Metabolic disorders of the body is a very common disease. A huge number of diseases is accompanied by the development of metabolic syndrome. One of these diseases is diabetes. The main therapy of this pathological condition is aimed at reducing the occurring metabolic disorders and a qualitative increase in the functional state of the nervous system. A highly effective drug that is used to treat such disorders is the drug “Berlition” and its analogue “Dialipon”.
Let's look at how the main component of these drugs works - lipoic acid, its use in various situations.
Pharmacodynamic features
The main active ingredient included in the drug “Berlition”, analogues of this drug, alpha-lipoic acid, is a coenzyme synthesized by almost all the cells of our body. The main function of this enzyme is the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids, which determines its active role in maintaining the energy balance of the cell. Taking an active part in the metabolic reactions of cells, lipoic acid contributes to the optimal reduction of blood sugar in the blood plasma (by increasing the utilization of this energy substrate), as well as enhancing glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes. Since this coenzyme takes an active part in the reactions of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, its deficiency (for example, associated with an increase in the level of ketones) leads to a decrease in the intensity of the processes of aerobic decomposition of glucose.
Due to pharmacological similarity with preparations of B vitamins, lipoic acid is able to not only have antitoxic and antioxidant effects, but also affect cholesterol metabolism in the body, lipid metabolism and hepatoprotective effect. The latter effects are due to the ability of the drug to act on the so-called SH-groups of proteins.
Pharmacological characteristics
After entering the body, lipoic acid undergoes significant changes due to primary metabolism in hepatocytes. The structural change occurs mainly due to the oxidation of the side chains and the formation of conjugates. System accessibility varies among different groups of patients, which is due to the individual characteristics of the body and the influence of the disease. The excretion of lipoic acid and its metabolites is carried out mainly by the kidneys, however, the drug is also partially excreted in the bile. The plasma half-life ranges from 10 to 20 minutes.
Lipoic acid: application
Lipoic acid is indicated for use in patients with diabetes mellitus to improve sensitivity in developing diabetic polyneuropathy. There is evidence of the effectiveness of thioctic acid in the complex treatment of atherosclerosis of coronary arteries and diseases of the hepatobiliary system. The drug is also effective in the treatment of poisoning with salts of heavy metals (due to the ability to restore SH-groups).
Contraindications
For lipoic acid, "Berlition" or its analogue, the drug "Dialipon", the instructions for use report that they are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components, in acute heart and respiratory failure. They are also forbidden to take in case of chronic alcoholism and cerebral hemodynamics, during breastfeeding.
"Berlition" and "Dialipon": instructions for use
Drugs are administered intravenously from a vial without prior dilution. The daily dosage of these drugs for adults is 600 mg. A dropper "Berlition" or "Dialipon" is placed and dripped for at least half an hour. An indicative course of treatment is from two to four weeks. If necessary, you can continue taking the drug in the form of capsules in the same dosage.
Berlition tablets are used for adults at the rate of 25-50 mg two or three times a day; for children, a dosage of 12 or 24 mg is possible.
Side effects
Side effects that occur on the part of the nervous system and analyzers are manifested in the form of double vision, violation of taste sensations. With a low probability, the appearance of a convulsive syndrome. In this case, the latter proceeds in the form of small seizures or as absences.
On the part of the blood system, the appearance of hemorrhagic rashes like thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombosis in the veins of the lower extremities.
Allergic reactions to the administration of the drug are manifested in the form of redness, eczema at the injection site. Perhaps the development of allergic reactions at the body level, proceeding as anaphylactic shock.
On the part of the whole organism, a decrease in blood glucose levels, disturbances from the vestibular analyzer, headaches and dizziness are possible.
Patients who receive injections of the drug for the first time should be informed that compressive pain may occur in the head and heart, which are self-resolving and do not require additional therapy.
Do not think that the frequency of adverse reactions depends on the manufacturer and the name. Berlition, analogues of this drug are equally capable of causing side effects depending on the characteristics of the body and the course of the disease.
Special instructions for the use of the drug
Due to the high instability of the drug when exposed to sunlight, it is recommended to cover the drug vials with black opaque material or a case. In conditions of separation, the use of special light-protective covers is integral.
Due to the hypoglycemic effect that occurs after administration of the drug, special attention should be paid to monitoring the plasma glucose level in patients with diabetes mellitus.
In the course of treatment with Dialipon, it is necessary to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this can lead to a decrease in the therapeutic effectiveness of this drug.
It must be remembered that the drug interacts with sugars and metal ions, therefore, the combination of alpha-lipoic acid with Ringer, glucose, and fructose solutions is contraindicated. Also, the drug can not be used together with medicines containing magnesium and iron ions.
"Dialipon" is not used during lactation and lactation. Due to the lack of data on the effectiveness of this drug in children, the use of the latter is contraindicated.
There are no data on the effect of the drug on the reaction rate and the ability to control mechanisms.
Drug interactions
Lipoic acid enhances the therapeutic effect of insulin and hypoglycemic drugs. This must be considered in patients with diabetes.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose are nausea, dizziness and headaches, vomiting, psychomotor agitation up to the development of a generalized convulsive syndrome. In the case of taking high doses of the drug, it is possible to develop conditions such as hypoglycemic shock, necrosis of the striated skeletal muscles, inhibition of the central nervous system and impaired functioning of internal organs up to the development of multiple organ failure.
Therapy for symptomatic poisoning, based on the rules for emergency medical care. There is no specific antidote. The effectiveness of dialysis methods has not been proven.
Doctors reviews
Due to the high effectiveness of the drug, doctors recommend it for use, especially in the treatment of complications of diabetes. In turn, patients taking Berlition, analogues of this drug, do not notice much difference in the effectiveness of the action between them.
Depending on the margin, the cost of drugs of this type can vary significantly. An average of 650 to 950 rubles is the drug "Berlition" (analogues). The price depends on the dosage (a smaller dose - less cost), as well as on the manufacturer.
Conclusion
The drug "Berlition", analogues in the form of "Dialipon" or "Dialipon Turbo" are effective drugs in the fight against complications of diabetes in patients of various age groups. Due to its high therapeutic efficacy, alpha lipoic acid can also be used for the symptomatic treatment of alcoholism.