Iberogast: instructions for use and reviews of the drug

Iberogast is a herbal medicine that has a tonic or antispasmodic effect on the gastrointestinal tract, as well as anti-inflammatory (due to inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase), carminative, antibacterial effects, inhibiting the growth of certain subspecies of Helicobacter pylori and other intestinal bacteria.

Contains liquid extracts of Iberian bittersweet, dry roots of angelica officinalis, dried chamomile flowers, dry fruits of caraway seeds, dry fruits of milk thistle, dry leaves of lemon balm, dry leaves of peppermint, dry herb of celandine, dry roots of licorice.

The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, and also normalizes the tone of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract - helps eliminate spasms without affecting normal peristalsis, and with decreased tone and motility, it has a tonic, prokinetic effect.

In an in vitro experiment, it inhibits the growth of 6 subspecies of Helicobacter pylori. Reduces the intensity of ulceration of the gastric mucosa, the secretion of hydrochloric acid, reduces the concentration of leukotrienes, enhances the production of mucins, and increases the concentration of mucoprotective prostaglandin E2 in the gastric mucosa. Thanks to these properties, Iberogast helps protect the gastric mucosa.

Available in the form of drops for oral administration. It looks like a clear to slightly cloudy liquid of dark brown color. During storage, minor sediment may form. Packaged in dark glass bottles of 50 and 100 ml.

Components of the drug

The product contains exclusively medicinal plants. That is why doctors classify the drug “Iberogast” not as a medicinal method of dealing with problems, but as herbal medicine. The composition includes the following medicinal herbs:

• chamomile flowers;
• mint and lemon balm leaves;
• celandine grass;
• licorice and angelica root;
• bitter iberis (root);
• caraway fruits.

In addition, the tincture is alcoholic. The composition includes 31% ethanol, which allows you to preserve all the beneficial properties of herbs and plants.

Release form, composition

Iberogast is made in the form of a dark brown liquid. Cloudiness and sediment at the bottom is considered normal. The medicine is in a dark plastic bottle with a capacity of 20, 50 and 100 ml. In addition to the drug, the white and green box with a picture of the stomach contains instructions for using the product.

The main active ingredients of the drug Iberogast are extracts of medicinal plants: chamomile, snow leopard, angelica, caraway, mint, lemon balm, milk thistle, celandine, licorice. To preserve the healing properties, medical ethyl alcohol is added to the solution.

When it enters the digestive system, the medicine affects the walls of the tract. In areas of increased activity, it performs an antispasmodic function, and in segments with weak motor skills it produces a tonic effect. In addition, plant extracts suppress the activity of pathogenic microflora and normalize the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

Recommended children's norm

If a pediatrician prescribes a herbal medicine for your baby, it is usually he who sets the dosage. True, there is an unspoken norm that they try to adhere to. "Iberogast" for children aged 3-6 years is given 10 drops with meals. You need to take the drug with a small amount of clean water without gas. Children aged 3 months to 3 years can be given 6 drops of Iberogast with meals. Infants can take the medicine with breast milk, and for those who have already moved to the adult table, only boiled water. You can give the drug to children only after a doctor prescribes it, nothing else!

Patient reviews of Iberogast

For many years I have been suffering from intestinal problems, constant bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, pain. They did an x-ray, everything was fine, there were no organic changes. As a result, I was diagnosed with IBS, that is, irritable bowel syndrome plus gastroesophageal reflux. The doctor prescribed Iberogast in combination therapy with Omeprazole. I liked that the drug is of natural and not chemical origin. It acts gently, without bringing any special effects. Improvement occurred about a week after I started using the drug. The bowel movements improved, there was noticeably less gas, and bloating began to appear less and less. I drink it in courses twice a year. But if the disease is advanced, then, of course, Iberogast alone is not enough, you need to use heavier artillery.

I really liked this drug, it removes the symptoms of irritable bowel very quickly, literally in 30 minutes all the discomfort goes away, I was afraid to take it because I can’t stand liquid medications at all, only in tablets, but this one turned out to be very easy to take, it has a terrible smell , but this is understandable, it is herbal, but the taste is absolutely not nasty! Now it’s number one in our medicine cabinet at home and on vacation! It’s just a pity that you can take it from the age of 18!

I suffer from gastrointestinal disorder and this medicine is a godsend for me. During periods of exacerbation I always use it. Also helps cope with irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the fact that I am allergic, allergic reactions did not appear. It is convenient that Iberogast should be taken shortly before or during meals. One course is enough for me to feel the effect. I tried quite a lot of other medications, because... my illness bothers me quite often, but Iberogast is always at the top. Also, good results are obtained when used simultaneously with Kolofort, but it is better to discuss this with your doctor.

My mother started to have a stomach ache. She had been suffering for several days; she had been drinking “handfuls” of enzymes and various painkillers. It was difficult to get to the doctor (the hospital is 40 km from the village), and weekends were bad luck. We saw an advertisement for Iberogast on TV, and I thought it was worth a try. In the evening I brought her medicine. She drank it at night and felt better. The next day, towards evening, the pain completely disappeared. I bought Iberogast for myself, it helps relieve discomfort in the stomach for both adults and children. Now Iberogast is always in the home medicine cabinet.

How the drug works

If a doctor has recommended Iberogast for use, the use and method of action on the body should be studied in advance. These include:

1. Relieving abdominal pain, cramps, heaviness.
2. Elimination of flatulence in the stomach and intestines.
3. Relief from bloating.
4. Normalization of intestinal microflora (colonization with beneficial bacteria).
5. Elimination of pathogenic bacteria (including those belonging to the Helicobacter pylori category).
6. Normalization of gastric juice acidity.
7. Healing of small wounds and ulcers on the walls of the stomach and intestines.
8. Normalizing intestinal smooth muscles.
9. Elimination of heartburn.

It is noteworthy that regular use of the drug allows you to normalize intestinal function, which means that such a concept as constipation will remain only a memory. In addition, Iberogast, analogues of which are given below, is often used as one of the means in the complex treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers, and the prevention of liver and kidney diseases. The drug is produced in the form of drops, in a dark bottle with a tight-fitting cap. The shelf life of the product is 2 years. After this time, taking the product is categorically not recommended, and even moreover, it is dangerous to health.

Indications for use

The drug is prescribed to people who experience discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. It can manifest itself as nausea, cramps, stomach pain, flatulence, and heartburn. Sometimes patients complain of heaviness in the organ and a feeling of fullness. With all these symptoms, Iberogast drops can bring significant relief.

The instructions also recommend using the medication in complex therapy for various gastrointestinal pathologies. For ulcerative conditions and gastritis, the medicine perfectly reduces inflammation, restores motility, and reduces the production of hydrochloric acid. In some cases, the drug is used to increase appetite.

Thus, the main indications for use are the following pathologies:

1. Gastrointestinal disorder, accompanied by flatulence, heartburn, belching, bloating.
2. Ulcerative pathologies.
3. Stomach cramps.
4. Functional dyspepsia.
5. Irritable bowel syndrome.
6. Violation of peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract.

Analogs

The composition of such drugs does not exist. However, there are those that are similar to Iberogast in action. The price category, by the way, is approximately the same for everyone. Although the composition may differ significantly or, conversely, slightly from the drug Iberogast.

The analogue that is most famous today is “Hilak Forte”. Its main task is to normalize the intestinal microflora, which for some reason has been significantly disrupted. For example, while taking antibiotics. And yet, the spectrum of effects on the body is not as wide as that of the drug Iberogast.

An analogue that is similar in pharmacological properties is Enterol. Its main feature is its antimicrobial effect on the intestines and stomach. Similar means include the following:

• "Pikolaks";
• "Bifidumbacterin";
• "Linex";
• "Almagel";
• "Smecta".

But unfortunately, they do not have complex properties. Most often, they are intended to populate the intestines and stomach with beneficial bacteria, but they do not solve all problems. Thus, Almagel has too many contraindications and side effects. Still, other manufacturers have not been able to completely replicate a drug like Iberogast.

Reviews from doctors about Iberogast

An effective herbal preparation that works well in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal diseases, relieves bloating, rumbling, abdominal discomfort, normalizes stool, and has virtually no side effects.

The liquid form of administration is expensive, which is not always convenient for patients.

It has a real positive effect when used for 2-3 weeks.

A fairly working drug that really works. The main composition of herbs carefully and gently helps in solving problems associated with intestinal irritation.

There is a very individual intolerance to this drug in patients with allergies to some herbs.

A fairly affordable drug that can be prescribed to patients. The pricing policy is quite acceptable.

A safe and effective herbal preparation with precise proportions of the herbs it contains. Well tolerated. It can be successfully used for chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as for the purpose of “follow-up treatment” after massive antibacterial therapy.

Allergic reactions to components are possible.

An excellent drug for the treatment of both hypermotor and hypomotor dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Clear therapeutic effect.

It is possible to be allergic to the herbal components included in the composition.

The drug is made from herbal raw materials, produced by a reputable company, can be used in long courses, with minimal side effects.

The effect of treatment with iberogast occurs after just three to five days of use. This drug has an affordable price.

Some patients have experienced side effects from using this medication, such as constipation.

Iberogast is a very good drug. We prescribe it to patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

An excellent drug not only for diseases of the upper digestive tract, but also for the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. It acts gently and effectively, regardless of the type of intestinal dyskinesia. Patients like it. During the last gastroenterological forum in St. Petersburg, clinical trial data on the positive effects of Iberogast in patients with IBS were presented.

Price

The cost of one bottle, the volume of which is 20 ml, varies between 300-350 rubles. In this case, the drug will only last for a couple of weeks. Those who are prescribed long-term use should pay attention to bottles of 50 or 100 ml. Their cost varies between 500-650 rubles. Iberogast, whose price is not so affordable, is not exactly a drug in the classical sense. It is rather a homeopathic, phytotherapeutic remedy that really benefits the body without having virtually any side effects. It is worth noting that analogues of the drug cost approximately the same. With rare exceptions. So, “Smecta” may cost a little less, but the effect of the product is completely different - getting rid of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and normalizing stool.

special instructions

Before taking the drug, you should consider:

Studies have shown the possibility of interaction between the components of Iberogast and drugs that are processed in the liver with the participation of the cytochrome P450 enzyme. It turned out that they suppress activity, and the drug can accumulate in the blood. The effect is typical for taking extremely high doses of Iberogast, exceeding the norm. The following work in the same way:

• Aminazine.
• PASK.
• Allopurinol.
• Progesterone.
• Fluorouracil.
• Teturam.
• Cycloserine.

A total of 25 cytochrome enzymes are known. They participate in the biochemical reactions of hydroxylation, isomerization, and transfer of carbon atoms. For example, taking a large dose of Paracetamol and Iberogast together causes necrosis in the center of the liver lobules with acute organ failure.

You can purchase the drug at the pharmacy without a prescription. Storage at home is best ensured in the refrigerator (it is also possible in another place where the temperature does not rise above 25 degrees). With the correct attitude towards the medicine, it continues to be valid for 2 years from the release date and 2 months after opening the bottle.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

Iberogast solution is contraindicated in persons with a history of hypersensitivity to one of the components. If a reaction in the form of hives, skin itching, nasal congestion, swelling, or shock has ever occurred, then using the medicine is strictly prohibited.

Other contraindications relate to:

• the already noted age barrier of 18 years,
• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• calculous cholecystitis (stones may move, causing an attack).

Due to the presence of ethyl alcohol, it is recommended to use the drug carefully for people with liver pathology and brain diseases.

Side effects of Iberogast

Side effects are considered:

• itchy rash, other allergic manifestations,
• vomiting
• diarrhea,
• nausea.

Overdose

No data available.