Comparing Akriderm and Akriderm GK | Determining the best

Updated: 04/23/2021 15:11:06

Expert: Abramova Tsilya

Akriderm is an ointment for topical use based on betamethasone. Akriderm GK is a drug with an additional composition and a wider range of applications. We analyzed both ointments to understand in which cases it is better to give preference to one or the other.

Description of Akriderm and Akriderm GK

Akriderm hormonal ointment is based on betamethasone. This is a potent remedy that must be used according to indications. It is usually prescribed when non-hormonal ointments do not provide the desired result. Manufacturer: Akrikhin, Russian Federation.

Betamethasone is a glucocorticosteroid substance that can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. The pronounced effect of the drug allows it to be used to quickly eliminate dermatological manifestations such as swelling, itching, redness in severe diseases.

Akriderm GK contains not only betamethasone, but the following substances:

1. gentamicin – antibacterial agent;
2. Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent.

Description of the drug

The main differences between the drugs from the Akriderm group (GK, SK, Genta) lie in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the active ingredients. They are united by the presence of a glucocorticosteroid, which explains the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of the drugs. All drugs can replace each other to one degree or another. But maximum therapeutic activity occurs with their rational use:

• Akriderm contains only a hormonal agent and is prescribed to patients with uncomplicated skin pathologies;
• Akriderm SK composition is supplemented with salicylic acid. The drug is used in the treatment of diseases accompanied by tissue suppuration;
• Akriderm GK ointment has an antimicrobial effect due to the gentamicin it contains. The medicine is used to eliminate rashes complicated by a bacterial infection.

The most versatile in terms of clinical action is Akriderm GK. Its multicomponent composition includes substances with antimycotic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity . This allows it to be used in the treatment of skin diseases of a recurrent nature.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The pharmacological effect is directly dependent on the composition of creams and ointments. The leading role in the treatment of skin pathologies is given to the glucocorticosteroid betamethasone. It prevents the absorption of leukocytes into inflammatory foci, restoring microcirculation. Blood circulation in the tissues improves, which is visible in the elimination of swelling and redness of the skin. Glucocorticosteroid prevents the production of mediators of pain and inflammation:

• prostaglandins;
• bradykinins.

Thus, the ointment exhibits vasoconstrictor and antiproliferative activity. Its course use promotes rapid tissue regeneration by reducing the permeability of small blood vessels. Immediately after applying the medicine, itching, burning, and pain disappear.

The pharmacological properties of drugs from the Akriderm line are provided by other active ingredients, such as:

• clotrimazole;
• gentamicin.

The antibiotic prevents bacterial cells from producing proteins necessary for replication. And the antimycotic clotrimazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, the building material of fungal cell membranes.

The bioavailability of betamethasone is relatively low. It is absorbed into the bloodstream in low concentrations. This amount of glucocorticosteroid rarely causes side effects.

Research and effectiveness

Before determining the causative agent of the disease, combination drugs with a wide spectrum of antibacterial action are prescribed. These include Akriderm GK. It may be the drug of choice, as it is active against common bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Research results show a good therapeutic effect of the ointment in the treatment of dermatoses, chronic inflammatory diseases, and fungal-bacterial infections. Using the product gives a quick anti-inflammatory effect. Due to its effectiveness and relative safety, it is recommended for dermatoses of various origins. The use of the drug provides a high level of bacterial cure.

Source

to: Kasikhina E.I., Glazko I.I. “Problems of mixed infection: solutions and features of pathogenesis,” 2014.

Reviews from doctors about Akriderm GK ointment and cream

Markov A.V., dermatologist, Ivanovo

I often recommend Akriderm GK for simple and allergic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, eczema, especially complicated by secondary infection. Good reliable drug.

Kiseleva E.V., dermatologist, Naberezhnye Chelny

I recommend Akriderm GK to my patients not only for the treatment of skin diseases, but also for insect bites, mosquitoes, midges, and wasps. Especially if the bite is accompanied by severe swelling. The drug quickly removes all unpleasant symptoms, reduces swelling and redness.

Contraindications

Each glucocorticosteroid drug has strict restrictions on its use. Akriderm is not prescribed until one year of age or during pregnancy. When it is necessary to treat a child, the ointment can only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Betamethasone can disrupt hormonal levels, so the ointment is used with caution in childhood and during lactation.

Other contraindications for use:

1. viral skin diseases;
2. benign and malignant neoplasms;
3. open wounds;
4. perioral dermatitis;
5. lupus;
6. post-vaccination reactions;
7. intolerance to components and allergies to them.

Analogs

Akriderm is one of the cheapest drugs for eliminating inflammatory processes occurring in the skin. If necessary, a dermatologist can replace it with active analogues - Triderm, Uniderm, Fenistil, Advantan cream (instructions), Beloderm, Belosalik.

Side effects

Corticosteroid ointment can provoke systemic reactions, since when applied topically, a certain amount enters the bloodstream. If any unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately visit a doctor for symptomatic treatment and choose another medicine.

Possible side effects from using the ointment:

1. allergies – itching, dry skin, irritation;
2. rash, urticaria;
3. prickly heat;
4. folliculitis;
5. atrophic processes of the skin;
6. maceration;
7. hyperglycemia;
8. hypertrichosis;
9. swelling;
10. osteoporosis;
11. increased blood pressure.

What is the difference between cream and ointment Akriderm GK

The main differences between the two dosage forms are the quantitative composition of additional components, as well as their penetrating ability.

Compound

The difference lies in the composition of the auxiliary components that are used to structure the base.

How they work

Due to the presence of fatty substances in the composition, the ointment has a denser structure. After its application, a film remains on the skin, facilitating more active penetration of the main active components into the tissue. The ointment can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and even enter the bloodstream.

The cream has a lighter texture. It does not leave a greasy film, does not penetrate deep into the tissue and does not enter the bloodstream. Due to the large amount of water in its composition, the creamy substance moisturizes the skin well and cools.

Contraindications and side effects

It is contraindicated to use both dosage forms for severe dermatological diseases, skin tuberculosis, skin manifestations of syphilis, chicken pox and herpes simplex.

The drug is not used to treat pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as children under 2 years of age.

The hormonal compound in the product requires strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations. Exceeding the dosage can cause side effects, which may manifest as small blisters, redness, and swelling on the skin.

In rare cases it is noted:

1. Headache, severe fatigue.
2. Sleep disturbance.
3. Malfunctions of the digestive system.

It is not recommended to use Akriderm GK in the treatment of facial skin diseases. In case of urgent need, apply carefully, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Long-term use of both forms of the product can cause inflammation of the hair follicles and pigmentation disorders.

Which is cheaper?

Both dosage forms have the same cost.

Dosage

The ointment is applied to the skin in a thin layer 2 times a day. The frequency of use may be changed by the doctor depending on the course of the disease. Do not allow the product to come into contact with the eyes. The course of treatment usually lasts up to 4 weeks. Treatment for more than a month may lead to an overdose. If there is no effect of use, you should consult a dermatologist.

For acne

For acne, HA may be prescribed. Its use allows you to quickly get rid of skin problems. For dry skin types, ointment is used, for oily skin types, cream is used. The drug is effective for purulent rashes. It can be used for the face for no longer than 5 days, for the body - up to 2 weeks. The ointment is applied pointwise to the rash with a sterile cotton swab.

From deprivation

GK ointment can be used for lichen. It is effective because it copes well with itching, inflammation and swelling of the skin. It also fights fungus and bacteria. In this case, regular Akriderm ointment will help prevent skin thickening. The course of use of the product is about 2 weeks, after which you need to undergo a re-examination by a doctor.

For allergies

For allergic diseases, corticosteroid ointment may be prescribed when other local remedies are ineffective. If allergies are complicated by bacterial skin lesions, Akriderm GK or SK should be used.

Akriderm medications themselves can also cause allergies. Treatment is permissible only as prescribed by a doctor. If after the first application, the symptoms intensify, you need to abandon this medicine and choose an analogue together with your doctor.

From fungus

Due to the content of the antifungal agent clotrimazole, Akriderm GK can be used for fungal skin infections. It is used for 14-30 days, 2 times a day.

For eczema

For eczema, all types of ointments can be used. The most effective treatment option is medicated bandages. The drug is applied 2 times for 40-50 minutes. The course is standard – up to 3 weeks.

Treatment can lead to dry skin, so it is recommended to use a natural moisturizing cream in parallel.

Types of eczema

The disease manifests itself as extensive redness and rash, which is accompanied by itching, burning, peeling of the skin, and pain in the affected areas. There are several types of eczema, which most often occur with inflammation of the skin of the hands or feet [1, 2]:

• True - always begins acutely, accompanied by a symmetrical rash and swelling, the blisters quickly burst and in their place moist pinpoint erosions are formed, which dry out over time. The rashes are localized on the face, hands, and feet.
• microbial eczema - occurs when the skin is secondary to fungal infections, this type is characterized by the appearance of round lesions with swelling, wetting and bluing of the skin (coin-shaped eczema);
• occupational - occurs at the site of dermatitis caused by professional activities - contacts with irritating chemicals, the disease does not stop when the irritant is eliminated;

Also, the localization of eczema on the arms and legs is typical for the following forms:

• dyshidrotic eczema - can be triggered by increased stress, sweating, allergens of natural or chemical origin. It appears in the form of itchy blisters, vesicles with a dense covering the size of a pinhead, located on the lateral surfaces of the fingers and toes, on the palms and soles of the feet. After opening, erosion with weeping, serous crusts, cracks, and peeling occurs.
• Horny (tilotic) eczema - occurs in a chronic form, characterized by thickening of the stratum corneum of the skin in the area of ​​​​the palms and soles of the feet, the appearance of deep cracks that cause pain.
• Monetoid or numular - a subtype of microbial eczema; in most cases, round rashes with a clear border are characteristic, appearing on the arms and legs, much less often on the body. Coin-shaped plaques consist of small papules and peel off in crusts.

All types of eczema cause severe irritation and itching of the skin; a person wants to constantly scratch these places. The exposed areas of the rash on the arms and legs are especially itchy, causing severe discomfort to the patient [1, 2].

Who is it suitable for?

Akriderm has anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antiexudative, antihistamine effects. This allows it to be used for various skin lesions when more gentle drugs do not have an effect.

Main indications for the use of different types of ointment:

Akriderm GK is a combined local remedy containing an antibiotic and an antifungal agent. This leads to wider application.

Which is better - ointment or cream Akriderm GK

The use of one form or another depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of damage to the skin. To combat weeping, wet wounds, a cream is more suitable. If the skin is too dry and peeling appears, it is better to use ointment.

To combat weeping, wet wounds, Akriderm GK cream is more suitable.

Cost and analogues

The following products are analogues of Akriderm:

1. Beloderm is a local remedy based on betamethasone, acts strongly and quickly directly at the site of the inflammatory process, reduces external manifestations and subjective sensations such as pain, irritation, itching, and constant discomfort;
2. Diprospan is a drug in a solution based on betamethasone, which is prescribed in severe cases to relieve symptoms during the acute period of the disease;
3. Celestoderm-B is a betamethasone-based cream used for skin diseases with a secondary infection.

As an alternative to these drugs, the doctor may prescribe analogues of action, but with other active ingredients. Popular products include Triderm, Betaderm, Celeston, Diprosalik, Candid-B, Kanzinon.

Composition and release forms

Akriderm GK is produced in two dosage forms:

• ointment;
• cream.

The main active ingredients in the ointment and cream are identical: antibiotic gentamicin 0.1 g, antifungal component clotrimozole 1 g and glucocorticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate 0.05 g.

Additional components in the ointment include liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, napazole, and isopropyl myristate. In the cream: water, petroleum jelly, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, disodium edetate, macrogol and cetostearic alcohol.

The differences between Akriderm cream and ointment are in the amount of water and petroleum jelly. The cream contains more water and less Vaseline. It absorbs and dries faster. Indicated for weeping skin lesions.

The ointment has a thicker texture due to the larger amount of petroleum jelly, is absorbed longer and has a healing effect on the surface of the skin for a long time. Prescribed for scratching, peeling, thickening of the affected skin.

In pharmacies Akriderm GK is sold in tubes of 15 and 30 g, packaged in a box along with instructions.

Which drug is better

Classic ointment is considered safer

and is prescribed for many chronic skin diseases. It is well suited for allergic dermatitis and urticaria. This drug is less likely to cause adverse reactions. However, it is not always effective. When there is a bacterial or fungal complication, the combined ointment Akriderm GK is used.

It is recommended to use the HA product

for acute symptoms of a dermatological disease with a short course. When the classic ointment turns out to be ineffective, its supplemented version is also shown. For bacterial and fungal infections - only Akriderm GK, since the classic remedy is useless in these cases.

You should not give preference to Akriderm GC just because it is “stronger”. Firstly, this does not make sense when the indications allow the use of ordinary ointment. Secondly, the cost of the HA product is almost 4 times higher.

Both medications can be purchased without a prescription, but self-medication is highly discouraged. Hormonal ointments have many side effects and contraindications. Before use, be sure to consult a doctor.

Reviews

Vladimir, Volgodonsk: I have been suffering from allergic dermatitis to household chemicals for more than ten years. A dermatologist recently advised me to try the Russian drug Akriderm. To my surprise, the pharmacy asked me to clarify which product was needed. I had to call the dermatologist. The doctor explained to me the difference between Akriderm cream and ointment. The cream is used for minor inflammation, and the ointment for severe exacerbation.

Alena, Voronezh: Perhaps only Akriderm quickly relieves pain and inflammation in psoriasis. Within a few hours, severe swelling and redness on the skin disappear. I am pleased with the low price. I’m already used to paying large sums for hormonal medications.