What is a drug like Elkar? The release form of this medication, its pharmacological features, instructions for use, contraindications and indications for use, as well as adverse reactions are described below.
Description of the product, form, composition
In what form does Elkar medicine go on sale? There are several forms of release for this drug. Most often, it is acquired in the form of an oral solution (drops). Such a medicine is a clear, colorless or slightly colored liquid with a specific odor.
The active substance of the drug in question is levocarnitine (karnifit). It also includes the following auxiliary components: methyl parahydroxybenzoate, citric acid monohydrate, purified water and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
The presented Elkara release form is sold in dark glass dropper bottles, which are packed in packs of cardboard. Depending on the volume of the container, either a measuring spoon or a measuring cup is supplied with the drug.
Elkar medication in the form of an injection solution is prescribed to patients only in special cases. Such a tool can be used both for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
The solution is placed in colorless glass ampoules with a ring or break point. They are packed in a bundle with partitions or placed in a blister strip packaging made of polyvinyl chloride film. The active component of the injection fluid is also levocarnitine (carnifit). As for the excipient, only water for injection is used as it.
Pharmacological features of the drug
Elkar oral and injection solutions are drugs designed to correct metabolic processes.
The active ingredient of such agents is L-carnitine. According to experts, this is a natural substance that is directly related to the vitamins of group B. Such an element is actively involved in metabolic processes. It is a carrier of long chain fatty acids (including palmitic) through cell membranes from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria, where they are subsequently subjected to a beta-oxidation process with the formation of acetyl-CoA and ATP.
Other properties of the drug
Both presented Elkara release forms help to improve protein and fat metabolism, increase the secretion and enzymatic activity of intestinal and gastric juices, improve the absorption of food, reduce excess body weight and reduce the fat content in muscle tissues. Also, the use of the mentioned medication increases a person’s resistance to physical exertion, reduces the degree of lactic acidosis, has an inhibitory effect on the formation of anaerobic glycolysis and keto acids, saves glycogen consumption and increases its reserves in such internal organs as the liver and muscles.
Both forms of release "Elkara" (oral and injectable solution) have a lipolytic and anabolic effect. Being not a direct inhibitor of thyroid gland function, but a peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormones, such drugs normalize the increased basic metabolism in the presence of hyperthyroidism. They also contribute to a marked improvement in metabolism and energy supply of many tissues.
Pharmacokinetic features
After oral administration, the active component of Elkara is well absorbed in the intestine. Its maximum concentration in the blood is reached after three hours, and the therapeutic level of the drug is maintained for nine hours. Such a drug penetrates the liver and myocardium, as well as muscle tissue. It is excreted through the renal system (in the form of acyl ethers).
Elkar intravenous injections are almost completely eliminated from the blood after three hours. This form of the drug also easily penetrates the myocardium, liver and (slightly slower) muscles.
Indications for use
In what cases can the drug "Elkar" be used? The instruction for adults and children reports that such a tool is used as part of combination therapy for:
- diseases that arise against the background of a lack of carnitine or its high loss (including myopathy, cardiomyopathy, mitochondrial diseases, hereditary pathologies with concomitant mitochondrial insufficiency);
- intense psychoemotional and physical exertion (in order to increase stamina and performance, as well as reduce fatigue, including in older people);
- complex treatment of chronic pancreatitis, accompanied by exocrine insufficiency, as well as chronic gastritis, accompanied by decreased secretory work;
- rehabilitation after surgical interventions, past serious diseases, injuries (in order to accelerate tissue regeneration);
- complex treatment of skin diseases (including psoriasis, focal scleroderma, seborrheic eczema, discoid lupus erythematosus);
- neurological manifestations in brain lesions of traumatic, vascular and toxic origin;
- mild hyperthyroidism;
- anorexia nervosa syndrome.
Also, the medication in question is actively used in sports medicine, with great physical exertion and intense training, with the aim of:
- improved coordination of movements and speed-power indicators;
- prevention of post-training syndrome (that is, to accelerate recovery processes immediately after physical exertion);
- reduction of fat mass and increase muscle;
- accelerate muscle regeneration in traumatic injuries.
In pediatrics, Elkar is used in drops for children. The instruction reports that such a drug for children under three years of age can only be given under the supervision of a specialist. Usually this remedy is prescribed for children:
- with low weight gain;
- with a sluggish sucking reflex;
- with reduced muscle tone;
- for nursing premature newborn babies, as well as those who have suffered asphyxiation or birth injury;
- with insufficient development of mental and motor functions;
- with growth retardation and development.
Contraindications
In what cases can you not use the oral drug "Elkar" (in drops)? The only contraindication to the use of this form of medication is the individual intolerance of its substances. As for the medication for intramuscular and intravenous administration, the following conditions are related to the prohibitions of its use: pregnancy, individual intolerance, breastfeeding.
Dosage dosage for adults
How to take "Elkar" to adult patients? To use such a drug should be inside half an hour before meals, previously diluted with water.
With psychoemotional and prolonged physical exertion, the solution is prescribed in a dosage of 750 mg to 2.25 g three times a day.
During rehabilitation after injuries, previous surgical interventions and diseases, as well as with anorexia nervosa, the medication is taken 1.5 g twice a day for 2 months.
In the treatment of chronic gastritis and pancreatitis, the drug is recommended to use 375 mg twice a day for 1-1.5 months.
For the treatment of skin diseases - 750 mg once for 2-4 weeks.
With brain damage - 750 mg per day for 3-5 days.
With mild hyperthyroidism - 250 mg 2 or 3 r / d. The course of therapy is 20 days.
In conditions accompanied by a deficiency of carnitine, the medication is prescribed in a dosage of 50-100 mg per kg of body weight (2 or 3 r / d for 3-4 months).
Drops for children
For children, the Elkar solution is added to sweet dishes (compote, jelly, juices).
The dosage regimen of such a drug for children is established individually (single dose from 100 mg to 300 mg).
Method of administration of injection solution
The drug "Elkar" is administered intramuscularly or intravenously (streaming or drip slowly). Before iv administration, the solution is mixed with 100-200 ml of solvent (5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride).
Side effects
With the oral administration of Elkara, the patient (from the digestive system) may experience negative effects such as gastralgia and dyspepsia. Also, in people with uremia, myasthenia gravis and allergic reactions are possible.
As for the injection solution, with its introduction, allergic reactions and muscle weakness can also develop. With a rapid infusion of the drug, pain along the vein is likely to occur, which usually disappears after a decrease in the rate of administration.
Interaction with other medicines
Before using the tool in question, you should not only consult a specialist, but also familiarize yourself with the attached instructions. The latter says that the simultaneous use of glucocorticosteroids can cause the accumulation of drugs in tissues (except for the liver). It should also be noted that taking other anabolics can enhance the effect of "Elkara".
Overdose cases
When taking an excessive amount of Elkar drops, patients may experience symptoms such as dyspeptic and myasthenic disorders. To eliminate such conditions, gastric lavage is required, as well as the intake of activated carbon.
Cases of overdose by the injection form of the drug in question have not occurred to date.
Medication "Elkar": reviews of adults and doctors
Reviews of specialists about this drug contain information that it positively affects metabolism. This tool allows you to normalize the digestive tract, and also serves as a good restorative medicine after serious diseases, during a decrease in performance, during the spleen, mental and physical fatigue.
As for patients, they attribute the main advantage of the drug in question to the fact that with it you can easily get rid of excess weight. However, reviews regarding weight loss are very controversial. Someone claims that without Elkar it would be impossible to achieve good results, while someone, on the contrary, reports a zero effect.
Also, the positive sides of the mentioned funds include its affordable price. In Russian pharmacies, the drug "Elkar" in drops can be purchased for 300-320 rubles, and in injection form - for 450-500 rubles.