Among newborn children, the development of jaundice is quite common - a condition in which there is an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance formed during the destruction of fetal hemoglobin, which is responsible for the transfer of oxygen through the blood of the fetus in the mother’s womb. At birth, a large amount of this substance is released. If the liver does not immediately cope with the work, various characteristic symptoms occur. Such as yellowness of the skin, eyeballs and mucous membranes of a small organism.
In most cases, this condition is not dangerous and can be easily eliminated in a few days in the maternity hospital using an ultraviolet lamp that destroys excessive bilirubin. However, in some cases, doctors prescribe a small baby such a French drug as Hofitol. This helps the newborn to cope with the load on the liver. After all, she has to work hard with a high level of bilirubin. That this means, how safe it is and how to give Hofitol to a newborn will be discussed below.
Structure
The list of components of the drug depends on the form in which it is produced. As a rule, for a newborn, Hofitol is used in the form of a solution, which includes:
- A thick extract of fresh leaves of artichoke field in the amount of 20 grams per 100 ml. Acts as the main active substance.
- Ethanol. In a small amount (2.8 grams).
- Hydroxybenzoates - play the role of preservatives. Without them, the drug would be stored very little.
- The fragrance is orange, which provides a more pleasant taste and facilitates the process of treating the baby.
- Water in the amount of 100 ml per bottle. Acts as a solvent.
Description
The Hofitol solution is a dark brown liquid that does not have transparency. In addition, the presence of a small yellow precipitate is acceptable, which usually disappears with vigorous shaking of the vial.
Act
The properties of the drug are due to its extract of such a medicinal plant as a field artichoke (Latin - Cynara). It grows almost everywhere. And in Australia and the countries of South America, it is even considered a weed, which is quite difficult to get rid of. Despite this "reputation", this plant has many useful properties.
Decoctions of its leaves have been used for many centuries as a urinary and choleretic agent. In addition, the artichoke is famous for its beneficial effect on liver cells, restoring them. Over the past century, mankind has learned to produce artichoke-based medicines, releasing them in tablets and solutions. Hofitol is one of them.
It has a number of useful properties:
- Removal of excess bile. This helps to remove dangerous indirect bilirubin as soon as possible.
- Restoring healthy liver cell function.
- Excretion of toxins and heavy metals. Therefore, "Hofitol" is often prescribed for poisoning a small organism.
- Lower cholesterol.
- Normalization of metabolic processes.
- Improving kidney function.
In addition, as part of this tool there are many useful substances:
- Vitamin C. It is a natural antioxidant, it helps to eliminate toxins more quickly.
- B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin). They play a vital role in many metabolic reactions of the body.
- Carotene.
- Vitamin K. Reduces the permeability of the capillary wall, is responsible for normal blood coagulation.
All this will only benefit the newborn. "Hofitol" has one more advantage - the artichoke field has a natural origin, and this ensures maximum safety of use. This means that by giving this child this medicine, the mother can be calm for his health.
When the use of "Hofitol" is necessary
Of course, the use of Hofitol is not always prescribed for newborns. After all, a fragile body is completely undesirable load in the form of drug use. Let it be natural. Therefore, neonatologists and pediatricians first weigh the pros and cons and only then prescribe the drug. And this is really justified with severe intoxication of the baby. This is usually manifested by the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- bloating (the child has anxiety and a hard stomach);
- pronounced yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes.
Indications for use
The instruction for Hofitol for newborns indicates the following conditions in which this drug should be used. In addition to jaundice, this can include:
- Hepatitis in chronic form.
- Elevated levels of acetone in the blood.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Kidney inflammation.
- Bloating.
- Nausea.
- Poisoning.
- Intestinal infections.
Contraindications
Like any other drug, Hofitol has a number of contraindications, which include:
- Intolerance to the components of the drug. The use of the drug in this case is strictly prohibited, otherwise it threatens the development of an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy rash and swelling of the mucosa.
- The presence of stones in the gallbladder or its ducts.
- Bile duct obstruction. The fact is that in this case, the use of "Hofitol" can lead to a significant deterioration in the patient's condition, as well as intoxication of his body.
Feasible side effects
Of course, every mother is worried about what side effects her baby may have when using Hofitol. And although the drug is natural, it, like any other drug, is not without side effects. However, their list is very small. This mainly includes:
- The development of an allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug. This can be manifested by itching, a rash on the skin, urticaria, redness of the mucous membranes, Quincke's edema. The above symptoms stop with the help of antihistamines and completely disappear after the cancellation of "Hofitol."
- In addition, one of the common side symptoms is an indigestion in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
If the pediatrician prescribed Hofitol to the child, it is necessary to carefully monitor his condition after taking the drug, especially during the first day. In case of unwanted adverse reactions, it is imperative to seek medical help from a pediatrician who will select a more suitable dosage or cancel the drug, and also prescribe a worthy replacement.
Dosage regimen
How to give Hofitol to a newborn? Only a pediatrician can decide this. It is he who must appoint the dosage and frequency of administration, since the amount of the necessary drug and the duration of the course are usually individual for each small patient and the degree of his disease.
Nevertheless, unless the doctor has prescribed otherwise, the baby should be treated according to the scheme indicated in the instructions for Hofitol for newborns.
5-10 drops of the solution must be dissolved in 5 ml of clean drinking water and given to the baby immediately before feeding. This will help his body absorb the drug more easily.
Many mothers are wondering how to take Hofitol to a newborn. The easiest way is to give the baby medicine with a small spoon (special children's or tea). Carefully bring to mouth and pour gradually. You should not give the whole spoon at a time, because the baby can choke. It is better to do this in two or three sets. In pediatric practice, the method of administering a drug through a syringe is sometimes used. This should be done 3 times a day.
Thus, the maximum daily dose for a small organism, according to the instructions, is 30 drops of Hofitol solution.
How long should a treatment course last for a newborn? It depends on the severity of the jaundice. As a rule, the duration of the course is not very long, unless the pediatrician has prescribed otherwise, it is from one to three weeks.
Drug cost
In the pharmaceutical market, the price for one bottle containing 120 ml of the substance is in the range of 350-400 rubles. As a rule, one bottle of Hofitol for a newborn is more than enough.
It should be noted that the exact cost depends on the region, city and specific pharmacy organization.
Pharmacy Vacation Terms
"Hofitol" refers to over-the-counter drugs, therefore it is freely available on the pharmaceutical market. His tablets and solution can be found on the windows of each pharmacy. When a Hofitol is dispensed, the pharmacist (or pharmacist) will not ask for a prescription from a doctor.
Despite this, it must be remembered that the use of this tool is permissible only after a mandatory consultation with a specialist.
Terms and conditions of storage
Before you start using the drug, you should study the storage rules of Hofitol. A newborn baby should only be given a new, freshly opened bottle of this drug.
It must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, in a dry place away from sunlight. An enclosed cabinet or desk drawer is best suited for this.
Be sure to ensure that the drug is out of the reach of small children.
The shelf life of the Hofitol solution is 4 years from the date of its production.
The storage time of an open bottle depends on how tightly closed it is. With a tightly screwed cap, the drug can be used according to the main expiration date.
If the bottle is not fully closed, its contents can be consumed only within two months from the date of opening.
Reviews
Hofitol for newborns during the time that it is on the pharmaceutical market managed to get a lot of different opinions from mothers and pediatricians. As mentioned above, this is a natural drug, which is one of the main selection criteria that doctors pay attention to. After all, this minimizes the risks of side effects in the form of allergies, diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms.
Another advantage that can be found in reviews is the rapid onset of a noticeable therapeutic effect. In most cases, the symptoms of jaundice disappear just a few days after the start of the drug, and the results of laboratory blood tests for bilirubin return to normal.
Nevertheless, there are also negative reviews in which mothers indicate that after taking Hofitol, the child developed itching, rash, nausea, or diarrhea. All this indicates the occurrence of side effects. In this case, the drug is canceled due to its intolerance by a small organism. It should be noted that such reviews are tens of times less. But you must know about the possible development of undesirable reactions.
Conclusion
It often happens that at the birth of a baby, the mother and the doctor have to resort to drug therapy to get rid of the jaundice. Hofitol for newborns is a great option. Its main advantages:
- The natural composition.
- Quick action.
- Visible effect.
- Not a very high price.
- Availability in the pharmaceutical market.