They have long been talking about the importance of normalizing intestinal microflora. It is proved that thanks to bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, the human body maintains strong immunity, the necessary enzymes and vitamins are produced, and the digestive system works correctly. And microflora can be disturbed for a variety of reasons. As a result, a person is tormented by flatulence, indigestion, abdominal pain and digestive disorders. To treat such conditions, doctors often prescribe probiotics that colonize the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Linex has been considered one of the best among them for several years now. Instructions for use with this drug notes that its composition provides not only an increase in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the body, but also the elimination of many symptoms of dysbiosis.
General characteristics of the drug
Linex is a combined preparation containing three types of beneficial lactic acid bacteria. They are natural for the body, the intestine is colonized by them after the birth of the baby. The drug is available in capsules, they are white, opaque. Each package contains 16, 32 or 64 pieces. The cost of an average package, sufficient for a short course of treatment, is about 500 rubles. The drug is produced in Slovenia by the pharmaceutical company LEK and in Switzerland by the Sandoz company.
Each capsule "Linex" contains 280 mg of a specially created substance lebenin. It is a white powder without taste and odor. Lebenin is a combination of live bacteria treated in a special way. The capsule contains bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci, as well as potato starch, lactose and magnesium stearate. This substance is enclosed in an enteric coating, therefore, it does not break down under the influence of gastric juice.
In addition to the usual Linex, Linex Forte is also produced, which contains an increased number of lactic acid bacteria. In addition, in addition to lactose, it contains other prebiotics: oligofructose and inulin. On sale you can also find a special form of release for children - in powder, packaged in bags.
What effect does
After taking the Linex capsule, its contents are released only in the intestine. At the same time, bacteria populate its space, as they are natural inhabitants, and lactulose serves as food for them. As a result, the acid-base balance in the intestine shifts to the acid side, which contributes to the destruction of all pathogenic microorganisms. An acidic environment also improves the action of all digestive enzymes and the synthesis of many essential vitamins. As a result of this, the Linex medicine has the following effect on the body:
- improves immunity;
- stimulates the production of vitamins K, E, B, C;
- accelerates the processing of bile acids;
- normalizes digestion;
- destroys pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms;
- normalizes metabolic processes.
Indications for use "Linex"
This drug is recommended to be taken for the treatment and prevention of dysbiosis, that is, imbalance in the microflora in the intestine. With this violation, the number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli decreases, and pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply actively. Dysbacteriosis is a pathology that is characterized by such symptoms:
- nausea, vomiting;
- belching, heaviness in the stomach after eating;
- impaired appetite and slow digestion;
- flatulence, bloating;
- alternating constipation and diarrhea;
- recurrent abdominal pain;
- allergic reactions;
- deterioration in overall health;
- frequent colds.
The drug is used in the complex treatment of diarrhea of medicinal or infectious origin, intestinal infections, food poisoning, gastroenteritis. It helps with chronic or acute gastroduodenitis, vaginal dysbiosis. The drug "Linex" is used not only for treatment, but also for prophylaxis, for example, with errors in nutrition or when taking antibiotics.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug "Linex" calls the instruction absolutely safe. It can be used even for newborns and pregnant women. After all, the composition of the drug includes bacteria that inhabit the human intestines, just in some cases they become very few. Contraindications include only individual intolerance, which is very rare, as well as an allergy to dairy products and lactose. It is undesirable to use the drug without consulting a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, is accompanied by fever, severe pain in the abdomen, if blood or mucus is present in the stool.
The instructions do not describe side effects from taking Linex. But allergic reactions may occur, especially with serious chronic diseases or lactose intolerance. In addition, when using the drug for diarrhea without a doctor’s prescription, the condition of the patient may worsen beyond the indications.
Instructions for use of the drug
Take Linex tablets after meals with a small amount of water. This will help the components of the drug reach the intestines without any problems. It is usually recommended to drink 2 capsules of the drug three times a day. This dosage is indicated for adults and children after 12 years. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the patient's condition. The drug can be prescribed to drink 5-7 days in acute digestive disorders or for a month with chronic dysbiosis. It is usually recommended to continue treatment until the patient's condition improves. Linex for children under 12 years of age is used according to the doctor’s testimony in an individual dosage. Swallow the capsule whole, drink it only with water.
Use in childhood
Often prescribed drug "Linex" for children even infants. The dosage is determined by the doctor individually, depending on the condition of the child. Usually, up to 2 years old it is recommended to drink 1 capsule, and from 2 to 12 years old - 1-2 pieces. Take the drug three times a day. If a child cannot swallow a whole capsule, it must be opened and the powder mixed with a small amount of liquid, for example, juice or a milk mixture, added to food. This can only be done for children, since they have a different level of acidity in the digestive tract and the bacteria live in the intestines.
Indications for the use of Linex in children is a delay in the formation of normal microflora due to malnutrition, viral infections or antibiotics. The drug can be given if the child has flatulence, colic, frequent spitting up, constipation or diarrhea, allergic reactions. But children under 6 years old can use Linex only as directed by a doctor.
Application features
The instruction to "Linex" in addition to the dosage also indicates how to take the drug. It is recommended to drink it with water, it should be cool. You can not drink alcoholic beverages or drink hot tea with it at the same time. If Linex is used against the background of diarrhea and vomiting, it is necessary to compensate for fluid loss and normalize the electrolyte balance of the body using special solutions for rehydration.
Be sure to tell your doctor before taking the drug if the patient has serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS. As part of the complex treatment, Linex can be used in conjunction with any medications. Only when using antacids or adsorbents, it is necessary to withstand at least an hour between their intake. And with simultaneous use with antibiotics to prevent their negative impact on the intestinal microflora, it is recommended to drink Linex 3 hours after them.
Analogues of the drug
Among the large number of probiotics used to treat dysbiosis, the drug "Linex" stands out strongly. Its analogues may be the same or even better in terms of effectiveness, but there are no similar preparations in terms of composition. The substance libenin containing 3 types of lactic acid bacteria and lactose is unique. But you can use other similar drugs in the treatment of dysbiosis. The best analogues of Linex are the following:
- Acipol;
- "Bifidumbacterin";
- "Bifikol";
- "Beefiform";
- "Lactobacterin";
- "Biosporin";
- Normase
- "Maxilac";
- Primadofilus;
- "Florin";
- Hilak Forte
- Enterol.
Reviews about Linex
Adults can take the drug without a doctor's prescription to eliminate the symptoms of dysbiosis. Moreover, it is sold in pharmacies without a prescription. But for children, as well as in the event that discomfort in the intestine begins abruptly, consultation is necessary. After all, the drug can not independently cure an intestinal infection or inflammation of the mucous membrane. But its use is effective in case of dysbiosis.
Also, as part of complex treatment, Linex is often used. In the reviews, doctors and patients note that against its background, therapy with antibiotics or other strong chemicals passes easily and without consequences. The drug protects against intestinal microflora disturbance, from pain and diarrhea. Parents of young children also leave many positive reviews after taking Linex. They note that it is not difficult to give the drug to the child - you just need to pour the powder into juice or porridge, and he has high efficiency. The drug well relieves the baby from colic, bloating and diarrhea.