In the article, we consider what thioctic acid preparations are.
Thioctic (α-lipoic) acid has the ability to bind free radicals. Its formation in the body occurs during oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids. It participates in the oxidative process of decarboxylation of α-keto acids and pyruvic acid as an enzyme of mitochondrial multienzyme complexes. By its biochemical effect, this substance is close to B vitamins. Thioctic acid preparations help normalize trophic neurons, lower glucose levels, increase glycogen in the liver, decrease insulin resistance, improve liver function, and are directly involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
Pharmacokinetics
When taken orally, thioctic acid is rapidly absorbed. In 60 minutes, reaches maximum concentrations in the body. The bioavailability of the substance is 30%. After intravenous administration of the drug thioctic acid 600 mg after 30 minutes, the maximum plasma level is reached.
Metabolism occurs in the liver through oxidation of the side chains and conjugation. A medication has the property of first passing into the liver. The elimination half-life is 30–50 minutes (via the kidneys).
Release form
Thioctic acid is produced in various dosage forms, in particular in the form of tablets and infusion solutions. Dosages also vary significantly depending on the form of release and brand of the drug.
Indications
Indications for the use of thioctic acid preparations are described in detail in the instructions. They are prescribed for diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy.
Contraindications
The list of contraindications to this tool includes:
- lactose intolerance or failure;
- galactose and glucose malabsorption;
- lactation, pregnancy;
- age less than 18 years;
- high sensitivity to components.
Intravenous administration of the drug should be carried out with caution to people after 75 years.
Instruction for use
Thioctic acid preparations in the form of tablets are taken whole, 30 minutes before breakfast, with water. The recommended dosage is 600 mg once daily. Taking tablets begins after a parenteral course of 2–4 weeks. The maximum therapeutic course is no more than 12 weeks. Longer treatment is possible as directed by a doctor.
The concentrate for the infusion solution is administered drip intravenously slowly. The solution should be prepared immediately before the infusion. The prepared product should be protected from sunlight, in this case it can be stored for up to 6 hours. The course of use of this medical form is 1–4 weeks, after which you should switch to a tablet.
Which preparation of thioctic acid is better is interesting to many.
Side effects
The following pathological conditions appear as adverse reactions when using this medication:
- vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn;
- allergic reactions (skin rashes, itching), anaphylactic shock;
- violation of taste;
- hypoglycemia (excessive sweating, cephalalgia, dizziness, blurred vision);
- thrombocytopathy, purpura, petechial hemorrhages in the mucous membranes and skin, hypocoagulation;
- autoimmune insulin syndrome (in people with diabetes);
- hot flashes, cramps;
- increased activity of digestive enzymes;
- pain in the heart, with the rapid introduction of a pharmacological agent - increased heart rate;
- thrombophlebitis;
- diplopia, blurred vision;
- discomfort at the injection site, hyperemia, swelling.
With the rapid administration of a drug, intracranial pressure (passing on its own) may increase, difficulty breathing and weakness occur.
Drugs Containing This Acid
The most common drugs of thioctic acid are the following medications:
- Berlition.
- "Lipothioxone."
- Oktolipen.
- Thioctacid.
- "Neyrolipon".
- Thiogamma.
- "Polition".
- Tielepta.
- Espa Lipon.
The drug "Berlition"
The main active element of this pharmacological agent is alpha-lipoic acid, which is a vitamin-like substance that plays the role of coenzyme in the process of oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids. It has antioxidant, hypoglycemic, neurotrophic effects. Reduces the level of sucrose in the blood and increases the concentration of glycogen in the liver, reduces insulin resistance. In addition, this component regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism, stimulates cholesterol metabolism.
In patients with diabetes mellitus of any kind, thioctic acid changes the concentration of pyruvic acid in the blood, prevents the deposition of glucose on vascular proteins and the formation of the final elements of glycosation. In addition, the acid promotes the production of glutathione, improves liver function in patients with hepatic pathologies and the function of the peripheral system in patients with diabetic sensory polyneuropathy. Participating in fat metabolism, thioctic acid is able to stimulate the production of phospholipids, as a result of which cell membranes are restored, energy metabolism and the sending of nerve impulses are stabilized.
The drug "Lipothioxone"
This thioctic acid preparation is an endogenous type antioxidant that binds free radicals. Thioctic acid plays an important role in mitochondrial metabolism in cells, and acts as a coenzyme in the processes of transformation of substances with antitoxic effects. They protect cells from radicals that occur during the intermediate exchange or decay of foreign exogenous substances, as well as from the influence of heavy metals. In addition, the main substance is synergistic with respect to insulin, which is associated with an increase in glucose utilization. In diabetics, thioctic acid promotes a change in blood levels of pyruvic acid.
The medicine "Oktolipen"
This is another medication based on thioctic acid - a coenzyme of multienzyme mitochondrial groups, which takes part in the process of oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids and pyruvic acid. It is an endogenous antioxidant: eliminates free radicals, restores glutathione levels inside cells, increases the functionality of superoxide dismutase, axonal conductivity and trophic neurons. It plays an important role in energy metabolism, has lipotropic effectiveness, and improves liver function. It has a detoxifying effect in case of heavy metal poisoning and other intoxications.
Special recommendations for the use of medications
During treatment with drugs based on thioctic acid, one should refrain from drinking alcohol. Patients with diabetes need regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, especially in the initial period of use of a particular medication. To avoid the development of hypoglycemia, dosage adjustment of insulin or a hypoglycemic oral medication may be necessary. If symptoms of hypoglycemia occur, the use of thioctic acid should be stopped immediately. It is also advisable in cases of hypersensitivity reactions, for example, skin itching and malaise.
The use of drugs during pregnancy, lactation and in children
According to the annotation for the use of drugs containing thioctic acid, these drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. The appointment of these funds in childhood is also contraindicated.
Drug interaction
An interval of at least 2 hours must be observed when using thioctic acid with drugs that contain metals, as well as with dairy products. Significant drug interaction of this acid is observed with the following substances:
- cisplatin: its effectiveness decreases;
- glucocorticosteroids: increased anti-inflammatory effect;
- ethanol and its metabolites: reduction of exposure to thioctic acid;
- oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin: their effect is enhanced.
These drugs in the form of concentrates for the preparation of an infusion solution are incompatible with solutions of dextrose, fructose, Ringer's solution, as well as with solutions that react with SH- and disulfide groups.
The price of these drugs
The cost of medications with the content of thioctic acid varies significantly. Estimated price of tablets 30 pcs. in a dose of 300 mg is equal to - 290 rubles, 30 pcs. at a dose of 600 mg - 650-690 rubles.
The best preparation of thioctic acid will help the doctor choose.
Reviews about the drug
Reviews about the drugs are mostly positive. Experts highly appreciate their therapeutic properties as a neuroprotective and antioxidant and recommend the use of people with diabetes and a variety of polyneuropathies. Many patients, most often women, take such drugs in order to reduce weight, but opinions are divided on the effectiveness of such drugs for weight loss. The high cost of these medications is also observed.
According to consumers, medications are very well tolerated, side effects rarely occur, and among them allergic reactions are most often observed, which are usually mild, the symptoms disappear on their own after stopping the drug.
We reviewed the list of thioctic acid preparations.