Mexid topical solution | Diclofenac

Description

Diclofenac sodium is a well-known drug from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that plays a key role in the treatment of many musculoskeletal and inflammatory diseases due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Due to its high effectiveness, this drug is one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs worldwide and is available in various dosage forms including tablets, suppositories, injectable ampoules, gels and topical solutions.

Diclofenac sodium is a derivative of phenylacetic acid and has two chlorine groups on the benzene ring. This specific molecular structure increases the drug's affinity for binding to the active site of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, resulting in inhibition of the production of prostaglandins, compounds that play a key role in causing inflammation, pain, and fever.

Advantages of topical diclofenac over systemic use

The use of topical diclofenac solution over its systemic form has significant clinical advantages that have been increasingly recognized in modern therapy. Among the most important advantages of this method is the significant reduction in gastrointestinal side effects such as gastric ulcers, indigestion, and internal bleeding, a common and concerning problem with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The topical form of diclofenac penetrates the epidermal layers into the inflamed tissue and exerts its anti-inflammatory effect directly at the site of pain, without significantly entering the systemic circulation. This feature prevents unnecessary inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme in the kidneys and minimizes the possibility of kidney damage.

In addition, the reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events with long-term use is another important advantage of topical use, especially in patients with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure. By providing a rapid, local and targeted effect, topical diclofenac is considered a safer and more effective option for the management of musculoskeletal pain. These characteristics have placed it in a privileged therapeutic position.

The 60ml packaging is ideal for short-term treatment courses. Its ease of use, portability in clinical or sports environments, and accurate dosing capabilities make it a practical option for physiotherapists, orthopedists, and even home patients.

Mechanism of action at the cellular level

Diclofenac inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. Reducing the levels of these chemical mediators reduces pain, fever, and inflammation. The drug's effect is mainly concentrated at the site of application and reduces localized inflammation by inhibiting the arachidonic acid pathway.

Diclofenac, a key member of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class, acts by specifically and nonspecifically inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes play a key role in the biochemical pathway of converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, molecules that play a fundamental role in the regulation of inflammation, pain, and fever.

By inhibiting COX activity, diclofenac prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins and stops the chain of inflammatory reactions at the very early stages. This inhibition not only leads to a reduction in inflammatory responses (such as edema, redness, and heat in the damaged tissue), but also suppresses pain signals in nerve endings.

At the cellular level, the drug prevents the spread of inflammation by reducing the permeability of blood vessels and preventing the accumulation of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and macrophages. The topical form of diclofenac provides an effective concentration of the drug in the area of pain, resulting in a concentrated, rapid and sustained effect, specifically targeting localized inflammation, without entering the systemic bloodstream. This pharmacodynamic property has made it an effective tool in the control of chronic and acute pain of local origin.

Prostaglandins play a key role in the production of pain, inflammation, swelling and vasodilation. By inhibiting COX, diclofenac prevents the production of these mediators and stops inflammation at its source. The dermal absorption of diclofenac is slow and sustained, and after passing through the epidermis it reaches the underlying muscle and joint tissues. Systemic absorption is low, with less than 6% of the administered dose reaching the circulation. This results in high local efficacy with minimal systemic side effects.

Indications for use of Mexid topical solution | Diclofenac

• Washing the area before use

• Pour a few drops of the solution onto dry skin.

• Gently massage until completely absorbed.

• Avoid use on wounds, broken skin, or mucous membranes such as the eyes.

Possible side effects of diclofenac solution

The use of any medication, especially topical medications, can be associated with some side effects. Although many people take these medications without problems, being aware of possible side effects can help you recognize them more quickly and prevent them from getting worse.

One of the most common side effects of topical medications is local reactions such as redness, itching, or burning at the site of application. These symptoms may appear within minutes of application or develop gradually over time with continued use of the medication. This type of reaction is usually caused by skin sensitivity to one of the active ingredients or preservatives in the medication. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and resolve with reduced frequency of use or temporary discontinuation of the medication.

However, in rare cases, systemic allergic reactions may also occur. These reactions are more severe and may include symptoms such as widespread hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure. Such reactions are considered a medical emergency and require immediate intervention. If you experience such symptoms after taking the drug, you should immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor or medical center.

Additionally, some people may experience excessive skin irritation, dryness, peeling, or discoloration at the site of application due to prolonged or incorrect use of the medication. For this reason, it is very important to strictly follow the medication instructions provided by your doctor or the information in the medication leaflet.

If any abnormal symptoms such as changes in skin texture, unusual pain, or severe inflammatory symptoms are observed after taking the medication, it is not recommended to continue taking the medication without consulting a doctor. Sometimes, abnormal symptoms may be a sign of a more serious problem or an unexpected reaction of the body to the medication.

In general, it is recommended to pay attention to your body's reactions when taking any type of medication, and if you notice symptoms that you have not experienced before, such as unusual itching, severe burning, or any allergic symptoms, stop taking the medication immediately and consult a doctor. Based on the symptoms, the doctor can decide whether the medication should be discontinued completely or whether there is a need to change the type of medication or dosage.

Finally, awareness and care in taking medication play an important role in preventing side effects and maintaining one's health. Always read the medication leaflet carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or doubts. Comparative studies have shown that diclofenac is more effective in controlling pain and inflammation than topical ibuprofen and naproxen, especially in chronic joint diseases. This difference is due to its high potency in inhibiting COX-2.

Drug interactions of diclofenac topical solution | Mexid

Although many topical medications have low systemic absorption, they may still interact with some other medications, especially if they are used long-term or over large areas of skin. One of the most important groups to be careful about is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin.

NSAIDs, whether taken orally or topically, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiac complications when used together. For this reason, if a patient is taking another anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen, oral diclofenac, or naproxen), they should avoid using this drug topically without consulting a doctor.

Also, anticoagulants, which are prescribed to prevent blood clotting, may have an increased effect when used with anti-inflammatory drugs. This can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or clotting disorders. Therefore, in patients treated with drugs such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, or heparin, topical anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

Another important consideration in considering drug interactions is the presence of underlying medical conditions, such as chronic liver or kidney disease. In these patients, even a small amount of the drug entering the bloodstream may have more serious effects. Therefore, patients with a history of liver or kidney failure should inform their doctor of their condition before starting medication.

Finally, to reduce the risk of drug interactions, it is recommended that the patient provide their doctor with a complete list of all medications they are taking (including supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications). Based on this information, the doctor can decide whether it is safe to take the medication at the same time.

 Safety assessment in specific groups

• Diabetes: Safe in the absence of severe neuropathy

• Kidney failure: Preferable to oral form

• Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the third trimester

• Breastfeeding: Topical use at low doses is usually safe.