Ibuprofen gel for external use is a popular and often used tool to relieve pain in muscles, joints and ligaments. The causes of the appearance can be both one-time inflammatory processes associated with hypothermia or high physical exertion, as well as chronic diseases. The demand for the drug is due not only to its effectiveness, but also to the budget price from the domestic manufacturer.
Material Content:
The composition of the drug
Ibuprofen gel combines several components. 5% is a chemical substance, the name of which is the drug.
Ibuprofen (the Latin name, which is also used on the international market) has three important actions at the same time:
- decrease in heat;
- blocking the spread of the inflammatory process;
- analgesic effect.
The remaining elements in the composition of the drug are combined from the following:
- ethanol (ethyl alcohol),
- propylene glycol,
- carbomer 940,
- neroly and lavender oils,
- dimexide
- trietholamine,
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- purified water.
The basic component belongs to the pharmacological group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the auxiliary parts provide the creation of a gel consistency, which not only promotes local penetration of the diseased part of the body, but also creates a softening effect, leaving no traces and spots, like an ointment.
The gel has a specific smell, can be transparent or have a yellow tint.
There are studies confirming that ibuprofen stimulates the formation of interferon, which increases the body's resistance to inflammatory processes.
Also, there is a decrease in vascular permeability and a delay in the inflammatory process, against which pain also decreases. Exudate (fluid in the joint bag) decreases, which improves mobility and reduces morning stiffness of movements.
What helps the ibuprofen gel
The use of the anti-inflammatory effect of the therapeutic gel is very wide. It covers a list of several dozen diseases.
Support is provided for pain in the following cases:
- inflammation and degeneration of the musculoskeletal system,
- various types of arthritis,
- rheumatoid diseases;
- gout, sciatica, and radiculitis;
- periarthritis (humeroscapular), osteoporosis, osteochondrosis;
- tendons, bursitis, myalgia, lumbago, sports injuries and sprains without damaging the skin.
Use without a prescription is possible for one-time (non-permanent) muscle pain, neuralgia, or sprain for no more than a week.
The gel is available in three dosages - 20, 50 and 100 grams.
Instructions for use
Gel ibuprofen 5% is indicated for external use in adults and children after 12 years. From the age of 6, the drug can only be used with the permission of a doctor. For younger children, the drug is prohibited.
The use of the gel is possible only in the absence of skin damage (cuts, abrasions or any dermatitis).
To obtain the maximum effect without complications, the gel should be smeared with light massaging movements on the painful area, until absorbed. The interval between procedures should be at least 4 hours. Repetitions should not exceed 4 times a day.
After each use of the medicinal mixture, the remains of Ibuprofen must be thoroughly washed off the hands. Contact with the gel in the eyes or mucous membranes will cause irritation. If the active substance gets into the esophagus, you will have to do a rinse so as not to injure your internal organs.
If self-use does not bring relief after one week of use, then you must stop the procedure and consult a doctor.
During pregnancy and lactation
Ibuprofen gel can be used until the third trimester of pregnancy. During feeding, use is possible, but extremely cautious. The gel should not get on the skin of the child, so the mother using the drug should control its contact with the baby.
Contraindications and side effects
Contraindications are primarily associated with intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetylsalicylic acid. The use of the gel is not recommended for people suffering from bronchial asthma or having polyps in the sinuses.
The Prohibition Group for use also includes children under 6 years old and pregnant women in the third trimester of the term for bearing a child.
Side effects are directly related to the technique of the drug to reduce the inflammatory process.
Major deviations may occur in the following:
- the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- cardiovascular system;
- impaired activity of the kidneys and liver;
- blood coagulation level.
In the process of limiting the infection, ibuprofen increases the density of the vascular walls, preventing not only the spread of inflammation, but also the normal exchange of fluids in the body.
With prolonged use in people with high blood pressure, problems with the control of this indicator may begin. The body will retain more fluid and harmful trace elements, which should normally be excreted from the body (a side effect of all drugs of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory group). An increased level of fluid in the body, respectively, will weaken the work of the heart.
The structure of the liver and kidneys, as well as the mucous membrane of the stomach, will receive the same negative effect. Therefore, despite the local scope and not such a devastating effect of the gel, in comparison with tablets and capsules, the use should be short-lived.
The best option for a sudden illness is treatment for 2-3 days. When prescribed by a doctor, the course usually does not exceed 10 days.
Analogues of the drug
Despite the wide popularity of domestic Ibuprofen, there are analogues of foreign manufacturers under other trademarks. The principle of their action is identical, the price is 60-70% higher.
The most famous names:
- Nurofen Express (UK);
- Dolgit (Germany);
Ibuprofen has been used for many years and is officially listed on the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, he appears as one of the medications with the status of “necessary and vital” in the official order of the Government of the Russian Federation.
