Many drugs appeared due to analogues synthesized in the human body. Chenodeoxycholic acid, which effectively fights stone formation in the gallbladder, is one such substance. Preparations containing this acid in their composition have long been used for the treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the gallbladder.
Description and properties of the substance
Chenodeoxycholic acid has the property of dissolving gallstones. This is one of the most important bile acids for the body, which is formed in the cells of the liver. Once in the gall bladder, it acts on cholesterol stones, dissolving them, protecting the liver and the entire body from gallstone disease. In addition to dissolving stones, this acid reduces the amount of cholesterol synthesized in the liver. It follows that bile becomes less saturated with it, so the formation of new cholesterol stones is minimized.
Medicines
Preparations with chenodeoxycholic acid in the composition:
- Henofalk. The drug company Doctor Falk Pharma GmbH, made in Germany.
- Henohol. Drug company ICN GALENIKA. Country of origin - Serbia.
- Henosan. Medication made by PRO.MED.CS Praha as in the Czech Republic.
The preparations of well-known foreign manufacturers are high-quality and effective therapeutic raw materials.
Application
Drugs are prescribed for gallstone disease with the presence of cholesterol stones up to 20 millimeters in diameter. In this case, the gallbladder must fulfill its function, that is, accumulate, concentrate and discard bile during the ingestion of food into the digestive system. Cholesterol stones are the most common formations of the bladder, since cholesterol becomes the basis of all the stones that form in this organ. The use of the above drugs is a good alternative to the surgical treatment of gallstone disease.
Instructions for chenodeoxycholic acid
Features of the use of drugs:
- "Henofalk" is used daily, once a day before bedtime. The dosage is 15 mg per kilogram of weight. Capsules are not chewed and washed down with water in the required amount. The maximum dose is 1.5 grams per day. The treatment is long - from three months to 3 years. Treatment should be monitored by ultrasound, since the absence of a decrease in the diameter of the stones after six months is the reason to stop taking the medication.
- "Henochol" is used in a daily dose of 15-18 mg per kilogram of patient weight. The manufacturer recommends dividing the dose into three doses and taking it in the morning and in the afternoon by capsule, and in the evening by 2 capsules. The maximum that can be taken per day is 1.5 grams. The duration of treatment depends on the size of the stones, but therapy should not be less than 6 months, and in cases where the stones reach 15-20 mm, you have to take the medicine for up to two years. After measuring the diameter of the stones with the help of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, after 6 months the appropriateness of the further use of "Henokhol" is evaluated. In the case of successful dissolution of cholesterol stones in patients prone to increased stone formation due to metabolic peculiarities, it is recommended that the drug be taken for another month on a capsule per day, repeating a monthly course every 90 days.
- "Henosan" is used for oral administration, calculating a daily dose of 15 mg per kilogram of weight. On average, 3-6 capsules are obtained (no more than 1.5 grams per day), which are taken once in the evening. Capsules should be swallowed whole, washed down with the right amount of water. Treatment should be continued for 6 months to a year. The effectiveness of the dissolution of stones is evaluated after six months using ultrasound. For preventive purposes, repeated courses are recommended after a few months.
It is necessary to be treated with drugs strictly according to the instructions for use of chenodeoxycholic acid.
Contraindications
Contraindications to taking chenodeoxycholic acid preparations are:
- Stones whose size exceeds 20 mm.
- Stones having a powerful calcium frame.
- Gall bladder, stoned to capacity and not fulfilling its function.
- Acute cholecystitis.
- Acute or chronic hepatitis of any nature.
- Acute inflammation of the bile ducts.
- Decompensation and terminal stage of cirrhosis.
- The presence of liver failure.
- Renal failure.
- Stoned bile duct obstruction.
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach, duodenum during exacerbation.
- Malabsorption syndrome.
- Ulcerative colitis, enteritis.
- Pregnancy.
- Breast-feeding.
- Intolerance to the main substance or auxiliary components.
Genodeoxycholic Acid Release Form
Medicines are produced in the following forms:
- "Henofalk" is made in capsules with a dosage of 250 mg of the active substance. Records of 25 pieces, packed in a box of two or four blisters.
- "Henochol" is produced in capsules, the content of chenodeoxycholic acid in which is equal to 250 mg. Capsules are sealed in blisters of eight pieces. Cardboard packaging contains seven blisters.
- "Henosan" is available in capsules containing chenodeoxycholic acid 250 mg, blisters of ten capsules in a carton of five pieces.
Side effects
Chenodeoxycholic acid preparations are generally well tolerated. Of the side effects, mild allergic reactions are possible, manifested in the form of a rash on the skin or itching. In patients taking large doses of the drug for a long time, the norm of hepatic transaminases may be exceeded in a biochemical blood test, which indicates the toxic effect of the drug on liver cells, where active metabolic transformations of the active substance occur.
A significant increase in ALaT and ASaT requires a review of dosages. Paroxysmal pain in the right hypochondrium (biliary colic) can occur with the movement of stones dissolved by the drug. If the pain is short-term, then the intake of the drug continues unchanged. Intestinal manifestations in the form of diarrhea appear at high doses and intensive dissolution of stones, which is accompanied by an increase in the fat content in feces.