All processes in the human body are regulated by trace elements. Many of them come with food. Their lack is reflected in the state of health. Especially often there is a shortage of potassium and magnesium, as a result of which the work of the cardiovascular system is disrupted and the person's well-being worsens. Often in such cases, natural vitamin preparations are prescribed, one of which is Asparkam. The INN (or international nonproprietary name) of this product is magnesium and potassium aspartate, because it contains only two active ingredients. It is thanks to them that the drug has healing properties and helps with various pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
General characteristics of the drug
Asparkam is released, whose INN is potassium and magnesium aspartate, in the form of tablets or injection. Its action is based on the properties of the main components - magnesium and potassium, which are present in the preparation in the form of aspartate. So they are better absorbed and manifest all their healing properties. Injection solution is used only in a medical institution, and Asparkam tablets can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. They are inexpensive, therefore available to each patient.
The name of the INN “Asparkama” reflects its composition. After all, the main active ingredients of the drug are potassium and magnesium aspartates. But, the composition of the tablets also contains auxiliary components that are needed to give the desired shape and consistency to the tablets. These are starch, macrogol, silicon dioxide and stearic acid.
Properties of Potassium and Magnesium
As noted above, INP "Asparkama" - magnesium and potassium aspartate. This form of minerals ensures the timely delivery of ions of these trace elements directly into the cell space. Due to this, they are actively involved in metabolic processes in the body and eliminate the imbalance of electrolytes. Asparaginates are fairly easily absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly excreted through the kidneys. The effectiveness of the drug is due to the properties of potassium and magnesium.
Potassium is involved in the behavior of nerve impulses. In addition, it improves muscle function, enhancing muscle fiber contraction. Due to this, an additional intake of potassium normalizes the activity of the heart. In small doses, potassium dilates the coronary vessels, and in case of an overdose it narrows. The lack of this microelement can lead to the appearance of edema, seizures, impaired heart function.
Magnesium is also involved in conducting nerve impulses, but most of all it affects enzyme reactions and metabolic processes. It regulates the intake and expenditure of energy, normalizes the balance of electrolytes. It is magnesium that regulates the balance of neuromuscular reactions and contributes to the normal delivery of ions to cells. It also normalizes the permeability of cell membranes and is involved in cell growth.
Drug action
Despite the fact that everyone knows what important role minerals play in the body, many patients are perplexed: what is Asparkam for, for example, in heart failure? In fact, this drug can improve the patient’s condition even when used alone and is quite effective as part of a comprehensive treatment. It makes up for the lack of potassium and magnesium that is common in humans. Loss of these trace elements increase with hormonal disruptions, increased sweating, diarrhea, diseases of the digestive tract, the use of alcoholic beverages.
When taken in the recommended dosage, Asparkam has the following effects:
- normalizes heart rate;
- improves conduction of nerve impulses;
- increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels;
- improves blood flow;
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- improves the functioning of the heart muscle.
Indications for use of the drug
Asparkam, whose INN reflects its composition, is used quite often for various pathologies of the cardiovascular system. The drug belongs to the group of metabolic agents that regulate the balance of trace elements in the body. Making up for the lack of potassium and magnesium ions in the blood, Asparkam normalizes nerve conduction and heart rate. Therefore, this drug is most often used for arrhythmias, coronary heart disease and heart failure. It can be prescribed independently or as part of a comprehensive treatment. This medication prevents the occurrence of myocardial infarction or stroke.
But not only patients with heart pathologies need Asparks. What this drug helps from is not always indicated in the instructions. Doctors can prescribe it in such cases:
- with increased intracranial pressure in conjunction with "Diacarb";
- chronic circulatory failure;
- frequent spasms of muscles or blood vessels;
- anxiety, irritability;
- shock conditions;
- after taking digitalis preparations to stop its toxic effects;
- with epilepsy;
- severe edema;
- glaucoma
- Meniere's disease;
- alcoholism.
What is Asparkam healthy for?
This drug has long been popular not only with cardiologists. It is prescribed by therapists with a decrease in working capacity and frequent convulsions. Doctors of sports medicine also paid attention to this remedy. Now the drug is actively used by athletes, especially in bodybuilding. It neutralizes the negative effects of a special protein diet for muscle building and prevents a lack of potassium and magnesium. "Asparkam" improves performance, eliminates fatigue, and prevents the occurrence of seizures.
In addition, it has recently become popular to take this drug for weight loss. After all, it normalizes metabolic processes, prevents fluid retention in the body, strengthens the heart muscle. “Asparkam” alone will not help to lose weight, but it can be an addition to diets and sports training. Although, even healthy people can take this medication only after consulting a doctor.
Contraindications to its reception
Asparkam is not always suitable for patients. Therefore, it is undesirable to self-medicate and take it without consulting a doctor. Contraindications include the following conditions:
- individual intolerance;
- renal failure, impaired urine outflow;
- violation of protein metabolism;
- violation of the adrenal glands;
- excess potassium and magnesium in the blood;
- myasthenia gravis;
- low blood pressure;
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- some serious cardiac pathologies, such as AV blockade.
Often people are interested in whether it is possible to take Asparkam to children. After all, the instructions indicate that until the age of 18, the drug is contraindicated, but doctors sometimes prescribe it even for infants. It is needed when the first signs of epilepsy, inflammatory heart disease, or severe hypokalemia appear. Apply the drug only after blood tests that confirm the lack of potassium.
During pregnancy and lactation, you can take Asparkam only according to strict indications, if the benefit to the mother exceeds the possible harm to the fetus.
Possible side effects
Asparkam is generally well tolerated by patients. Side effects when all the doctor's recommendations are followed are rare. But in case of individual intolerance, it is recommended to take Asparkam analogues. The instruction for use notes that there is a possibility of the appearance of such side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
- flatulence;
- dry mouth
- abdominal pain, burning;
- the appearance of ulcers on the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- hives;
- atrioventricular block;
- slow heart rate;
- a strong decrease in blood pressure;
- the appearance of blood clots in the vessels;
- dizziness;
- weakness, decreased performance.
Often there is also an excess of potassium or magnesium in the blood. This is expressed in violation of the gastrointestinal tract, paresthesia, muscle weakness, strong thirst, redness of the face, and a drop in blood pressure. Cramps, shortness of breath, or even coma are sometimes possible.
Interaction with other drugs
Often the medicine "Asparkam" is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment. It is very important to consider the compatibility of different drugs. It is undesirable to use Asparkam together with potassium-sparing diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, adrenergic blockers or Heparin. This increases the risk of an excess of potassium in the blood. And when taken together with Calcitriol, the amount of magnesium in the blood rises.
"Asparkam" can enhance the effect of muscle relaxants, causing severe muscle weakness, up to paresis. In addition, it can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of certain drugs: Tetracycline, Neomycin, Streptomycin, or Polymyxin. But there are also drug interactions that are favorable for the patient. For example, Asparkam is often prescribed together with glucocorticosteroids, as it prevents the development of hypokalemia. And when taking cardiac glycosides and diuretics, it reduces the risk of side effects.
Instructions for use
Usually prescribed "Asparkam" in the form of tablets. They are taken half an hour after a meal, so the active substances are better absorbed. It is recommended to drink 1-2 tablets three times a day. If the drug is taken for preventive purposes, 1 tablet is sufficient, in severe cases - 2 tablets. The course of treatment usually lasts from 2 weeks to a month.
If it is necessary to prescribe the drug to children, the dosage is calculated strictly individually, starting with a quarter of the tablet per day. A whole tablet can be drunk only after 10 years, but 1-2 times a day. After 16 years of age, the dosage may be the same as in adults.
Solution for injection is used only in a medical facility. It must be administered very slowly so that severe hyperkalemia does not develop. The infusion is done intravenously through a dropper. Dilute the drug in glucose or sodium chloride. 10-20 ml is enough for one infusion. The procedure is carried out twice a day. The course of intravenous administration of Asparkam should not exceed 10 days.
Analogs of Asparkama
Reviews on the use of this drug note that it is quite effective for its low price. On sale you can find several drugs that are synonymous with this tool. The most popular are: Asparkam Aveksima, Asparkam L, Potassium and Magnesium Asparaginate.
But there are other drugs that also contain these minerals. This is “Panangin”, “Pamaton”, “Mexarithm”, “Rhythmocard”. Especially often they use Panangin instead of Asparkam. This drug is more expensive, but many patients prefer it, because they believe that it is better tolerated. But the concentration of potassium and magnesium in "Panangin" is less, so the replacement of drugs without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Reviews on Using Asparkam
This drug is often prescribed by doctors for any problems with the work of the cardiovascular system. It is quite effective and well tolerated by patients. This is provided by numerous reviews. Many patients to whom Panangin was prescribed begin to take Asparkam, since it costs less and its effect is no less effective.