Painheal Plus

Uses

Camphor is a compound used topically to help relieve pain and also as a topical antiseptic. May also be used in vaporizers to help suppress coughing. This medication should not be swallowed.

Capsaicin is indicatd for- Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Pain due to diabetic neuropathy, Joint pain, Post-herpetic neuralgia, Post-surgical neuropathic pain, Nerve Pain, Back pain, Muscle pain, Fibromyalgia, Bursitis, Pruritis (itching)

Diclofenac Sodium ophthalmic preparation is used for-

• Inhibition of miosis during cataract surgery.
• Post-operative inflammation after cataract surgery and other ocular surgical procedures.
• Pre-operative and post-operative prevention of cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with lens extraction & intraocular lens implantation.
• Post-traumatic inflammation in penetrating and non- penetrating wounds (as an adjuvant to local anti-infective therapy).
• Non-infected chronic conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis.

Eucalyptus oil is an ingredient used in a variety of natural health products.

As an active agent, eucalyptus oil has been indicated for relief of the symptoms of catarrhal colds, and/or the relief of the symptoms of minor muscular sprains and cramps .

Methyl salicylate is a topical counter-irritant used for the symptomatic relief of acute musculoskeletal pain in the muscles, joints, and tendons.

Ointments or liniments containing methyl salicylate are applied topically as counter irritant for relief of acute pain associated with lumbago,sciatica and rheumatic conditions. Local analgesics for human and veterinary medicine.

Painheal Plus is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Arthritis, Backache, Common Cold, Contusions, Inflammatory Reaction caused by Insect Bites, Joint Pain, Muscle Cramps, Nasal Congestion, Pain caused by Insect Bites, Rash, Skin Irritation, Soreness, Muscle, Sunburn, Swelling caused by Insect Bites, Minor burns, Neck or back pain, Shoulder acheArthritis, Back Pain Lower Back, Backache, Bursitis, Contusions, Inflammatory Reaction caused by Rheumatism, Muscle Cramps, Musculoskeletal Pain, Osteoarthritis (OA), Periarthritis, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), Rheumatic Pain, Soft Tissue Injury, Tendinitis, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitisActinic Keratosis (AK), Acute Arthritis, Acute Gouty Arthritis, Acute Migraine, Acute Musculoskeletal Pain, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Common Cold, Fever, Gouty Arthritis, Inflammation, Inflammatory Disease of the Oral Cavity, Inflammatory Disease of the throat, Inflammatory Reaction of the Nerve, Joint Pain, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Muscle Inflammation, Ocular Inflammation, Operation site inflammation, Osteoarthritis (OA), Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Pain, Pain, Nerve, Pericarditis, Photophobia, Postoperative pain, Primary Dysmenorrhoea, Radicular Pain, Rheumatic Pain, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, Soreness, Muscle, Spinal pain, Tendon pain, Vertebral column pain, Acute Musculoskeletal injury, Acute, moderate, severe Pain, Inflammatory, Localized soft tissue rheumatism, Mild to moderate joint pain, Mild to moderate pain, Minor pain, Perioperative miosisCough, Infection, Itching caused by Insect Bites, Nasal Congestion, Rash caused by Insect Bites, Soreness, Muscle, Infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns, Itching skin, Minor aches and pains, Topical AntisepsisAcute Muscle Pain, Arthritis, Back Pain Lower Back, Backache, Contusions, Joint Pain, Ligament pain, Muscle Inflammation, Muscle Injuries, Muscle Strain, Muscle swelling, Pain, Pain of the Bone and Bones, Pain, Nerve, Partial-Onset Seizures, Postherpetic Neuralgia, Soreness, Muscle, Sprains, Tendon pain, Minor aches, Muscle, joint pains

How Painheal Plus works

Capsaicin has been shown to reduce the amount of substance P associated with inflammation - however this is not believed to be its main mechanism in the relief of pain . Capsaicin's mechanism of action is attributed to "defunctionalization" of nociceptor fibers by inducing a topical hypersensitivity reaction on the skin. This alteration in pain mechanisms is due to many of the following: temporary loss of membrane potential, inability to transport neurotrophic factors leading to altered phenotype, and reversible retraction of epidermal and dermal nerve fiber terminals.

Diclofenac inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, the enzymes responsible for production of prostaglandin (PG) G₂ which is the precursor to other PGs. These molecules have broad activity in pain and inflammation and the inhibition of their production is the common mechanism linking each effect of diclofenac.

PGE₂ is the primary PG involved in modulation of nociception. It mediates peripheral sensitization through a variety of effects. PGE₂ activates the G_q-coupled EP₁ receptor leading to increased activity of the inositol trisphosphate/phospholipase C pathway. Activation of this pathway releases intracellular stores of calcium which directly reduces action potential threshold and activates protein kinase C (PKC) which contributes to several indirect mechanisms. PGE₂ also activates the EP₄ receptor, coupled to G_s, which activates the adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A (AC/PKA) signaling pathway. PKA and PKC both contribute to the potentiation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) potentiation, which increases sensitivity to heat stimuli. They also activate tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels and inhibit inward potassium currents. PKA further contributes to the activation of the P2X3 purine receptor and sensitization of T-type calcium channels. The activation and sensitization of depolarizing ion channels and inhibition of inward potassium currents serve to reduce the intensity of stimulus necessary to generate action potentials in nociceptive sensory afferents. PGE₂ act via EP₃ to increase sensitivity to bradykinin and via EP₂ to further increase heat sensitivity. Central sensitization occurs in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and is mediated by the EP₂ receptor which couples to G_s. Pre-synaptically, this receptor increases the release of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters glutamate, CGRP, and substance P. Post-synaptically it increases the activity of AMPA and NMDA receptors and produces inhibition of inhibitory glycinergic neurons. Together these lead to a reduced threshold of activating, allowing low intensity stimuli to generate pain signals. PGI₂ is known to play a role via its G_s-coupled IP receptor although the magnitude of its contribution varies. It has been proposed to be of greater importance in painful inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. By limiting sensitization, both peripheral and central, via these pathways NSAIDs can effectively reduce inflammatory pain.

PGI₂ and PGE₂ contribute to acute inflammation via their IP and EP₂ receptors. Similarly to β adrenergic receptors these are G_s-coupled and mediate vasodilation through the AC/PKA pathway. PGE₂ also contributes by increasing leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and attracts the cells to the site of injury. PGD₂ plays a role in the activation of endothelial cell release of cytokines through its DP₁ receptor. PGI₂ and PGE₂ modulate T-helper cell activation and differentiation through IP, EP₂, and EP₄ receptors which is believed to be an important activity in the pathology of arthritic conditions. By limiting the production of these PGs at the site of injury, NSAIDs can reduce inflammation.

PGE₂ can cross the blood-brain barrier and act on excitatory G_q EP₃ receptors on thermoregulatory neurons in the hypothalamus. This activation triggers an increase in heat-generation and a reduction in heat-loss to produce a fever. NSAIDs prevent the generation of PGE₂ thereby reducing the activity of these neurons.

The general consensus is that the exact mechanism of action of eucalyptus oil is largely unknown at this time but comprises various hypotheses from various studies.

Cineol containing preparations of eucalyptus oil may contain up to 80% (or more) 1,8-cineole and is one of the most common types of eucalyptus oil formulations used. As an active agent indicated for relieving certain cold symptoms and/or certain muscular sprains and cramps, it is believed that eucalyptus oil may possess some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Some in vitro studies of human blood monocytes suggest a dose-dependent effect of eucalyptus oil to elicit significant inhibition of multiple cytokines, perhaps in the treatment of airway inflammation . Moreover, other studies in animal models discuss the possibility of eucalyptus oil demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects that potentially account for inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins and cytokines by stimulated monocytes in vitro .

Furthermore, additional studies have observed eucalyptus oil anti-viral activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, HSV-2) in cell cultures as well as the demonstration of broad antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus medicinal plant extracts against Alicyclobacillus acidoterretris, Bacillus cereus, E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, MRSA, Propionibacterium acnes, S. aureus, fungus including C. albicans isolates, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and other Gram-positive bacteria. Specific activity against periodontopathic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus has also been observed .

Counter-irritation is thought to be effective at alleviating musculoskeletal pain as the irritation of the sensory nerve endings is thought to alter or offset pain in the underlying muscle or joints that are served by the same nerves . This is thought to mask the underlying musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. When applied topically, methyl salicylate is thought to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues where it reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzyme and locally and peripherally prevents the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin and thromboxane A2.

Dosage

Painheal Plus dosage

18 years of age and older:Apply a thin film of Capsaicin cream to affected area 3 to 4 times daily. A burning sensation may occur upon application, but generally disappears with regular use. Application schedules of 3 to 4 times a day for 2 weeks provides optimum pain relief.

Ophthalmic (Adult)-

• Postoperative ocular inflammation: Instill into the appropriate eye 4 times daily starting 24 hr after surgery for up to 28 days.
• Inflammation and discomfort after strabismus surgery: Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for the 1st wk; then tid in the 2nd wk, bid in the 3rd wk, and as required for the 4th wk.
• Pain and discomfort after radial keratotomy: Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
• Pain after accidental trauma: Instill 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.
• Control of inflammation after argon laser trabeculoplasty:Instill 1 drop 4 times during the 2 hr before procedure followed by 1 drop 4 times daily, up to 7 days after procedure.
• Prophylaxis of intra-operative miosis: Instill into appropriate eye 4 times w/in 2 hr before surgery.
• Post-photorefractive keratectomy pain:Instill into the affected eye twice, an hr before surgery, then 1 drop twice at 5-min intervals immediately after surgery, then every 2-5 hr while awake for up to 24 hr.
• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis:Instill 1 drop before surgery followed by 1 drop immediately after surgery, and then 1 drop 4 times daily for up to 2 days.

Side Effects

Capsaicin may cause transient burning on application. This burning is observed more frequently when the application schedules are more than 3-4 times daily. The burning can be enhanced if too much cream is used and if it is applied just before or after a bath or shower.

Mild to moderate burning sensation in 5-15% patients which is transient in nature and almost never necessitated discontinuation of treatment. Other less common side-effects are sensitivity to light, bad taste, feeling of pressure, allergic reactions etc.

Toxicity

Acute oral LD50 and dermal LD50 in mouse are 47.2 mg/kg and >512 mg/kg, respectively . Capsaicin is shown to be mutagenic for bacteria and yeast .

Capsaicin can cause serious irritation, conjunctivitis and lacrimation via contact with eyes. It induces a burning sensation and pain in case of contact with eyes and skin. As it is also irritating to the respiratory system, it causes lung irritation and coughing as well as bronchoconstriction. Other respiratory effects include laryngospasm, swelling of the larynx and lungs, chemical pneumonitis,respiratory arrest and central nervous system effects such as convulsions and excitement . In case of ingestion, gastrointestinal tract irritation may be observed along with a sensation of warmth or painful burning . Symptoms of systemic toxicity include disorientation, fear, loss of body motor control including diminished hand-eye coordination, hyperventilation, tachycardia, and pulmonary oedema . Careful early decontamination is recommended and medical intervention should be initiated for any life-threatening symptoms. In case of contact, individual must be removed from the source of exposure and the contacted skin and mucous membranes should be thoroughly washed with copious amounts of water .

Symptoms of overdose include lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Hypertension, acute renal failure, respiratory depression and coma occur rarely. In case of overdose, provide supportive care and consider inducing emesis and administering activated charcoal if overdose occurred less than 4 hours prior.

Overdose with eucalyptus oil may result in epigastric burning, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, muscular weakness, mitosis, tachycardia, a sensation of suffocation, cyanosis, ataxia, pulmonary damage, delirium, convulsions, CNS depression, coma. Deaths have been recorded from doses as low as 3.5 ml.

The given oral LD50 for rats is 2480 mg/kg

Oral LD50 values (mg/kg) for mouse, rat and rabbit are 1110, 887 and 1300, respectively. Oral LD50 values for child and adult human (mg/kg) are 228 and 506, respectively. Although systemic toxicity from topical administration is rare, methyl salicylate can be absorbed in intract skin to cause stimulation of the central nervous system respiratory center, disturbance of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and disturbance of intracellular respiration. Severe toxicity can result in acute lung injury, lethargy, coma, seizures, cerebral edema, and death. In case of salicylate poisoning, the treatment consists of general supportive care, gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal in cases of salicylate ingestion, and monitoring of serum salicylate concentrations. Bicarbonate infusions or hemodialysis can be used to achieve enhanced salicylate elimination .

Precaution

Capsaicin cream should not be applied to broken or irritated skin. Applied area should not be tightly bandaged. Do not get on mucous membranes and into eyes or on contact lenses. If this occurs, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water. Do not apply the cream on the heat treated area as this may increase the burning sensation. In case of accidental ingestion, seek physician advice immediately.

Diclofenac eye drops may mask the signs of infection. So physicians should be alert to the development of infections in patients receiving the drug. During prolonged use, it is recommended that physicians conduct periodic examinations of the eye, including measurement of the intraocular pressure. Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment.

Interaction

No drug interaction is reported. There should be at least 5 minutes interval when another ophthalmic solution (e.g., steroid) is given.

Volume of Distribution

Diclofenac has a total volume of distribution of 5-10 L or 0.1-0.2 L/kg. The volume of the central compartment is 0.04 L/kg. Diclofenac distributes to the synovial fluid reaching peak concentration 2-4h after administration. There is limited crossing of the blood brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations only reach 8.22% of plasma concentrations. Doses of 50 mg delivered via intramuscular injection produced no detectable diclofenac concentrations in breast milk, however metabolite concentrations were not investigated. Diclofenac has been shown to cross the placenta in mice and rats but human data is unavailable.

Studies have determined a large terminal volume of distribution for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of 27 l/kg in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) .

After absorption, methyl salicylate is distributed throughout most body tissues and most transcellular fluids, primarily by pH dependent passive processes. Salicylate is actively transported by a low-capacity, saturable system out of the CSF across the choroid plexus. The drug readily crosses the placental barrier.

Elimination Route

Oral: Following oral administration, capsaicin may be absorbed by a nonactive process from the stomach and whole intestine with an extent of absorption ranging between 50 and 90%, depending on the animal . The peak blood concentration can be reached within 1 hour following administration . Capsaicin may undergo minor metabolism in the small intestine epithelial cells post-absorption from the stomach into the small intestines. While oral pharmacokinetics information in humans is limited, ingestion of equipotent dose of 26.6 mg of pure capsaicin, capsaicin was detected in the plasma after 10 minutes and the peak plasma concentration of 2.47 ± 0.13 ng/ml was reached at 47.1 ± 2.0 minutes .

Systemic: Following intravenous or subcutaneous administration in animals, the concentrations in the brain and spinal cord were approximately 5-fold higher than that in blood and the concentration in the liver was approximately 3-fold higher than that in blood .

Topical: Topical capsaicin in humans is rapidly and well absorbed through the skin, however systemic absorption following topical or transdermal administration is unlikely . For patients receiving the topical patch containing 179 mg of capsaicin, a population analysis was performed and plasma concentrations of capsaicin were fitted using a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. The mean peak plasma concentration was 1.86 ng/mL but the maximum value observed in any patient was 17.8 ng/mL .

Diclofenac is completely absorbed from the GI tract but likely undergoes significant first pass metabolism with only 60% of the drug reaching systemic circulation unchanged . Many topical formulations are absorbed percutaneous and produce clinically significant plasma concentrations. Absorption is dose proportional over the range of 25-150 mg. Tmax varies between formulations with the oral solution reaching peak plasma concentrations in 10-40min, the enteric coated tablet in 1.5-2h, and the sustained- and extended-release formulations prolonging Tmax even further. Administration with food has no significant effects on AUC but does delay Tmax to 2.5-12h.

Common monoterpenoid compound preparations of eucalyptus oil have been observed to be readily absorbed after dermal application, likely due to their lipophilic character . Although maximal plasma levels were demonstrated in as short a time period as 10 minutes even with thicker preparations like eucalyptus oil ointments, like many other topically applied agents, the extent of absorption is also likely largely dependent upon additional factors like the size of treated skin area, patient skin condition(s), concentrations of the applied substance, and time of exposure to the substance .

Currently, more data regarding the oral absorption of eucalyptus would be useful, given the relative lack of existing information . Lipophilic monoterpene compound formulations of eucalyptus oil seems to be readily absorbed orally . Regardless, there is some data that suggests that the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract has no particularly significant role in the absorption of cineole based eucalyptus oil .

Pulmonary absorption of eucalyptus oil is also possible although little information exists regarding this element at the moment. Nevertheless, 1,8-cineol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) appears to be well absorbed via inhalation with peak plasma levels observed reportedly at 18 minutes .

Given the three main constituents from Eucalyptus globulus Labill fruits, the intestinal absorption of macrocarpal A (M-A), macrocarpal B (M-B), and cypellocarpa C (Cy-C) is predominantly via passive diffusion while Cy-C demonstrates some partly ATP-dependent absorption .

Approximately 12-20% of topically applied methyl salicylate may be systemically absorbed through intact skin within 10 hours of application, and absorption varies with different conditions such as surface area and pH. Dermal bioavailability is in the range of 11.8 – 30.7%. For the assessment of potential oral exposure to salicylates, bioavailability is assumed to be 100% .

Half Life

Following oral ingestion of equipotent dose of 26.6 mg of pure capsaicin, the half life was approximately 24.9 ± 5.0 min . Following topical application of 3% solution of capsaicin, the half-life of capsaicin was approximately 24 h . The mean population elimination half-life was 1.64 h following application of a topical patch containing 179 mg of capsaicin .

The terminal half-life of diclofenac is approximately 2 h, however the apparent half-life including all metabolites is 25.8-33 h.

Studies have determined a terminal half-life for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of approximately 7h in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) .

The plasma half-life for salicylate is 2 to 3 hr in low doses and about 12 hr at usual anti-inflammatory doses. The half-life of salicylate may be as long as 15 to 30 hr at high therapeutic doses or when there is intoxication.

Clearance

Diclofenac has a plasma clearance 16 L/h.

Studies have determined a high clearance rate for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) of 43 ml/min/kg in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) .

Elimination Route

It is proposed that capsaicin mainly undergoes renal excretion, as both the unchanged and glucuronide form. A small fraction of unchanged compound is excreted in the feces and urine. In vivo animal studies demonstrates that less than 10 % of an administered dose was found in faces after 48 h .

Diclofenac is mainly eliminated via metabolism. Of the total dose, 60-70% is eliminated in the urine and 30% is eliminated in the feces. No significant enterohepatic recycling occurs.

Studies suggest the route of elimination for cineole or eucalyptol (which makes up to as much as 90% of most commonly used cineole-based eucalyptus oils) in brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), rats, and rabbit subjects as being in the urine .

Excreted by kidneys as free salicylic acid (10%), salicyluric acid (75%), salicylic phenolic (10%) and acyl glucuronide (5%), and gentisic acid (less than 1%).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

The safety of Capsaicin during pregnancy or lactation has not been established in either humans or animals.

The safety of Diclofenac eye drops in pregnancy & lactation has not been established and its use therefore is not recommended unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the child.

Contraindication

Capsaicin cream is contraindicated on broken or irritated skin. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to capsaicin or any of the excipients used in this product.

Hypersensitivity to any of the components Like other non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, Diclofenac Sodium eye drops is contraindicated in patients in whom attacks of asthma, urticaria or acute rhinitis have been observed following application of acetyl salicylic acid or other cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors

Acute Overdose

Sufficient information on overdose of Capsaicin is not available.

Accidental ingestion of Diclofenac Sodium presents virtually no risk of unwanted effects, since one 5 ml bottle of eye drop solution contains only 5 mg of Diclofenac Sodium, which is equivalent to about 3% of the recommended maximum oral dose for adults.

Storage Condition

Keep at cool and dry place, away form light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Close the bottle immediately after use. Do not use for more than four weeks after opening. Store at room temperature.

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