Instructions for use of ELKARA for children: indications, dosage calculation, how to give to newborns

Description

Elkar (see Table 1) is a drug with one active substance, which is primarily intended to normalize metabolism. The product is safe and effective. This has been proven through many years of research.

Table 1 General information

Instructions

• Russian
• Kazakh

Tradename

International nonproprietary name

Dosage form

Oral solution 300 mg/ml

Compound

1 ml of the drug contains:

active substance – levocarnitine (carnifit) 300 mg,

excipients: citric acid monohydrate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, purified water.

Description

Transparent colorless or slightly colored liquid. A specific odor is allowed.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Other drugs for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. Amino acids and their derivatives. Levocarnitine.

ATX code A16AA01

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacokinetics

Well absorbed in the intestine, plasma concentrations reach a maximum after 3 hours and remain in the therapeutic range for 9 hours. It penetrates easily into the liver and myocardium, and more slowly into the muscles. It is excreted by the kidneys, mainly in the form of acyl esters.

Pharmacodynamics

L-carnitine is a natural substance related to B vitamins. Participates in metabolic processes as a carrier of long-chain fatty acids (palmitic, etc.) from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria, where these acids undergo the process of β-oxidation with the formation of adenosine triphosphoric acid and acetyl-CoA .

Improves protein and fat metabolism, increases the secretion and enzymatic activity of gastric and intestinal juices, improves food absorption, reduces excess body weight and reduces fat content in muscles. Increases resistance to physical exercise, inhibits the formation of ketoacids and anaerobic glycolysis, reduces the degree of lactic acidosis, promotes economical consumption of glycogen and increases its reserves in the liver and muscles.

Has anabolic and lipolytic effects. Normalizes increased basal metabolism in hyperthyroidism: it is a peripheral (indirect) antagonist of the action of thyroid hormones, and not a direct inhibitor of thyroid function.

Improves metabolism and energy supply to tissues.

Indications for use

Primary and secondary carnitine deficiency.

Directions for use and doses

Used internally. The drug can be drunk without dilution or diluted with boiled water.

Adults and children over 12 years old

It is recommended to monitor therapy by measuring the levels of free and acyl L-carnitine in plasma and urine to determine adequate dosage.

In case of primary or secondary carnitine deficiency, the dosage depends on the specific congenital abnormalities in metabolism and the degree of their severity during the treatment period. In most cases, the recommended oral dose is 100-200 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-4 divided doses. If clinical and biochemical parameters do not improve, the dose may be increased on a short-term basis. High doses should be used with caution and only in cases where clinical and biochemical data suggest that increasing the dose would be beneficial. High doses up to 400 mg/kg/day are necessary for acute metabolic decompensation or in this case the intravenous route may be required.

Compound

The drug contains one main component - levocarnitine (see Table 2). The concentration of the substance is 30%.

Table 2. Composition

The product also contains additional components:

• water;
• citric acid monohydrate;
• propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
• methyl parahydroxybenzoate.

For a visual overview, watch the promotional video about the drug:

Price

Average price in Russia

In Russian pharmacies, the cost of Elkar 20 and 30% (25 ml bottle) is in the range of 260-320 rubles. The average cost of a 100 ml drug in St. Petersburg, Moscow and other large cities is 490 rubles. for a 30% solution and 520 rubles. for a 20% solution. Prices are approximate.

Average cost in Ukraine

The average price of 30% drugs in Ukraine is 495 hryvnia for a 100 ml bottle, 300 hryvnia for 50 ml and 255 hryvnia for 25 ml. The price of Elkar for children starts from 115 hryvnia.

Video on the topic: Elkar - enough strength for everything!

Pharmacological properties

The active substance of the drug Elkar accumulates in muscle tissue and liver. Carnitine supports the functioning of coenzyme A and supplies fatty acids to the limited space of mitochondria.

The component is synthesized naturally. However, with age, reserves are depleted. Also, L-carnitine deficiency is associated with a lack of a number of vitamins, taking antibiotics and suffering from severe illnesses.

Levocarnitine converts fats into energy, improves metabolism, saturates soft tissues and the liver with glycogen. Also, the component in dosage form regenerates tissue and prevents neurological disorders.

Analogs

Analogues of Elkar include the following drugs: ATP, Adenocor, Inotin, ATP-Forte, Dibikor, ATP-Long, Vazonat, Idrinol, Metamax, Neurolipon, Cytochrome C, Succinic acid, Berlition, Gepadif, Brewer's yeast (with calcium and magnesium, mumiyo, rose hips, etc.), Mildronate, Taufon, Ecdisten.

• If you have any symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. You can view a list of gastroenterology clinics on our website
• You will be interested! The article describes symptoms that make it possible to suspect the presence of liver disease in the early stages
• You will also be interested in learning more about the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Purpose

The drug is prescribed for adults and children, without age restrictions. In childhood (up to 16 years), the supplement is necessary to correct growth and compensate for lack of body weight.

For newborns and children under one year of age, the medicine is prescribed in a number of cases:

• restoration of the condition of infants after a difficult birth, which contributed to birth injuries (asphyxia, etc.);
• complications of motor activity in infants;
• due to loss/insufficient weight gain in children;
• weak sucking reflex in newborns.

Most often, the above complications occur in premature infants.

For adults, Elkar is prescribed for the following indications:

1. Increased mental and physical stress.
2. During periods of weight loss. The drug is indicated in combination with other measures aimed at weight loss.
3. Anorexia and other nervous system disorders.
4. Recovery after operations, traumatic complications.
5. Conducting sports activities. The drug helps to increase muscle mass and reduce fat deposits.
6. Therapy of pancreatitis, gastritis in chronic form. Elkar in bottles is prescribed together with other drugs.
7. Acute lack of L-carnitine.
8. Pathologies of a dermatological nature.
9. Brain disorders.
10. Saturation of the body with vitamins and other beneficial substances.

Interesting to know! Carnitine and amino acid are not the same thing. The substance is made from two amino acids (methionine and lysine), but does not belong to this category.

Side effects

In most cases, Elkar is well tolerated by patients. There is information about isolated cases where the use of Elkar caused allergic reactions in patients, the development of dyspeptic symptoms and pain in the epigastric region. People with kidney uremia may experience muscle weakness.

The appearance of unwanted side effects is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Overdose

When an overdose develops, symptoms such as:

• Arthralgia, myalgia;
• Dizziness, headache, insomnia, confusion;
• Flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating, liver cirrhosis, diarrhea, constipation;
• Hives, peeling, redness, itching;
• Cough, runny nose;
• Thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia;
• Asthenia, laryngeal edema, pressure surges;
• Fever and general weakening of the body.

If this condition develops, you must immediately stop taking the medication. Next, you should rinse the stomach with any of the available means. After this, you need to carry out treatment based on the existing symptoms.

Contraindications

If it is known that a person has a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components included in Elkar, the drug is not prescribed to the patient.

The drug is prescribed with extreme caution to children under three years of age. In this case, treatment is carried out under constant supervision by doctors.

During pregnancy

Since no studies have been conducted on the use of the drug for the treatment of lactating and pregnant women, Elkar is not prescribed during lactation and pregnancy.

How to use

According to the instructions for use, the daily dose is calculated depending on the ailment:

1. Nervous system disorders, rehabilitation therapy after long-term treatment or surgery. Twice a day, 5 ml. Course of treatment: maximum 2 months.
2. Lack of carnitine. 2-5 drops. per 1 kg of weight. Taken three times a day. Maximum course: 4 months.
3. Intense mental and physical activity. 2.5-7.5 ml per day. The minimum and average dosage is taken three times a day. The maximum dose is two to three times within 24 hours.
4. Diseases of a dermatological nature (psoriasis, etc.). 2.5 ml per day. Duration - no more than 4 weeks.
5. As part of complex therapy of gastritis and pancreatitis. 1.25 ml twice a day. Course - maximum 1.5 months.
6. For brain damage. 2.5 ml per day. Duration does not exceed 4 days.

The oral solution is taken within 30 minutes. Before eating. The drug is washed down with water, preferably cooled, boiled water.

Some recommendations

This section presents data for a separate category of citizens.

Driving

If you are being treated with Heptral, it is highly undesirable to drive.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special period of time in the life of any woman. Due to the fact that a woman reacts especially acutely to any medications at this time, it is undesirable to take them. The same applies to the medicine Heptral. If there is an urgent need, and this drug cannot be replaced with a safe analogue, then taking the drug is allowed. However, you should regularly see your doctor.

When breastfeeding a child, you should stop taking the medicine or replace the natural method of feeding with an artificial one.

Reception by children

Children under three years of age are allowed to take it only in case of birth trauma or asphyxia.

Kidney disorders

Taking the drug is allowed, but dosage adjustment may be required.

Liver disorders

It is strictly forbidden to take the medicine if there is severe liver damage.

Sales of goods

No prescription required.

Taking medication and drinking alcohol

Taking medication and alcohol are completely incompatible.

Elderly reception

Dose adjustment may be required.

Reviews: advantages and disadvantages

Would you like to leave a personal review? Then fill out a special form.

Send your review

Elcar Levocarnitine, 30%

Average rating: Number of reviews: 0

According to reviews from patients and doctors, the medicine is effective. Helps both children, adults and the elderly. Elkar is used not only for medicinal purposes. Buyers who want to lose weight note the effectiveness of the product in terms of weight loss.

There are few negative responses. Mostly consumers are dissatisfied with the price.

special instructions

When treating, it is necessary to take into account the following features of Elkar:

1. Treatment of children under 3 years of age should be under the constant supervision of the attending physician.
2. Elkar does not affect the central nervous system in any way, so during the treatment period it is allowed to drive a car and engage in potentially dangerous activities.
3. The greatest effect after taking the drug is observed within 2-4 hours, so athletes need to drink Elkar at least 2 hours before training.

Doctors' opinion

Doctors note the safety of the dietary supplement, which practically does not contain contraindications other than those already indicated. And also, the effectiveness of the drug when used to reduce fat mass in tissues and normalize digestion during intense training.

However, doctors warn about the danger of overdose of the drug and recommend consulting with a specialist before starting use to avoid the development of adverse reactions.

One in six dies from cancer

As experts note, in addition to physical carcinogens (for example, ultraviolet radiation) and harmful chemicals (tobacco, asbestos), genetic characteristics increase the risk of the disease. In recent years, genes have been discovered whose carriers are more likely to develop cancer. On the other hand, malignant tumors often form in those who have once had infections caused by certain viruses, bacteria or parasites. A quarter of cancers in developing countries are caused by hepatitis and human papillomavirus.

The annual economic cost of cancer is estimated to reach a trillion dollars. Billions are spent year after year on drug development. However, despite all efforts, it is not possible to say that cancer will be defeated in the near future.

To improve the metabolism of brain tissue and increase energy production, the drug Elkar is used - the instructions for its use say that it is suitable for people of almost any age. The medication is available in several convenient formats and contains the natural substance L-carnitine, which is a participant in metabolic processes within the body and increases performance.

Long journey from laboratory to patient

At each of these stages, the drug may be rejected due to zero effectiveness or - even worse - negative effects on the patient's body. For example, in 2021, during clinical trials of a CAR-T drug, one of the study participants died. Despite the therapy’s effectiveness in treating multiple myeloma and leukemia, which had been proven several months earlier, the experiment was immediately stopped.

A similar story happened with the innovative ROCKET cancer treatment method. A phase 2 clinical trial tested the efficacy and safety of JCAR015, a biologic for the treatment of relapsed or treatment-resistant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In July 2021, testing was suspended for two months due to the deaths of three patients. A year later, research on the drug was abandoned altogether, as two more study participants died from the same cause - cerebral edema.

What do people say about the product?

If the instructions for use are fully followed, reviews of Elkar from consumers sound positive, but the same cannot be said regarding non-traditional ways of using it.

• Sofia : I don’t know how people try to lose weight with Elkar: in my opinion, it’s simply impossible! The drug causes a hellish feeling of hunger. I’m hyperbolic, but instead of 3 meals in my daily regimen there are now 5, and I often want either meat or fish, because I simply can’t get enough of the rest. I started taking Elkar when I signed up for the gym, so as not to “break down” there during my first workout. Of course, there was no effect on the respiratory system, but the muscles did not hurt as much as expected. In a month of taking Elkar and visiting the gym, I lost 4.7 kg, but weight loss was clearly influenced by training, but Elkar had an effect on their tolerance.
• Tatyana : This drug was recommended by the obstetrician: my son was premature and was very underweight, which really scared me. Despite my mother’s warnings, I decided to resort to treatment. Over the course of a month's treatment, the child's appetite improved, his overall activity increased, and he gradually began to gain weight, but he is still far from reaching the desired parameters. I didn't notice any side effects that I was afraid of.
• Yulia : I just joined the fitness room, but there is no effect as such - the weight is there, although I don’t feel sorry for myself, and the nutrition is adjusted to the program. The coach suggested taking a metabolic drug, the choice fell on Elkar. Shifts began already by the middle of the 2nd week - the weight finally began to fall. In 1.5 months I greatly improved my figure, then took a break for 3 months. Now I take a reduced dose only on training days.
• Yana : I gave my baby (1 year and 2 months) “Elkar” after an illness - in 3 days we almost returned to our previous activity, it was as if our appetite had never disappeared, the child was cheerful and cheerful. The course was only 10 days, but that was enough for us. Moreover, a month later there was a flu epidemic in the city, I was afraid for my daughter, but the virus passed by.

Despite the fact that “Elkar” is dispensed from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, and the reviews in most cases are positive, not counting rare allergic reactions due to the individual sensitivity of the body, it is recommended to start taking the drug only after a conversation with a specialist, or with smaller doses than this is indicated in the instructions.

Slow, expensive

The only thing the patients had in common was that their tumors did not respond to standard treatment due to rare mutations in the genome. After taking the new drug, a monoclonal antibody that helps the immune system attack disease, 66 of the 86 study participants felt better. Their tumors significantly decreased in size and stabilized, stopping growth. Eighteen patients were even luckier: the cancer left them forever.

And although testing took place in a reduced form, without the mandatory control group taking a placebo in such cases, a year later the FDA, the main drug regulator in the United States, recommended it for the treatment of several types of cancer in children and adults. According to experts, the speed with which the recommendation was made is unprecedented, and the state could make such concessions only if the development really turned out to be breakthrough.

In fact, this story is almost 11 years old, because pembrolizumab (that was the name of the new drug) was created by Gregory Curven, Hans van Eenennaam and John Dulos in 2007. Trials began only in 2013, and since 2018, patients suffering from aggressive types of cancer that do not respond to standard therapy could count on treatment. Of course, these are wealthy people: one course costs about 150 thousand dollars.