Products
Pain gels are available in pharmacies and drugstores from a variety of suppliers.
Structure and properties
Gels consist of gelled liquids. They are made with suitable swelling agents (gelling agents). These include, for example, celluloses and starches. The pharmacopoeia distinguishes between hydrophilic gels and lipophilic gels with a fat content (emgels, lipogels). Active ingredients in pain gels (selection): essential oils and their components:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Rosemary oil
- Terpineol
- Wintergreen oil
Nicotinic acid derivatives:
- Benzyl nicotinate
- Ethyl nicotinate
NSAIDs and salicylates:
- Diclofenac
- Etofenamate
- Flufenamic acid
- Hydroxyethyl salicylate
- Methyl salicylate
- Piroxicam
Heparins:
- Heparin sodium
Plant extracts and pure substances:
- Arnica
- Capsaicin, capsicum extract
- Devil’s claw
- Comfrey
- Frankincense
Animal products:
- Groundhog fat
Effects
Pain gels have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, irritant, and cooling or warming properties depending on the active ingredients they contain. Their effects are based on interaction with receptors, channels, and enzymes in the tissues. A typical example is NSAIDs, which inhibit the biosynthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenases.
Indications
For the local treatment of pain, inflammation, and swelling, for example, in muscle and joint pain, muscle tension, after sports injuries, in osteoarthritis, in rheumatoid arthritis, nerve pain, after accidents, in vision disorders, and overuse.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The gels are usually applied topically and externally two or more times a day. They should not be overdosed. Duration of therapy may be limited by the SmPC. Occlusion may enhance absorption and effects. Therefore, some of the above agents are also offered in the form of a pain patch.
Contraindications
Contraindications include:
- Application to open, injured and diseased skin.
- Large area and overdosed application
- Infants, children, pregnancy (depending on the product).
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Based on topical application, drug-drug interactions are considered unlikely. Multiple topical agents should not be applied simultaneously.
Adverse effects
The most common potential adverse effects include local skin reactions such as a rash, eczema, redness, and itching, as well as hypersensitivity reactions. If used improperly, systemic side effects and interactions cannot be ruled out.
