The drug "Elkar" is used to improve the metabolism and processes involved in the metabolism. According to the clinical and pharmacological group, it refers to drugs that improve tissue energy supply.
Issued form
Elkar is available as an oral solution. It is a fairly thick transparent liquid, without a clear odor.
In 1 ml of the drug contains 300 mg of levocarnitine. As auxiliary additives, citric acid, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, distilled water and propyl parahydroxybenzoate are used.
"Elkar" is available in medical bottles of dark brown glass, in volumes of twenty-five, fifty and one hundred milliliters. Depending on the volume, the bottle is supplied with a measuring spoon or glass. Packaging - a cardboard box.
Act
The main active ingredient is L-carnitine (levocarnitine) - a derivative of vitamin B.
It is produced under the same trade name as an analogue drug. In metabolic processes, Elkar acts as a carrier of long chain fatty acids in mitochondria through cell membranes. In mitochondria, acids pass through a Ξ²-oxidation process that releases acetyl-coA and ATP.
"Elkar", the price of which starts from 250 rubles, improves the metabolism of proteins and fats, increases the production and concentration of enzymes in the gastric and intestinal juices, thereby improving the digestive process. It helps to reduce body weight by reducing the fat content in muscle tissue. The use of the drug helps to increase resistance to physical stress. L-carnitine prevents the formation of anaerobic glycolysis, keto acids. It allows you to save glycogen reserves for a longer time, affects the increase in its deposition in the muscles and liver. Reduces lactic acidosis.
L-carnitine and its analogue, Elkar, are known for their lipolytic and anabolic effects. They have normalizing processes to increase the main metabolism in hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders.
Absorption and excretion
L-carnitine and its analogue, Elkar, are absorbed in the intestines. After oral administration, the maximum effect occurs after 3-4 hours. An amount of L-carnitine sufficient for a therapeutic effect is maintained for 10 hours.
The substance quickly penetrates the liver, into the middle layers of the heart, more slowly - into the muscle tissues of the body. It is excreted by the kidneys.
"Elkar": dosage, overdose, side effects
It is taken before meals, diluted with water.
Levocarnitine and its analogue "Elkar" for adults is prescribed for:
At a dose of 750 mg (2.5 ml) 2-3 times a day. The course is 1 week.
During the rehabilitation period after operations and serious illnesses.
At a dose of 1.5 g (5 ml) 2 times a day. The course is from 1 month.
In a package of measures to combat chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
At a dose of 375 mg (1.25 ml) 2-3 times a day. The course is 1.5-2 months.
With hyperthyroidism.
At a dose of 250 mg 3 times a day. The course is 3 weeks, then a break and repeat treatment.
In the treatment of various brain lesions.
At a dose of 750 mg (2.5 ml) 2 times a day. The course is 1 week. After the break, reappointed.
In the treatment of skin diseases of various origins.
At a dose of 750 mg (2.5 ml) per day. The course is 1 month.
With carnitine deficiency.
At a dose of 100 mg per 1 kilogram of weight (5 drops per kg) 3 times a day. The course of admission is one quarter.
Before sports competitions and during the recovery period.
At a dose of 2 g 3 times a day. The course is 3-5 weeks.
For children:
With therapy, growth retardation.
At a dose of 250 mg (10-13 drops) 2 times a day. The course is 3 weeks. Repeats after a break.
For preventive purposes.
For infants - the doctor doses it, depending on the individual parameters of the child. From 3 to 6 years in a dose of 100 mg 3 times a day. From 6 to 12 - 200 mg - 3 r / day. The course of admission is from 2 weeks to a month. "Elkar" is added to children in sweet drinks.
In case of overdose, patients of all ages may experience difficult and painful digestion, upset stools, myasthenia gravis. The treatment is carried out by taking tablets of activated carbon and other enterosorbents. In severe cases, gastric lavage.
Use during pregnancy and with other medicines
Drugs with L-carnitine are undesirable to use at any stage of pregnancy and during lactation due to the lack of studies on tolerability.
When taken with drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids, Elkar accumulates more in the tissues of the body. When used with anabolics, the therapeutic effect of the drug is enhanced.
Indications for use in adults
As a rule, the therapeutic effect of "Elkar" is better manifested as part of a comprehensive treatment. So, it is used in complex therapy:
when recovering from surgical interventions, especially combined with large blood loss, to accelerate the rehabilitation and regeneration of tissues;
skin diseases, in particular lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, seborrheic eczema ;
brain damage, in particular injuries and strokes;
anorexia;
thyroid disorders, in particular hyperthyroidism;
carnitine deficiency;
chronic diseases of the digestive tract, in particular pancreatitis with reduced secretion and gastritis.
Also, "Elkar" is used to enhance performance, reduce fatigue, with intense stress, during stress.
Indications for use in children
"Elkar" and its analogues, for example, "Levokarnitin", whose price is somewhat cheaper, are also used in pediatrics. In this case, for children under the age of 3, the dosage and indications are determined by the doctor.
Preparations with L-carnitine can be used for:
Special instructions, conditions of vacation
"Elkar" and analogues can be used without risk of impaired coordination of movement and attention. The drug does not affect the driving of a car and other vehicles, does not affect the performance of any type of work, including hazardous.
In pharmacies dispensed without a prescription.
"Elkar" and weight loss
The popularity of levocarnitine drugs is due to their ability to reduce body fat. In fact, everything is not so rosy.
The action of the substance is aimed at the disposal of fatty acids. Levocarnitine transfers fat to cells, where it further burns in the mitochondria. But this action is only possible in combination with sufficiently strong and prolonged physical exertion.
βFat burningβ with levocarnitine will occur only with regular exercise, aerobic training, cardio exercises, and so on. The duration of such fitness should be at least 40 minutes, and regularity - at least 3 times a week. It is at this pace that levocarnitine will begin to work in the right direction.
Reviews about the drug
Customers using Elkar are convinced of its effectiveness. First of all, reviews indicate its effect on performance, concentration and antidepressant properties. In this regard, its use is very justified.
He also received good reviews in pediatrics as a vitamin remedy that improves the development and growth of the child's body.
As for the reviews on the use of "Elkar" and other levocarnitine drugs as a means for losing weight, here opinions are divided approximately equally. Some consumers say that it is not effective at all, while others say that you can get good weight loss results by using L-carnitine in combination with diet and exercise.
"Elkar": price, analogues
L-carnitine - is popular not only as a medicine, but also as a dietary supplement, it is used by many athletes, bodybuilders, and also as an adjuvant in a complex of measures to reduce weight.
Among the forms of release there is diversity. For example, Karniten oral solution, the price of which is two times higher than Elkar, has exactly the same pharmacological effect. The only difference is that its bottles start with a volume of 10 milliliters.
You can find capsules and chewable tablets with different flavors. But since these are dietary supplements, and not medicines, it will be easier to find them in sports nutrition stores.
The active substance of all these drugs and dietary supplements is one - levocarnitine. The price of funds with it will start from 250 rubles per bottle in 30 ml, or from 150 per 10 ml, as is the case with Karniten. The drug "Elkar", to which this article is devoted, is in the average price range.
When choosing such drugs, it is also worth remembering the advisability of preliminary consultation of a medical specialist.