Essentiale in ampoules is considered one of the most effective drugs based on essential phospholipids (an international non-proprietary substance). The main effect of the active substance is aimed at protecting and regenerating the liver after the influence of toxic substances and alcoholic metabolites. Impaired functioning of the organ leads to serious chronic and structural diseases, so it is necessary to undergo a full therapeutic course. Patients are administered Essentiale intravenously. This ensures maximum medicinal effect and rapid action. For diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis of the liver, it is necessary to use a solution for intravenous administration, since capsules or tablets do not provide such an effect.
General information about the drug
Any form of Essentiale contains phospholipids (substances necessary for the formation and proper functioning of the cell membrane). Phospholipids are substances that are not synthesized in the body and are obtained exclusively from the outside. Moreover, they are no less important for the body than amino acids.
Essential uses natural phospholipids obtained from soybeans. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybeans makes the phospholipids isolated from it especially useful. Once in the human body with the drug, they help restore receptor connections in liver cells, “triggering” their renewal.
Also, phospholipids:
- They inhibit the process of formation of connective tissues in the hepatic ducts.
- Reduce the risk of formation of sand and stones in the gall bladder.
- They improve the functioning of cell membrane enzymes, which are responsible for transporting some substances into the cell and removing others outside its boundaries.
- Helps improve protein and lipid metabolism.
- Accumulate glycogen (the main form of glucose storage) in the liver.
- Convert cholesterol and other fats that cause artery disease into more harmless and beneficial forms.
- Help reduce the energy required by the liver for normal functioning.
- Reduce or prevent the possibility of fat accumulation in organ cells.
- Reduce the risk of cirrhosis and many other pathological changes in the liver.
Thanks to such a diverse and comprehensive effect of the drug on the body, its use increases the liver’s resistance to negative influences, allowing it to quickly neutralize harmful substances entering the body.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
The membranes and organelles of liver cells are always affected in pathologies of the organ, which can lead to changes in the activity of membrane-associated enzymes and receptor systems, disruption of the metabolic function of hepatocytes and a decrease in the intensity of organ regeneration.
The EPL substance contained in the Essentiale N preparation is similar in its chemical structure to endogenous phospholipids, but is much superior to the latter due to its high PUFA content.
Being embedded primarily in the structures of cell membranes, these high-energy molecules contribute to the restoration of damaged liver tissue.
The cis-double bonds of PUFAs prevent the hydrocarbon chains in the phospholipids of the cell membranes from being parallel, as a result of which the phospholipid structure of the hepatocyte membranes becomes looser. This results in an increase in their elasticity and fluidity, as well as an increase in the rate of entry of substances into the cell and their removal from it.
Membrane-bound enzymes form functional blocks that can enhance their activity and ensure the physiological course of basic metabolic processes.
Phospholipids, by regulating lipoprotein metabolism, influence impaired metabolism , promoting the biotransformation of cholesterol and neutral fats into forms suitable for transportation and their transfer to sites of oxidation. This is achieved primarily by increasing the ability of HDL to bind to cholesterol.
When phospholipids are eliminated through the biliary tract, a decrease in the lithogenicity index and stabilization of bile .
Pharmacokinetics
When taken orally, about 90% of the dose is absorbed in the small intestine. The main part of the EPL substance, under the influence of phospholipase-A, is cleaved to 1-acyl-lysophosphatidylcholine, half of which is immediately reacylated into polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (PPC) during absorption in the small intestine.
PPC enters the bloodstream through the lymphatic tract and then, mainly from high-density lipid substances, is transported to the liver.
It takes 6 to 24 hours for the concentration of phosphatidylcholine in the blood The half-life of saturated fatty acids is 32 hours, for the choline component - 66 hours.
During studies of the pharmacokinetics of the drug, it was found that less than 5% of each of the administered 14C and 3H isotopes is excreted in the intestinal contents.
Advantages
In addition, Essentiale is able to positively influence other vital organs and systems of the human body. Additional effects of the drug include:
- normalization of metabolic processes in the body;
- reducing the number of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels and reducing their size;
- improvement of the clinical picture of diabetes mellitus (its manifestations become less pronounced);
- improved blood quality (becomes less thick).
Important. All this allows Essentiale to be included in complex therapy for various diseases.
As for the difference between the various forms, when the drug is injected, it has a stronger and faster effect on the body. Therefore, this version of the drug is prescribed for the treatment of acute and advanced stages of diseases.
Capsules are recommended to be taken for prevention and as part of therapy at the initial stage of the disease. Sometimes both forms of the drug complement each other and are prescribed simultaneously.
In addition to differences in dosage forms, medications also differ in their composition. Thus, Essential N contains only phospholipids. And the Essentiale drug is additionally enriched with B vitamins and nicotinamide, which enhance the effect of the main component.
Interaction with other drugs
The interaction of Essentiale N ampoules with many drugs has not yet been fully studied, so doctors do not recommend using several different medications at the same time. It is better to maintain a period of time (1-2 hours).
This is explained by the fact that the active substance may harm people with chronic diseases of the heart, blood vessels or other organs. The drug is capable of entering into biochemical reactions and influencing the action of other drugs.
Clinical studies were conducted with anticoagulants. The effect of drugs that reduce blood clotting and prevent the formation of blood clots was enhanced when combined with essential phospholipids.
Therefore, people with diseases such as arterial or venous thrombosis should use Essentiale N ampoules with caution. You must first consult with your doctor to give his permission.
Indications for use
Considering the effect provided by Essentiale, injections are prescribed for:
- Acute and chronic hepatitis, regardless of their origin.
- Fatty liver degeneration, which appears due to various reasons.
- Pathology resulting from disturbances in the blood circulation of the hepatic vessels and the function of the bile ducts (cirrhosis).
- Necrotic processes in cells.
- Liver failure.
- Hepatic precoma and coma.
- Hyperlipoproteinemia.
- Hypertriglyceridemia.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the liver resulting from the development of various diseases.
- Toxicosis.
- Increased activity of AST and ALT enzymes in pregnant women.
- Prevention to prevent recurrence of gallstones.
- Cholestasis (decreased flow of bile into the duodenum due to disturbances in the processes of bile formation and excretion).
- Psoriasis.
In addition, Essentiale is included in preoperative therapy. Most often, the drug is prescribed before operations on the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.
Important. It is also included in the complex of therapeutic measures during postoperative recovery.
In addition to direct indications for the use of Essentiale, there are some other diseases for which injections are used as additional therapy. Among them:
- various types of disorders in the cardiovascular system;
- disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system;
- skin diseases;
- oncological diseases.
Contraindications
Despite all the positive characteristics of the drug, the use of injections (as well as other forms) of Essentiale is contraindicated if the patient is hypersensitive to at least one of the components included in its composition.
According to the instructions, it is strictly forbidden to give injections to newborns and children born prematurely, since the benzyl alcohol (excipient) contained in Essential can cause the development of Gasping syndrome in the child. The latter is a breathing disorder with suffocation, leading to death.
Important. Restricted use applies to children under 3 years of age.
For the same reason, the medicine should not be taken by nursing mothers. In addition, people who are prone to allergic reactions should take Essentiale with increased caution, especially those who have previously been allergic to soy products.
If signs of an allergy appear while taking the medicine, you should stop taking it and consult a doctor immediately.
For children
Since one of the components of Essentiale N is benzyl alcohol, the solution cannot be used in newborns and premature infants.
The administration of drugs containing benzyl alcohol to newborns/premature infants was accompanied by the development of gasping syndrome ( fatal asphyxia syndrome ) - a serious condition with respiratory depression, purpura , metabolic acidosis , encephalopathy , arterial hypotension , sudden suffocation, hemorrhages in various organs (brain, kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, heart) due to hypoxia.
“ Dyspnea syndrome ” in children is fatal (the cause of death is cardiovascular collapse ).
In pediatrics, the drug is used to treat children over 12 years of age weighing 43 (or more) kg.
Application options and dosage
Essentiale and Essentiale N are solutions intended for intravenous administration. Each ampoule contains 250 mg of phospholipids + auxiliary components.
Instructions for use of Essentiale determine the optimal dose for patients over 12 years of age in the amount of 5-10 ml per day. In severe forms of the disease, the daily dose is increased to 20 ml.
As a rule, the daily dose of the drug is divided into two doses (administer up to 10 ml at a time). However, both the dosage and the daily number of injections vary, depending on the condition and characteristics of the patient’s body.
The entire course of treatment takes from 10 to 30 days. Subsequently, doctors recommend replacing injections with a capsule drug.
Storage conditions and periods
Before you start injecting Essentiale in ampoules, you should carefully read the instructions for use, which tell you how to properly store the injection liquid.
The description states that ampoules should be stored at a temperature of 2-8°C. This is an important point to pay attention to. In a home refrigerator, the temperature varies from place to place. It is much warmer on the upper and side shelves, so it is better to place the drug on the lower shelves. If you can set the temperature automatically, it is better to set it to 4-5°C, which is suitable for storing product and food. You should also monitor the physical properties of the substance so that it does not change color or cloudiness appears.
Shelf life is indicated on the packaging and in the official instructions. The drug should be stored for three years from the date of manufacture.
Taking the drug for psoriasis
For psoriasis and some other diseases of the external skin, treatment begins with taking Essentiale Forte N capsules. The daily dose of the drug should be 1.8 g. The general course of administration is up to 14 days.
After this, the patient is prescribed injections with Essentiale. Injections are made once a day, 1 ampoule. A total of 10 injections should be given, after which they return to oral administration and drink it for 2 months.
In parallel with intravenous injections, it is recommended to use the main treatment of skin diseases.
Analogues of Essentiale N
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Essential phospholipids
Galstena
Fosphonziale
Essentiale Forte N
Livolin Forte
Essliver Forte
Eslidin
Analogues of the drug are the drugs Antraliv , Livolife Forte , Fosfontiale , Essentiale Forte N , Esslial , Livenciale , Essliver , Rezalut Pro .
Analogs are cheaper than Essentiale: Rezalut pro , Fosfonziale , Essliver . The price of Essentiale analogues is from 345 rubles. (the most inexpensive substitute is Fosphonciale capsules).
What is the difference between Essentiale N and Essentiale Forte N?
Essentiale N and Essentiale Forte N are different forms of the same medicine. Essentiale Forte N is available in the form of capsules, each of which contains 300 mg of EPL substance.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of which is better - Essentiale or Essentiale Forte. The choice in favor of one or another dosage form is made taking into account the indications for use (for example, in case of toxicosis in pregnant women, preference is given to taking capsules, since the solution contains alcohol).
In this case, capsules are often used as an adjunct to parenteral therapy.
Ovesol or Essentiale - which is better?
The basis of Ovesol are extracts of mint, oats, immortelle, and turmeric. Its main difference from Essentiale is that it is not a drug, but a dietary supplement.
The active substances contained in the tablets are very beneficial for the liver, as they help cleanse the liver of toxic substances and toxins, eliminate bile stagnation and the formation of stones.
Ovesol is contraindicated in patients under 18 years of age, while Essentiale can be used in adolescents over 12 years of age.
Treatment with Ovesol is carried out three times a year in courses lasting 3 weeks. Continuous use of Essentiale capsules is possible for 3-6 months.
Which is better - Essentiale or Phosphogliv?
The active ingredients of the drug Phosphogliv (available in the form of capsules and lyophilisate for the preparation of d/i solution) are phospholipids and glycyrrhizic acid (glycyrate). Their content in capsules is 65 and 35 mg, respectively, in lyophilisate - 500 and 200 mg.
Glycyrate is a steroidal saponite derived from licorice (licorice) root extract. Its molecule contains a fragment whose structure is similar to the structure of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex .
In this regard, long-term (more than 6 weeks in a row) use of glycirate, as well as use of the drug in a dose exceeding the therapeutic dose, provokes the development of serious adverse reactions.
With long-term use of glycyrrhizic acid, patients experience symptoms of intoxication : high blood pressure, headache , edema , hypokalemia , lethargy , cardiac arrest .
Side effects are similar to those caused by corticosteroid drugs and are due to the fact that glycyrate interferes with the breakdown of endogenous hormones of the adrenal cortex .
The advantages of Essentiale N include a higher concentration of phospholipids in it, as well as the fact that the drug contains only one substance as an active substance, which is why treatment with the drug is extremely rarely accompanied by unwanted reactions.
Which is better - Essentiale or Fosfontiale?
Fosphonziale capsules contain 200 mg of lipoid C100 (equivalent to 188 mg of phosphatidylcholine) and 70 mg of silymar (dry extract of milk thistle).
According to many doctors, the drugs are interchangeable, since the higher concentration of phospholipids in Essential is compensated by the fact that in Phosphonciale their effect is enhanced by the activity of milk thistle flavonoids.
For the consumer, the advantage of Fosfontiale is often its lower cost. The advantage of Essentiale is the presence of an injection form.
What is better - Essentiale or Gepabene?
The hepatoprotective effect of the drug Gepabene is due to the properties of extracts of milk thistle fruits and the herb fumitory.
Milk thistle contains the bioflavonoid silymarin , which has a hepatoprotective effect against toxic liver damage , and also exhibits membrane stabilizing properties and promotes the restoration of hepatocytes.
The fumarin alkaloid contained in the herb fumarin stimulates the secretion of bile and reduces the tone of the sphincter of Oddi .
Thus, the use of Gepabene is advisable for chronic liver diseases , especially if they are accompanied by bile .
Essentiale or Essliver - which is better?
Essliver and Essliver Forte are solutions and capsules that contain phospholipids as an active substance (as in Essential). At the same time, Essliver Forte vitamins to enhance the effect of the latter : nicotinamide , riboflavin , thiamine monohydrate , a- tocopherol acetate , cyanocobalamin , pyridoxine hydrochloride .
The concentration of phospholipids in one capsule is 300 mg (while phosphatidylcholine accounts for only 29%, while in Essential N its concentration is 93%). The phospholipid content in Essliver is 50 mg/ml.
Analysis of the accumulation of free radical oxidation (peroxidation) products showed that Essliver Forte capsules (when compared with the similar dosage form Essentiale) contain significantly more of them (which indicates a lower quality of the drug).
The accumulation of peroxidation products (in particular, malondialdehyde) in the body leads to the formation of intermolecular cross-links with proteins.
As a result, the load on the liver increases (which in turn may not have the best effect on the treatment of fatty hepatosis ) and the likelihood of developing hypersensitivity reactions, and the rate and pathways of metabolism of essential phospholipids in the body are disrupted.
The content of sufficiently high doses of vitamins with long-term use of the drug can also cause the development of hypersensitivity reactions. Considering all of the above, pharmacologists do not recommend using Essliver Forte for more than 2 weeks in a row.
For oncology
Prescribed for paraneoplastic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by the formation of a tumor that produces toxins and biologically active substances. In this case, Essentiale also protects the liver from exposure to toxic substances.
Included in complex supportive therapy, the solution helps reduce damage to internal organs, normalizes the amount of bilirubin in the blood and stabilizes the patient’s condition.
As a rule, in this case, Essentiale is used in preparation for surgery or chemotherapy.
For Guillain-Barré syndrome
Due to the large accumulation of toxic substances released during acute demyelination, the functionality of liver parenchyma cells is disrupted, which causes serious pathologies in the liver.
To avoid such a situation, Essentiale injections are prescribed. By creating reliable protection for the liver, the drug simultaneously minimizes the damage caused to other organs and systems of the body. Correctly prescribed therapy allows you to avoid the most severe consequence of the disease – damage to the peripheral nervous system.
In nephrology
A good effect is achieved by using Essentiale in the treatment of renal failure of any form (chronic or acute). It is known that when kidney function is impaired, the liver places an even greater burden on cleansing the body of harmful substances. Maintenance therapy in the form of hepatoprotector injections not only reduces the level of toxins, but also improves the prognosis for the patient. The medicine acts similarly for pyelonephritis, as a result of which many enzymes and compounds formed during suppuration enter the blood.
In obstetrics
First of all, during pregnancy, Essentiale helps to cope with attacks of toxicosis.
The remedy can also provide indispensable help in cases of gestosis, in which the functions of blood vessels, kidneys and even the brain are seriously impaired, which negatively affects the development of the fetus.
Essentiale helps to alleviate the unpleasant condition, reduces the number of antibodies in the body due to the conflict between the Rh factors of the mother and the fetus, while simultaneously promoting the correct absorption by the child of all necessary microelements and valuable substances.
Also, the use of the drug reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy in women who have previously had jaundice or have liver problems.
In surgery and radiology
The drug brings significant benefits during surgical treatment. It is prescribed, for example, after removal of the gallbladder or after a partial liver transplant. Taking Essentiale after an organ transplant allows you to accelerate tissue regeneration and significantly reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ.
In radiology it is used as one of the means for the treatment of radiation sickness. The solution increases the body's resistance to radiation, alleviates and reduces symptoms.
For beauty and health of hair
In addition to traditional methods of application, Essentiale solution is also used in a non-standard way. One option is to use it to strengthen hair.
- To strengthen the hair follicles, you need to make a mask from the drug added to a mixture of egg yolks and sour cream (or kefir).
- For a mask for short hair, it is enough to use a third of the solution from one ampoule. For long hair – half an ampoule.
- The preparation of a healing strengthening composition is very simple: take the solution with a syringe and mix it with the rest of the ingredients (1 yolk and 1-2 tsp of sour cream or kefir).
- Apply the mixture to washed and slightly dried hair. Keep the mask on your hair for an hour. After this, it is washed off with water without shampoo.
The frequency of the procedure is once a week. Course – 5 weeks. Subsequently, the mask can be applied for preventive purposes once a month.
Important. Dimexide will help enhance the effect of the strengthening mixture.
Side effects
The drug is well tolerated by the human body and only in rare cases does the following side effects occur:
- Dyspeptic disorders of the stomach and intestines. A person periodically experiences nausea and vomiting, which disappears after removing the solution. Diarrhea or constipation may also occur. In the latter case, the doctor prescribes an inexpensive laxative, which can be found in any pharmacy.
- Redness at the injection site. Minor irritation may appear along with a rash. Therefore, injections are recommended only in cases where the patient is not allergic to one of the components of the drug.
- Discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Unpleasant sensations may be accompanied by bloating and flatulence. Sometimes increased gas formation can be observed throughout the entire treatment course. In such cases, the doctor prescribes drugs that remove the unpleasant effect.
As a rule, side effects occur at the time of drug administration and 1 hour after that. When combining several drugs with Essentiale, side effects may become more pronounced.
Rules for using Essentiale solution
In order for the drug to bring maximum benefit, it must be used correctly. To do this, you should adhere to some rules:
- Inject only with a clear solution. If during mixing or during the administration the slightest signs of turbidity appear in it, then the procedure must be interrupted and the container with the cloudy contents must be thrown away. The remaining dose of the medicine must be administered from another ampoule.
- You cannot combine Essentiale and other medications in one syringe.
- To dilute the drug, ordinary saline solutions are not used. It must be diluted with the patient's own blood in a 1:1 ratio. Instead of blood, electrolyte-free solutions (5% xylitol, 5 or 10% glucose) can be used. An exception is made only when blood cannot be used.
- The drug is administered exclusively intravenously. It cannot be used intramuscularly. Also, subcutaneous injections should not be performed, as there is a high risk of irritation at the injection site.
- The medicine is administered very slowly.
- If the patient is prescribed a large number of injections, then the injections are replaced with droppers.
Price Essentiale N, where to buy
The price of Essentiale ampoules (package No. 5) in Kharkov, Kyiv, Odessa and other cities of Ukraine is 176-205 UAH. The cost of 1 ampoule is 41-43 UAH.
In Russian pharmacies, liver medicine can be bought for 927-1160 rubles. (Essentiale injections in 5 ml ampoules, package No. 5).
The price of Essentiale IV in Belarus is from 156 thousand rubles.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
ZdravCity
- Essentiale N solution for intravenous injection.
250mg/5ml 5ml 5 pcs. Famar Health Care Services Madrid/Sanofi-Aventis S.A. RUB 1,455 order - Essentiale forte N - capsules 180 pcs., for restoration of liver cells A. Nattermann and Cie. GmbH
RUB 2,337 order
- Essentiale forte N - capsules 90 pcs., for restoration of liver cells A. Nattermann and Cie. GmbH
RUB 1,281 order
- Essentiale forte N - capsules 30 pcs., for restoration of liver cells A. Nattermann and Cie. GmbH
RUR 566 order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Essentiale forte N capsules 300 mg No. 30 Natterman and Ci
RUR 592 order
- Essentiale N ampoules 5ml No. 5Sanofi Aventis
RUB 1,315 order
- Essentiale forte N capsules 300 mg No. 90 Natterman and Ci
RUB 1,247 order
- Essentiale forte N capsules 300 mg No. 180 Natterman and Ci
RUB 2,402 order
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Pharmacy24
- Essentiale forte N N30 capsules Sanofi-Aventis S.p z o.o., Poland
186 UAH.order - Essentiale N 5 ml N5 injection solution PAT "Galichfarm", Ukraine
245 UAH order
PaniPharmacy
- Essentiale forte N capsule Essentiale forte N capsule. 300 mg No. 30 Germany, Nattermann
196 UAH order
- Essentiale N ampoule Essentiale N injection solution ampoules 5 ml No. 5 Ukraine, Galichfarm JSC
279 UAH. order
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Reviews
As with any drug, the effectiveness of Essentiale solution depends on many factors. Therefore, the effect of the product is not always the same.
However, most patients who have undergone a course of treatment note that the drug really helped them cope with the disease with minimal losses.
The positive effects of Essentiale are also noted by doctors in various fields of medicine. The great advantage of the drug is that it allows you not only to create a reliable shield for the liver itself, but also has a beneficial effect on many systems and organs, and allows you to minimize the consequences of intoxication during severe inflammation, infections and other unfavorable factors.
Effect on ability to drive a car
In clinical practice, patients did not experience any negative consequences when using the drug in car drivers. The product is absolutely safe for driving and performing other work that requires attention and quick reaction.
Even a small amount of alcohol contained in ampoules does not affect the reaction rate and the nervous system as a whole. But in cases where the patient is given a drip with a solution, it is better to rest for 30 minutes, after which you can get behind the wheel.
