The human liver has an amazing property - the ability to recover independently. However, in modern living conditions, it is becoming easily wounded. The organ is especially vulnerable in those people who do not adhere to the correct lifestyle: they consume alcohol, unhealthy foods, and various pharmaceuticals. It is not surprising that for many patients, doctors recommend taking hepatoprotectors - drugs, the list of which is quite extensive. All of them perform an essential function - they contribute to the protection of the liver.
General information
Medicines that have a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and contribute to its restoration are hepatoprotectors.
The drugs, a list of which will be given below, perfectly protect the body from:
- aggressive medications;
- exposure to poisons;
- alcohol.
Using them allows you to improve metabolism. They ensure the efficiency of liver cells. Thus, the main function of drugs is to protect the body from the negative effects of various damaging factors.
Modern pharmacologists have developed a wide variety of hepatoprotectors. The list of drugs should be divided according to the principle of action and composition. However, all these medicines benefit the liver. But they should be taken only after consultation with a specialist.
In addition, it is important to understand: hepatoprotectors are not able to completely protect the body from the harm that alcohol causes. The only way to prevent the damaging effect is to protect the body from alcohol-containing drinks.
Not only for treatment, but also for prophylactic purposes, hepatoprotectors (drugs) are prescribed.
The list of medicines included in this group has a fairly broad indication for use:
- It is advisable to use them for people who are constantly interacting with chemical, radioactive, toxic components.
- Such drugs are useful for people aged, because their liver often needs medical support.
- In addition, these funds are beneficial in the fight against diseases of the digestive tract, biliary tract.
But most importantly - we must remember that hepatoprotectors can be used only after the appointment of a doctor.
Mechanism of action
The liver is only able to function normally if the cell membranes are intact. If they are clogged, the body cannot perform the function of cleansing. In this case, hepatoprotectors for the liver are prescribed. The list of effective drugs that can speed up the metabolic process in cells is very wide. However, it is not worth using them at your discretion, without the appointment of a doctor.
Hepatoprotectors improve the functioning of the enzyme systems of the body, accelerate the movement of substances, enhance the protection of cells, improve their nutrition, and participate in division. This all provides restoration of the liver. In addition, the biochemical parameters of the functioning of the organ are significantly improved.
Basic properties
It should be remembered that there are a wide variety of hepatoprotectors. Preparations, the list of which is classified depending on the mechanism of action and the main substance, perform various functions. Some medicines recover damaged cells much faster. Others better cleanse the liver.
Despite these differences, all drugs have common properties:
- Hepatoprotectors are based on natural substances, the components of the normal environment of the body.
- Their action is aimed at restoring the impaired functioning of the liver and normalizing metabolism.
- The drug neutralizes toxic products that enter the body from the outside or are formed inside, due to a metabolic disorder or illness.
- Medicines contribute to the regeneration of cells and ensure their resistance to harmful effects.
The use of medicines
So, hepatoprotectors are drugs that have a positive effect on the functioning of the liver. However, they all differ in the mechanism of action. Such agents can provide the following properties to the body: anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, metabolic.
These drugs are widely used for:
- liver diseases (alcoholic and nonalcoholic);
- hepatitis (medicinal, viral, toxic);
- cirrhosis;
- psoriasis
- cholestatic lesions;
- toxicosis during pregnancy.
Drug classification
Unfortunately, to this day there is no single system that allows you to divide into groups hepatoprotectors (drugs).
The classification that has found application in medicine is as follows:
- Essential phospholipids. Medicines in this group are obtained from soybeans. These are excellent hepatoprotectors of plant origin. The list of medicines belonging to this group: Essential Forte, Phosphogliv, Rezalyut Pro, Essliver forte. Plant phospholipids resemble those found in human liver cells. That is why they naturally integrate into affected cells and contribute to their recovery. Medicines have practically no side effects. It is extremely rare that they can cause an allergic reaction if a person has an individual intolerance to the medication, or a relaxation of the stool.
- Plant flavonoids. Such medicines are natural compounds - natural antioxidants. The action of drugs is aimed at neutralizing free radicals. Medicines are obtained from medicinal plants: celandine, medicinal smoky, spotted milk thistle, turmeric. These are quite popular hepatoprotectors. The list of drugs that make up this group: Karsil, Hepabene, Silimar, Legalon, Hepatofalk Plant. Such medicines have a small list of side effects. In some cases, they can provoke allergic manifestations or loose stools. These drugs have not only hepatoprotective effect. They perfectly relieve spasm of the gallbladder, help improve the outflow of bile and its production. That is why these drugs are prescribed for hepatitis, accompanied by biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis.
- Derivatives of amino acids. These medicines are based on protein components and other essential substances for the body. This ensures the direct participation of these drugs in the metabolism. They complement and normalize the metabolic process, have a detoxifying effect and contribute to supporting the body. In severe forms of intoxication, liver failure, such hepatoprotectors are prescribed. The list of drugs that are among the derivatives of amino acids is as follows: Heptral, Heptor, Hepa-Merz, Hepasol A, Hepasol Neo, Remaxol, Hepasteril. These drugs often provoke side effects. Among them are: discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea.
- Medications of ursodeoxycholic acid. These medicines are based on a natural component - the bile of the Himalayan bear. Such a substance is called ursodeoxycholic acid. The component helps to improve solubility and the removal of bile from the human body. The substance leads to a decrease in damage and death of liver cells with a variety of ailments. Ursodeoxycholic acid has an immunomodulatory effect. In case of gallstone disease, fatty hepatosis, biliary cirrhosis, and alcoholic illness, it is these hepatoprotectors for the liver that will benefit. The list of the most effective drugs: Ursodex, Ursodez, Ursosan, Ursofalk, PMS-ursodiol, Urdox, Urzofalk, Urso 100, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Ursoliv, Ursoliv Ursolizin ”,“ Ursorom S ”,“ Ursokhol ”,“ Holudexan ”. These medications are contraindicated in severe hepatic and renal failure, decompensated cirrhosis, pancreatitis, acute ulcer, calcium stones in the gall, acute inflammation of the bladder.
In addition to the drugs listed above, there are other drugs that have hepatoprotective properties.
These include dietary supplements:
- Hepaphor.
- Sibektan.
- LIV-52.
- The Cheetah.
- "Pumpkin".
Some homeopathic medicines also have a hepatoprotective effect:
- Hepel.
- "Galstena."
- "Sirepar."
However, the concentration of essential substances in these medicines is insufficient. Therefore, with diseases they are not recommended for use.
Consider the most effective hepatoprotectors - a list of the best medicines, according to doctors.
The drug "Galstena"
This tool is one of the best medicines to combat liver ailments in children. Such a drug can be used from the first days of a baby's life. The medicine is a representative of the group comprising combined hepatoprotectors (drugs).
The instruction indicates that the medication has a protective effect on liver cells. It contributes to the production of bile in a normal consistency. This prevents the formation of stones. The medicine relieves pain in the liver area, relieves cramping.
A medication is used in the treatment of hepatitis. It is also prescribed for the prevention of damage to liver cells. This tool is recommended for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or antibiotic treatment.
The medicine has practically no contraindications. It is not recommended for use only by those who have an individual sensitivity to the components of the drug.
The drug "Essentiale"
The product is based on highly purified phospholipids. They perfectly normalize the metabolic functions in the gland, protect its cells from external influences. In addition, this drug stimulates the restoration of the liver.
The tool is used for the following ailments:
- fatty hepatosis;
- cirrhosis;
- hepatic coma ;
- hepatitis.
The drug "Essential" in the form of a solution is allowed for use by children from 3 years. The medicine in capsules is recommended for use from 12 years.
Means "Antral"
The medicine is used to combat various forms of hepatitis. The drug perfectly reduces the level of bilirubin, liver enzymes that penetrate as a result of cell damage into the bloodstream. In addition, it is used for prophylaxis in immunodeficiency or chemotherapy.
The tool is characterized by excellent anti-inflammatory effect, promotes the activation of regenerative processes in cells.
The medication has a small number of contraindications and side effects. It is not recommended for use in acute renal failure.
No medicine is prescribed for children under 4 years of age.
Milk Thistle
This is one of the popular hepatoprotectors of plant origin. From ripe milk thistle fruits get the necessary substance - silymarin. It is found in many effective medicines.
Milk thistle-based hepatoprotectors:
- "Legalon."
- Gepabene.
- "Carsil."
Such medicines are used for toxic liver damage, hepatitis, fatty disease. In addition, it is scientifically confirmed that spotted milk thistle has antioxidant properties. It protects the liver from the development of connective tissue, provides an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.
Such features make it possible to prescribe these hepatoprotectors (herbal preparations ) to patients suffering from chronic pathologies of the gland.
Silymarin-based medicines are approved for use by children from the age of five.
Hepel medicine
Homeopathic medicine allows you to relieve cramps, restore liver cells, improves the functioning of the bile. The tool is used for various ailments of the gland due to many therapeutic effects. In addition, this medication is effective for gastrointestinal tract pathologies, some skin diseases.
The drug can be prescribed even to newborn crumbs (with jaundice). However, only under the supervision of a physician.
The medicine "Cholenzym"
The tool is an effective combination drug. It combines bile and certain pancreatic enzymes. This drug enhances the outflow of bile, significantly improves digestion.
The tool is used for cholecystitis, chronic hepatitis and some pathologies of the digestive system. Contraindications to the prescription of the drug "Cholenzym" are: obstructive jaundice, acute pancreatitis. In some cases, side effects in the form of allergic manifestations (itching, redness) are possible.
This tool is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
The medicine "Ursosan"
The active substance of the drug is ursodeoxycholic acid. It provides the formation of fluid compounds with cholesterol. As a result, the body is protected from the formation of stones.
In addition, this substance reduces cholesterol production, is an effective protection for liver cells. The tool is used to combat gallstone disease. Effectively eliminates the symptoms of biliary cirrhosis.
The medicine is contraindicated in case of acute cholecystitis, obstruction of the biliary tract, the presence of calcified stones.
The medication can be used only for those children who are already 5 years old.
The drug "Heptral"
The tool is based on ademetionin - an amino acid that takes part in many biochemical reactions that occur in the body. This substance improves the physical quality of bile, reduces toxicity and facilitates its withdrawal.
The medication is prescribed for:
- cholestasis
- fatty degeneration,
- cirrhotic disorders of the liver,
- chronic hepatitis.
The drug has side effects. It can provoke dyspeptic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, sleep disorders, psyche. Sometimes causes allergic reactions. This product is not intended for persons under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating mothers.
The best drugs for children
All of the above allows us to conclude which hepatoprotectors are used for babies.
The list for children contains the following drugs:
- From the newborn period. The medicines used are: Galstena, Hepel.
- Kids from 3 years old. It is allowed to use the medicine "Essential".
- Children from 4 years old. Assign the tool "Antral".
- Five year old children. The therapy may include drugs: Karsil, Legalon, Gepabene, Ursosan.
- From 12 years old. Prescribe the medicine "Cholenzym".
- Persons from 18 years. Heptral can be taken.
However, do not forget that any medication should be taken only after prescribing it by a doctor.