The drug "Amelotex" belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is a selective inhibitor. The main active substance of the drug "Amelotex" is meloxicam. The gel based on it has an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Tablets and injections based on meloxicam additionally have an antipyretic effect.
In the article, we will consider Amelotex (gel): a description of the drug, methods of its use, contraindications and special precautions, and also find out if there are similar remedies.
Forms of release of the drug "Amelotex"
There are four forms of release of the drug "Amelotex":
- Pills. They are meant to be taken by mouth and can have either 15 mg or 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
- Solution for injection. Designed for intramuscular injection. One ampoule contains 15 mgmeloxicam.
- Candles (suppositories). They are intended for rectal use. One suppository contains 7.5 mg of meloxicam.
- Gel. Designed for outdoor use. Let's take a closer look at this form of the drug.
The composition of the gel "Amelotex" and its appearance
"Amelotex" (gel) is a translucent gel-like mass of yellow color and has a specific pleasant smell. The drug is produced in tubes of 30 or 50 grams.
As mentioned above, the main active ingredient of Amelotex is meloxicam. In addition to it, the gel contains trometamol, methylpyrrolidone, ethanol, lavender and orange flower oil, carbomer, purified water.
"Amelotex" (gel): indications for use and principle of action
In most cases, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints, which are accompanied by painful sensations. These include osteochondrosis, sciatica, bruises of the spine, rheumatoid arthritis, and so on.
The principle of action of the drug will differ depending on the goal.
1. Anti-inflammatory effect.
The active substances of the gel "Amelotex" penetrate to the affected tissues, after which many chemical reactions are triggered in them. Ultimately, there is a blockade of inflammatory mediators: leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
2. Pain relief effect.
It is achieved thanks tothe ability of the drug "Amelotex"-gel to increase the pain threshold by partially blocking the pain center in the brain.
3. Antipyretic effect.
It is achieved by blocking inflammatory mediators and reducing the sensitivity of the part of the brain responsible for thermoregulation.
"Amelotex" (gel): instructions for use
It is important to remember that it is highly undesirable to use the drug without a doctor's prescription.
How to apply Amelotex (gel)? The instructions for the drug say that it must be applied with light movements to the skin and gently rubbed into it. You need to do this twice a day. The average course of treatment is within one month.
It is important to avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Its use in combination with other topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is also not recommended.
If "Amelotex" (gel) must be used in combination with tablets or injections based on meloxicam, it is important to ensure that the maximum daily dose of the active substance does not exceed 15 mg.
Contraindications for use and special precautions
There are some contraindications to the use of Amelotex.
This applies to cases where the patient has diseases such as:
- kidney failure;
- hepaticfailure;
- gastric or duodenal ulcer;
- heart failure;
- aspirin asthma.
In addition, the use of the drug is prohibited for pregnant women and women during lactation, as well as for children under 15 years of age. This is due to the fact that the effect of the drug on a growing organism has not been fully studied.
Gel "Amelotex" should not be used if you are allergic to one or more components of the drug and violations of the integrity of the skin in the form of cuts, scratches and other wounds.
Side effects
Like any other pharmacological drug, Amelotex (gel) can cause some side effects. They can appear in the form:
- local allergic skin reactions;
- hyperemia at the site of application;
- appearance of papular-vesicular rashes;
- skin peeling;
- photosensitization of the skin.
If at least one of the above phenomena occurs, you should stop using the gel and consult a doctor to prescribe symptomatic therapy.
Analogues of the drug
Can I replace Amelotex (gel) with something? Analogies, of course, exist. The most famous among them are: "Mataren plus", "Chondroxide forte".
They all contain basically the same active substance. A logical question arises: why then do we need analogues at all? First, they are usually cheaper. Secondly, the main drug may not be available inpharmacy, and then you have to look for a replacement for him. In this case, the choice of an analogue is recommended, since it has a similar type of action due to the same active substance.
Let's consider in more detail what can replace "Amelotex" (gel).
Matarin plus
The drug is available in the form of a cream and is intended for external use. It has two active substances: meloxicam and tincture of capsicum fruit. Auxiliary substances are chloroform, coriander and lavender oils, liquid paraffin, purified water, etc.
Used "Mataren plus" for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, with rheumatic lesions of soft tissues, as well as pain in the joints, muscles and tendons.
The use of the drug is contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance to the main active substance or other components of the cream, as well as violations of the integrity of the skin, children under 12 years of age, pregnant women and women during breastfeeding.
With extreme caution, "Mataren plus" should be used for violations of the functionality of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract. Before using the drug in combination with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you must first consult with your doctor. The same goes for when you need to use this cream for more than 10 days in a row.
You can use the drug 1-3 times a day. To do this, a thin strip of cream is necessaryrub gently into the skin. To achieve greater effect, you can apply a dry bandage.
You may experience side effects that manifest themselves in the form of a rash, peeling, itching, hyperemia. If at least one of them is detected, it is necessary to stop the use of the drug.
Chondroxide forte
The next drug, which is an analogue of the gel "Amelotex", is the cream "Chondroxide forte". It has several types of action at the same time: it slows down the development of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis, has anti-inflammatory properties and is an excellent analgesic, reduces swelling of the joints and increases their range of motion.
Meloxicam in the preparation is combined with dimexide, propylene glycol, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, purified water and other excipients.
Cream "Chondroxide forte" is used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis and other diseases of the spine, which are accompanied by pain.
Contraindications for use are violations of the integrity of the skin, individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as age up to 12 years, pregnancy and lactation. With extreme caution and only after consulting a doctor, Chondroxide forte can be used in the elderly, as well as in patients with impaired functionality of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, as well as with severe blood pathologies.
Cream treatment lastsup to two weeks on average. It must be rubbed into painful areas 2-3 times a day. The amount of cream in this case depends on the size of the affected area. After using the drug, wash your hands with soap and water.
After using the product, side effects may occur in the form of a local allergic reaction (redness, rash, itching).
Other forms of Amelotex
Other forms of the drug can be used as a substitute for Amelotex gel, as prescribed by a doctor: tablets, rectal suppositories, injection solutions. At the same time, they will have an even greater advantage due to the fact that the active substance that they contain enters the bloodstream much faster.
However, the use of tablets or the use of injections has a much greater number of possible side effects compared to the gel. These could be:
- headaches;
- nausea and vomiting;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract (constipation, diarrhea, bloating);
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- increased heart rate;
- appearance of drowsiness;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Contraindications for use remain the same as for the gel "Amelotex". But two more points should be added to them. Use for the treatment of the drug in the form of injections is prohibited in combination with drugs that thin the blood. The use of rectal suppositories is contraindicated in the presence of inflammation in thearea of the rectum or in violation of its integrity.
Reviews on the gel "Amelotex" and its analogues
What do those who have already used Amelotex (gel) for treatment say? Reviews are mostly positive. Patients note the high effectiveness of the drug in the fight against back pain and joint diseases. The downside of the drug is its rather high cost, which is why many are looking for and buying other similar products.
About the cream "Mataren plus" you can also hear only good things. It is an excellent remedy for rheumatism, pain in the musculoskeletal system, stiffness and swelling of the joints.
About the drug "Chondroxide forte" reviews are twofold. At a time when he helped some to quickly get rid of the problem that had arisen, others note a worsening of the situation. The latter talk about the appearance of puffiness at the site of application of the cream and its inefficiency even after prolonged use.
Where can I buy Amelotex (gel)? Kaliningrad, Moscow and other Russian cities offer to buy the drug in local pharmacies. You can also buy the gel online.
Be he althy!
