Thioctacid® is a preparation of thioctic (also called alpha-lipoic) acid. Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, an important participant in many biochemical reactions and physiological processes in the human body, where it is normally produced. The task of thioctic acid is to protect body cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, thioctic acid has a detoxifying effect and is involved in the restoration of the endogenous antioxidant system in the body. In particular, alpha lipoic acid stimulates the recovery of vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, and an increase in the concentration of the internal antioxidant glutathione.
Thioctacid® has a nootropic effect, protects the liver, reduces the concentration of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol, stimulates the utilization of glucose by the body’s tissues, thereby lowering its level in the blood. The result of such a complex effect is a decrease in the manifestations of insulin resistance in the body. Thioctacid® also reduces hunger, stimulates the oxidation of fatty acids, thereby preventing the accumulation of fat deposits and contributing to the normalization of body weight, including in the treatment of obesity.
Thioctacid® BV (rapid release) is a drug in a special dosage form that is optimized to be taken orally. This form ensures that a certain amount of thioctic acid enters the body, its level in the blood plasma will be stable. In addition, the quick release form provides a high bioavailability of the active substance.
Pharmacokinetics of the drug Thioctacid®
Thanks to a special form of rapid release, alpha-lipoic acid, which entered the body as soon as possible, within 15-20 minutes, is completely absorbed into the blood from the initial sections of the digestive tract. It should be remembered that the simultaneous administration of Thioctacid® BV with food significantly impairs the absorption of the active substance (alpha-lipoic acid). Compliance with the recommendations for taking the drug - fasting half an hour before meals - helps to prevent unwanted interaction with food, in this case, the process of absorption of alpha-lipoic acid into the blood by the time the meal is started. The maximum level of thioctic acid concentration in blood plasma reaches 30 minutes after the drug is taken, it is 4 μg / ml, while alpha-lipoic acid is characterized by the effect of the "first passage" through the liver. The bioavailability of alpha-lipoic acid when taking the drug Thioctacid® BV is 85%. The main metabolic pathways in the body are oxidation and conjugation. Up to 90% of thioctic acid and its metabolic products are excreted through the kidneys. The elimination half-life is 25 minutes.
Indications: alcoholic and diabetic polyneuropathy
Thioctic acid is included in the treatment standards for the following diseases: neuropathy associated with systemic diseases of the connective tissue. Radiculopathy Parkinson's disease. Stroke. Mild and moderate viral hepatitis A and C. Diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.
Contraindications to taking the drug Thioctacid®
To date, there is no reliable data on the effect of the drug on the woman’s body during pregnancy and lactation, therefore, Thioctacid® is not prescribed for such patients. For the same reason, the use of the drug is not recommended for the treatment of patients whose age is less than 18 years. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug is also a contraindication.
Application, dosage of the drug Thioctacid®
The daily dose when taken orally is 600 mg of the drug (contained in one tablet). The medicine is taken strictly on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast. The tablet is swallowed whole, without chewing, washed down with water. If the case is severe, Thioctacid® 600T for intravenous administration is used for treatment. Every day, the contents of one ampoule (600 mg) are administered intravenously slowly to the patient. Therapy lasts from two weeks to a month, after which the patient is transferred to receive Thioctacid® BV. To prevent the development of adverse reactions, the solution should be injected with a syringe for at least 12 minutes.
Since the active component of the drug is sensitive to light, the ampoules are taken out of the box immediately before the administration of the drug. Next, the patient is transferred to therapy with the drug Thioctacid® BV 600 at a dose of 1 tablet per day.
Side effects of the drug Thioctacid®
From the gastrointestinal tract , nausea is most often worried. The remaining manifestations of discomfort from the digestive system - vomiting, pain in the projection of the stomach and intestines, loose stools, and a change in taste sensations - are disturbing in very rare cases.
Allergic reactions (skin itching, rashes on the body, urticaria, anaphylactic shock) are extremely rare.
On the part of the nervous system , dizziness can disturb.
General: in very rare cases, due to the stimulation of glucose utilization processes, symptoms of hypoglycemia (visual impairment, sweating, headache, confusion) that are the result of a decrease in blood glucose levels may disturb.
Drug Interactions Thioctacid® with Other Medicines
If the drug is used together with cisplatin, the effect of cisplatin is weakened.
Since thioctic acid, which contains Thioctacid® BV, Thioctacid® 600T, promotes the binding of metals, it is not recommended to use simultaneously with iron-containing drugs. The interval between taking Thioctacid® and iron, calcium, and magic preparations should be at least 2 hours. In cases where Thioctacid® is used concurrently with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, the hypoglycemic effect of these agents may be more pronounced. It is necessary to monitor the blood glucose content, especially at the initial stage of treatment.
special instructions
The drug in ampoules is not exposed to light until direct use. For the period of treatment, it is necessary to abandon the use of ethanol, since the latter can serve as a factor contributing to the development of polyneuropathy.
Analogs, price, reviews on the drug Thioctacid®
The cost of Thioctacid® in the form of ampoules is approximately 1,500 rubles., In the form of tablets - 1700-3200 rubles. The most beneficial package is 100 tablets for three months.
Thioctacid® is currently the only drug in the form of a quick release, which ensures maximum absorption of the active substance by the body.