M-Cin Spray

M-Cin Spray is a spray for external use that contains indometacin as its active ingredient. Indometacin is an NSAID, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which works by reducing the substances that cause inflammation, pain and swelling in tissue. When you spray it on the skin over the sore spot, the drug passes through the skin to the tissue underneath.

It is made by MacroPhar as a 50 ml spray bottle with a cool formula, and it contains ethyl alcohol. We sell the 50 ml bottle only, in the maker's box.

What sets it apart from many pain sprays is the active ingredient. Many sprays on the market rely on menthol for a cooling feel, while this one is an anti-inflammatory drug, so it suits pain that comes with swelling.

According to the product information, it relieves pain, inflammation and swelling of joints, tendons and muscles. Common examples are tight or sore muscles after exercise, sprained joints and pain from repeated use, such as sitting at a desk for long hours.

Research helps set realistic expectations. In a trial of 70 athletes with superficial overuse injuries, topical indometacin showed a clear effect within 3-7 days and did better than placebo in the first week. A Cochrane review found that topical NSAIDs work for sprains and sports injuries.

For sprains and strains, the NHS advises self-care for the first 2 to 3 days with PRICE: protect, rest, ice, compress and elevate. During this time avoid heat, alcohol and massage, because they can increase swelling. A pain spray can be used alongside this care.

The spray does not treat the cause of a bone or joint disease. If the pain is severe, the swelling is large or it does not improve after self-care, see a doctor.

Before first use

Press the spray head 2-3 times until it makes a fine mist.

How to spray

• Spray directly on the sore area, 3-5 times a day, as stated on the label
• No massage or rubbing needed, let it dry on its own
• Use on normal, unbroken skin
• Wash your hands afterwards and keep it out of your eyes

Remember

For external use only, do not swallow. Do not smoke or stay near a flame while spraying, because the spray contains alcohol and is flammable. If a rash or strong redness appears, stop using it.

The side effects that can occur are skin reactions where you spray, such as redness, itching or irritation. The label says the drug may cause skin reactions. If you notice any abnormal skin reaction, stop using it at once and talk to a doctor.

The Cochrane review of 61 studies found that skin reactions from topical NSAIDs were mostly mild, went away on their own and did not differ from placebo, and whole-body side effects were very rare. In the athlete trial, people using the topical form had only local reactions, while people taking indometacin by mouth had stomach, bowel and nervous system complaints.

Spraying over a large area or using it for a long time can increase the amount of drug that reaches the body, so use it only as much as you need.

Do not use if you

• are allergic to this drug
• have asthma, hives or acute rhinitis triggered by aspirin or other NSAIDs

Precautions

• Do not use on open wounds, grazed skin, rashes or infected skin, and keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes
• Do not cover it with a plaster or an airtight dressing
• If you have a stomach ulcer, kidney problems or are pregnant, ask a pharmacist or doctor before using it
• If it does not get better after self-care, see a doctor

People who have reacted to this kind of painkiller before should choose a different product.

Go to hospital at once if

The NHS advises emergency care if you heard a crack when you got hurt, the area looks misshapen, it is numb or tingling, or the skin has turned blue, grey or cold.

• Uniren Spray (diclofenac 1%) — also an NSAID spray but with diclofenac, in a larger 60 ml bottle. Choose it if you want an NSAID with more research behind it.
• Perskindol Cool Spray (levomenthol) — not an NSAID, gives an instant cooling feel, in a large 250 ml can. Choose it when you want cooling after exercise.

This one comes in a 50 ml bottle that is easy to carry. Indometacin belongs to the same NSAID class as diclofenac, but the Cochrane review gives some diclofenac formulations the lowest NNT (1.8) while indometacin is above 4.

In short: for a small bottle you can carry and an anti-inflammatory drug, choose M-Cin Spray. For a drug with more supporting data, choose Uniren Spray. For cooling only, choose Perskindol Cool Spray.

The information we checked does not list direct interactions between this spray and other medicines. Because it is an NSAID, however, if you already take another NSAID by mouth, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac tablets, tell a pharmacist before using them together.

Do not use several pain relief products on the same spot at the same time, and do not combine it with a hot pack on the sprayed area. If you have a long-term condition or take regular medicines, ask a pharmacist first.

In the trial of athletes with overuse injuries, a clear effect appeared after 3-7 days of use, and the difference from placebo was clearest in the first week. In the second week the difference shrank until it was no longer statistically significant.

So treat it as short-term relief. If you still have pain after several days of use, see a doctor or pharmacist to find the cause.

Where can I buy M-Cin Spray?

Order online at Intimo Life, with delivery across Thailand in 1-3 working days. Orders are packed discreetly for privacy, and the product name is not shown on the parcel.