Comparing Amelotex and Diclofenac | Determining the Best

Amelotex and Diclofenac are used to relieve pain syndrome. They differ in the active ingredient, which means contraindications and side effects. We have studied their advantages and disadvantages to find out when which drug will be more effective and safer.

Amelotex product description

Amelotex NSAIDs based on meloxicam has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. Available in 7.5 and 15 mg tablet form. Other forms of release – solution, gel, suppositories. Produced by the Russian company Sotex PharmFirma.

The drug has high bioavailability – 89%, well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. This dosage form using meloxicam allows the use of NSAIDs for an extended period of time, more than a year.

Studies and efficacy

The efficacy of Amelotex and Diclofenac for skeletal muscle pain in patients with mild AH was compared. Results show that meloxicam has virtually no effect on BP, so it can be used in patients with mild hypertension.

Another study that also compared the safety and effectiveness of Amelotex and Diclofenac found that the former drug was better tolerated and caused side effects in fewer patients. The effectiveness of the drugs in this case is the same when using Amelotex in a dose of 7.5 mg and Diclofenac in a dose of 100 mg. Rapid, and most importantly, sustained elimination of pain syndrome in osteoarthritis has been observed.

With the same effectiveness, Amelotex has more benefits due to safety.

Sources:

1. The use of Amelotex to treat patients with acute musculoskeletal back pain and grade 1 arterial hypertension. Podchufarova E.v. 2011.

2. Comparison of efficacy and tolerability of meloxicam and diclofenac in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. J. P. Valat, S. Accardo, J-Y Reginster, M. Wouters, M. Hettich, P-L Lleu and the International Meloxicam Study Group for Osteoarthritis of the Lumbar Spine.

Contraindications

The remedy Amelotex has the following restrictions for use:

1. intolerance to the components;

2. aortocoronary bypass surgery;

3. Erosive and ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

4. internal bleeding;

5. Renal insufficiency of a severe course;

6. Inflammatory bowel disease;

7. hereditary pathologies characterized by lactose intolerance;

8. decompensated type heart failure;

9. Pregnancy and breastfeeding;

10. Up to 15 years old.

Despite the large number of contraindications, meloxicam is considered a safer anti-inflammatory than different forms of diclofenac remedies.

Amelotex should be prescribed with caution when concomitant therapy with antiaggregants and anticoagulants. For greater safety, it is recommended to use the drug in the lowest effective dosage in short courses.

Side effects

Taking Amelotex, you may experience side effects such as:

1. Dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence, constipation, exacerbation of ulcers, belching, esophagitis;

2. rash, erythema, epidermal necrolysis;

3. Bronchospasm;

4. anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia;

5. Heart palpitations, increased BP, hot flashes;

6. Emotional lability, dizziness, confusion;

7. visual impairment.

Very rarely, anaphylactic reactions may occur if there is hypersensitivity to the compound. Side effects are noted infrequently, mainly with a long course.

Dosage

Tablets are taken once a day before meals. The daily dose of 15 mg for arthritis, can be reduced to 7.5 mg. In osteoarthritis, 7.5 mg; in spondyloarthritis, 15 mg, which would be the maximum dose.

At increased risk of unwanted symptoms, dose no higher than 7.5 mg.

Symptoms of overdose:

1. bleeding;

2. Abdominal pain;

3. impairment of consciousness;

4. respiratory arrest.

Needs medical attention. Gastric lavage followed by intake of enterosorbents is indicated. Colestiramine accelerates elimination of meloxicam from the body.

Elderly people during treatment need to monitor kidney function. Patients who are simultaneously on anticoagulant therapy have an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers. Patients on hemodialysis should take no more than 7.5 mg of medication. If taken simultaneously with diuretics, you need to drink more fluids.

If adverse reactions occur during treatment with Amelotex, you should stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor. It should be taken into account that meloxicam is capable of masking the course of infectious diseases. When planning pregnancy, it is not recommended to use Amelotex, because it blocks the synthesis of PG and affects fertility.

Who is suitable

Amelotex is used as a symptomatic drug in diseases of the musculoskeletal system in order to reduce pain and inflammation. Indications include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis.

The drug can only be prescribed by a doctor. Amelotex is not used for self-medication, as taking it without first assessing the risks can cause severe adverse symptoms. In addition, it has many contraindications, which can only become known during an examination by a specialist.

The drug is not used to treat children under 15 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.

Description of the drug Diclofenac

NSAID Diclofenac contains the active substance of the same name. Has pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Available in different forms as tablets, solution, ointment, gel, suppositories. Manufactured in different countries under one name.

Diclofenac belongs to the vital drugs. However, many experts advocate its ban due to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality on their background when taking it for a long time.

Research and efficacy

Repurposing Drugs in Oncology has reviewed various studies and papers that focus on the anti-cancer effects of the drug. Scientists refer Diclofenac to the means that can be used in chemotherapy. The results of those who took the medication and those who did not were compared. It has been noted that in patients with breast, kidney, and lung cancer, the malignant process was slowed by the use of diclofenac.

Danish scientists conducted a study that showed the dangers of using Diclofenac by people who suffer from various diseases of the CVS. The drug increases the risk of primary heart attack and CVD mortality. It also causes the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Sources:

1. Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO)-diclofenac as an anti-cancer agent. Pan Pantziarka, Vid

   a Sukhatme, Gauthier Bouche, Lydie Meheus and Vikas P Sukhatme. 2016.

   • Common painkiller tied to increased risk of heart problems. Reuters. 2018.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications to the use of Diclofenac stand out:

1. Gastric and intestinal ulcers;

2. Third trimester of carrying a fetus;

3. cardiac insufficiency;

4. Hypersensitivity to diclofenac;

5. Liver and kidney failure;

6. proctitis – for rectal suppositories;

7. Inflammatory bowel disease.

In pregnancy, the drug can be used with caution in the second trimester, when the benefit exceeds the risk. When breastfeeding should not be used.

Diclofenac is prescribed with caution when the following disorders are present:

Porphyria, as diclofenac can cause another attack;

1. Dengue fever;

2. Active bleeding;

3. fluid retention in the body;

4. hypertension.

When treating with Diclofenac, regular monitoring of patients who have complaints about the state of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system is necessary. During a long course, you need to monitor the condition of the liver, since the substance can provoke an increase in the activity of liver enzymes.

Side effects

Possible side symptoms from taking Diclofenac are quite numerous. These may include skin reactions, digestive, nervous system, heart and vascular disorders.

Diclofenac administration may be accompanied by:

1. Abdominal pain, flatulence, hepatitis, dyspepsia;

2. Stomatitis, glossitis, esophagitis, pancreatitis, constipation, Crohn’s disease;

3. Psychotic reactions with meningitis, seizures, dizziness, drowsiness;

4. Blurred vision, tinnitus, impaired taste;

5. frequent heart palpitations, congestive heart failure;

6. Hives, rashes, eczema;

7. Edema, renal failure, allergic purpura;

8. vasculitis, bronchospasm.

When using suppositories, local reactions in the form of burning, irritation, itching may occur. Possibility of exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

Dosage

For adults, 100-150 mg/day. For a long course – up to 100 mg.

The suppositories are used 2-3 times. Dose per day not exceeding 150 mg.

Dosage and duration of treatment for different diseases are chosen individually.

An overdose gives different symptoms. Symptomatic treatment and supportive therapy. It is necessary to flush the stomach and take an enterosorbent.

Who is suitable

Diclofenac is used for pain and inflammation, but not in all cases. It shows good analgesic effect for arthritis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal diseases of inflammatory origin. As a symptomatic remedy can be used once for dentalgia, menstrual pain, migraine.

Diclofenac and other drugs containing it are successfully used to eliminate pain in the postoperative and post-traumatic period, especially when there is inflammation.

The indications for the use of Diclofenac are:

1. Inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the spine and joints;

2. Postoperative and posttraumatic pain syndrome;

3. Spinal diseases that are accompanied by pain;

4. Infectious diseases of ENT organs with pain syndrome;

5. rheumatic diseases;

6. gout attacks;

7. Migraine – suppositories are used;

8. inflammatory gynecological diseases.

Cost and analogues

Which drug is better?

Amelotex is better for long-term therapy. It is less toxic and gentle on the gastrointestinal tract. It can be taken once a day.

Diclofenac is best used once for severe pain. It is not recommended for long-term use. But Diclofenac is approved for use from 6 years of age.

Amelotex and Diclofenac are strong pain relievers that should be prescribed by a doctor. Self-treatment is dangerous and can lead to undesirable consequences.