Daflon: uses and side effects of this drug
There is a large number of drugs in the market , which have different effects on our body and that allow us to cure, improve, delay or alleviate the symptoms of a large number of diseases and problems of various kinds.
Among them we can find those dedicated to the treatment of vascular system problems, being this system of great importance for our survival by allowing blood (with oxygen and nutrients) to reach the different organs of the body. One of the drugs that are used and that have an effect on this system is the one known as Daflon , which we are going to talk about throughout this article.
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What is the Daflon?
We call Daflon, sold as Daflon 500 mg or Daflon 1000 mg, to a well-known drug that is used by a large number of people around the world, characterized by its effect on the vascular system and for the treatment of problems such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids , of mainly venous origin.
It is a drug classified as flavonoid, its components being a non-essential product or secondary metabolite produced by different plants. At the level of effect the Daflon is characterized by being a phlebotonic, that is to say by stimulating the venous tone. Specifically, its action occurs mainly at the venous level (in this sense it could be called venotonic), although it also has benefits in the protection of small blood vessels. It also improves, in broad strokes and due to the previous effects, blood circulation and prevents its aging, rigidity and fragility .
It is important to bear in mind that Daflon is provided as medication for different conditions, but not as a single treatment but as an aid in it: the consumption of Daflon alone will not solve any problem but it will be necessary to apply together other strategies such as the control of the feeding or the accomplishment of exercises.
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Active principles
Daflon is a trademark of a drug composed primarily of two elements that serve as an active ingredient: diosmin and hesperidin , being the first of the substances the most relevant and important at the time of generating effects on health.
Thus it is the diosmin that generates the main benefits of the drug, being these the improvement of the venous return, the protection of the small vessels, the reduction of the permeability and the increase of the lymphatic drainage. In addition to contributing to these effects, hesperidin contributes to reducing the release of free radicals and possible bleeding. It acts as an antioxidant and, in addition to its action at the circulatory level, it is also related to the digestive function.
Main indications: what is it used for?
Daflon is a medication that, as we have said, has vasoprotective and vasotonic effects. These properties have been useful in the treatment of various conditions related to vascularization . Among them we find the following indications.
1. Varices
Varicose veins are one of the conditions by which many people, especially women, consume Daflon. It is the product of the dilatation of the veins, which become visible when blood accumulates in them due to the fact that the venous valves that push the blood back to the heart can not be closed correctly.
2. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids or piles are, similar to varicose veins, inflammations of the veins that irrigate the anus. They can be internal (in which case they are usually not very visible unless they bleed, with the exception of prolapsed hemorrhoids protruding through the anus) or internal (located on the skin surrounding the anus).
It is frequent that they cause discomfort that can be from light to severe, being able to even generate such pain that it makes it difficult to sit . It is common for them to appear as a result of exertion when excreting feces or during pregnancy, although most of their causes are unknown.
3. Edemas
Daflon is also used for the treatment of fluid retention, allowing blood to circulate through a stronger and toned vascular system and hindering the extravasation of fluids , especially if it has a cardiovascular origin.
4. Chronic venous insufficiency
One of the vascular disorders treated with Daflon is chronic venous insufficiency, which is known as the difficulty of the vascular system so that the blood directed to the legs can return to the heart, associated with the weakness of the veins in this area. It often causes varicose veins.
5. Conditions linked to vascular risk: hypertension, diabetes and eye problems
Although it is not properly a drug that is used to control blood pressure or other pathologies, it has been observed that its use, by strengthening and making the vascular system more flexible, can be of great help in the prevention of spills or difficulties in various pathologies such as diabetes or eye problems, as well as in cases of high blood pressure.
Side effects and contraindications
Daflon is a drug considered by most people as safe and its use is not usually associated with serious side effects. This does not mean that it can not cause some discomfort or even have contraindications.
At the level of side effects, we must bear in mind that although it is not frequent, the use of Daflon can generate alterations and digestive problems such as nausea and the suffering of intestinal and stomach pains. Also colitis. Another possible side effect can appear in the form of rashes, as well as itching and even in rare cases Quincke's edema has been observed (in which the facial tissue or orofacial organs are inflamed making breathing and feeding difficult). Occasionally, headaches, vertigo and discomfort have been detected.
Regarding contraindications, people with allergies to this drug should not take this drug. Its joint intake with alcohol is contraindicated , since they can generate digestive problems. At the diet level, the consumption of alkaline foods and the consumption of antacids are contraindicated. Neither should children consume it or at least its consumption should be very regulated and regulated by the doctor. Its consumption should not last more than two or three weeks in time.
At the level of pregnancy requires a consultation with the doctor in order to assess possible risks, as well as in breastfeeding. Although usually there is no evidence that it has negative effects, but it is unknown if for example it can happen and affect the fetus in training.
