No other organ in the human body bears such a heavy load as the liver. In non-stop mode, it ensures digestion balance and is responsible for the complete absorption of vitamins, macro- and microelements. The liver is even involved in hematopoiesis. Thanks to this organ, toxins and poisons are broken down. If the liver functions intermittently, this affects the functioning of all systems.
As a prophylaxis or targeted treatment, the liver must be supported with special drugs - hepatoprotectors. Several groups of similar drugs have been developed, each with its own mechanism of action. Among the most common drugs are essential phospholipids, membrane-forming fats. They strengthen the organ from the inside and contribute to greater efficiency.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
A drug containing deoxycholic acid , riboflavin and phospholipids .
Phospholipids - what are they? What functions do they perform?
Various factors (ethanol, hepatotoxic drugs and various substances) cause damage to hepatocyte , which leads to disruption of metabolism within the cell and its death. According to Wikipedia, phospholipids promote the regeneration of cell membranes and are involved in the protection of liver cells, which is why they are called hepatoprotectors - Essential phospholipids.
Essential Phospholipids - what are they?
The latter are called essential, which means they are indispensable for the normal functioning of cells, since 2/3 of all cell membranes consist of them. They take part in the molecular transport of substances, stimulate the activity of enzyme systems, normalize intracellular respiration and, together with magnesium, participate in the energy metabolism of cells. In case of liver damage, they have a positive effect on the metabolism of proteins and lipids. Neutral fats and cholesterol are converted into forms that are further subject to oxidation. The synthesis (biosynthesis) of phospholipids occurs in the liver. Contained in products: olive, sunflower, butter, linseed oils.
When using the drug, the detoxification function of the liver increases and the process of formation of connective tissue slows down.
Pharmacokinetics
Data not provided.
Indications for use
Essential phospholipids solution is recommended for use in the following diseases/conditions:
- steatosis (fatty degeneration) of the liver, including in patients with diabetes;
- hepatitis (in acute and chronic forms), cirrhosis, hepatic precoma and coma, necrosis and/or toxic damage to liver cells;
- toxicosis of pregnant women;
- perioperative therapy, especially in the area of the hepatobiliary system;
- radiation sickness;
- psoriasis (as an auxiliary treatment).
Dietary supplement Essential phospholipids are taken if necessary:
- natural restoration of liver cells;
- protecting the liver from toxic damage and obesity;
- lowering cholesterol levels.
Essential phospholipids, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
For intravenous administration only. 5-10 ml per day is administered intravenously, in some cases up to 20 ml per day, with a single dose of 10 ml. The drug is diluted with the patient's blood 1:1, you can also use a 5% dextrose in a 1:1 ratio. Duration of treatment is 5-20 days. The drug can be administered dropwise, dissolved in 250 ml of 5% dextrose .
Do not mix with other medications or dilute in sodium chloride .
Side effects
The use of the solution may cause the following adverse reactions from systems and organs:
- digestive system: rarely - use of high doses may cause diarrhea;
- immune system: rarely - due to the benzyl alcohol content, hypersensitivity reactions may develop; very rarely - allergic skin reactions are possible (urticaria, rash, exanthema); with unknown frequency – itching.
No side effects have been reported when taking the capsules.
Analogs
Level 4 ATX code matches:
Galstena
Fosphonziale
Essentiale Forte N
Essentiale
Livolin Forte
Essliver Forte
Eslidin
Solutions for intravenous administration: Essentiale forte N , Livenciale , Essliver .
Antiphospholipid syndrome
The human body cannot function properly without phospholipids. But sometimes the regulated mechanism malfunctions and begins to produce antibodies to this type of lipid. Scientists call this condition antiphospholipid syndrome, or APS.
In ordinary life, antibodies are our allies. These miniature formations continuously guard human health and even life. They prevent foreign objects such as bacteria, viruses, and free radicals from attacking the body, interfering with its functioning, or destroying tissue cells. But in the case of phospholipids, sometimes the antibodies fail. They begin a “war” against cardiolipins and phosphatidylsterols. Phospholipids with a neutral charge become “victims” of antibodies.
It is not difficult to guess what such a “war” within the body is fraught with. Without phosphorus-containing fats, cells of different types lose their strength. But most of all “goes” to the blood vessels and platelet membranes. The studies allowed scientists to conclude that every 20 pregnant women out of a hundred and 4 elderly people out of a hundred studied have APS syndrome.
As a result, people with this pathology have impaired heart function, and the risk of strokes and thrombosis increases several times. Antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnant women causes fetal failure, miscarriage, and premature birth.
Reviews of Essential Phospholipids
A well-founded and well-proven remedy for the treatment of liver diseases are Essential phospholipids, which include linoleic , linolenic and oleic acids . A person receives them from food (from vegetable oils). To create medicines, they are extracted from soybeans, from which up to 50% phosphatidylcholine . It is the active component of drugs and has high bioavailability.
Preparations of essential phospholipids are available in different forms - solutions for intravenous administration (the drug in question, Essentiale N , Essliver ) and capsules. Among encapsulated drugs, Essentiale forte N , Doppelgerz . Essential phospholipids (supplemented with vitamins B1 , B2 , B6 ), Essliver forte (additionally contains vitamins B1 , B2 , B6 , B12 , tocopherol acetate , nicotinamide ), Phosphogliv (this trade name is supplemented with glycyrrhizic acid ), Essel-forte , Livolin Forte , Phospholy P .
The generic drug Essentiale Forte N is the most studied of all, occupies a leading place in this group of drugs and has been successfully used for more than 50 years. It can safely be called a leading hepatoprotector, since it contains highly purified phosphatidylcholine . All other preparations contain total soy phospholipids .
There are few reviews about the described drug, apparently it is used less often than the Essentiale N . However, patients talk about it as a more affordable (in terms of cost) alternative.
- “... It was prescribed to me for psoriasis when I was in the hospital. In general, it helped with other medications. After the fourth injection, pain appeared along the vein, but the injections were completed and they switched to taking capsules.”
- “... In the hospital for hepatitis, they injected Essentiale all the time, and last time this drug. I didn’t notice any difference, I tolerated it well. It costs less - this is important to me. Now I will buy it."
- “... There was severe toxicosis. This medicine was prescribed intravenously. I made 10 injections. It turned out to be useful for me and helped a lot with toxicosis, and before that I suffered for 1.5 months.”
special instructions
Treatment based on phospholipids requires paying close attention to some points for the sake of caution.
Transport management
Despite the presence of alcohols in the medicine, the use of essential phospholipids does not in any way affect driving or operating machinery.
Use for the treatment of children
Such therapy is excluded for children under 3 years of age, as there is a risk of developing acute intolerance. In the period from 3 to 12 years, treatment with this drug is allowed, but only under medical supervision. After 12 years, the drug is absorbed much easier.
Treatment for renal pathologies
Like any hepatoprotectors, phospholipids are not recommended for use in renal failure and similar diagnoses.
Treatment for liver dysfunction
Phospholipids should protect the liver, but much depends on the specific situation. The decision to use medications rests with the doctor. Severe cases require the use of faster remedies.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
The drug is sold strictly according to a doctor's prescription.
Price for Essential Phospholipids, where to buy
You can purchase the drug in all pharmacies. The cost of 5 ampoules of a 5% solution ranges from 571-759 rubles.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
ZdravCity
- ZdravCity Essential phospholipids capsules 1250 mg 30 pcs. Polaris LLC
293 rub. order - Essential phospholipids solution for intravenous injection. 50mg/ml amp. 5ml 5 pcs. FKP Armavir Biological Factory
RUR 454 order
- Essential phospholipids capsules 300 mg 30 pcsOzon LLC/Ozone Pharm LLC
RUB 373 order
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Phospholipid classes
Biologists have divided all phospholipids that exist in nature into three classes: “neutral”, “negative” and phosphatidylglycerols.
Lipids of the first class are characterized by the presence of a phosphate group with a negative charge and an amino group with a “plus”. Together they give a neutral electrical state. The first class of substances includes: phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) and phosphatidylethanolamine (kephalin).
Both substances are most often found in animal organisms and plant cells. Responsible for maintaining the two-layer structure of membranes. And phosphatidylcholine is also the most common phosphatide in the human body.
The name of the “negative” class phospholipids refers to the charge characteristics of the phosphate group. These substances are found in the cells of animals, plants and microorganisms. In the bodies of animals and people they are concentrated in the tissues of the brain, liver, and lungs. The “negative” class includes:
- phosphatidylserines (participate in the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamines);
- phosphatidylinositol (does not contain nitrogen).
Cardiolipin polyglycerol phosphate belongs to the class of phosphatidylglycerols. They are present in the membranes of mitochondria (where they occupy approximately a fifth of all phosphatides) and in bacteria.
Liver tablets – bile acids
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only one of its kind that does not harm the human body. Refers to bile acid agents. Prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract, cholelithiasis (uncomplicated type).
Do not take if there is a high calcium content of gallstones. Has hypoglycemic properties. Increases gastric and pancreatic secretion. Able to change the immunological reaction of the liver. You should not take the drug without a doctor's prescription. There are very serious contraindications.
Advantages
- Reduces the number of eosinophils.
- In combination with other drugs, it will help dissolve cholesterol formations in the gallbladder.
- Will help with toxic, alcoholic liver damage.
- Can be used by pregnant women to treat hepatopathy.
- One of the most effective means for the treatment of sclerosing cholangitis (primary type) and biliary cirrhosis.
- Prescribed to the most vulnerable category of patients - in adolescence, pregnancy. And also for the treatment of hemophilia, substance abuse and drug addiction.
Flaws
- There are many drugs with unconfirmed quality.
- They can cause harm in case of inflammation of the gallbladder, intestines, dysfunction of the kidneys, pancreas, and liver.
- Individual intolerance often appears.
Liver tablets of animal origin
There are only a few such drugs. They are usually not prescribed as prophylaxis. Suitable for the treatment of liver diseases for several reasons - hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver hepatosis, toxic and drug-induced hepatitis. Depending on the preparation, pig liver cells, cattle liver hydrolysate, cyanocobalamin, amino acids, segments of liver growth factors and low molecular weight metabolites are used for production. Pharmaceutical companies also produce drugs with combined effects.
Advantages
- Capable of restoring cell structure.
- Improve blood flow.
- Changes the functional parameters of the liver.
- After administration, diuresis usually increases.
- Can be used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, radiation sickness, fatty degeneration, and drug intoxication.
Flaws
- There is no official confirmation of the clinical safety and effectiveness of the drugs.
- Particular caution should be taken when taking the medicine during the acute stage of hepatitis. There is a possibility of aggravation of the inflammatory, immunopathological, cytological syndrome.
- Causes a serious allergic reaction. Before starting treatment, you need to check for the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- Cattle liver hydrolysates can cause prion infection. The latter, in turn, causes Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a dangerous neurodegenerative disease).
- It is not recommended to take it as a prophylaxis.
Herbal preparations for the liver
According to experts, the best herbal medicines contain milk thistle. These include - “Karsil”, “Legalon”, “Silimar”, “Gepabene”, “Sibektan”. The main active ingredient of such drugs is silymarin. Combines three compounds - silydianin, silicristin and silibinin.
It has antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties. Counteracts liver stress (oxidative). Has an immunomodulatory effect. Protects the organ from alcohol disease. With prolonged use - about six months, the number of cytotoxic lymphocytes and the production of gamma globulin decreases. Minimizes cell susceptibility to toxic substances.
Advantages
- Natural composition.
- Promote cell regeneration.
- Stimulate protein synthesis.
- They have a choleretic effect.
- Increases the secretion of bile acids.
- Eliminate spasm of the bile ducts.
- Can be used for prevention.
- They have a strong antioxidant effect.
Flaws
- Manufacturers, in addition to milk thistle, may use other, less safe components.
- The course of treatment is usually at least 3 months.
- The effectiveness of the drugs during the treatment of acute hepatitis or alcoholism has not been clinically proven.
Video
First signs of liver disease
Why are phospholipids needed?
Essentiale, immunomodulators, useless drugs
Essentiale and other Hepatoprotectors are useless
Excess or deficiency?
If the human body experiences an excess or deficiency of any trace element, vitamin or mineral, it will definitely report it. A deficiency of phospholipids is fraught with serious consequences - an insufficient amount of these lipids will affect the functioning of almost all cells. As a result, fat deficiency can cause disruption of the brain (memory deterioration) and digestive organs, weakening of the immune system, and disruption of the integrity of the mucous membranes. A lack of phospholipids will also affect the quality of bone tissue - leading to arthritis or arthrosis. In addition, dull hair, dry skin and brittle nails are also a signal of a lack of phospholipids.
Excessive saturation of cells with phospholipids most often causes blood thickening, which then impairs the supply of oxygen to tissues. An excess of these specific lipids affects the functioning of the nervous system and causes dysfunction of the small intestine.
Contraindications
Essential phospholipids cannot be used in some cases.
When the medication is not prescribed:
- Individual intolerance to one of the components.
- The patient's age is less than 3 years.
- A person needs more potent drugs.
The doctor reserves the right to independently decide in which situations the medicine can be taken and in which it is not possible. The patient himself cannot determine whether essential phospholipids are allowed for him, because it is important to take into account various points.
