Instructions for use of Nurofen ointment

General information

The product is available in the form of a gel for external use. The drug is used in the fight against inflammatory pain in the back, nerves, muscles, joints, as well as in cases of injury to the structures of the musculoskeletal system.

The main active ingredient of Nurofen gel is ibuprofen. It belongs to the category of non-steroidal drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect. According to its chemical structure, ibuprofen is a derivative of phenylpropionic acid. Its effectiveness is explained by the ability to non-selectively suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, the precursor of prostaglandins, which are the main participants in the etiology of the inflammatory process.

Ibuprofen ointment and gel

Ibuprofen for external use is the cheapest analogue of Nurofen gel. The price of the substitute is only 55-70 rubles per package.

The medication is available in the form of an ointment and gel containing the active ingredient of the same name. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with an analgesic effect can be used for arthritis, myalgia, radiculitis, bruises, sprains, and gout. The gel will be most effective for mild pain.

Pharmacological properties of the drug

The anti-inflammatory effect is due to a decrease in the throughput of the walls of blood vessels, normalization of circulation in the microvascular beds, a decrease in the production of mediators of pathological reactions and inhibition of inflammatory energy. The analgesic effect is associated with suppression of bradykinin production, a decrease in its ability to provoke pain and a decrease in the severity of the clinical picture of the inflammatory process. There is evidence confirming the ability of ibuprofen to activate the biosynthesis of interferons, have an immunomodulatory effect and improve the nonspecific resistance of the whole organism.

In the case of rheumatoid joint damage, Nurofen gel has an important effect on proliferation and exudation, and quite quickly and effectively reduces the manifestations of pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement.

Does the drug help?

To eliminate pain associated with joint diseases, soft tissue bruises and sprains, there are currently a huge number of drugs available. The most popular are those that are applied topically. The Nurofen gel has pronounced therapeutic effectiveness. Reviews from people who have used it to relieve pain indicate that the drug allows you to quickly restore motor activity. The most effective remedy will be for mild and moderate pain.

You should not rely on the drug to help with exacerbations of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by severe pain. In such cases, it is recommended to use more powerful drugs in the form of injections.

Composition of the drug and its release form

The product is produced in the form of a transparent gel with a uniform consistency. The drug has the typical aroma of isopropyl alcohol, which is one of the excipients of the drug. The gel is produced in special tubes of 30, 50 and 100 grams. Each package contains 5% of the main active ingredient. The following are used as additional components:

• sodium hydroxide;
• isopropyl alcohol;
• hydroxyethylcellulose;
• benzyl alcohol;
• distilled water.

The drug is produced in the UK by Reckit Benckiser.

This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gel has effective properties and easily copes with pathological processes of the corresponding nature. Nurofen has an analgesic, antipyretic and analgesic effect.

Composition of the medicine

This drug is called (INN) ibuprofen. It is available in dosage form in the form of a gel and is used externally.

“Nurofen gel” is a homogeneous substance that has no color, but has a very characteristic odor of isopropyl alcohol.

The medicine contains ibuprofen as an active ingredient in an amount of 5 g, as well as additional ingredients in the form of hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and water.

The targeted functions of this non-steroidal drug have effective properties and easily cope with inflammatory processes. "Nurofen gel" has analgesic and antipyretic properties and successfully relieves pain.

Due to the principle of the chemical and biological action of ibuprofen, the processes of synthesis of prostaglandins, which are the main provocateurs of pain and inflammatory processes, are suspended.

Peculiarities

In cases where the joints begin to hurt severely, the quality of life of the affected person decreases significantly, and in some situations the patient may completely lose his ability to work. In particularly severe forms of musculoskeletal diseases, complete immobility occurs, some patients even experience disability. Most often, middle-aged and elderly people suffer from such pathologies, as well as those who have weight problems or lead a sedentary lifestyle.

According to the instructions for use and reviews, Nurofen gel helps to quickly and effectively get rid of annoying pain. This product is absolutely safe and easy to use, and it can be bought at any pharmacy without a special prescription. Within a short period, the patient can independently get rid of the pain syndrome, especially if it took the person by surprise.

In what cases will the remedy help?

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The local drug effectively eliminates pain of moderate intensity. The active component blocks COX-1 and COX-2, inhibits the process of synthesis of inflammatory mediators. This allows the product to be used for various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. According to the instructions, Nurofen gel has the following indications for use:

• myalgia;
• arthritis of rheumatoid and psoriatic type;
• radiculitis;
• osteoarthritis;
• minor joint injuries;
• bruises;
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• sprains;
• sciatica, bursitis;
• osteochondrosis;
• gout in the acute stage.

An external remedy based on ibuprofen is quite often used for household, industrial and sports injuries. The gel is able to quickly eliminate hyperemia, swelling and pain. If there is damage to the integrity of the skin at the site of the injury, applying the drug is prohibited. It should also be remembered that the gel only relieves symptoms and does not at all affect the causes of the pathological condition. That is why it is usually recommended to be used in combination with other medications.

When to use

As for the indications for using the medication, the list is quite impressive. According to the instructions for use, it is advisable to use Nurofen gel:

• for articular syndrome in case of systematic exacerbation of chronic gout;
• psoriatic, rheumatic, gouty joint damage;
• humeroscapular periarthritis;
• deforming osteoarthritis;
• ankylosing spondylitis;
• osteochondrosis accompanied by radiculopathy;
• muscle pain of rheumatic and other pathogenesis;
• lumbago;
• tenosynovitis, tendonitis, bursitis and other inflammatory processes in the soft tissue area;
• sciatica;
• all kinds of industrial, sports, and household injuries that are not accompanied by trauma to the skin, such as ruptured ligaments and muscles, sprains, post-traumatic swelling, and bruises.

Doctors, speaking about indications for use, also mention other pathologies: toothache, rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, fever and various colds, accompanied by a feeling of breaking bones.

Side effects

In most cases, a local ibuprofen-based drug is well tolerated by patients and does not cause any negative reactions in the body. Experts usually associate the occurrence of side effects with hypersensitivity to the components or improper use of the drug. The development of an undesirable reaction is indicated by symptoms such as the appearance of rashes on the skin, burning, itching, numbness, dizziness, tachycardia, Quincke's edema, bronchospasm.

Some symptoms occur with long-term use of Nurofen gel. Instructions for use in such cases recommend discontinuing further treatment with the drug and consulting with a specialist.

Contraindications

Before going to the nearest pharmacy for Nurofen gel, you should consult a specialist, since in some cases the effect of using this medication may be ambiguous. Among the contraindications it is worth highlighting:

• hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the product;
• heart failure;
• bronchial asthma;
• diathesis;
• leukopenia;
• ulcerative pathologies of the digestive tract;
• thrombocytopenia;
• inflammation of the visual system;
• pregnancy;
• kidney and liver diseases;
• portal and arterial hypertension;
• lactation period.

Side effects

Side effects may manifest as redness of the skin, burning sensation, tingling at the site of application. Quite rarely, if there is hypersensitivity to the drug, allergic reactions, including bronchospasm, may occur.

In this case, you must stop using and consult your doctor.

Overdose

There are no known cases of overdose of Nurofen gel.

Before you go to the pharmacy and buy this product, you should consult a doctor, since in some cases the effect of the drug can cause an ambiguous reaction in the body.

Among the contraindications we can particularly highlight:

• Hypersensitivity to the elements included in the gel;
• Heart failure;
• Ulcerative manifestations in the gastrointestinal tract;
• Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia;
• Bronchial asthma;
• Inflammation of the optic nerve;
• Kidney and liver pathologies;
• Diathesis;
• Arterial and portal hypertension;
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of contraindications to start using the drug with caution.

Among the side effects, it is worth highlighting the most common ones; if you do not follow all the instructions, the following may occur:

1. Noise and pain in the ears and head;
2. Dyspeptic disorders in the form of heartburn, gag reflexes, constipation;
3. Swelling, allergic reactions on the skin;
4. Overexcitement and inability to sleep;
5. Hypertensive manifestations.

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Instructions for the gel "Nurofen"

To avoid the appearance of unpleasant symptoms in the form of side effects and overdose, you must strictly follow the rules for using the product described in the insert. The use of Nurofen gel should be external.

• First of all, you should make sure that the protective foil is not damaged and that the expiration dates are correct.
• This drug is recommended exclusively for adults and children over 12 years of age.
• It is necessary to squeeze a little gel onto your hand, no more than 10 cm, and rub it with gentle movements into the place where the pain is localized. You need to massage the skin until the product completely disappears from its surface.
• The gel can be reused only after 4 hours. No more than four procedures are allowed per day.
• After using the product, wash your hands thoroughly. It is very important to control the process so that the gel does not get into your eyes or mouth.
• If within two weeks of using the drug the patient has not noticed any improvements, you should stop using it further and consult a specialist.

Instructions for use

The instructions for Nurofen ointment recommend using it only as prescribed by a neurologist, orthopedist, or traumatologist. Single and daily doses of the drug are determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s age and the form of the disease. The type of disease diagnosed is important. For gouty arthritis affecting the phalanges of the fingers, a 2-3 cm strip of the drug squeezed out of the tube is sufficient. And to relieve pain accompanying coxarthrosis, you will need to rub 5-7 cm of gel into the hip joint.

Before the procedure, the skin is cleaned with warm water and soap and dried with a towel. Then spread a thin layer of Nurofen and rub lightly until completely absorbed. Frequency of application - up to 4 times a day. For pain that occurs at night, it is advisable to apply the drug immediately before bed.

Instructions for the drug in the form of a gel

According to the instructions for use, the maximum period of treatment with the gel is 3-4 weeks. If after a month of therapy pain reappears, the doctor prescribes a drug with a different active ingredient. It is worth contacting it if the gel is ineffective with regular use. The dosage regimen will be adjusted or replaced with another drug from the NSAID group.

Overdose

Overdose when used externally occurs extremely rarely. It is typical for accidental ingestion of Nurofen. An overdose is indicated by a sharp decrease in blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches.

If any symptom develops, it is necessary to rinse the stomach and take enterosorbent - Smecta, Enterosgel, activated carbon. You should definitely consult a doctor for symptomatic treatment.

Side effects

The longer Nurofen is used, the higher the likelihood of developing systemic adverse reactions. There have been cases of gastrointestinal disorders - attacks of nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region. Possible disruption of the functioning of the urinary system: decreased urine volume, darkening, turbidity. Local side effects of the gel are more often diagnosed:

• formation of rashes;
• puffiness, swelling, redness of the skin due to overfilling of blood vessels;
• soreness, burning, severe or moderate skin itching.

The drug has side effects.
In such cases, medical attention is required. The doctor will prescribe ointments or tablets with antihistamine action that quickly relieve allergy symptoms.

special instructions

The drug should not be applied to large areas of skin in the presence of severe pathologies. These are diseases of the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. Therapy for such patients is carried out with constant monitoring of the condition of internal organs.

If the patient is already taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is necessary to inform the doctor. Doses of drugs will be reduced to avoid overdose and the development of adverse reactions.

Best before date

The shelf life of the gel is 3 years. Once the tube is opened, it should be used within several months. Due to frequent contact with oxygen, the likelihood of rapid deterioration of the product increases.

Terms of sale and storage

The drug is dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. It should be stored in a dark place at room temperature. Young children's access to Nurofen should be limited. Signs that the gel is unsuitable for treatment are separation, color change, and the appearance of a foreign odor.

Drug interactions

When used together, Nurofen may distort the pharmacological action of anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and antihypertensive drugs. It should be used with caution with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Orthopedists and traumatologists recommend applying the gel only after the skin has absorbed previously applied ointments and balms.

Analogs

Preparations identical to Nurofen gel are those medications that contain one ingredient or have a combined composition, but with the presence of ibuprofen. These medications include several:

• "Longit." It is produced in the form of gel and cream in tubes of 20, 50 and 100 grams. This drug is contraindicated in the last trimester of pregnancy and in case of weeping dermatosis. The medicine is produced in Germany by the company Dolorgiet.
• "Ibuprofen." Available in the form of a gel in tubes of 20, 30, 50 and 100 grams. It is also contraindicated in the last months of pregnancy, but is approved for use in pediatrics for the treatment of babies older than one year. Produced in Russia.
• "Deep Relief". A combination product based on ibuprofen. Produced in gel form in tubes of 15, 30, 50 and 100 grams. The drug is prohibited for use by pregnant women and during lactation, as well as children under 14 years of age. Produced in the UK by Mentholatum. The composition also includes menthol, which has a quick pain-relieving effect.

As for the differences between the Nurofen gel and a similar drug of the same type, they consist only in the fact that the latter remedy requires the additional use of a tight bandage. It is also worth noting that the medicine is prohibited for use in children under 14 years of age.

Among other things, it is not recommended to drive vehicles or other machinery after using it, since the medication affects concentration and psychomotor reactions. As for all other properties, the drugs “Nurofen” and “Nurofen Express” are absolutely identical.

Reviews of Nurofen gel

Feedback about the drug is mostly positive. According to reviews, Nurofen gel turns out to be extremely effective for various household injuries and exacerbations of chronic pathologies. The results from using the ointment, as patients note, occur almost instantly. At the same time, unlike many synthetic ointments, there is no burning sensation on the skin or other unpleasant sensations. When applying the product, you may notice a pleasant cooling sensation and a gradual retreat of the pain syndrome.

True, many people do not like the specific smell of alcohol that comes from the gel. Also a very important drawback, according to users, is the age limit. After all, Nurofen gel cannot be used to treat children.

As for the significant advantages, it should be noted that the product leaves absolutely no traces on clothes or bedding, which allows you to use it at any time. In general, the product is famous not only for its effectiveness, but also for its ease of use.

Reviews

Irina “Nurofen gel” is an excellent remedy in any situation. It saved me during a hike when I had to move a lot.”

Dmitry “I didn’t think that Nurofen Gel was so effective. After fishing I caught a cold on my back, my wife applied gel and stopped it for the night - the next day I went to work like new.”

Svetlana “My hip joints have been hurting for a long time, due to a congenital disease – dysplasia. During exacerbations I use Nurofen express gel. Literally after 15 minutes, noticeable relief occurs and you can continue to live. A good remedy for everyone who suffers from similar ailments.”