Quite often, at birth, a baby is diagnosed with a physiological jaundice. Pathology goes away on its own in a few days and usually does not require intervention. However, when prolonging the process for a long time, doctors prescribe appropriate treatment. Among the most popular drugs is Ursofalk for newborns. When using it, a rapid improvement in the condition of the baby is observed and negative consequences do not arise in the future.
The main components of the drug
The drug is available in the form of capsules and suspensions. It is important that Ursofalk for babies is allowed to be taken only in liquid form. Capsules can not be crushed, they must be swallowed completely. Therefore, the reception of this form is shown only from the age of three or when the child is able to swallow a large pill.
The main active ingredient of the drug is ursodeoxycholic acid, which is part of human bile. In addition, the basis is:
- purified water;
- glycerol - gives a sweetish taste to the drug and is safe when taken by newborns;
- xylitol - replaces natural sugar, therefore, with diabetes mellitus, reception is not prohibited;
- sodium citrate - necessary to maintain the consistency of the suspension and the severity of taste;
- microcrystalline cellulose - a natural thickener that does not react with other components of the drug;
- propylene glycol - used in pharmaceuticals as a diluent;
- lemon acid;
- sodium cyclamate - provides a pleasant sweetish aroma;
- lemon flavor.
Action taken
Jaundice is caused by stagnation of bile. As a result, digestion is disturbed, flatulence and colic appear. "Ursofalk" for newborns from jaundice copes with these problems, and also has the following effects:
- removes excessively accumulated bile and controls its formation;
- lowers blood sugar;
- promotes the formation of white blood cells, which fight against viruses and bacteria, thereby increasing the immune forces of the child;
- reduces the amount of harmful cholesterol by binding and eliminating it (synthesis in the liver and absorption in the intestine are reduced);
- increases the secretion of gastric juice.
After oral administration, "Ursofalk" for newborns from jaundice helps pretty quickly. The main active ingredient, integrating into the cells of the liver, blocks the effects of toxic substances. To break down pathogens, the production of necessary enzymes is stimulated. As a result, the effectiveness of the drug is very high.
When use is indicated
Ursofalk is indicated for infants and adults for the treatment of a number of diseases. Among them, the instruction mentions:
- physiological jaundice in infants;
- cholelithiasis, which is provoked by an excess of cholesterol;
- the initial stage of cirrhosis of the liver in biliary form;
- reflux gastritis.
Symptoms of jaundice in a baby
Ursofalk for newborns is used only after prescribing by a doctor and is intended to eliminate the symptoms of jaundice. It is known that after birth, the baby is rebuilt to spontaneously breathe. In the womb, this function was provided by fetal hemoglobin. At birth, it is withdrawn as unnecessary. And the level of another hemoglobin, which is responsible for the supply of oxygen to the cells, on the contrary increases. When unnecessary protein breaks down, bilirubin is formed, excreted along with urine. But the body can not always cope with such a load, which leads to yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. Also, the baby is lethargic, convulsive conditions can be recorded.
Even in the hospital, doctors begin to use a photolamp for treatment. However, if after two weeks (for preterm infants the norm is three weeks), the condition does not improve, then blood is taken for bilirubin. When the diagnosis is confirmed, Ursofalk is prescribed - a suspension for newborns. The medicine is able to quickly cleanse the liver of harmful toxins and promotes the natural production of enzymes that bind and excrete bilirubin.
How to use
Ursofalk suspension has a pleasant taste. The instruction for newborns prescribes to calculate the intake based on weight - 10 mg per 1 kg. But only a doctor should schedule an appointment. The medicine forms a precipitate, so the vial must be shaken before use. Once a day, Ursofalk is used. The dosage for newborns should be calculated individually by a specialist, despite the instructions in the instructions to focus on weight. A measured spoon goes to the drug, which adds convenience in use. You can also use a syringe, pouring medicine on the baby's cheek. Do not fill the liquid too deeply, because you can provoke vomiting.
How many days to give Ursofalk to a newborn is decided by the attending physician. The course usually lasts from a week to 10 days and depends on the readings of the level of bilirubin in the blood, which must be controlled. The drug has a sweet taste, so usually there are no problems with the reception.
The instruction clearly states that it is forbidden to independently change the dosage and course of treatment. Such an initiative can lead to negative consequences with the health of the baby.
If the doctor prescribed Ursofalk for newborns, taking it before or after eating is also important. The annotation says that the medicine must be offered to the baby after the last feeding before bedtime.
Consider contraindications
The drug should be prescribed only by a doctor, but patients should know in which cases the medicine is prohibited:
- gall bladder dysfunction;
- gallstone disease, accompanied by a high content of calcium;
- cirrhosis of the liver (the stage of incompatibility is determined by a specialist);
- inflammatory process in the digestive system;
- dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, or kidneys;
- breast-feeding;
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Are side effects possible?
A fairly strong drug is Ursofalk. Side effects in newborns are not rare, so you need to know about the consequences. However, it is not necessary that negative moments come. In the treatment with the drug may occur:
- nausea;
- allergic rashes;
- increased stool or diarrhea;
- frequent spitting up;
- if there are stones in the gallbladder, then it is possible to calcify them.
Parents whose children take the drug note that insomnia often torments babies, there is increased anxiety and nervous excitability. During treatment, it is necessary to strictly monitor the reaction of the newborn for redness and rashes. If a similar reaction is observed, then you must immediately stop taking and consult your doctor. The specialist usually reduces the dosage or selects an analog.
Other drug compatibility
It is forbidden to take Ursofalk (suspension for newborns) together with aluminum-based preparations. In this case, the effectiveness of both funds is significantly reduced. Therefore, doctors usually do not combine this technique, or it is necessary to wait two hours between use.
Also, experts must take into account the possible interaction with antibiotics and hormonal drugs. The latter dramatically reduce the presence of fat in the blood. Compatibility with other drugs is determined by the doctor on the basis of pharmacological action.
Is replacement possible
The Ursofalk analog for newborns can be selected with individual intolerance and lack of effectiveness. Moreover, the active substance is different for them, but the principle of exposure is the same.
- Galstena. The drug belongs to homeopathic remedies and consists of spotted milk thistle, celandine and dandelion. Available in the form of drops.
- "Elkar". The main active ingredient is levocarnitine. Available in the form of a solution, but the taste is quite specific.
- Hepel. Also applies to homeopathic medicines. At the heart are herbs such as white hellebore, thistle spotted and celandine. It is available in the form of tablets, but it is allowed to dissolve them in milk.
- Hofitol. A solution based on artichoke leaf extract.
A drug with a similar composition
Ursosan, which also has ursodeoxycholic acid as its basis, is considered a complete analogue of the drug in question. According to doctors, they have the same effect. However, Ursofalk is much more convenient when used in newborns, because it is available in the form of a suspension, and Ursosan is in the form of capsules that must be dissolved in milk.
Also, the analogue has a rather bitter taste, so the reception by children is often problematic. Even dissolution in milk sometimes does not save the situation.
Validity of admission
Ursofalk is considered a fairly powerful drug that affects many body systems. Therefore, the decision on the validity of his appointment should be made only by a specialist. It is worth noting that the properties of the drug for the newborn have not yet been studied, so often doctors recommend lighter analogues.
It is known that fresh air and the sun play an important role in the treatment of physiological jaundice. If the baby was born in winter, then special lamps are prescribed. However, such procedures can only be carried out in a hospital setting.
Reviews about the drug
Reviews of experts and parents are mostly positive. When taking, a rapid improvement in the condition of the baby is noted, and bilirubin decreases in a few days. However, such a reaction is possible only with correctly calculated dosage and direct indications.
Sometimes mothers note the appearance of liquid stool on the background. But this condition usually disappears after two days. Doctors recommend giving babies some water, even if they are breast-fed. This contributes to a better yield of decayed bilirubin in the urine.
During treatment, it is important to monitor the condition of the baby. His stomach may get sick. In this case, the newborn cries, groans, tightens his legs and shows general anxiety. If skin itching and urticaria join these symptoms, then you need to call a doctor. The child is likely to be hospitalized for further treatment.
It is important to understand that the drug refers to serious drugs with a hepatoprotective effect, which are often prescribed for adults with severe liver damage. Therefore, the reception in the smallest patients should take place only under the supervision and control of the attending physician. There are many analogues that are easier to use, so before deciding to take this particular drug, it is worth discussing with a specialist the possibility of a replacement.
Conclusion
Physiological jaundice in a newborn is a frequent occurrence and sometimes passes on its own. To avoid problems, it is important to follow all the recommendations of doctors. However, if physiotherapy and other methods do not help to cope with the problem, Ursofalk may be prescribed.