In the article, we consider the instructions for use for Plantex for newborns, as well as the most popular analogues.
Many newborns suffer from digestive problems caused by an underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract. Colic appears in many children during the first months of life. At the same time, the child feels discomfort and pain, sleeps poorly and is naughty. Various means and preparations come to the aid of newborn children. One of the most effective pharmacy medicines is Plantex. Its analogs will be considered below.
Structure
"Plantex" is produced in the form of small-sized granules of light brown color. The drug is dissolved in water until a greenish or brown shade of the substance is obtained.
As an active ingredient in the granules, fennel seeds, popularly known as pharmaceutical dill, are used. The plant is close in structure and properties to ordinary dill, which grows in each garden.
For the preparation of Plantex, plant umbrellas that contain seeds are used. The latter are collected as they mature. The difference between fennel and dill is the smell; in the first plant, the aroma resembles anise. Seeds of a greenish tint, which is transmitted to the granules.
The active substance in Plantex is an extract obtained from the seeds of a plant, as well as its esters. The composition is supplemented with other components, including lactose, glucose, anhydrous dextrose, acacia gum and galactose. Together, these substances make it possible to granulate the drug.
What is the effect of "Plantex"?
Mechanism of action
The medication has the ability to normalize the digestion process. The advantage of Plantex, which attracts many parents, is its natural composition, in which there are no chemical components.
The active components of the granules have a stimulating effect on the production of gastric juice and increase intestinal motility. These properties allow food to be absorbed faster, as well as prevent the intestinal fermentation process and reduce gas formation. The lactose in the composition allows all nutrients to be absorbed in the body of the child.
What does the instruction for use with Plantex for newborns tell us?
Indications
Indications for the use of the medication are disorders in the digestive process, accompanied by difficulty in digestion, as well as absorption of nutrients, increased gas formation and the likelihood of developing spastic pain syndrome in infancy. The drug is prescribed to reduce the intensity of dyspeptic manifestations when the baby passes from breast milk to another type of food.
Contraindications
"Plantex" is not prescribed for the following pathological conditions in children:
- Intolerance to the components of the drug of an individual nature.
- Lactose deficiency due to the low level of production of a special digestive enzyme that provokes the breakdown of lactose.
- Galactosemia. It is a pathology of hereditary genesis, in which there is a violation of the conversion of galactose to glucose at the enzyme level.
- Glucose-galactose type malabsorption. This is a violation of the process of digestion and absorption of galactose and glucose carbohydrates.
Parents must be sure that the baby has no contraindications to taking the drug.
Instruction manual
So, how to give Plantex to infants?
To take the medication, it is necessary to prepare a solution from the granules. To this end, the contents of one sachet with the drug is dissolved in 100 ml. water, preferably warm, and stirred until smooth. Granules should be taken between meals or immediately after. The dosage is selected depending on the indications and age of the newborn baby:
- Children immediately after birth and up to one year: 1-2 sachets for 2-3 doses.
- From a year to four years: 2-3 sachets for 2-3 receptions.
In infants, the drug is given in a bottle with a pacifier.
"Plantex" is well tolerated by the children's body. In some cases, an allergic reaction to the components of the drug may be observed, accompanied by a rash, hives, itching and other dermatological manifestations. If the child has such symptoms, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
Analogs of Plantex
A number of drugs based on simethicone are distinguished, which are analogues in terms of the effect on the children's body.
Espumisan is the most popular of these drugs. Let's consider it in more detail. Parents often ask which is better - Espumisan or Plantex for newborns.
It can be used for children from the first days of life. The drug is available in the form of capsules and drops. The latter are used to relieve signs of digestive disorders in children. Drops are made in two versions:
- "Espumisan Baby" 100 mg simethicone per 1 ml. A single dosage is 5-10 drops.
- "Espumisan L" at 40 mg of simethicone per 1 ml. A single dosage is 25 drops.
The analogue of "Plantex" "Espumisan" is given to the child immediately after or during meals. The drug quickly alleviates the condition of the child. It can be used up to five times a day. There is no addiction to Espumisan, and the only contraindication is bowel obstruction. It is also not recommended to use the drug against the background of fructose intolerance.
Bebicalm
Another popular analogue of Plantex is Bebicalm. This is a herbal preparation, is available in the form of oil, which includes fennel, anise and mint in the form of extracts. The drug effectively eliminates bloating, normalizes the digestive process and relieves inflammation, providing a mild sedative effect.
Drops are diluted in boiled water at room temperature. The resulting solution is given to the child before eating 10 drops. You can give the drug an unlimited number of times per day.
"Plantex" or "Bebicalm" - which is better in reviews?
The main advantage of Bebicalma is the ability to use it as a Plantex from the first days of life. The composition of the drugs is also practically no different. However, some parents say that one of the drugs helps better than the other. Pediatricians recommend trying several options, and then choosing the drug that helps you better.
Dill water
Another time-tested and used by more than one generation tool is represented by dill water. A similar tool can also be used in newborns. Dill water effectively establishes the digestive process, reduces gas production, relieves intestinal cramps, causing colic, and also has an anti-inflammatory and mild sedative effect.
Which is better - "Plantex" or dill water?
Dill water is presented in pharmacies in the form of drops, which are diluted with boiled water, as well as in the form of filter bags intended for brewing. The prepared solution is stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Children are given 10 drops or 1 tsp. decoction. The initial dosage involves a single use of the drug per day, if there is no allergic reaction, you can increase the number of doses up to three times. If colic is too pronounced, dill water is allowed up to six times a day.
The composition of dill water is as simple as possible, which makes the product attractive to parents. You can also use the drug for preventive purposes. However, it should be borne in mind that the absence of additives affects the taste of dill water, which can complicate the child's intake of the drug.
Many believe that other similar drugs have a greater effect, since they have an added composition.
Reviews
According to numerous reviews, all of these drugs are effective in eliminating intestinal colic and other manifestations of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Parents of infants note the calming effect of fennel-based drugs. Some, however, argue that after some time, any drug ceases to function.