The frequency of cardiac diseases over time, unfortunately, is growing steadily, but some methods of treating these pathologies remain unchanged, since there is no need to improve what has proven itself so well. One such drug is a polarizing mixture. The composition and indications for its appointment will be discussed in more detail below. It is likely that many have heard of this medicine, but few can imagine how it works.
What is it?
What is a polarizing mixture? The composition and indications of her, as in other medicines, have a direct relationship with each other. As a rule, it is prescribed for patients with acute disorders of the cardiovascular system, but in addition it has found its application in neurology.
In the classic version, the composition of the mixture includes four drugs:
- glucose, to maintain the energy supply of cells;
- potassium to make it easier to generate action potential ;
- magnesium, which strengthens the nervous system;
- insulin, which helps all previous substances to penetrate into the cell.
There may be other options that are selected individually, depending on the indications and characteristics of the patient's body.
Operating principle
The polarizing mixture has been used for a long time, but its effectiveness and necessity still causes heated debate in the medical environment. Therapists were divided into two warring camps: those who advocate the prescription of this medicine, and those who consider it useless.
But while there are behind-the-scenes disputes, doctors do not stop prescribing a polarizing mixture to patients, confident that even if it does not have a global therapeutic effect, it will not bring harm. The fact is that the components of the solution help stabilize the rhythm of heart contractions, improve metabolism in the affected cells and reduce the area of the gray zone, preventing recurrence of a heart attack.
With a decrease in oxygenation, potassium is rapidly excreted from the body, reducing the electrical potential of cells, therefore it is very important to maintain its amount at the proper level. Insulin plays a binding role. It is necessary so that the remaining components are absorbed by the body and interact as needed.
Structure
There is no standard by which a polarizing mixture can be determined. The composition, indications and contraindications vary depending on what the patient currently needs most. Several different variants of this mixture are known:
- Two grams of potassium chloride, six units of insulin and three hundred and fifty milliliters of five percent glucose. This is a classic set.
- The second option is distinguished only by the proportions of substances. It takes twice as much potassium, eight units of insulin and one hundred milliliters less glucose, but it should be twice as concentrated.
- Another acceptable composition: panangin - up to 80 milliliters, eight units of insulin and one hundred and fifty milliliters of glucose.
But these are not the only options for how a polarized mixture might look. The composition, as a rule, is customized for a specific person, based on his needs. In addition, doctors may have their own proven recipes for this drug.
Application
Why is a polarizing mixture, composition and indications for therapy used? which we are considering in our article? Most often it is used in cardiology and neurology. To patients, all elements of the mixture are administered intravenously through the system. But this is not an axiom. For example, if necessary, only insulin can be administered through a dropper, and the remaining components given orally.
Dosage and frequency are also selected individually, it all depends on the severity of the condition and characteristics of the body. For example, if a patient has lost a lot of potassium or he was prescribed forced diuresis, which leads to the loss of all electrolytes. In this case, to support the heart muscle, a larger amount of this component is added to the polarizing mixture.
If the glucose level has fallen on the control blood test, then an appropriate adjustment of the prescriptions is made. All treatment takes place under constant monitoring of the patient in order to notice changes in his condition in time.
Indications
Who is shown a polarizing mixture? The composition, indications and dangers of use are measured in each case. If the predicted benefit is greater than the possible harm, then the doctor will prescribe this medicine, but will closely monitor the course of the disease.
In addition to cardiological pathology, such as myocardial infarction and arrhythmias, a polarizing mixture is prescribed in a neurological hospital for relief of myasthenia gravis. This can be both an acute crisis situation and preventive therapy with standard treatment.
The second indication is a traumatic brain injury. The mixture helps prevent brain edema and saturate neurons with glucose. It is especially important to prescribe a polarizing mixture at the same time as loop diuretics. They quickly lead to hypokalemia, which negatively affects the patient's condition.
Due to the large amount of glucose, such droppers are useful for patients with exhaustion.
Contraindications
Is there any reason not to use a polarizing mixture? Indications for its appointment are quite wide, but the only reason not to use this medicine may be proven diabetes. And then, only if the glucose level could not be controlled.
In addition, a high level of potassium can also cause refusal of the drug, but this happens in rare cases. Naturally, in the presence of allergic reactions to the components of the drug, it is not prescribed, but these are more casuistic cases than the rule.