Almost all allergies are accompanied by the appearance of various types of skin rashes. Doctors often recommend eliminating them using Advantan ointment. Those who hear about it for the first time definitely have a logical question: is Advantan ointment hormonal or not? Let us analyze this drug and draw appropriate conclusions.
Description of the drug
Before treating problem areas of the skin with the drug in question, it is important to carefully study the complete instructions. The main task is to find out what Advantan ointment helps with. First of all, it is necessary to focus the attention of the potential buyer on the fact that we are talking about a non-halogenated steroid with pronounced antiallergic and antibacterial properties. Its area of application is the treatment of dermatoses and allergic reactions.
Based on the characteristics of the course and neglect of the pathological process, it is used to eliminate dermatological manifestations of allergies and restore the integrity of the skin.
The medication is prescribed not only to adults, but also to children. But they use the medicine very carefully, adhering to the dosages prescribed by the doctor. We are talking about a steroid pharmaceutical with all the attendant limitations and side effects.
Pharmacological group and action
Advantan is a representative of the group of glucocorticosteroids intended exclusively for external local action. The medicine contains an artificially synthesized substance called methylprednisolone, the concentration of which does not exceed 0.1% in the finished product.
Mechanism of pharmacological action:
- After application to the surface of the skin, the glucocorticosteroid forms a metabolite that inhibits the synthesis of immune markers of pain, thereby neutralizing the manifestations of allergic reactions.
- The active components of the ointment stop inflammatory processes caused by intense biochemical reactions taking place at the cellular level.
- Biological effects are due to the ability of the steroid-receptor complex to react with individual segments of DNA sequences.
- Glucocorticosteroid inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are mediators of inflammatory processes.
The average half-life does not exceed 16 hours, excretion occurs through the kidneys. Since we are talking about a water-emulsion-based ointment, its composition neutralizes inflammatory processes, eliminates characteristic dryness and promotes restoration of the fat layer.
Release form and composition
Many patients wonder whether Advantan ointment is hormonal or not? After carefully studying the annotation for the medication, it becomes obvious that we are talking about a glucocorticosteroid. This is a hormonal drug available in 4 dosage forms:
- Emulsion for surface treatment of epithelium - supplied in metal tubes of 50, 20 and 10 g, while the concentration of the active substance does not exceed 0.1%.
- Cream - available in aluminum tubes of 15 and 5 g; the concentration of methylprednisolone aceponate is 0.1%.
- Fatty ointment is a homogeneous substance, packaged in tubes of 15 and 5 g.
- Ointment (liniment) is an opaque yellowish medium-thick consistency, available in aluminum tubes of 15 g, with a hormonal substance concentration of 0.1%.
Which is better: cream or ointment? – In consultation with your doctor, you can use any of the listed dosage forms. But only the doctor selects the most suitable consistency, based on the severity and neglect of the pathological process. The liniment in question is recommended to be applied in dosages prescribed by a specialist.
The main active ingredient of Advantan ointment is methylprednisolone aceponate, which is an artificially synthesized steroid. As for the secondary ingredients, there are several of them:
- purified water;
- E-group emulsifiers;
- medical Vaseline and wax;
- paraffin in a liquid state.
The listed components may differ depending on the form of the drug. Their main purpose is to provide prolonged action to the active substances, thereby guaranteeing a pronounced therapeutic effect.
special instructions
Advantan ointment is used as part of complex therapy in case of bacterial complications or dermatomycosis.
Long-term use of the drug may increase the risk of developing glaucoma , especially when applying the drug to the skin around the eyes.
Particular attention should be paid to the use of the drug during pregnancy. According to the instructions, Advantan can be used after consultation with a specialist who will choose the most optimal course of taking the drug, as well as the benefits and harms for the health of the unborn child.
During pregnancy and lactation, the use of ointment on large surfaces of the skin is not recommended. And nursing mothers should ensure that the medicine does not come into contact with the mammary glands .
The drug can be used for a child from the age of four months.
Instructions for use
According to the official instructions for use, Advantan oily ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin in a thin layer. It is enough to distribute the composition evenly over the entire area once a day. The optimal duration of course therapy is 70-90 days. The dosage and frequency of treatment are prescribed by a dermatologist after an individual examination of the patient.
Doctors have found that even with a large area of infiltration and lichenification, fatty ointment provides a pronounced occlusive effect. The composition is not rubbed into the epithelial layer; the components must be absorbed independently.
Indications and contraindications
So, what is Advantan ointment used for? – The main purpose of the liniment in question is to restore the integrity of the skin, therapy of dermatological ailments of inflammatory etiology, provided the pathogen is sensitive to topical glucocorticosteroids, treatment of allergic manifestations.
The effectiveness of the drug has been confirmed (regardless of the dosage form used) for:
- eczema (dyshidrotic, occupational, microbial or childhood type);
- atopic dermatitis;
- neurodermatitis;
- sunburn;
- dermatitis (contact, simple or allergic type).
The components of liniment are characterized by restorative properties, and therefore have become widespread in the treatment of acne, boils and swelling. Chronic inflammatory skin diseases require long-term treatment and mandatory consultation with a doctor.
Contraindications:
- syphilitic lesions of the dermis at the site of intended treatment;
- rosacea;
- dermatological diseases of viral etiology;
- epidermal tuberculosis;
- hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the composition.
It is strictly forbidden to use the medication to treat children under 4 months of age.
Directions for use and doses
The drugs included in the Advantan line, according to the official instructions, are used only externally, by applying a thin layer of the composition to the problem area. Despite the fact that the dosage and frequency of treatment vary depending on the severity of the pathological process, the areas of skin in the area where the drug is applied must be clean.
Instructions for use:
- The cream requires careful application in a thin layer. The average dosage is 1-2 cm strip per 1 treatment. Regularity of use – from 2 to 3 times a day. Duration of therapy is 14 days.
- The ointment is used up to 3 times a day. It is prohibited to use occlusive dressings without a doctor's prescription. Liniment is applied in a thin layer as prescribed by the doctor. The optimal duration of therapy is 14-21 days.
- The emulsion involves treating the area of the pathogenic process by shaking the medicinal bottle and evenly distributing it. Treatment is carried out up to 2 times a day.
The ointment copes well with the treatment of advanced dermatological ailments. To mitigate side effects, it is important to first consult with a doctor, clarify the etiology of the disease, and adhere to the recommended therapeutic regimen.
Side effects and special instructions
With prolonged treatment with Advantan ointment, there is a high probability of side effects characteristic of an overdose of glucocorticosteroids. We are talking about the following reactions:
- allergic rash at the site of liniment application;
- redness and itching;
- burning effect;
- vesicle formation;
- folliculitis;
- striae;
- dermal atrophy.
To exclude the listed manifestations, it is important to use the composition strictly as prescribed by the doctor. If you detect at least 1 of the listed reactions, you should consult a doctor.
Special instructions:
- active components of liniment do not accumulate in human tissues or organs;
- the medication is often combined with antibacterial and antifungal agents;
- When applying the medicine, it is important to avoid its contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Patients should remember that systemic and external therapy that uses glucocorticosteroids can provoke glaucoma. Such a pronounced pathological process is typical for long-term treatment with occlusive compresses in the periocular area.
Pregnancy and lactation
According to the annotation, Advantan is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The main condition is that the expected benefits from hormonal ointment must be many times greater than the possible risks to the fetus, and therefore a preliminary consultation with a therapist or attending physician is mandatory.
Do not apply liniment to large areas of skin. It is important to exclude contact between the emulsion and the mammary glands (if possible, stop breastfeeding completely).
The safest option is short-term symptomatic treatment under the supervision of a doctor.
Use in childhood
At what age can the drug in question be used in children? – In accordance with the instructions, the pharmacological products Advantan for children are prescribed from 4 months of age, not earlier. The maximum duration of treatment is 30 days. Daily dosage – 1.5-3 g.
Dermatologists focus on the need to use the ointment in accordance with children's biorhythms, which is important for simulating the functioning of the adrenal cortex. The optimal time to apply the steroid is in the morning.
Drug interactions
No official information has been provided on the interaction of the drug Advantan with other drugs. It has been experimentally established that the effectiveness of the ointment increases when used simultaneously with medications that promote the regeneration of damaged skin. May be used with antibacterial compounds as prescribed by a doctor.
Side effects
As a rule, the drug is well tolerated by all patients, but with prolonged or improper use of the drug, adverse reactions may occur:
- itching and burning at the site of use of Advantan;
- redness of the skin;
- formation of bubbles and nodules;
- the appearance of stretch marks;
- acne;
- inflammation of the hair follicles;
- hair growth on the skin;
- increased pigmentation of the skin.
In case of prolonged use, skin atrophy and systemic reactions caused by the absorption of the hormone into the blood are possible.
Analogs
If there is an individual intolerance to the drug, the doctor may prescribe an Advantan analogue to the patient. Pharmacies offer several medications with a similar mechanism of action:
- Elokom;
- Cutivate;
- Beloderm;
- Akriderm;
- Apulein;
- Sinaflan.
Despite the similarity of the listed medications, they have different compositions, so you must first read the annotation, instructions for use and contraindications. A full-fledged substitute is prescribed only by the attending physician, based on the patient’s condition and the characteristics of the pathological process.
How to use?
Advantan is a product for external use only. Advantan for allergic dermatitis is applied directly to the site of inflammation on the skin. The product can be applied openly or under an occlusive dressing.
In the latter case, the effectiveness of the drug will increase. If it is inconvenient to apply a bandage (for example, when there are foci of inflammation on the face), the ointment is applied openly.
Advice! An occlusive dressing provides isolation of the damaged skin area from external influences. To do this at home, you can use cling film.
Ointments and creams are applied once a day; they need to be applied in a thin layer. The product is lightly rubbed, but does not have too active an effect on the skin. Strong rubbing and pressure should be avoided.
The duration of the course of treatment and the form of the drug are determined by the doctor according to individual indications. According to the instructions, the full course of treatment for adults should not exceed 3 months. The drug is prescribed to children with caution; the maximum duration of treatment for a child is 1 month.
Reviews
If you believe the reviews of patients who used Advantan cream to treat dermatitis, this is a truly effective remedy for combating inflammatory processes. The effectiveness of therapy largely depends on compliance with the prescribed dosage and treatment regimen. In addition, cheap substitutes for the ointment in question are also available for sale, but this is a topic for a separate article.
Vika, 43 years old, Ekaterinburg
I work as a shoe sewing and repair specialist, and I know first-hand about problems with the skin on my hands. Contact dermatitis has become a constant companion for me, as we say in Russia - a cost of the profession. Advantan oily ointment is constantly used, since other forms of this drug do not help at all. This is a hormonal drug, so I try to combine it with Lokoid. This way you can at least temporarily get rid of cracks and itching in your hands. As for the method of application, I simply put the ointment into the cracks on my hands, and then seal it with a band-aid. I only use it before bed.
Read further:
Advantan for infants: how to apply the ointment correctly, side effects and reviews from mothers
Advantan during pregnancy: rules for choosing a dosage form, instructions and recommendations for use, contraindications and reviews from women
Aertal ointment: instructions for use, review and reviews
We see the ointment: instructions for use, review and reviews
Viferon ointment: instructions for use for children under one year of age, recommendations and reviews
Advantan ointment (review) from 490 rub.
Overall
4.1
- Efficiency
- Price
- Safety
- Availability
Pros
- Quick effect
- Without smell
Cons
- Price
- Hormonal
- Leaves marks on clothes
Is Advantan ointment hormonal or not?
Whether Advantan ointment is hormonal or not can be answered by reading the instructions.
Advantan is a hormonal drug because it contains the active ingredient methylprednisolone aceponate, which is a glucocorticoid hormone. In this regard, using the drug independently, without a doctor’s prescription, is contraindicated.
Advantan, like any hormonal drug, can cause the development of glaucoma and Cushing's disease. The drug is almost completely absorbed into the blood, so it is not recommended to use it for a long time and in large quantities.
During pregnancy, the ointment should not be used during the first three months, as its use may negatively affect the development of the fetus. At a later date, the drug is used under the supervision of a doctor, who determines the dosage and frequency of use.
