When a baby is born, its sterile intestine is gradually filled with microorganisms that are needed for digestion. They are called intestinal microflora. In some situations, the population of beneficial bacteria is disturbed. Infants have stomach problems that are characterized by stool changes and pain. To reduce these symptoms, Linex is prescribed for infants.
The composition of the drug
The instructions "Linex" for newborns states that the composition of the drug includes beneficial bacteria. They are presented in the drug in dried form.
"Linex" refers to probiotics of the 3rd generation, this means that several microorganisms are present in its composition:
- Acidophilic Lactobacillus. This type of bacteria is located in the digestive tract. It needs an acidic environment. The bacterium maintains an appropriate pH by secreting lactic acid. Its activity prevents the development of harmful microflora, which is especially susceptible to acidic environments.
- Bifidobacterium. It is natural for both an adult and a small one. He loves an acidic environment.
- Enterococci. Located in the digestive tract of each person. They can ferment food entering the stomach without emitting gas. Bacteria create an acidic environment and are highly acidic.
In addition to the active components, the drug also includes additional ones. These include magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, gelatin and others.
Release Forms
Linex, which is prescribed for babies, is produced:
- In the drops. This dosage form is available in bottles that are equipped with a dropper dispenser.
- In powder form. It is packaged in sachets in which the substance is white.
- In capsules. This form consists of 3 types of bacteria that are packaged in gelatin capsules.
- Capsules "Linex forte". The main difference between this form is the presence of 2 variants of bacteria, but in larger quantities. After administration, an instant colonization of the intestines with beneficial microflora occurs.
Drops are considered one of the best forms of using Linex for children and newborns. They are well suited for babies who have not yet learned to eat solid foods. The product does not include lactose, palm oil and gluten. The composition of the drug contains bifidobacteria BB-12, similar to those found in breast milk.
Linex action
The beneficial microflora of the drug spreads through the intestinal mucosa and populates the necessary space. As a result, its number is growing. Vital products of bacteria make the intestinal reaction more acidic, which negatively affects opportunistic microorganisms.
This leads to the absorption of a sufficient amount of vitamins and increase local immunity.
In addition, Linex for newborns:
- produces beneficial substances with antibacterial action;
- takes part in the synthesis of vitamins;
- increases the reactivity of immunity.
Linex works throughout the intestines, in the thin - lactic streptococcus, and in the thick - bifidobacteria.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Linex for newborns can cope with an imbalance in the intestines. The bag contains the norm of substances necessary for infants per day.
The drug will provide the most effective help in the following cases:
- In violation of the stool. This most often occurs with dysbiosis. The baby may have green stool with mucus or diarrhea.
- Colic. Most often they occur in infants aged 2-3 months.
- In the treatment of antibiotics. Linex is prescribed for the prevention of digestive disorders.
According to the instructions, Linex powder for newborns is used for improper digestion in infants. Thanks to him, it is possible to prevent dehydration of the body. The drug helps to maintain the necessary beneficial bacteria in the intestines and stomach.
Specialists often prescribe Linex as a source of probiotic substances in the following cases:
- The baby was born earlier than the due date or as a result of cesarean section.
- Late application of the baby to the chest.
- Feeding the baby is carried out artificially.
- He was treated for a long time in the hospital.
- In the infant, immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract was found.
Sometimes pediatricians can prescribe a drug if the child:
- teeth are cut;
- lack of balanced nutrition;
- to restore the vaginal microflora in girls.
In reception "Lineksa" there are certain features. Babies who are breastfed do not need probiotic therapy. Indeed, bifidus factor is present in breast milk, which positively affects the growth of positive microflora.
Breastfeeding babies need to cancel complementary foods during treatment. During this period, mother's milk should become the main food.
Dosage
Linex for newborns is prescribed from the first days of life. Volume is calculated based on the age of the child.
For infants up to a year, the following single doses of the drug are prescribed:
- in powder - 1 sachet;
- in capsules - 1 pc.;
- in drops - 6 drops;
- Linex Forte capsules - 1 pc.
The components that make up the drug have a minimal risk of negative manifestations from the body.
Method of admission
Each package contains instructions according to which the following rules are used:
- If Linex is used for newborns in powder, then it is poured into a spoon, then mixed with breast milk, water or a mixture. Prepare a suspension before taking it. Keeping it diluted is not recommended.
- If the baby is given the drug in a capsule, then the contents are mixed with a small amount of liquid and given to the baby.
- Drops "Linex" for newborns in the right amount are added to a milk or non-milk drink, then give the baby.
The drug is not recommended to be mixed with hot drinks. The drug is given during or after feeding.
Linex powder, drops and contents of Linex Forte capsule are given once a day. Conventional capsules are given thrice a day.
The duration of admission is determined by a specialist, but usually it is prescribed for 2-4 weeks. For a longer treatment, you need a short break.
Features of the use of the drug
Linex is allowed to be taken by newborns. It is used for long-term therapy with antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs. However, Linex for newborns is prescribed only by a doctor. Otherwise, the health of the child may be harmful.
Before starting treatment, parents should carefully study the instructions for use of the drug. It contains all the information about the required dosage and methods of administration.
Linex is used for improper digestion. Thanks to it, it is possible to prevent dehydration of the child's body, and in the digestive tract all useful microflora will be preserved.
Digestion is observed in infants as a result of non-compliance by parents with the basic principles of nutrition. Usually a similar situation occurs when switching to artificial feeding.
Because of this, a child has:
- late appearance of teeth;
- insufficient weight gain;
- fontanel overgrows more slowly than usual.
The tool is used for prevention. It helps to restore normal microflora. Additionally, parents should review their diet in case of persistent upset stool and other symptoms.
According to the instructions for use, Linex for newborns is allowed to be taken within 14 days. The standard dosage is 3 capsules per day.
If the drug is used for prevention, then its amount per day should not exceed 1 capsule.
Contraindications
Like any drug, according to the instructions for use, Linex for newborns is forbidden to prescribe for individual intolerance to its components. It is not used for babies who are forbidden to take dairy products. Linex contains lactose in its composition, we are talking about capsules.
If the baby has problems with carbohydrate metabolism, then Linex Forte capsules are not recommended for him because of the presence of carbohydrates in them.
In all of these situations, a newborn can take the drug in drops or powder.
In some cases, side effects may occur, which are characterized by allergic manifestations in the form of:
The instructions state that there are no particularities in the interaction of Linex with other drugs.
The drug is forbidden to be taken alone, without a doctor’s prescription, in the following cases:
- the presence of impurities of blood and mucus in the feces;
- at a temperature above 38 ° C, which is observed for a long time;
- with pains of an acute and sharp nature in the abdomen, if they are accompanied by dehydration and weight loss.
Such symptoms require medical attention to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Drug cost
The price of Linex for newborns in the form of sachets is on average 400-450 rubles. The drug can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Reviews about the drug
Opinions about the "Linex" are different. Many experts are opposed to the use of the drug immediately after the birth of the child, believing that microflora should form naturally. The mother of the baby must strictly observe proper nutrition, and the child who is breast-fed, choose the appropriate mixture.
Linex for newborns, according to some parents, improves the health status of infants. After the start of the intake, bloating disappears, the stool improves and sleep normalizes. True, this happened after significant changes were made to the diet of the nursing mother or the child himself.
The second group of parents claims that Linex turned out to be a completely useless drug, and even after taking it for a long time, no positive changes in the child's condition were found.
Conclusion
Linex is a drug that is approved for early use by infants due to its safety. If the baby is fully breastfed, then there is no need to prescribe it. In the mother’s milk are all the necessary components that are responsible for the growth of beneficial microflora. The drug is allowed to be taken in case of imbalance of microorganisms in the intestine, including dysbiosis. During the administration of Linex, an allergy to the components of the drug may occur.