Elkar is a medicine used by the body to stabilize and adjust the metabolic process in the body. The active substance contained in the preparation is called levocarnitine and is naturally found in meat, poultry, fish, as well as in dairy products such as cottage cheese and cheese.
History of creation
At the beginning of the 20th century, scientists V. S. Gulevich and R. P. Krinberg obtained the substance levocarnitine, called vitamin BT, by isolating it from muscle tissue. The artificial creation of inorganic levocarnitine from organic substances occurred in the sixties of the last century. A little later, its value was estimated for the transfer of acids from blood to mitochondria through their inner membrane. Today it is known for certain that levocarnitine is not related to B vitamins, but is only a substance related to them.
Human exposure
The main reason for taking the drug is the chronic condition of the patient, which is accompanied by a decrease in appetite, a decrease in body weight, and, as a result, exhaustion. But the spectrum of use of the drug is much wider than just restoring metabolism in children and adults.
Within 3 hours after taking the drug, the maximum concentration of levocarnitine in the body occurs. A distinctive feature of published reviews on "Elkar" is a description of the therapeutic effect achieved by the distribution of the drug to organs and tissues. When taking the drug, there is an anabolic effect leading to an increase in muscle mass of the body, and a lipolytic effect leading to the burning and transformation of part of the fat.
The drug is used for the general adjustment of metabolic reactions in the body. Patients note an improvement in metabolism and a decrease in the fat component from the use of "Elkara". Reviews of people who used the drug during diets or training indicate a victory over the problem of overweight. Drops help absorb the necessary substances, as well as overcome heavy physical exertion.
Patients with thyroid diseases also give a positive review for Elkar, as a drug that improves the action of thyroid hormones. In addition, those taking the drug have an improvement in brain cell function.
Release Forms
Depending on the type of application, the medicine is produced in solutions:
- For intramuscular and intravenous injections - in an ampoule containing 100 mg of the main active substance.
- For oral use: 20 percent contains 200 mg and 30 percent contains 300 mg of levocarnitine.
Together with the main active ingredient, 1 ml of the Elkar preparation contains citric acid monohydrate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and purified water.
Typically, the drug is colorless or light colored. According to the instructions for use and reviews, "Elkar" may have a specific smell.
For oral administration, the drug is produced in opaque glass bottles in paper packaging:
- with a dispenser - a dropper with a volume of 25 ml;
- with a measuring spoon of 50 ml;
- with a measuring cup of 100 ml.
For injection, the solution is available in 5 milliliters ampoules in a paper box:
- in blister strip packaging - 5 pieces;
- in 2 blister packs - 10 pieces;
- in 10 blister packs - 50 pieces.
Indications for use
The use of the drug is carried out strictly according to the instructions. Reviews on "Elkar" as part of complex therapy are positive in the following cases:
- help with pancreatitis and gastritis;
- treatment of anorexia;
- thyroid problems due to hyperthyroidism;
- treatment of neurological diseases after a brain injury;
- mechanical damage to blood vessels and their toxic damage;
- application after surgical treatment and surgical interventions;
- increase the ability of tissues to regenerate;
- therapy of diseases of a dermatological orientation;
- stabilization of the body after psycho-emotional stress;
- possible facilitation of the perception of physical activity;
- muscle tissue buildup after mechanical damage;
- getting rid of fatigue;
- the need to increase the content of levocarnitine in the body;
- hereditary problems due to mitochondrial insufficiency;
- use in sports with an intense training process;
- sports muscle building and getting rid of fats;
- the need to impart speed and coordination to human movements.
Pregnancy
The use of the drug for women in position must be agreed with the attending physician. The purpose of the drug is possible with a competent comparison of risks for mothers and children. If a woman’s screening revealed a threat of miscarriage or abnormal fetal development caused by a lack of oxygen, the doctor may prescribe Elkar. Reviews on the use of the drug in other cases cast doubt on the qualifications of the gynecologist. Unreasonable prescription of the drug is not recommended due to the lack of studies on the safety of use.
Use in childhood
The drug can be used to treat both nursing mothers and infants. Recommended use depending on age in accordance with the instructions for use "Elkara" for children. Reviews on the drug have a positive trend with the following symptoms in the baby:
- prematurity;
- oxygen deficiency while in the womb;
- asphyxia admitted in childbirth;
- various birth injuries;
- light weight;
- lack of weight gain in the first weeks of life;
- weak muscle tone;
- reduced level of motor activity;
- dermatological problems;
- before and after operable treatment.
With a deficiency of levocarnitine in the body, the newborn lags in development and growth, he has no appetite, lethargy and fatigue are noted. Pediatricians recommend the use of a 20 percent solution. It is necessary to dilute the medicine in a mixture, compote or juice, adding to the norm drunk by the baby, close to 200 milliliters.
According to the instructions and reviews, "Elkar" in children increases nervous excitability. Therefore, the preferred administration of the drug is carried out long before bedtime, usually with a course dose of up to 6 weeks. Reuse of the drug is possible at intervals of six months.
With caution, the drug is prescribed for newborn children. Reviews of the Elkar in a negative direction are often associated with the use of the drug at the wrong time, after which the child becomes nervous and too active, it can not be reassured and put to sleep. As soon as mothers only change the time of taking the medicine, the problem immediately goes away.
Doctors give their comments on the use of the medicine. So, the corresponding response to O. E. Komarovsky’s “Elkar” was voiced by him in a television program. As part of a conversation about dietary supplements for children, a famous doctor talks about the use of the drug with suspicion. He notes the relative usefulness of the drug, but finds it impossible to cure serious diseases in children by Elkar. Reviews Komarovsky O. E. in the press are accompanied by ironic comments about the drug. The essence of the comments boils down to the fact that this drug is imposed by advertising and only meets the desire of too anxious parents to "heal" the child. Given its composition, Elkar will not bring any particular benefit or harm. But he really can strengthen children's immunity.
Moms of babies taking the drug in practice give it a positive review. "Elkar" in children of the first year of life causes an increase in appetite and an improvement in the sucking reflex. This is especially important for premature babies at the initial stage of development.
Methods and features of application
The optimal amount of drug use is the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Usually, doctors calculate the dose according to the age of the patient:
- Newborns are recommended a double daily intake of 4 to 10 drops of a 20% solution of the drug, diluted in a five percent glucose solution.
- Infants from the second month of life are recommended to take 10 drops of a 20% solution 3 times a day.
- Children from 3 to 6 years old are recommended from 10 to 16 drops of a 20% solution per day (divided into 3 doses).
- Children from the 7th year of life are prescribed a 30% solution of 12 to 16 drops 3 times a day.
- Children from 12 years old are recommended a 30% solution from 13 to 20 drops three times a day.
- For adults, the drug is calculated based on body weight. The amount of kilograms is converted into drops in a ratio of 1: 1. Take the medicine, dividing the amount obtained in 2 or 3 doses.
The use of the drug in adolescents with a pronounced form of anorexia, in order to increase body weight gives good results and positive reviews. Instructions for use "Elkara" in this case allows the use of the drug in adult dosages under the supervision of a doctor.
If a drug from the glucocorticoid group is taken in the complex, then the accumulation of levocarnitine in the tissues of the body is stimulated. Anabolic drugs also enhance the effect of the drug.
In the case of pancreatic diseases, the drug is recommended to be used simultaneously with enzymes. Contraindication to use is intolerance to one of the components of the drug.
Injection
The drug, produced in ampoules, is used intramuscularly and intravenously.
For intravenous drip use, the Elkara ampoule must be diluted in physiological saline, bringing the volume to 200 milliliters. In some cases, triple use of 10 ml is allowed every 24 hours, and after that one ampoule per day for 7 days. A second course is possible with an interval of 2-3 weeks.
Intravenously, "Elkar" is used for carnitine deficiency, which manifests itself a second time.
Here, the dosage varies from 2 ampoules for 5 days, to 4 ampoules once, if necessary, determined by the doctor.
With intramuscular administration, the dose of the drug can also dramatically vary from 1 to 2 ampoules, depending on the symptoms and prescribing by the attending physician.
Side effects
Most often, Elkar is well tolerated by patients. Sometimes, phenomena such as allergies, myasthenia gravis, rash on the skin, nausea and diarrhea can be observed. If you experience any uncomfortable conditions, you must stop taking the drug. Children can be given a sorbent and be sure to consult with your pediatrician.
With concomitant use of glucocorticoids, the accumulation of levocarnitine in tissues (with the exception of the liver) is stimulated. Anabolic drugs enhance the effect of "Elkara".
Analogs
There are a large number of manufactured analogues, divided into two types:
- Preparations, which also contain the active substance levocarnitine, as in Elkar: Glutamic acid, Levocarnyl, L-carnitine.
- Drugs that have a similar effect on the body and are prescribed for the same symptoms: “Inotine”, “Mildronate”, “Neuroleepone”.
One of the most affordable analogues in the first group is Glutamic Acid. At a penny cost, it contains 250 mg of levocarnitine in one tablet. So, the dosage of 500 mg prescribed in most cases is contained in 2 tablets, which can be easily carried with you.
Another analogue containing 200 mg of active substance in 1 ml of solution is L-carnitine, which has various forms of release. Being an affordable supplement, it is often used for sports nutrition.
Domestic medicine tends to give good reviews to the analogue of "Elkara" - the drug "Levokarnil". The dosage of the main active substance is the same, but there are a number of advantages:
- the release of the medicine is in the form of tablets, which means that they can easily be taken with you on the road or to work;
- It tastes good - it has a citrus hue.
The sensational drug Mildronate, belonging to the second group, is now dispensed by prescription, as it contains meldonium. The well-known structural similarity with levocarnitine allows you to assign it with psycho-emotional and physical overload.
"Inotin" is an assistant for heart disease, is used to adjust the metabolism of the heart muscle and improve blood circulation, and is also recommended for problems of an endocrine nature.
"Neuro lipon" is prescribed to normalize the liver, improve metabolic processes in it, and treat alcoholic and diabetic polyneuropathy. The main active ingredient - thioctic acid, takes part in mitochondrial metabolism in order to establish the proper functioning of the body at the cellular level.
Weight Loss Application
Levocarnitine is widely used in various dietary supplements and helps in the fight against excess weight, and therefore receives a lot of positive reviews. "Elkar" for weight loss is taken half an hour before meals several times a day. To increase the effectiveness, it is necessary to stir the drug with water before use. The dose of the drug ranges from 1 to 2 teaspoons. The course of admission is a month.
Women taking the medicine in order to get rid of extra pounds, note the need for physical activity. The substance actively acts on the breakdown of fats, but they cannot be allowed to settle on the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly carry out their withdrawal from the body. The quality of food in this case does not depend on the reception of "Elkar". Reviews of doctors about the drug confirm its beneficial effect on metabolism, and, as a result, on the patient’s weight loss.
Thus, the use of the drug "Elkar" to accelerate metabolic processes is permissible only under the supervision of specialists, especially in cases of use in children and pregnant women.