The best drugs for phlebitis

We have compiled the top 10 best drugs for phlebitis that you can buy at the pharmacy. Together with phlebologist surgeons, we discussed how to choose effective remedies and what other methods of phlebitis therapy exist.

Phlebitis is called inflammation of the walls of venous vessels, which can occur in acute and chronic form.¹. An acute inflammatory process is accompanied by pain and swelling in the affected vein, fever and general weakness. Chronic phlebitis is often asymptomatic and reminds of itself during periods of exacerbations. Any form of phlebitis requires treatment to stop the progression of the disease and prevent complications: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, abscesses and phlegmon².

Rating of the top 10 drugs for thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities according to the KP

Together with our experts, we have compiled a rating of the best drugs for phlebitis. The list combines medicines from different pharmacological groups: anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Effective drugs for phlebitis reduce inflammation and swelling and prevent blood clots.

Some drugs on the rating are for emergency care, others for long-term therapy. Topical agents are collected in a separate group – these are ointments, gels and other topical preparations.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

NSAIDs reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins – physiologically active substances that trigger inflammation in the body². NSAIDs have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, lower the temperature and “thinn” the blood².

1. Diclofenac

The active substance diclofenac sodium has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.³. The drug prevents platelets from sticking together and reduces blood clotting, which reduces the risk of blood clots.

Release form: injection solution, tablets with regular and prolonged action, rectal suppositories, ointments and gels. For the treatment of phlebitis, suppositories of 50 and 100 mg are usually prescribed, as well as a solution for intramuscular injections.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, children under 6 years of age and the last trimester of pregnancy.

2. Meloxicam

A drug with analgesic and antipyretic effect³. It is used for initial therapy and symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic phlebitis of various etiologies.

It is produced in the form of an injection solution with an active substance content of 10 mg / ml. It is intended for intramuscular injections.

Contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers in the acute stage, severe cardiac, hepatic and renal insufficiency. It is also not recommended to take the drug under the age of 15 years.

3. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen slows down the synthesis of prostaglandins – substances that cause pain, inflammation and redness of the skin³. Effectively relieves pain, has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Release form: tablets, suspension, ointments and gels. For the treatment of phlebitis, Ibuprofen tablets are most often used.

Before use, you must read the instructions, as the drug has a large list of contraindications.

Direct acting anticoagulants

Drugs from this group reduce the activity of clotting factors – proteins that are present in the blood plasma and cause the formation of blood clots. Anticoagulants prevent the appearance of blood clots and accelerate their dissolution. Injectable forms are usually used in a hospital for emergency care for patients with a tendency to thrombosis.¹.

4. Heparin

Fast-acting anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of coagulation factors and thereby prevents the formation of blood clots³. Activates the anticoagulant system of the blood and strengthens the vascular wall³.

Available in the form of an injection solution for subcutaneous and intramuscular administration. Used to treat patients with phlebitis to prevent venous thrombosis².

Not recommended for hypersensitivity; ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, severe violations of the liver and kidneys, as well as a number of other diseases.

5. Xarelto

The active ingredient rivaroxaban inhibits blood clotting factor Xa and prevents the synthesis of thrombin, the protein from which blood clots are formed. The drug quickly reduces blood viscosity, the maximum therapeutic effect is observed 2-4 hours after administration.³.

Release form: tablets 2,5 mg. Xarelto is prescribed to patients who, against the background of phlebitis, have an increased risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The list of contraindications for the drug is quite large. The main ones are children and adolescents up to 18 years of age, as well as pregnancy and lactation.

6. Eliquis

The active substance apixaban inhibits the activity of the Xa enzyme and does not allow the formation of the thrombin protein, which serves as a “building material” for blood clots. In addition, Eliquis reduces the activity of the body’s anticoagulant system and quickly “thinns” the blood.

Release form: tablets 2,5 and 5 mg. Eliquis is taken as a course for the prevention of thrombosis in the venous bed.

Severe disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys, as well as age up to 18 years and the period of pregnancy are contraindications to taking the drug.

Indirect anticoagulants

Another name for drugs from this group is vitamin K antagonists. They slow down the synthesis of K-dependent proteins and proteins that are formed in the liver and subsequently participate in the formation of blood clots³.

7. Warfarin

Contains the active ingredient warfarin sodium. Reduces thrombosis and reduces blood viscosity. The therapeutic effect develops 36-72 hours after ingestion.

Release form: tablets 2,5 mg. Warfarin is used in the course of phlebitis therapy to reduce the risk of blood clots.

It is not recommended for use during pregnancy (I trimester and last 4 weeks of pregnancy), severe liver or kidney disease; thrombocytopenia; peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, as well as in a number of cases.

Antiplatelet agents

Antiplatelet agents with regular use reduce blood viscosity and prevent thrombosis. With phlebitis, these drugs are prescribed as a prophylactic.

8. Thrombo-ASS

A drug based on acetylsalicylic acid. Suppresses the synthesis of proteins from which platelets are formed. Has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect³.

Release form: tablets 100 mg.

With phlebitis, Thrombo ASS is used to prevent thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, to prevent stroke, myocardial infarction and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Topical remedies

Popular drugs for phlebitis are topical remedies in the form of ointments, creams and gels. They reduce inflammation, thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. The popularity of topical agents is due to the ease of use and rapid therapeutic effect.

9. Detragel

Contains a complex of active substances – direct-acting anticoagulant heparin and venotonic escin³. Detragel prevents the formation of blood clots, accelerates the dissolution of blood clots, eliminates venous stasis, inhibits inflammation and accelerates tissue healing³.

Release form: colorless gel with a characteristic odor. The gel is applied to the problem area of the skin with a thin layer and rubbed with light massaging movements.

It is indicated for thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, helps in preventing cramps and heaviness in the legs.

10. Lyoton-gel

The active substance is sodium heparin at a concentration of 1000 IU / gram³. The drug inhibits thrombosis, reduces blood viscosity, reduces inflammation and swelling³.

Release form: colorless or slightly yellowish gel with a viscous texture. It is applied to the skin with a strip of 3 to 10 cm and gently rubbed. Can be used under elastic bandage and compression stockings.

It is used for chronic venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, as well as for the prevention of changes in blood vessels and veins.

How to choose drugs for phlebitis

It is important to remember that there are no universally effective drugs for phlebitis. Therefore, medicines should be selected by a doctor, taking into account the causes, stage and symptoms of the disease, the age and state of health of the patient. For example, with infectious phlebitis, antibacterial drugs may be needed, and with allergic – antihistamines.².