Liver diseases and dysfunction are a real scourge of our time. This is due to many factors: errors in nutrition, adherence to certain diets, alcohol abuse, long-term drug therapy and other reasons that negatively affect liver function and cause metabolic disorders.
Karsil is a popular drug, a hepatoprotector, which is prescribed for various liver diseases. It is a drug of medicinal origin. The active base is represented by natural compounds from the fruits of milk thistle, which has traditionally been used for a long time in the treatment of the liver.
Pharmaceutical group: hepatoprotectors.
Description and composition
As an active ingredient, Karsil Forte contains milk thistle fruit extract. Silymarin and several of its isomers, which form part of the extract, have hepatoprotective properties. The maximum activity is exhibited by silibinin, the mechanism of action of which is not fully understood, but beneficial pharmacological effects have been proven in clinical trials.
Karsil forte has the following positive effects:
- Antioxidant. The active ingredient in milk thistle extract is able to interact with free radicals that are found in the liver. This makes it possible to interrupt the process of lipid peroxidation, prevent the destruction of cellular structures and normalize biochemical processes.
- Membrane stabilizing effect. Silymarin is able to regulate the permeability of cell membranes, so that they do not lose excess ions and do not let in hepatotoxic agents. The mechanism of action is based on competitive binding to receptors that respond to toxic products.
- Stimulates regeneration processes. The mechanism of action is based on the activation of the synthesis of proteins that are necessary for the proper structure and function of hepatocytes. In addition, silymarin inhibits the formation of collagen fibers from liver cells.
- Anti-inflammatory effect. The components of the extract can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of some enzymes that take part in this process.
During treatment with Karsil Forte, both subjective clinical changes in the patient’s condition and normalization of laboratory parameters of the functional state of the liver become visible.
When taken orally, silymarin is not completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration is recorded only a few hours after ingestion. There is no cumulative effect, so the course of treatment can be long if the drug is taken regularly.
How do hepatoprotectors work?
In this article we review the drug "Karsil Forte". The instructions for the natural medicine must be read immediately before use. Let's find out how protective drugs stabilize the ability of an organ to maintain its constant internal state or, in scientific terms, stabilize homeostasis:
- Active substances affect metabolic processes and restoration of fermentation inside the liver.
- Free radicals are bound.
- Lipid oxidation is suppressed.
- The destruction of cell membranes is prevented.
- Protein synthesis is stimulated.
- There is an impact on regenerative and reparative processes.
Indications for use
for adults
Karsil forte can be used both as part of complex therapeutic therapy for liver diseases and to maintain the health of this organ or prevent the destruction of hepatocytes. According to the official instructions, the main indications for use are:
- toxic liver damage of various etiologies;
- recovery period after acute hepatitis;
- chronic hepatitis of non-viral etiology;
- liver steatosis;
- cirrhosis;
- prevention of various injuries, including drug, alcohol, and intoxication.
for children
In children, the drug can be used starting from the age of 12. Indications for use remain the same as for adult patients - various liver diseases, as well as their prevention.
for pregnant women and during lactation
Carsil forte can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only after consulting a doctor. The official instructions do not give unambiguous permission to use the drug during these periods, however, given the natural composition and high safety profile of the drug, the doctor can adjust the treatment regimen and prescribe it to this category of patients.
Reviews
The effectiveness of Karsil Forte in the treatment of liver diseases is confirmed by positive reviews from patients and the widespread use of the drug in medical practice. This medicine has a complex effect. The medication restores impaired liver function, improves the general condition of the body, accelerates the process of tissue regeneration and eliminates the consequences of toxic effects.
If you have experience using Karsil Forte, be sure to share it with other site visitors.
Contraindications
The official instructions indicate the following conditions as contraindications:
- increased individual sensitivity to the main or auxiliary component;
- the patient's age is under 12 years;
- lactase deficiency, impaired metabolism of galactose or glucose;
- celiac disease.
In addition, patients with hormonal disorders require increased attention and more cautious prescribing of the drug. This is especially true for women, since silymarin can exhibit an estrogen-like effect. Relative contraindications include endometriosis, carcinoma of the female reproductive system, and uterine fibroids.
Applications and dosages
for adults
Karsila forte capsules are intended for oral administration. They should be swallowed whole, without chewing, and washed down with plenty of water. A single dose is usually one capsule. In this case, the frequency of application is usually at least 3 times a day.
For preventive purposes or for mild liver damage, the drug can be prescribed once or twice a day. To prevent chemical intoxication, Karsil forte is prescribed in a daily dose of 1-2 capsules. The duration of treatment is at least 3 months.
for children
In children, the drug can be used starting from the age of 12. The treatment regimen is usually the same as for adult patients. For severe lesions, the medication should be taken one capsule 3 times a day. In milder cases or for prevention, Karsil forte can be prescribed one capsule once or twice a day. The standard course of treatment is usually long and lasts several months. There are no data regarding the safety of the drug in children under 12 years of age.
for pregnant women and during lactation
The drug treatment regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding is selected by the doctor individually for each patient.
Side effects
In most cases, the medicine is well tolerated and does not cause any side effects. Even if unexpected symptoms appear, they are mild and pass quickly even without stopping the drug. However, the official instructions warn about the possible occurrence of the following undesirable reactions:
- allergic reactions;
- the appearance of vestibular disorders or intensification of existing ones;
- diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dyspeptic disorders.
Release form
The drug is produced by Sopharma (Bulgaria) under two names:
- “Karsil” is a coated dragee of a biconvex shape and brown color, containing 35 mg of silymarin and excipients - in blisters of 10 pieces, 8 blisters in a cardboard package (80 pieces).
- “Karsil Forte” is a gelatin capsule of cylindrical shape and light brown color with a powdery mass of yellow-brown or pale yellow color with a specific slight odor, containing 90 mg of silymarin and excipients - in blisters of 6 pieces, 5 blisters in a cardboard package (30 pieces).
Interaction with other drugs
Karsil Forte is combined with almost all medications and is often an addition to many combination treatment regimens. Silymarin does not affect the pharmacodynamics of other drugs.
Due to its estrogen-like effects, silymarin may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and some other hormone replacement therapies.
It should be borne in mind that silymarin suppresses the action of the cytochrome P450 system, which can lead to an increase in the concentration of certain drugs in the blood.
Carsil or Essentiale: which is better?
Both drugs have antihepatotoxic properties and have similar indications, but are fundamentally different in composition and mechanism of action.
Essentiale and other drugs based on essential phospholipids obtained from soy are widely used medicines to “help” a diseased liver. The active basis of the drug affects the condition of the cell walls of hepatocytes, but does not directly participate in cell restoration. Against the background of long-term treatment for at least six months, there is a decrease in energy expenditure by the liver, an increase in enzyme activity and an improvement in the physicochemical properties of bile. According to research by American scientists, essential phospholipids cause stagnation of bile, and therefore provoke further development of the inflammatory process. In addition, the greatest effect of essential phospholipids is achieved only when administered intravenously. Considering that the drugs are not cheap, and they need to be taken for a long time to achieve at least some effect (many do not accept the injection method), the feasibility of treatment is controversial.
Karsil and its analogues not only support, but also restore damaged liver cells and stimulate the growth of new hepatocytes. They are used in a course of shorter duration, but require treatment in an adequate dose, preferably in the form of forte.
Analogs
Among the analogues of the drug, the following can be distinguished:
- Hepalex. Manufacturer: Germany. A drug based on silymarin. Available in capsule form, it is used for various diseases of the liver and biliary tract. Can be used in patients over 12 years of age.
- Darsil. Manufacturer: Ukraine, analogue of Karsil. It is also produced on the basis of silymarin, but contains a lower concentration of the active substance than in Karsil Forte. The daily dosage can reach 12 tablets. The drug belongs to the over-the-counter group.
- Antral. Film-coated tablets, which are available in two dosages and contain antral as an active ingredient. This compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and detoxification effects, promotes reparative processes in the liver and restores the structure of the organ. Can be used in patients over 4 years of age and belongs to the over-the-counter group.
- Glutargin. A drug based on glutamic acid and arginine. Available in several dosage forms, it is used to treat acute intoxications. Glutargin effectively reduces the negative effects of alcohol on the nervous system and quickly neutralizes ammonia and other toxic compounds in the body.
- Gepaforte. Capsules that contain phospholipids and several vitamins. Thanks to the combined composition, the drug allows you to restore the structure of the liver and establish metabolic processes in hepatocytes. Gepaforte improves cellular respiration processes, acts as an antioxidant, and prevents lipid peroxidation.
