Ibuprofen ointment is considered an anti-inflammatory agent that is used externally. The drug is in demand because of its effectiveness and affordable price. Ibuprofen ointment relieves pain and also treats inflammation. The rules for its use are presented in the article.
Shape and composition
What is the composition of ibuprofen ointment? The active substance is ibuprofen. Another drug consists of:
- purified water;
- lavender oils;
- carbomer;
- ethyl alcohol;
- triethanolamine;
- propylene glycol.
The product is available in the form of an ointment and a gel. The concentration of the main component is 5%. The volume is divided into 25, 50, 75 or 100 g. Ibuprofen ointment has a slight yellowish tint. She has no pronounced aroma.
Ointment or gel?
As indicated in the instructions, both forms are effective. They are used for the same purpose. The main difference between the drugs is pharmacokinetics. The gel, due to its special structure, is quickly absorbed by the skin and penetrates into the blood, but the ointmentthe same reason has a prolonged effect. According to reviews, the second tool is used more often.
Action
As indicated in the instructions, ibuprofen ointment is applied externally. This is not a hormonal remedy, so it can also be used by those who have disorders in the endocrine system. After eliminating pain and inflammation, the drug relieves tissue swelling.
The effect of ibuprofen ointment is manifested due to the presence of the active substance in its composition. The main component disrupts the synthesis of prostaglandin and interrupts the appearance of pain mediators. As a result, not only discomfort and stiffness are eliminated, but also the mobility of the diseased joint improves. Inflammatory mediators are blocked, which provides a therapeutic effect. The rate of decrease in the intensity of inflammation is determined by the type of pathology.
Ibuprofen ointment has a beneficial effect on blood circulation at the site of application. There is also a decrease in vascular permeability. As a result, puffiness, which is usually present with inflammation, is eliminated. The drug is excreted by the kidneys.
When used?
Before using the remedy, you should familiarize yourself with the prescriptions of ibuprofen ointment. As stated in the instructions, the drug is effective for degenerative ailments or inflammations related to the musculoskeletal system. Indications for ibuprofen ointment include the presence of:
- arthritis;
- ankylosing spondylarthrosis;
- periarthritis of the humeroscapular;
- osteochondrosis;
- tendinitis;
- osteoarthritis;
- tenosynovitis;
- sciatica;
- intervertebral hernia;
- myalgia;
- sciatica;
- bursitis;
- lumbago;
- soft tissue injury.
Although the remedy helps with these ailments, you still need to get advice from a specialist first. It is likely that other procedures included in the complex treatment will be required. Effective use of ibuprofen ointment to eliminate pain in hemorrhoids, but this indication is not in the annotation for this remedy. Proctologists by a practical method revealed the positive effect of the drug in relation to the symptoms of external nodes. But with internal hemorrhoids, you can not use the remedy.
Instructions
As indicated in the instructions for use, ibuprofen ointment should be used in compliance with the dosage and duration of the course. To eliminate problems with joints and soft tissues, the affected area is treated with a strip of 10 cm in length, and then rubbed with light movements until absorbed.
At this dosage, adults can use the ointment up to 4 times a day, which is important for patients with intense pain. After application, a burning sensation appears, which disappears after 5-10 minutes. This is normal and is not considered a reason to stop taking the medication.
Dosage for children 6-12 years of age is prescribed by a doctor. Older than this age, the remedy is used in the same way as in adults. Children are more likely to be allergic to the ointment. That's whyif it is used for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the reaction for several hours. If there are no negative manifestations, then treatment can be continued.
With hemorrhoids, the remedy is used only for external non-bleeding nodes to get rid of pain and itching. Before using the ointment, the problem area is washed with cool water and laundry soap. Then wipe with a paper towel. The anus area is smeared with a thin layer.
During the day, the hemorrhoidal bump is lubricated up to 4 times a day. Secondarily, the drug is allowed to be used after 4 hours. If this is done earlier, then there is a possibility of an overdose, which will adversely affect the condition of the person. Improvement occurs in 1-2 days. If not, another remedy is needed.
Patients who use the ointment for the first time should perform a tolerance test in advance. Even if no side effects were observed after ibuprofen tablets, the ointment can lead to negative reactions.
Contraindications
As evidenced by the reviews, most people tolerate ibuprofen ointment well. But it is important to consider the presence of contraindications. There are many restrictions on use. Ointment is not used for:
- component intolerance;
- allergic rhinitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- allergies to skin rashes;
- violation of the integrity of the epidermis;
- dermatosis in the treated area;
- eczema;
- 3rd trimester pregnancy;
- under 12;
- disturbances in the digestive tract;
- kidney or liver disease.
Do not use the drug in the presence of chronic inflammation in the respiratory system. The reason is that the likelihood of an acute allergy with mucosal edema on these organs is much higher. In this case, a portability test is performed before the primary procedure.
During pregnancy in the 1st and 2nd trimester, the ointment is allowed to be used, but only for medical reasons and under medical supervision. The remedy is prescribed if the expected benefit to the woman significantly outweighs the risks to the child. Do not use ibuprofen during the 3rd trimester. It is forbidden to prescribe an ointment on your own due to the risk of negative consequences from improper therapy.
During lactation, an external agent should not be used unless feeding is stopped. If necessary, mandatory treatment of the child is first transferred to an artificial mixture. The reason is that the substances penetrate into the milk, which will negatively affect the condition of the crumbs.
Side effects
Side effects of the ointment appear in rare cases. Many patients tolerate the drug well. Usually, negative reactions appear when applying a very large amount of the product or using it too often.
Side effects appear as:
- disturbances in the digestive tract;
- skin manifestations - itching, burning, redness;
- severe headaches;
- sleep disorders;
- liver dysfunction;
- deterioration of kidney function.
One or more of the indicated negative effects may occur. If negative effects of treatment are detected, it is necessary to immediately stop using the remedy and visit a doctor. He will prescribe follow-up treatment.
Nuances
Ointment should not be applied to the skin near the mouth and eyes. If the agent gets on the mucous membranes, then it is necessary to rinse them. After contact with it, hands must be washed well.
According to reviews, the topical drug enhances the analgesic effect if a person drinks a drink with caffeine. With the simultaneous administration of potassium carbonate and the use of an ointment, the content of lithium in the blood increases. Situations of an overdose of "Ibuprofen" in the form of an ointment are not described. If the drug has penetrated inside, you should rinse your mouth and visit a doctor. The remedy can disrupt the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Interaction
In the treatment of articular pathologies, the remedy is used with other medicines. Their dosage and frequency of administration is set by a rheumatologist or traumatologist. No cases of negative effects of the ointment with other drugs have been identified.
But in order to minimize complications, doctors advise using the remedy an hour after applying other remedies. If other drugs are used, it is important to consult a doctor before applying the ointment.
Safety rules
Ointment should only be used externally. It is important not to allow the medicine to come into contact withmucous membranes or in the eyes. Ointment is best not used for children under 12 years of age due to the lack of reliable data on safety and efficacy.
In the presence of asthma, hay fever, chronic lung disease, infections of the respiratory system and hypersensitivity to analgesics and antirheumatic drugs, there is a risk of asthmatic attacks, mucosal edema. Use the medicine in these cases should be under the supervision of a physician. It is important to carefully apply the ointment for allergies to other substances that manifest themselves as skin irritation, itching, urticaria. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, a doctor should be consulted.
Analogues
Ibuprofen ointment costs about 50 rubles per tube. The product is sold without a doctor's prescription. But there are also analogues. Medications containing ibuprofen include:
- Deep Relief.
- "Long".
- Nurofen.
Many do not know what is better to choose: "Fastum gel" or ibuprofen ointment. The pharmacodynamics of both drugs is almost the same. The gel eliminates pain and inflammation, but is absorbed into the skin more slowly, so it will be less effective. Another difference is the cost - "Ibuprofen" is several times cheaper than its counterpart.
Diclofenac gel is also used. This is a proven tool that allows you to get rid of inflammation, pain at the site of local use. The price of both funds is similar. "Diclofenac" is used according to the same scheme, with the same dosages, which ensures its effectiveness.
To independently change the remedy intended for treatment,it is forbidden. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will tell you which drug will be effective.
Most reviews of this ointment are positive. Many notice an improvement in their condition after just a few procedures. Another tool is in demand due to its low cost. To achieve a positive effect, you just need to use the ointment correctly.
