To maintain the health of adults and children, the pharmacy chain offers the drug "Carnitine". Instructions for use of this tool tells when, why and how to use it. Our article provides information on the beneficial properties of the drug, as well as what analogues it has.
Amino Acid and Vitamin
The processes taking place in the human body are interconnected in successive chains. One substance is produced under certain conditions, causing another substance to be synthesized, which in turn affects the production and operation of the following components. Carnitine is produced in the tissues of the human body, which plays a significant role in metabolic processes by maintaining the activity of the coenzyme of acetylation. In young children, these processes are still not sufficiently activated, and therefore for children it is important to eat rationally, in which there must be sources of carnitine - meat and dairy products. This substance is special, carnitine is similar in structure to B vitamins, and sometimes it is incorrectly called vitamin B or vitamin B11.
From the history of the discovery of carnitine
One of the most important substances that work on metabolic processes in the human body is carnitine. Instructions for use of drugs with this substance tells how to take this medicine, but does not tell how it was discovered. And this happened more than a century ago - in 1905. Two Russian scientists, V.S. Gulevich and R.P. Krimberg, studying the tissues of the human body, isolated a special substance called vitamin W. After half a century, it was obtained artificially. Only after another 2 years, in 1962, scientists realized the meaning of an open substance - it is an active participant in metabolism involved in the transfer of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria through their membrane. By the way, mitochondria are special cellular organoids, a kind of electrical stations, which, by oxidizing organic compounds, receive electrical energy used to produce electrical potential for the synthesis of ATP and thermogenesis.
Forms of carnitine
A necessary substance, which is produced in the human body itself, and comes with food - carnitine. Instructions for use, reviews, analogues of drugs, the active component of which is this vitamin-like substance, will be discussed below. First, we explain that carnitine is the common name for several similar derivatives. They are obtained from each other by chemical reactions that occur in a living organism:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine.
- Propionyl-L-Carnitine.
- L-carnitine tartrate.
The first two forms are the ether derivatives of carnitine. They are most suitable for the complex treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and for improving cerebral circulation. But the non-ether third form (l-carnitine tartrate) is a medicinal substance that helps with metabolic stress, increased physical exertion, primary and secondary disorders of spermatogenesis. Drugs and sports nutrition with carnitine may be called "Carnitine" or "L-Carnitine." These drugs are identical in composition and in the therapeutic effects provided.
Scientific basis
For the drug "Carnitine" instructions for use must be attached to each package. Before getting to the shelves of pharmacies, the substance carnitine passed lengthy tests. In Russia, studies have been conducted of the effects of carnitine in combination with coenzyme Q19 on a group of adolescents and children suffering from autonomic dystonia with cardiac changes. The results of the studies were the observation of the positive dynamics of various parameters of the condition of the subjects. It was concluded that such treatment in combination therapy is beneficial. Now many analogues of "Carnitine" are produced. Instructions for use of these funds are almost identical, because the main active ingredient in them is the same.
How is a substance synthesized in the body?
Carnitine is an important substance for all living things. In humans, carnitine production occurs in the tissues of the liver and kidneys under the influence of certain enzymes. Also for this complex chemical process, vitamins C, B 3 , B 6 , B 9 , B 12 , iron, lysine and methionine are needed. The production of this component, which is necessary for metabolic processes, can be disrupted for several reasons, which experts divide into primary and secondary. The primary causes are congenital malformations caused by genetic traits. Secondary causes are kidney disease and the use of certain groups of antibiotics and metabolic drugs, for example, meldonium.
What is Vitamin W useful for?
The body needs energy to carry out all the vital processes. Its supplier is fats. Their oxidation, which occurs in the mitochondria, is a merit of l-carnitine.
Another function of carnitine is to protect the body during apoptosis - programmable and regulated cell death.
Also, this substance has a detoxifying ability to organic acids and xenobiotics.
Its effectiveness has been proven in solving some andrological problems.
Why is the drug "Carnitine" prescribed?
It is indicated for many conditions requiring restoration of body tissues, it is used in sports nutrition, for people with cardiac problems to restore tolerance to physical stress. This drug helps to prolong mental and physical activity in the elderly. It is a mandatory part of complex therapy for diseases such as Beals syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. It is prescribed for tuberculous sclerosis and some forms of progressive muscular dystrophy.
For some drugs that contain l carnitine, the instructions for use for weight loss are advisory in nature. This purpose of carnitine is due to the fact that it helps mitochondria break down fats, releasing the energy necessary for the body. This substance itself does not affect the utilization of fats, it is only a guide. Scientists have found that for the proper functioning of the "energy blocks" of the body, you need not only carnitine, but also coenzyme Q10. Therefore, in order to increase the body's ability to process fats into energy, it is necessary to use complex drugs in conjunction with physical activity.
If the drug cannot be taken
There are contraindications to the use of drugs with the substance l-carnitine. The instructions for the use of these funds indicate that they can not be used in such cases:
- Hypersensitivity to the components of a particular dosage form.
- Trimethylaminuria is most often a rare genetic mutation that causes the accumulation of trimethylamine in the human body, which has an unpleasant smell of fish.
Also, this tool is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects
In rare cases, the appearance of adverse reactions when taking the drugs "Carnitine" and "l-carnitine." The following side effects are noted in the instructions for use:
- Allergic reactions.
- Stomach ache.
- Dyspepsia.
How to take the substance?
Methods of taking the drug "Carnitine" in the instructions for use are described in sufficient detail. The drug "L-Carnitine" is available in several dosage forms:
- Dragee.
- Capsules
- Solution for infusion.
- Syrup.
- Tablets.
The form of application of "Carnitine", as well as the regimen and dosage of the drug, are prescribed by the attending physician. To enhance mental activity, the drug is prescribed for adults and children over 14 years old, one tablet or 500 mg tablet once a day. Treatment is usually carried out with a course of 30 days, then a break is needed. A second course can only be prescribed by a doctor. The drug "Carnitine", produced in capsules and prescribed for use by a doctor for medical purposes for a child, can be given by opening the capsule and pouring its contents into a teaspoon with water, but it is better to purchase special products for children, they are available in the form of syrup, have spoon dispenser.
Pharmaceutical companies produce carnitine chloride. Instructions for use of the product contain information on the rules for its administration. "Carnitine chloride" is available as an injection, packaged in ampoules of 5 ml. This medicinal substance is introduced in the form of infusions, very slowly - no more than 60 drops per 1 minute, which allows the active component to quickly penetrate into the heart, liver and brain. It is widely used in the treatment of conditions and diseases such as:
- Acute cerebrovascular accidents observed during an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
- Encephalopathy.
- Toxic brain damage.
Since the drug is injected directly into the systemic circulation, it is actively used for stunted growth in children, as well as in the treatment of malnutrition, anorexia.
How to buy and store a drug with carnitine?
"Carnitine" is sold in the pharmacy network without a prescription. It must be stored at room temperature, in places inaccessible to children. It should be remembered that after the expiration date, funds with carnitine can not be used. Many pharmaceutical companies produce drugs with carnitine, so they have a variety of names and may contain additional active ingredients. The most popular among buyers are Alimba, Karniten, Kartan, Kartonad, Elkar, Carnifit, L-Carnitine.
Reviews
A lot of useful information provides instructions for the use of "Carnitine". Patient reviews about the drug report all its positive and negative qualities. Opinions about "Carnitine" are ambiguous, which is due to the purpose for which and in what mode this tool was used. Also, many of the reviewers mention various manufacturers and forms of release of the drug. Those who take Carnitine for weight loss should remember that physical activity, exercises for various muscle groups are the basis of the process of reducing body weight and acquiring beautiful forms.
In pediatric practice, the drug "Carnitine" is prescribed for many medical reasons. Some parents are satisfied with the remedy, because it helped the child gain weight and improve physical condition. Others report increased child irritability after taking the drug.
Is there to lose weight?
Does Carnitine Really Help Lose Weight? Directions for use for weight loss conceals one important detail. "Carnitine" does not help to lose weight, if you do not play sports, it only increases the activity of metabolic processes. If you lie on the couch and just take Carnitine, there will be no effect. But taking the drug will allow you to be more active, more efficient, give more energy to sports, which will help make the body slimmer and more perfect. Take "Carnitine" at a rate of 500 mg to 3000 mg per day. This number is divided into two parts and taken as follows - the first 30 minutes before the start of the training, the second 30 minutes after active sports. There is no point in increasing the daily dose - it will not work.
Many pharmacy products, biologically active food additives contain carnitine. Patients should carefully study and comply with the instructions for the use of such agents. Then there will be no negative reactions from the use of the drug, and the result will be quite effective.