Comparison of drugs Akriderm and Akriderm GK

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In the treatment of allergic and inflammatory skin diseases, doctors are in no hurry to prescribe pills and injections. Usually, therapy begins with local remedies – gels, creams and ointments. Of particular interest are hormonal preparations – they act quickly and effectively, therefore they enjoy well-deserved recognition in dermatology.

The heroes of our article – Akriderm and Akriderm GK – belong to the group of hormonal local preparations. They differ in composition, have different indications and contraindications. In the article we will tell you more about each tool and find out what is the difference between them.

Both drugs are available without a prescription.

Indications for use

Akriderm is a monocomponent drug. It contains only glucocorticosteroid, so it is used in such conditions:

1. allergic skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, contact, professional, solar dermatitis, etc.);

2. non-allergic inflammatory dermatitis (acute and chronic);

3. psoriasis.

The main goal of therapy is to suppress the development of an allergic and inflammatory process in the skin, relieve unpleasant symptoms – itching, burning, redness, remove rashes.

Akriderm GK contains three components: a glucocorticosteroid, an antibiotic and an antifungal agent. It is used for allergic and inflammatory skin diseases complicated by a secondary infection (bacterial or fungal). For example, with atopic dermatitis, people often scratch the skin due to severe itching – and an infectious process develops in the wounds. An ordinary corticosteroid will not cope here: it is not enough to suppress inflammation, you must also leave the growth of pathogenic bacteria. And here Akriderm GK comes to the rescue – a complex drug that can cope with both inflammation and infection.

Another area of ​​​​application of Akriderm GK is dermatomycosis (candidiasis, versicolor), especially when localized in the inguinal region and skin folds. The infection provokes severe inflammation and itching, and in order to alleviate the patient’s condition, not just an antimycotic is prescribed, but a complex drug with a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

How hormones work on the skin

The action of drugs depends on the components that make up their composition.

Betamethasone dipropionate is declared as part of both drugs. This is a glucocorticosteroid – an artificial hormone similar in structure to the natural hormone of the adrenal glands. Its main effects:

1. Anti-inflammatory action. Betamethasone interacts with specific receptors in the cytoplasm of cells and forms active complexes that penetrate the nucleus. In the nucleus, the drug binds to DNA, stimulates the synthesis of mRNA and affects the formation of proteins – primarily lipocortin, on which all subsequent effects depend. Betamethasone affects all phases of the inflammatory process. It inhibits the activity of phospholipase A₂ and reduces the formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, stabilizes the cell wall, prevents the release of inflammatory enzymes into the focus. Reduces vascular permeability, improves blood flow, constricts capillaries and blocks exudation (release of inflammatory fluid in the tissue).

2. Antiallergic action. Betamethasone reduces the production of allergy mediators, including histamine, reduces the activity of basophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes. The drug reduces the sensitivity of cells to allergens and changes the response of the immune system.

3. immunosuppressive action. Betamethasone inhibits the activity of T- and B-lymphocytes, inhibits the production of cytokines responsible for the immune response.

4. Betamethasone relieves itching and redness of the skin, suppresses the development of the inflammatory process and alleviates the patient’s condition. When applied topically, it is well absorbed, especially against the background of active inflammation.

The composition of the complex preparation Akriderm GK, in addition to betamethasone, includes other components:

1. Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic aminoglycoside. Active against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus. Penetrating into cells, it binds to the 30S subunit of ribosomes, disrupts the production of protein and RNA, and causes the death of bacteria. Drug resistance develops slowly.

2. Clotrimazole is an antifungal drug from the group of imidazoles. Able to cope with most pathogens of skin diseases (yeast and mold fungi, dermatophytes). Penetrating into the focus, the drug disrupts the production of ergometrine – the main component of the cell wall of fungi, and leads to their death.

With external use, the absorption of active substances is insignificant, but it increases against the background of the inflammatory process.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of drugs

A few years ago, on the basis of Russian medical universities, a study was carried out on drugs from the Akriderm line. It was multicentre, but open and not randomized—that is, both the doctor and the patient knew which drug was being used. This research format is not recognized internationally, but it is of particular interest to us and reflects the experience of the practical use of drugs.

The study lasted two months and included 1657 patients aged 18 to 60 years with dermatosis sensitive to topical steroid therapy. The sample included both patients with allergic diseases and with manifestations of a secondary infection. The authors concluded that Akriderm line drugs effectively cope with the task, are well tolerated and can be recommended for acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory dermatoses, including those complicated by bacterial and fungal infections.

Application Scheme

Akriderm and Akriderm GK are available as ointments and creams. The choice of a specific form depends on the symptoms:

1. The cream is applied to the weeping surface – with active exudation. It is quickly and well absorbed, but does not penetrate to the depth.

2. The ointment is used for dry skin lesions. It is absorbed slowly, but it lasts longer and penetrates deep into the tissues.

3. Ointment or cream is applied to the affected areas of the skin with a thin layer 1-3 times a day. You can use a bandage – it enhances the absorption of the drug, but also increases the risk of adverse reactions.

4. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but usually does not exceed 4 weeks. The longer the drug is used, the higher the likelihood of unwanted symptoms.

The effect of the treatment should be noticeable within two weeks. If after a specified period there is no improvement, you need to change the tactics of therapy.

Adverse Reactions

Akriderm and Akriderm GK can lead to the following symptoms:

1. burning and dry skin;

2. hypopigmentation – the appearance of light spots on the skin;

3. hypertrichosis – excessive hair growth;

4. skin atrophy;

5. prickly heat.

Akriderm GK, which includes an antibiotic and an antifungal drug, often causes adverse reactions. With prolonged use and use of the drug on large areas of the body, a systemic effect is also observed:

1. increased blood pressure;

2. osteoporosis;

3. weight gain;

4. edema;

5. ulcers of the digestive tract;

6. secondary infections;

7. insomnia;

8. excitation of the CNS.

If unwanted symptoms appear, stop treatment and consult a doctor.

Противопоказания

Akriderm and Akriderm GK are not used in such situations:

1. viral infections of the skin, including herpes and chickenpox;

2. lupus;

3. condition after vaccination;

4. open wounds;

5. rosacea;

6. individual hypersensitivity to the drug.

The use of drugs during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended – there is not enough data on the effect on the development of the fetus / infant.

Akriderm GK is not used in children under 2 years of age. From 2 to 8 years – with caution. Children are more susceptible to topical corticosteroids and are more likely to experience unwanted side effects.

For the drug Akriderm, the age restrictions are not indicated in the instructions, however, it is also recommended to use the ointment or cream with caution.

Conclusions

To sum up:

1. Akriderm and Akriderm GK are drugs with a similar name, but different composition. Akriderm contains only glucocorticosteroid. The complex remedy Akriderm GK also includes an antibiotic and an antifungal agent.

2. Akriderm is prescribed for allergic and inflammatory skin diseases without signs of an infectious process. Akriderm GK is used for the same conditions complicated by a bacterial or fungal infection.

3. Akriderm is better tolerated. Akriderm GK contains more components and therefore often causes side reactions.

4. Akriderm and Akriderm GK can only be used for a short course and under medical supervision. With prolonged use, the risk of developing undesirable effects increases.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.