Why only citramon helps with headaches

To get rid of headaches (cephalalgia), people often use the drug Citramon, a non-steroidal (non-hormonal) anti-inflammatory drug.

Photo: Sigaeva O. A.

Previously, the composition included: acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, caffeine, cocoa and citric acid. Now, due to toxicity, phenacetin has been replaced with paracetamol, and cocoa and citric acid have been excluded.

Types of headaches

Citramon is effective for pain syndromes of various origins and intensity.

Migraine

Migraine is the primary form of cephalalgia.

Characteristics:

• periodically occurring intense pain;
• often combined with vegetative (sweating, hyperemia of the skin, etc.) and gastrointestinal manifestations;
• the reasons have not been established;
• is hereditary in nature.

Since the mechanism of pain does not change at the biochemical level, citramon helps stop a migraine attack.

After a hangover

Alcohol stimulates the formation and increased excretion of urine. As a result, hypovolemia occurs (a decrease in the volume of circulating blood) with a decrease in pressure. The drug stimulates vasospasm, thereby increasing blood pressure.

Under the influence of toxic substances contained in alcohol, inflammatory processes in tissues are triggered. Citramon or aspirin can stop them.

At low pressure

The effectiveness of the drug is associated with the caffeine in its composition. It affects receptors located in the walls of blood vessels. As a result, the lumen of the capillaries and arteries narrows, blood pressure rises, and the headache subsides.

With high blood pressure

In this case, the reception is unjustified. Cephalgia in hypertension is caused by excessive dilation of blood vessels and pressure on nearby tissues.

The patient requires special antihypertensive drugs, and not citramone, which can cause an even greater increase in blood pressure (BP).

After spinal anesthesia

The cause of headache after spinal anesthesia is a drop in intracranial pressure. Because when a needle is inserted under the membranes of the spinal cord for the procedure, a small volume of cerebrospinal fluid leaks out.

Citramon has hypertensive properties due to caffeine, so it is effective in such a situation.

Pain in temples

Causes of pain in the temporal region:

• arterial hypertension;
• migraine;
• infectious pathology;
• increased or decreased intracranial pressure;
• atherosclerosis;
• head injuries.

Citramon will help if the pain syndrome is associated with migraines, infectious diseases, low blood pressure (including intracranial pressure), and injuries.

For hypertension, intracranial hypertension, atherosclerosis, the use of medication will not give results and may aggravate the condition.

Instructions for use

Indications

Applicable in the following cases:

• pain reaction of weak and moderate severity with cephalgia, toothache, myalgia, arthralgia and neuralgia;
• fever in infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Contraindications

Use is prohibited in the following cases:

• hypersensitivity to the components of the product;
• ulcerative and erosive processes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT);
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• dysfunction of the liver, kidneys;
• hemorrhagic diathesis accompanying hemophilia, thrombocytopathy, thrombocytopenia, vascular structure disorder;
• surgical interventions with heavy blood loss;
• deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
• glaucoma;
• severe arterial hypertension;
• disruption of the sleep-wake cycle;
• vitamin K deficiency;
• increased pressure in the portal vein system;
• severe degree of ischemic disease.

Side effects

Possible adverse reactions:

• weight loss;
• dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain);
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• erosions and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract;
• sensitivity to components;
• narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi;
• manifestations of the skin (Stevens-Johnson and Lyell syndrome);
• impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• increased blood pressure;
• arrhythmia;
• noise in ears;
• visual impairment.

Drug interactions

• Heparin, indirect anticoagulants (such as Warfarin), reserpine, steroid hormones (Nerobol), hypoglycemic agents (Glibenclamide, Metformin) - enhance their effect.
• Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nimesil, Ketorolac) increase the risk of adverse reactions.
• Diuretic (“Spironolactone”, “Furosemide”), antihypertensive (“Nitroglycerin”, “Captopril”), anti-gout (“Allopurinol”, “Colchicine”) drugs - weakening their effectiveness.
• Antiepileptic drugs (Carbamazepine), rifampicin, barbiturates (Luminal, Veronal) - toxic substances are formed in the body that negatively affect liver tissue.
• Metoclopramide - enhances the absorption of citramone.
• Medicines containing alcohol increase the risk of liver damage.

Dosage

Citramon is taken orally, 1 tablet 4 times a day during or immediately after meals, along with alkaline mineral water or milk. For intense pain, the dosage is increased to 2 tablets per dose.

The average daily dosage is from 3 to 4 tablets.

A maximum of 8 tablets per day is allowed.

The duration of the course should not exceed 7–10 days. Citramon is recommended to be used only as needed.

Side effects

In case of overdose, long-term use, chronic diseases, as well as individual intolerance to the components, side effects are possible:

• anorexia;
• nausea;
• bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract;
• the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
• liver failure;
• hypersensitivity;
• nephrotic syndrome;
• kidney failure;
• anemia;
• fatty hepatosis in acute form;
• complications associated with heart failure;
• sleep disorders, insomnia;
• headaches;
• tinnitus;
• dizziness;
• increased anxiety;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• high blood pressure;
• psychological dependence (only in case of long-term use of high doses).

Answers to frequently asked questions

Why doesn't it work?

Reasons for lack of effect:

• The presence of pathologies that are not related to the mechanism of action of the specified drug.
• Malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Taking substances that weaken the effect of citramone.

Why don't other pills help?

This is due to the underlying cause of the headache. The components included in the composition can influence those links in the development of the pathological process against which other painkillers are powerless.

Cases of overdose

In small quantities, an overdose leads to ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and pale skin. In case of severe overdose, more serious disorders are observed:

• breathing problems;
• circulatory disorders;
• increased anxiety;
• feeling dazed;
• headache;
• nausea;
• bleeding;
• sweating;
• fatigue, increased drowsiness;
• convulsions;
• extremely rarely - coma.

In these cases, you must immediately stop taking the drug and its analogues with the same active ingredients. If the symptoms are severe, you will need to seek emergency medical help.

Range

Release forms

• pills;
• granules or powder for preparing a solution;
• capsules.

Choose a granular or powder analgesic: when dissolved, it will penetrate the bloodstream faster and exhibit pain-relieving properties.

Tablets are produced:

• 6 pieces in paper packaging;
• 10 and 20 in blister packs;
• 30 in polymer jars.

Brands and manufacturers

Name	Manufacturer
Citramon-P	"Avexima", "Pharmstandard", "Uralbiopharm", "Tathimfarmpreparaty", "Reneval", "Atoll"
Citramon MFF	"MosPharma"
Aquacitramon	"Rozpharm"
Citramon-LekT	Tyumen Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant
Citramon Borimed	Borisov Medical Preparations Plant
Citramarine	"Marbiopharm"
Excedrin	GlaxoSmithKline Healthcare
Citramon-P Ultra	"Atoll"
Citramon Ultra	Obolensk pharmaceutical enterprise
Citrapar	"Bryntsalov-A"
Migrenol Extra	Four Ventures Enterprises
Coficil Plus	"Uralbiopharm", Barnaul Medical Preparations Plant
Askofen-P	"OTCPharm"

Reviews

Citramon is a drug that everyone knows about and which is in every home medicine cabinet. Basically, people's opinion of him is positive. It helps with headaches, and side effects are rare enough to worry about. The undeniable advantages of the drug include its low price and quick, lasting effect.

As disadvantages, we can note large restrictions in use due to the load on the liver, as well as only one form of release in the form of tablets.

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In childhood

Attention! The use of citramon in pediatric practice (in children under 15 years of age) is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of developing Reye's syndrome.

When can you give and how much?

For special cases, the doctor prescribes a child dosage, but not earlier than 2 years of age.

Age	Dosage, table.
5	1/4
7	1/3
11	1/2

For example, citramon is given to children with febrile and pyretic fever that cannot be treated with other antipyretics.

Precautionary measures

The medication should be used under the strict supervision of a specialist.

A life-threatening complication is Reye's syndrome, a brain disorder associated with toxic liver damage caused by taking acetylsalicylic acid.

Symptoms of the condition:

• repeated vomiting;
• refusal to eat;
• irritability alternating with excitement and lethargy;
• disorientation in time and space.

Urgent hospitalization in the intensive care unit is indicated.

Pregnant

During pregnancy, the use of citramon is possible only in the second trimester.

Trimester	Allowed/Disabled (+/–)
first	– probable teratogenic effect (impaired embryonic development) on the fetus;
second	+ if the potential therapeutic effect outweighs the risks;
third	– acetylsalicylic acid negatively affects the final formation of the fetal body systems;

Nursing mothers

Citramon does not affect lactation, but its use during breastfeeding is contraindicated.

The components of the medicine can penetrate into breast milk, and with it into the baby’s body. This increases the risk of developing Reye's syndrome in a child.

If taking citramone is necessary, you should:

• stop breastfeeding;
• reduce the dosage of the drug (down to 1/2 tablet);
• drink more fluids to quickly remove the drug from the body.

Composition of the medicine

Doctors prescribe Citramon one tablet three times a day. The drug should be taken only after meals. Note that you can take a maximum of 6 tablets per day, divided into 3 doses. However, this is a rather high dosage, which must be discussed with your doctor.

It is forbidden to take Citramon for more than 5 days to relieve pain. If the attack does not go away, you must stop taking it and immediately go to the hospital. You should not take the medicine for more than 3 days to relieve fever and fever.

The Citramon tablet contains the following active ingredients:

1. Acetylsalicylic acid ;
2. Caffeine;
3. Paracetamol;
4. Lemon acid;
5. Starch;
6. Cocoa;
7. Calcium.

The drug is available in the form of tablets in a brown coating. Citramon has a slight cocoa smell.

Doctors advise to refrain from driving and operating any machinery. After all, Citramon can cause severe dizziness, overexcitation and impaired coordination. Sometimes after several days of use, patients lose attention. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions.

Sometimes, when taking Citramon and another drug in parallel, complications or a decrease in the therapeutic effect may occur. Here are some interactions:

• The drug metoclopramide increases the rate of absorption of Citramon;
• Barbiturates reduce the fever-reducing effect of the medication;
• Anticonvulsants increase the toxicity of the Citramon composition on the patient’s liver;
• If you take a medicine with isoniazid, a person may experience severe hepatotoxic syndrome;
• Citramon will reduce the therapeutic effect of diuretics;
• Taking a drug with MAO inhibitors greatly increases blood pressure in the body;
• Citramon will increase the therapeutic effect of xanthine and analgesics;
• The drug reduces lithium in the blood;
• Ibuprofen should be taken with caution along with Citramon;
• A stomach ulcer may develop if Citramon is taken with NSAID drugs;
• Uricosuric drugs will reduce the rate of excretion of uric acid and can lead to an overdose of Citramon;
• When taking GCS in parallel, bleeding in the stomach may begin.

If you are taking several other medications at the same time, you should definitely consult your doctor about Citramon therapy. Perhaps the specialist will reduce the dosage of any medication or stop taking the drug for health safety.

To relieve pain and inflammation, you can use another drug that is similar in composition to Citramon. Here is a list of similar medications:

Each analogue has its own instructions for use and exact dosages. Be sure to read this information before taking another medicine.

Many patients use Citramon as a one-time therapy to relieve pain or fever. Therefore, you can find a lot of reviews about the action of the medicine and the results of treatment. Here are some of them:

• Igor, 32 years old. I always have Citramon in my medicine cabinet at home. This drug perfectly relieves headaches in about 10-15 minutes. It is enough to take 1 tablet when a severe attack begins. I am glad that the drug is cheaper than its analogues, and the effect on headaches is completely the same. For many years of taking the medicine there have never been any side effects. True, I don’t take more than 1 tablet every 2 weeks and only in case of severe pain;
• Irina, 45 years old. The drug Citramon always helps with the flu. If a fever or temperature starts, I immediately take one tablet. The doctor says that you can take a maximum of 2 pieces per day to lower the temperature. The drug really copes with the task and restores strength during mild flu. However, I do not give the child medicine, since the composition can cause complications for him;
• Maxim, 42 years old. During an attack of neck osteochondrosis, I usually experience severe neuralgia. To cope with the pain and get to the hospital, I immediately take Citramon. The doctor said that this drug will cope with any pain and will not cause harm to the body. The medicine, of course, will not cure osteochondrosis, but it will cope with the symptom of neuralgia, which interferes with the main therapy.

Tablets from almost all manufacturers are light brown in color, heterogeneous in appearance, with inclusions and patches, and the smell of cocoa. Blisters contain 6-10 pieces.

It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions of the attending physician or

, and read the instructions carefully. As usual, adults and children over 14 years of age are prescribed 1-2 tablets. after eating, you should drink it

or milk, take 1 time every 6-8 hours. The maximum dose per 1 dose is 2 tablets, no more than 6 tablets per day. How

use for no longer than 3 days, as a painkiller - 5 days, in accordance with medical recommendations. Increasing dosages is possible only with the approval of a doctor after

. With long-term use for headaches, it only gets worse.

At the moment, the medicine is produced by different pharmaceutical companies, so the composition of citramon changes slightly, but the main components remain unchanged.

• Acetylsalicylic acid. This component of the medicine relieves heat and inflammation, relieves pain, improving blood flow in the area of ​​inflammation.

• Paracetamol relieves pain, affects the thermoregulation of the affected area, and relieves high fever. It has virtually no anti-inflammatory effect.

• Caffeine. Thanks to this component of citramone, the feeling of drowsiness is relieved, there is a stimulating effect on the reflexes of the spinal cord, and the blood vessels dilate.

The produced forms of citramone differ in the concentration and proportion of active substances, but the mechanism of action on the body is the same.

Analogs

Medicines with similar effects:

• Andipal is a combination drug that contains: analgin, phenobarbital, dibazol, papaverine. Reduces temperature, has analgesic, antispasmodic properties, dilates blood vessels. Combined use with citramone is not advisable due to increased toxicity.
• Analgin is an antipyretic pain reliever. Concomitant use increases the likelihood of side effects.
• Aspirin. Active substance (acetylsalicylic acid) - reduces temperature, analgesizes, is part of citramon.
• No-spa relieves spasms and increases blood flow to tissues. Combined use is advisable, since the active substance of the drug (drotaverine) is a caffeine antagonist.
• Spasmalgon contains a combination of antispasmodic, m-anticholinergic (provides a relaxing effect) and anti-inflammatory substances. Caffeine is considered an antagonist of these substances, so simultaneous use of citramone is contraindicated. Including due to increased toxicity.
• Paracetamol effectively reduces fever and is part of citramon.

Attention! Before using citramon, consultation with a specialist is required - only he can assess the risks and prevent adverse reactions.

special instructions

With long-term use of the drug, the patient must regularly undergo a blood test to count platelets, a stool test for hidden bleeding, check the condition of the liver and monitor blood pressure. It should be remembered that the medicine contains caffeine, so taking similar drugs with its participation can provoke an overdose.

The pills can interfere with doping control results in athletes and complicate the diagnosis of acute abdominal syndrome. The use of drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid is prohibited before surgery or dental surgery, due to an increased risk of bleeding. Citramon affects the speed of thinking, so during treatment you should stop driving a vehicle and performing dangerous work.

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