Advantan – ointment, cream and emulsion for skin inflammation. Composition, action and dosage of Advantan

Proven content

Advantan is a medicine in the form of a cream, ointment or emulsion that is used on skin lesions that take the form of eczema. Regardless of the chosen variant of the preparation, the drug Advantan is dispensed only on the basis of a prescription issued by a doctor and is not reimbursable. What is the drug Advantan and what is the mechanism of action of the ointment, cream and emulsion? When is it worth using Advantan, and in what cases should you not use it? Can the use of Advantan cause side effects in a patient? How much does Advantan cost?

Advantan – general characteristics of the drug

Advantan is a medicinal preparation that is used in dermatological diseases. The active substance of the preparation is methylprednisolone, which is an organic chemical compound, a long-lasting synthetic glucocorticosteroid anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.

This drug, showing an anti-inflammatory effect, is primarily effective in the treatment of all types of skin blemishes. Advantan is suitable for the treatment of oily as well as dry skin.

Advantan is available in three variants: ointments, cream and emulsions. Various packages of this drug are available in pharmacies.

Advantan in ointment is available in packages with a capacity of:

1. 15 g;
2. 25 g;
3. 30 g;
4. 50 gram.

Advantan in cream is available in packages with a capacity of:

1. 15 g;
2. 25 g;
3. 30 g;
4. 50 gram.

Advantan in a skin lotion is available in packages with a capacity of:

1. 15 g;
2. 25 g;
3. 50 gram.

Regardless of the drug variant and the capacity of the packaging, the concentration of the active substance is always 1 mg / g of the preparation. The color of the cream, ointment and emulsion can be described as white or slightly yellowish. Contrary to ointments, the cream and emulsion are opaque. The preparation is in aluminum tubes.

The entity responsible for the production and distribution of Advantan is Leo Pharma, an international Danish pharmaceutical concern founded in 1908. The company’s drugs are present in around 100 countries. The seat of the LEO Pharma concern is in Ballerup near Copenhagen. Medical products offered by LEO Pharma are mainly dermatological preparations. In 1945, LEO Pharma was the first producer of penicillin outside the United States and Great Britain. One of the best-known preparations produced by LEO Pharma, apart from Advantan, is Protopic.

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Advantan – composition and action of the drug

Irrespective of the variant selected, the active substance of Advantan is methylprednisolone. It is an organic chemical compound that is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid. This compound has a strong and long-lasting anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect.

When comparing methylprednisolone with prednisolone, it should be noted that the former has a much stronger anti-inflammatory effect, but has a lesser effect on sodium and water retention in the body.

Methylprednisolone does not eliminate the cause of the inflammation, but it reduces the symptoms of inflammation of the skin. Its action reduces the accumulation of leukocytes and their attachment to the endothelium. In addition, this compound inhibits the phagocytosis process and lysosomal breakdown, reduces the number of lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and blocks the IgE-dependent secretion of histamine and leukotrienes. It inhibits the synthesis and release of cytokines. Additionally, it inhibits capillary permeability and reduces swelling. This drug acts mainly intracellularly: at the DNA level it modifies the synthesis of certain enzymes and therefore the peak pharmacological activity is delayed compared to the peak blood levels. A dose of 4 mg of methylprednisolone is equivalent to a dose of 20 mg of hydrocortisone.

Summarizing, the action of Advantan it is multi-stage. The effect of this action is to inhibit the release of arachidonic acid, and thus inhibit the formation of compounds responsible for the formation of inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Advantan also has immunosuppressive and vasoconstrictive effects, which means that it reduces local blood flow by narrowing the lumen of blood vessels. After applying the ointment, cream or emulsion topically to the skin, the drug soothes inflammatory and allergic skin reactions and those associated with excessive production of epidermal cells. Thanks to this, it fights symptoms of inflammation such as swelling, erythema, exudation, itching, burning and pain.

The overall composition of Advantan differs depending on the chosen variant of the preparation.

Excipients of the drug Advantan in ointments:

1. white petroleum jelly;
2. liquid paraffin;
3. microcrystalline wax;
4. hydrogenated castor oil.

Excipients of the drug Advantan cream:

1. tracing trace;
2. glycerol monostearynian;
3. cetyl stearyl alcohol;
4. witepsol W 35;
5. softisan 378;
6. makrogolu stearynian;
7. glycerol 85%;
8. replace edytynian;
9. benzyl alcohol;
10. butylohydroksytoluen;
11. Purified Water.

Excipients of the drug Advantan in an emulsion for the skin:

1. white wax;
2. liquid paraffin;
3. white petroleum jelly;
4. dehymuls E;
5. Purified Water.

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Advantan – indications for use

Advantan is a preparation that is used in cases of skin inflammation. The indications for the use of the drug Advantan are:

1. sweat eczema, non-allergic, in children;
2. contact dermatitis;
3. atopic dermatitis;
4. neurodermit.

It is worth paying attention to the form of the drug used. Advantan cream is indicated for sharp and oozing lesions, for very oily skin and for exposed and hairy parts of the skin. The emulsion is used in skin conditions that are neither oozing nor very dry. The ointment, on the other hand, is used for very dry skin and chronic skin lesions.

How to recognize and treat atopic dermatitis? Check: Atopic dermatitis

Advantan – contraindications

The drug Advantan, despite its effectiveness in the treatment of inflammatory symptoms, cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments.

Contraindications to the use of the drug Advantan are:

1. allergy to the active substance or other ingredients of the preparation;
2. fungal and bacterial infections;
3. lesions associated with viral diseases, e.g., smallpox, shingles;
4. acne, rosacea;
5. perioral dermatitis;
6. ulcers;
7. inflammatory reactions after vaccination;
8. skin atrophy;
9. age of the patient – the drug should not be used in children under 2 years of age. 

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Advantan – precautions

Before and during the use of Advantan, follow the precautions included in the package leaflet.

Precautions to keep in mind include:

1. the preparation, especially in the case of children, should be used in the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time;
2. if the doctor diagnoses a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin, he will additionally apply antibacterial or antifungal treatment;
3. topical application of the drug may aggravate local skin infections;
4. contact of the preparation with eyes, open wounds and mucous membranes should be avoided;
5. if the skin becomes excessively dry while using Advantan cream, it is advisable to use a drug with a higher fat content, i.e. Advantan ointment or emulsion;
6. in case of applying the drug on the skin of the face, be careful and do not use an occlusive dressing. Applying the drug to the skin of the face can lead to skin atrophy;
7. if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances, contact your doctor;
8. if you have had a history of glaucoma, tell your doctor before taking this medicine;
9. application of the drug to large areas of the skin should be as short as possible;
10. the use of the drug on damaged skin, in skin folds, on large areas of the skin, for a long time or under an occlusive dressing, significantly increases the risk of general side effects;
11. the use of an occlusive dressing should be avoided. In children, diapers may be used as occlusive dressings;
12. the medicine should not be used after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month;
13. this medicine should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. It’s best to ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.

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Advantan – method of use and dosage

Advantan should always be used exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Led Advantan cream, ointment and emulsion is for topical use on the skin only. Usually, the preparation is applied in a thin layer to the affected skin once a day.

Advantan should not be used in adults for more than 12 weeks. However, in the case of children over 2 years of age, the preparation should not be used for longer than 4 weeks.

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Advantan – side effects

The drug Advantan, like any other drug, may cause side effects in patients. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The most frequently observed adverse reactions during clinical trials were burning and itching at the injection site. Due to the frequency of side effects, the following are indicated:

1. common side effects of the drug Advantan (may affect less than 1 in 10 patients): injection site burning sensation, injection site pruritus;
2. uncommon side effects of the drug Advantan (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients): application site dryness, application site erythema, application site vesicles, application site folliculitis, application site rash, injection site tingling and numbness (paraesthesia), hypersensitivity on the drug.
3. rare side effects of the drug Advantan (may affect up to 1 in 1000 patients): fungal dermatitis, cellulitis at the injection site, injection site swelling, injection site irritation, pyoderma, skin cracks, dilation of superficial blood vessels (telangiectasia), thinning of the skin (atrophy), acne;
4. unknown frequency of side effects from the use of the drug Advantan: skin stretch marks, dermatitis around mouth, skin discoloration, skin hypersensitivity reactions, hirsutism, blurred vision.

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Advantan – interactions with other drugs

Before starting treatment with Advantan, inform the treating physician or pharmacist about all medications that he or she was taking or had recently taken. You should also inform what medications the patient plans to take in the near future.

The active substance or auxiliary ingredients of Advantan may interact with other drugs or substances contained in medicinal products.

An example of a quite significant interaction is the combination of the drug Advantan with such preparations as Adeksa, Akarboza Genevida, Glucobay – Ir, Glucarb Tzf, Acarbose Bluepharma or Glucobay. These preparations contain acarbose and neomycin. The simultaneous use of both drugs may lead to the increased blood glucose-lowering effect of acarbose, as well as to more frequent and intense gastrointestinal complaints. Blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly. Contact your doctor if your glucose levels are too low or you experience bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other disturbing symptoms.

Which drugs should never be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Advantan and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Advantan.

Advantan should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. The doctor may recommend the use of the drug to pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding, after a careful risk / benefit assessment. Nursing women should not use Advantan on the skin of the breasts.

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Advantan – price

Cena place Advantan may differ depending on the city in which the preparation will be purchased or the pharmacy chosen by the patient. The price of the product also depends on the variant of the drug and the capacity of the tube:

1. Advantan in emulsion, package 15 g – price approx. PLN 20;
2. Advantan in cream, package 15 g – price approx. PLN 20;
3. Advantan in cream, package 25 g – price approx. PLN 30;
4. Advantan in cream, package 30 g – price approx. PLN 35;
5. Advantan ointment, package 15 g – price approx. PLN 20;
6. Advantan ointment, package 25 g – price approx. PLN 30;
7. Advantan ointment, package 30 g – price approx. PLN 35.

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