief of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in periarticular tissues;
- weakening and elimination of painful sensations, “aches”, burning sensations;
- decrease in local body temperature;
- eliminating even severe swelling, morning swelling and stiffness of movement.
By stopping inflammation and swelling, diclofenac thereby stimulates increased blood circulation. Muscle tone decreases, the lumen of blood vessels increases, and enough oxygen enters the joint structures. Cartilage, bone and soft tissues, ligaments and tendons no longer suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Regeneration accelerates, which has a positive effect on the functioning of joints.
Release form and composition
5% Diclogen gel is produced in an Indian pharmaceutical factory.
It is packaged in 30 g and 50 g in aluminum tubes with screw caps. The Diclogen therapeutic line also includes capsules, 1% ointment, transdermal patch, eye drops and injection solution. Each tube of gel is placed in a cardboard box along with instructions for use. The drug has only one active ingredient - sodium diclofenac, a derivative of phenylacetic acid. The auxiliary composition is represented by the following components:
- paraffin;
- isopropanol;
- benzyl alcohol;
- trolamine;
- disodium edetate;
- carbomer;
- chlorocresol;
- polysorbate;
- propylene glycol;
- sodium sulfite;
- lavender essential oil.
Additional ingredients prolong (extend) and enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac. Propylene glycol and lavender oil have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and prevent tissue infection. This is especially true when treating various types of injuries with Diclogen.
Contraindications
- violation of the integrity of the skin;
- a history of attacks of bronchial asthma after the use of NSAIDs and salicylates (including acetylsalicylic acid);
- III trimester of pregnancy;
- lactation period;
- children under 6 years of age;
- hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other components of the drug;
- hypersensitivity to salicylates (including acetylsalicylic acid) or other NSAIDs.
The drug should be used with caution in cases of hepatic porphyria (exacerbation), erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, chronic heart failure, bronchial asthma, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, and in elderly patients. Additionally, for the drug in gel form 5%: should be used with caution in case of bleeding disorders (including hemophilia, prolonged bleeding time, bleeding tendency).
Instructions for use
It is advisable to use Diclogen in the treatment of damage to soft tissues or joints accompanied by severe pain. The gel contains a high concentration of diclofenac, which increases the likelihood of side effects. Therefore, doctors prescribe it to patients in cases where this risk is justified. And to relieve mild inflammation and minor discomfort, it is better to use a 1% ointment of the same name.
When using the drug, you should adhere to the dosage regimen recommended by your doctor. The components can accumulate in joint structures, and when a certain concentration is created, they penetrate into the blood. Maintaining a 15-minute interval between applications will help prevent unwanted chemical interactions with other products.
Indications and contraindications
All dosage forms of Diclogen will help cope with decreased range of motion, pain, and swelling. The gel is prescribed to patients both for the relief of acute pathologies and for exacerbations of chronic ones.
The drug is used to treat muscle diseases caused by inflammation or pinched nerve endings. What else does Diclogen ointment help with:
- various types of arthritis - rheumatoid, reactive, metabolic, gouty, infectious;
- deforming osteoarthrosis, including coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- medial, lateral epicondylitis;
- contractures, including post-traumatic ones;
- lumbago, radiculitis;
- rheumatic pathologies of connective tissue structures;
- glenohumeral periarthritis;
- bursitis, synovitis, Becker's cyst;
- cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral osteochondrosis;
- tendinitis, tendovaginitis.
Indications for use are also muscle pain caused by excessive physical activity. The use of the product shortens the rehabilitation period after damage to the ligamentous-tendon apparatus. Diclogen is prescribed for fractures, dislocations, including habitual ones.
The drug is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. Its use is prohibited in case of individual intolerance to ingredients and other drugs from the NSAID group. An absolute contraindication is the “aspirin triad”. This is the name of the condition when taking acetylsalicylic acid leads to rhinitis, urticaria, and bronchospasm.
Directions for use and doses
The gel is applied only to intact skin in the joint area up to 3 times a day. For better absorption, pre-treatment with antiseptic solutions is necessary. The external agent is evenly distributed and rubbed in with light massaging movements.
Single doses vary. For pathologies of the hip joint, about 3 cm of gel strip is applied, for the elbow joint - 1-2 cm.
The duration of the therapeutic course is 7-10 days. If necessary and in agreement with the doctor, treatment can be extended up to 2 weeks.
Side effects and special instructions
The instructions for use of Diclogen gel contain a warning about the inadmissibility of applying it to large surfaces of the skin. In such cases, as well as when using the drug in large doses, the risk of side effects is high.
The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction are: hives, skin rash, itching, swelling, burning. Systemic side effects are less commonly diagnosed - headaches, nausea, vomiting, asthma attacks.
If the functions of the liver, kidneys, or organs of the cardiovascular system are impaired, single and daily doses are reduced. During treatment, the condition of such patients is monitored by a doctor. If it worsens, the gel is discontinued or replaced with 1% Diclogen ointment.
Pregnancy and lactation
The decision to use the gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding is made by the attending physician. The manufacturer did not provide data on the absence of teratogenic effects in the drug. In the 3rd trimester, Diclogen is prohibited for use. In earlier stages of pregnancy, gel therapy is allowed, but only if safer means are ineffective.
Directions for use and doses
Externally. The amount of the drug depends on the size of the painful area. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the drug should be applied to the skin 3-4 times a day and lightly rubbed in. The drug is in the form of a 5% gel - no more than 1 g (about 2 cm with the neck of the tube completely open) per application up to 2 times /day. After applying the drug, hands must be washed. The duration of treatment depends on the indications and the observed effect. After 2 weeks of using the drug, you should consult your doctor.
Analogs
Structural analogues of Diclogen are ointments, gels Diclofenac, Voltaren, Ortofen, Diclovit, Diclak. Artrosilene, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen (instructions for use), Nimesulide have a similar therapeutic effect.
Pharmacological action of Diclogen
Diclogen is a drug belonging to the group of NSAIDs and has analgesic, anti-exudative and anti-inflammatory properties. Being a derivative of phenylacetic acid, the drug interferes with the metabolism of arachidonic acid and suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain. When applied topically, Diclogen helps reduce inflammation in the joints and relieve pain, reduces morning stiffness of the joints, normalizes their functions, and relieves swelling. Having a water-alcohol base, Diclogen gel has a mild local anesthetic effect.
Indications for use
As indicated in the instructions for Diclogen, the drug is prescribed for
- Osteoarthrosis of peripheral joints and spine;
- Rheumatic lesions of soft tissues;
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Chronic and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis;
- Psoriatic and gouty arthritis;
- Post-traumatic inflammation of soft tissues, joints and ligaments;
- Muscle pain of non-rheumatic origin.
Also, according to reviews, Diclogen is successfully used to eliminate pain.
