TOPICAL ANALGESICS

Irritants stimulate sensory nerve endings and induce inflammation at the site of application. Depending on their nature, concentration and sensitiveness of the site, they produce cooling sensation or warmth, pricking & tingling, hyperaesthesia or numbness & local vasodilatation. Irritants which cause local hyperaemia with little, sensory component are called Rubefacients. Stronger irritants which also lead to increased capillary permeability & collection of fluid under the epidermis (forming raised vesicles) are termed Vesicants. Certain irritants also produce a remote effect which tends to relieve pain & inflammation in deeper organs-called Counter-irritants.

Indications

Topical analgesics are indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to muscle strains, sprains and bruises or overexertion, as an adjunct in the management of minor stiffness or soreness associated with arthritis, rheumatism, Lumbago, fibrositis, sciatica & stiffneck. Application: Topical analgesics are to be applied to the affected area and rubbed lightly until the cream vanishes do not massage-do not apply bandage or heat on the affected areas followin

Dosage

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain Children greater than 2 years and Adolescents: Pain relief: OTC labeling: Lotion, topical (DiabetAid Tingling and Pain Relief [R]): Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times a day Adolescents 12 years and older: Pain relief: OTC labeling: Patch (Salonpas [R]-Hot): Apply patch to affected area up to 3 to 4 times a day for 7 days.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to its contents.

Special Precautions

It should not be applied over broken skin or wounds. Products containing salicylates should be avoided or used with caution in patients with liver disease, pre-existing hypothrombinemia, Vitamin K deficiency and before surgery. They are for external use only & contact with eyes or mucous membranes should be avoided. To be used under close medical supervision during the last three months of pregnancy and Lactation.

Side Effects

Local irritation and erythema, pruritus, dermatitis, photosensitivity

Drug Interactions

If you are using Topical analgesics under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.