Injections in ampoules, tablets 300 and 600 mg Octolipen: instructions, price and reviews

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Octolipen helps lower blood glucose levels. This drug has a metabolic effect and is an antioxidant. It also helps increase glycogen levels in the liver.

In addition, the product regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the body. The main function of this drug is to protect against the influence of free radicals on the structure of the body's cells.

Forms of release of the drug

An inexpensive medicine that can be used for diabetes.
But only in the case of its insulin-dependent form. Octolipene belongs to the group of antioxidants. The drug is released in capsule form. They are quite hard, yellow, opaque and made of gelatin. But you can also find tablets or liquid for injections.

The tablet must be coated and may contain from 12 to 25 mg of the main substance. And there is much more of it in the capsule. It will contain 300 mg of thioctonic acid.

The injection solution will be yellow-green and transparent. It is produced in ampoules of 10 ml. They also contain 300 mg of the main substance.

Action of Octolipen

The main active substance is thiocthionic acid. In its properties, it is similar to a trap that catches free radicals. Acid may lower blood sugar levels, but it will cause the liver to process glycogen faster.

It is very similar to B vitamins, which normalize lipid-carbohydrate and cholesterol metabolism.

Action of Octolipen in the body:

1. Liver function will improve.
2. Lipid metabolism is normalized.
3. The level of glucose in the body will begin to decrease.
4. Vascular atherosclerosis will be prevented.
5. Nerve conduction is restored if there was damage to the motor, active and autonomic nerves.
6. Octolipen can be used in patients diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and alcoholism.

The drug should be used as prescribed by a doctor.

What is the drug Octolipen

Octolipen belongs to the group of metabolic agents. Latin name: Octolipen. The drug has an antioxidant effect, helping to remove free radicals from the body. Restores the functioning of neurons, improving the conduction of nerve impulses along axons (nerve cell processes).

Octolipen has an antioxidant effect, improving metabolic processes

The medication helps normalize fat and carbohydrate metabolism, reducing blood glucose levels and having a beneficial effect on the body condition of patients with diabetes. Additionally, liver function improves and its functional activity is restored.

The drug is able to bind toxins and poisons, neutralizing their harmful effects on the human body and preventing the occurrence of poisoning. This medicine is also used to get rid of extra pounds, as it speeds up metabolic processes.

Thanks to its effect on metabolism, Octolipen improves the condition of the entire body: endurance increases, signs of premature aging are eliminated, and cholesterol levels in the blood are reduced.

Taking the drug

Each dosage form of the drug has its own dosage.

• Capsules are taken 1 time per day, no more than 2 pieces. 30 minutes before meals, it is better to do this in the morning. They should be washed down with clean water. There is no need to bite or chew them. The duration of use will be determined by the doctor;
• the injection solution is prepared immediately before use. 1 or 2 ampoules are diluted with saline solution. It is administered via a dropper no more than once a day. Application possible within 1 month
• The tablets are taken according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor.

Mode of application

Octolipen is intended for oral administration. Capsules and tablets should be taken in the morning, before meals, 30 minutes before meals (the daily dose is prescribed for 1 dose). It should be taken into account that food intake reduces the absorption of thioctic acid and may reduce the effectiveness of the drug Octolipen. It is not recommended to chew or crush capsules and tablets. The duration of the course of treatment and dosage of Octolipen is determined by the doctor. Basically, 600 mg of thioctic acid (1 tablet or 2 Octolipen capsules) per day is prescribed. In some cases, to increase the effectiveness of the drug Octolipen, the following regimen is prescribed: during the first 2-4 weeks, thioctic acid is administered parenterally (using a concentrate for preparing Octolipen infusions), after which they switch to taking the oral form in standard doses.

Side effects and contraindications

If a large dose of the drug enters the body, vomiting or nausea may begin, and sometimes a headache may occur. After this, stop taking the drug, if necessary, clean the stomach.

It should not be taken by patients who are intolerant to the components of this drug. Although Octolipen is used to treat patients with liver diseases and severe poisoning of the body.

Using the drug may cause side effects. The patient may experience:

1. Allergic reaction.
2. Skin rashes.
3. State of shock.
4. Severe decrease in glucose levels.
5. Malfunction of the digestive organs.
6. Headache.

When administering the drug through a vein, a drip is made. This avoids a sharp increase in intracranial pressure. And also to prevent breathing difficulties and convulsions. Octolipen can also provoke bleeding or internal hemorrhages.

Special instructions and warnings

When treating patients with diabetes, constant monitoring of blood glucose levels is important. If your blood sugar drops sharply while taking medication, you will need to adjust your insulin dose. Otherwise, you can contribute to the occurrence of hypoglycemia, which manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness.

While taking lipoic acid, you should regularly measure your blood glucose levels using a glucometer.

Attention! During treatment with lipoic acid, drinking alcohol-containing drinks is prohibited. If you neglect this rule, you may encounter a number of unpleasant symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract.

Immediately after taking the medicine, it is not recommended to consume dairy and fermented milk products, since calcium negatively affects the absorption and action of the active component. The minimum interval should be 2 hours. In addition, during medication therapy, you need to drive with caution, and it is better to completely refrain from such activities that require rapid psychomotor reactions.

Dairy products may interfere with the absorption of Octolipen

Lipoic acid, when taken simultaneously with glucocorticosteroids, stimulates the anti-inflammatory activity of this group of drugs. The main component of the medicine does not combine well with vitamin complexes, which include calcium, magnesium and iron.

Interaction

The effect of Octolipen can be enhanced by using insulin. But if necessary, they use drugs in tablets that are similar to it. Because of this, sugar levels decrease. In this case, the prescription and monitoring of the drug is carried out only by a doctor. To prevent it from falling below normal. If necessary, the dose is selected individually and adjusted during treatment.

At the time of treatment using Octolipen, you must completely stop drinking alcohol in any form. Because the effect of treatment will be reduced.

What substances are not recommended for use with Octolipen?

1. With medications containing iron or magnesium.
2. Any dairy products.

But, if there is a need for this, you need to separate them according to intake over time. Octolipen should be taken in the morning, and everything else in the evening.

It is better for pregnant women not to experiment and not to use this remedy while carrying and feeding a child. Its effect on a woman’s body during this period is unknown.

The drug is not prescribed until the age of 18. All patients are advised to take it only as recommended by a doctor. It is sold in pharmacies with a prescription.

Comparison of safety of Octolipen and Thiolepta

The safety of a drug includes many factors.

At the same time, in Octolipen it is quite similar to Thiolepta. It is important where the drug is metabolized: drugs are excreted from the body either unchanged or in the form of products of their biochemical transformations. Metabolism occurs spontaneously, but most often involves major organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, brain and others. When assessing the metabolism of Octolipen, as well as Thiolepta, we look at which organ is the metabolizing organ and how critical the effect on it is.

The risk-benefit ratio is when the prescription of a drug is undesirable, but justified under certain conditions and circumstances, with the obligatory observance of caution in use. At the same time, Octolipen does not have any risks when used, just like Thiolepta.

Also, when calculating safety, it is taken into account whether only allergic reactions occur or possible dysfunction of the main organs. In other matters, as well as the reversibility of the consequences of using Octolipen and Thiolepta.

Octolipen's analogs

Octolipen has analogues. They differ in composition, name and price. Typically, domestic drugs are cheaper than imported ones.

• Berlition;
• Lipamide;
• Lipotixion;
• Thiolepta;
• Thiogamma;
• Thioctacid;
• Thiolepta;
• Thiolipon;
• Lipolyic or Alpha Lipolyic Acid;
• Thioctic acid;
• Neurolipon.

It is necessary that the doctor who prescribed Octolipen select an analogue.

Comparison of the effectiveness of Octolipen and Thiolepta

The effectiveness of Octolipen is quite similar to Thiolepta - this means that the ability of the drug substance to provide the maximum possible effect is similar.
For example, if the therapeutic effect of Octolipen is more pronounced, then using Thiolepta even in large doses will not achieve this effect.

Also, the speed of therapy is an indicator of the speed of therapeutic action; Octolipen and Thiolepta are approximately the same. And bioavailability, that is, the amount of a drug reaching its site of action in the body, is similar. The higher the bioavailability, the less it will be lost during absorption and use by the body.

Reviews

This drug has been known for quite a long time and therefore there are reviews about it from specialists and patients.

Valentina, 58 years old: “I went to see a neurologist due to partial paralysis of the body. The right arm and leg seemed to be numb. The reason was frequent stress. I had to undergo examination. For this I was admitted to the hospital. Oklotipen was prescribed as a dropper. After the course of treatment I felt significant improvements. Now I'm taking pills to consolidate my success. But all the prescriptions are made by the doctor.”

Vladimir, 59 years old: “I have had diabetes for a long time. Polyneuropathy in the legs began to develop as a complication. At the same time, the pain is quite severe, the legs go numb. I stopped feeling anything with them. They were constantly freezing. The doctor prescribed Octolipen and I felt an improvement. Sugar dropped, at first even too much. We adjusted the insulin dose and everything returned to normal.”

Yoga for the treatment of hernia of the lumbosacral spine

More and more often you can hear such a diagnosis as a hernia of the spine or lumbar region. This disease is accompanied by unbearable pain in the lumbar or back area, which interferes with the patient’s normal life. This disease is caused by nothing more than a hernia in the intervertebral region.

• What are the causes of intervertebral hernia?
• Yoga classes for the treatment of spinal hernia The main contraindications for yoga practice include:

Often, doctors resort to surgery to eliminate the problem and return the patient to normal health. But it is known that spinal surgery is a very complex process and cannot always lead to a positive result and return the joy of movement.

Since recent times, the practice of yoga has been recommended to improve the health of the spine. Special exercises can relieve the load on the spine and, over time, even make the disease less noticeable in its manifestations.

What are the causes of intervertebral hernia?

Nowadays there are more and more people with this disease. The hernia itself has the form of a protrusion of the fibrous ring located in the vertebrae themselves beyond their limits, forming a rupture of the membrane itself. In this case, the pulp core is displaced and exits to the spinal canal.

A pathology such as intervertebral hernia does not occur spontaneously. The process of its appearance can last for years, but it only appears when lifting heavy objects or significant physical stress on the spine.

There are several reasons for the appearance of intervertebral hernia, which everyone needs to know about in order to prevent this insidious disease.

1. Failure to comply with the correct drinking regime. When there is a lack of fluid in the human body, the connective tissue, a component of the intervertebral discs, immediately begins to react. Gradually, feeling the lack of water, the discs dry out. And over time, the atrophied tissue ceases to perform the necessary functions of a shock absorber in the spine, which is why the vertebral body takes on this load, and over time a hernia forms.
2. Incorrectly distributed load in conditions of incorrect position of the spine. All this happens if a person already has even a slight curvature of the spine or a stooped back. With such pathologies, lifting heavy objects can reduce the strength of the spine and subsequently lead to a hernia.
3. Insufficient physical activity on the body. With sedentary activity, stagnation occurs in the tissues of the intervertebral disc. Because of this, there is no adequate nutrition of the spine and its atrophy occurs.
4. Lack of balanced nutrition. The most important thing for the normal functioning of the spine, and the body as a whole, is the supply of all necessary vital components with food. Bone tissue most of all needs phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium. If even one microelement is lacking, destruction of the bone structure may occur, which will lead to an imbalance in the functioning of the intervertebral discs.

A more vulnerable area for a hernia to occur is the lower back. But this problem can occur in the cervical and thoracic spine.

The following symptoms will help to recognize the formation of a hernia in the lumbar region of the back:

• frequent numbness of the lower extremities;
• severe pain in the foot and lower leg;
• numbness of the groin area;
• the presence of prolonged pain in the lumbar region;
• severe pain in the leg, spreading to the hip area.

So, you should not despair when the diagnosis is confirmed, but on the contrary, you need to start combating the problem.

Yoga classes for the treatment of spinal hernia

The effectiveness of yoga for intervertebral hernia has already been proven by many studies and by the patients themselves.
The most important thing when doing exercises is to follow some principles. This will help not only cope with the disease, but also restore other disorders in the body. First, you should enrich your diet with essential vitamins and microelements, and most importantly, proteins. Useful components can help restore tissue and restore musculoskeletal function.

Especially when treating a lumbar hernia, you need to take bad habits seriously. It is better to completely get rid of smoking and drinking alcohol, and reconsider your diet. Try to eat only foods of natural origin.

Maintaining a daily routine is also important. Don't overload yourself in any way. You need to be especially careful about excessive physical activity and heavy lifting.

Yoga for lumbar intervertebral hernia is based on special physical exercises that are aimed at activating the activity of all parts of the spine in case of various pathologies in it. The main rule for performing exercises is to avoid overwork.

The principles of yoga for a hernia of the lumbosacral spine to eliminate its symptoms are:

1. Elimination of pain syndromes in the affected area of ​​the spine. The absence of pain indicates the correct selection of exercises. Even minor pain is considered acceptable.
2. Avoiding sudden stress on the back, which includes pushing, jumping, hitting.
3. Daily exercises.
4. Implementing a minimal load on the spine with a gradual increase.
5. Gentle exercises with slow breathing without twisting the spine.
6. Exercise maximum patience to achieve the desired result over time.
7. The result should come down to Shavansana.

The main contraindications for yoga practice include:

• feeling of weakness;
• manifestation of immobility;
• tingling sensations;
• the occurrence of pain with lumbago.

What yoga poses are considered most effective for preventing spinal hernia?

Experts note the following as the most effective yoga poses for treating lumbar hernia:

1. Application of urdhvotana asana. This yoga position requires the patient to be positioned straight. In this case, you need to clasp your hands and make circular rotations with your palms. At the same time, the stomach is pulled in, which causes muscle tension. At the same time, you should monitor your breathing.
2. Butterfly asana. This exercise is performed in a lying position. At the same time, the arms and legs are spread apart. When inhaling, the legs should be raised up, and when exhaling, the legs should be spread to the sides. Performing these exercises is not so easy, so it requires a lot of effort.
3. Using a downward facing dog. To do this, you need to stand on your feet, bend your torso so that your hands reach the floor. Next, you need to distribute the weight load either to the heels or toes. Then you need to lock your hands behind your head. The back should be bent throughout the entire exercise.
4. Application of shavansana. This exercise is performed in a lying position with your back to the floor. In this case, you need to spread your arms and legs to the sides. Position your head in proportion to your spine. Breathing should be slow and deep. This exercise requires achieving maximum relaxation. Exhaling allows the body to free itself and feel the naturalness of breathing. You need to perform the exercise for no more than five minutes.

It is worth noting that before starting a yoga class for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, you must consult a specialist. The practice of medicinal elimination of the problem in combination with yoga also goes well.

Experts' opinions on the drug Octolipen

All of them are of the opinion that Octolipen is a useful drug. Its use gives real results and helps patients regain their health. An additional positive point is the possibility of use by diabetics and people with liver diseases.

The use of the drug is not only in the treatment, but also in the prevention of complex diseases. An important point is compliance with the prescribed dosage. Good results will be noticeable approximately on the 7th day of treatment.

Treatment will be lengthy and should always be under medical supervision. The use of the drug parenterally allows it to be used by many patients suffering from diseases of the digestive system.

The cost of the medicine is not the cheapest, but it cannot be considered expensive either. Ampoules cost from 370 rubles, capsules from 310 rubles, tablets from 620 rubles.

In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Octolipen . Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Octolipen in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogues of Octolipene in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the treatment of hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and weight loss in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Composition of the drug.

Octolipene is an endogenous antioxidant (binds free radicals); it is formed in the body during the oxidative decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids. As a coenzyme of mitochondrial multienzyme complexes, it participates in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid and alpha-keto acids. Helps reduce blood glucose and increase glycogen content in the liver, as well as overcome insulin resistance. By the nature of its biochemical action, thioctic acid is close to B vitamins. It participates in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, stimulates cholesterol metabolism, and improves liver function.

It has hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic effects. Improves neuronal trophism and axonal conduction, reduces the manifestations of diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy.

Compound

Thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid + excipients.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, it is quickly and completely absorbed; taking it with food reduces absorption. Bioavailability is 30-60% due to the “first pass” effect through the liver. Metabolized in the liver by side chain oxidation and conjugation. Thioctic acid and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys (80-90%).

Indications

• diabetic polyneuropathy;
• alcoholic polyneuropathy;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hepatitis (chronic hepatitis);
• prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis (hypolipidemic effect);
• weight loss (due to normalization of fat metabolism);
• fatty liver;
• intoxication (including salts of heavy metals), poisoning with toadstool.

Release forms

Film-coated tablets 600 mg.

Concentrate for the preparation of a solution for infusion (injections in injection ampoules).

Instructions for use and dosage regimen

The drug is taken orally, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before the first meal, without chewing and with a sufficient amount of water.

The recommended dose is 600 mg (2 capsules) 1 time per day.

The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor.

The drug is taken orally, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of liquid.

The recommended dose is 1 tablet (600 mg) 1 time per day.

It is possible to carry out stepwise therapy: oral administration of the drug begins after a 2-4-week course of parenteral administration of thioctic acid. The maximum course of taking tablets is 3 months. In some cases, therapy with Octolipen requires longer-term use. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician.

To prepare an infusion solution, 1-2 ampoules (300-600 mg) of the drug are diluted in 50-250 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The prepared solution is administered intravenously (in the form of a dropper). Apply 300-600 mg 1 time per day for 2-4 weeks. Subsequently, they switch to oral therapy.

The drug is photosensitivity, so the ampoules should be removed from the packaging only immediately before use. It is advisable to protect the bottle with the solution from light during the infusion (light-protective bags or aluminum foil can be used). The prepared solution must be stored in a place protected from light and used within 6 hours after preparation.

Side effect

• hives;
• systemic allergic reactions (up to the development of anaphylactic shock);
• development of symptoms of hypoglycemia (due to improved glucose absorption);
• convulsions;
• diplopia;
• pinpoint hemorrhages in the mucous membranes, skin;
• thrombocytopathy;
• hemorrhagic rash (purpura);
• thrombophlebitis;
• with rapid intravenous administration, intracranial pressure may increase (a feeling of heaviness in the head), difficulty breathing;
• nausea, vomiting;
• heartburn;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea.

Contraindications

• pregnancy;
• lactation period (breastfeeding);
• children and adolescents under 18 years of age (efficacy and safety of use have not been established);
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

How Octolipen helps you lose weight

The instructions recommend using Octolipen to lower blood sugar levels in patients suffering from diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy. Excess weight is not an indication for the use of the drug, but it is often prescribed for weight loss because it has the ability to normalize body weight.

The alpha-lipoic acid present in the drug plays an important role in metabolism, accelerating the conversion of dietary carbohydrates into energy and preventing their conversion into fats. As a result, a person losing weight has additional strength to lead a healthy lifestyle, and the diet he follows becomes more effective. In addition, the drug provides the following effects:

1. Suppresses appetite. By regulating blood glucose levels, it helps avoid feelings of hunger and prevents overeating.
2. Cleanses the liver of toxins, thereby improving the functioning of the entire digestive tract.
3. Reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, which stimulates the development of obesity.
4. Increases skin elasticity, preventing it from sagging during rapid weight loss.
5. Strengthens the immune system by improving the absorption of minerals and vitamins entering the body with food.

general information

Octolipene is based on thioctic acid. Sometimes this drug may be called lipoic acid, since it contains the same component. This medicine is aimed at eliminating many diseases.

It has several useful properties:

• hepatoprotective;
• hypoglycemic;
• neuroprotective;
• hypocholesterolemic.

You can find out why Octolipen is prescribed from the instructions. It is suitable for the treatment of diabetes, but there are other pathologies for which it is needed.

A doctor must prescribe the medicine. He can assess how appropriate it is to use it in a given situation, select the correct dosage and monitor the progress of treatment.

Octolipen is produced in Russia. To purchase this product at a pharmacy, you must present a prescription.

Composition, release form

The drug is available in several forms (capsules, tablets, injection solution). The choice of the type of drug depends on the characteristics of the patient’s body and the nature of the disease. The main functions of Octolipen are performed by thioctic acid, which is the main component.

The following substances are added to tablets and capsules:

• calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate;
• medical gelatin;
• magnesium stearate;
• titanium dioxide;
• silica;
• dye.

Tablets and capsules differ in color. The dose of the active substance in them is 300 and 600 mg. Sold in packs of 30 and 60 units.

The infusion solution is liquid, colorless and transparent.

Auxiliary components of its composition are:

For convenience, this type of Octolipen is placed in ampoules.

Does the drug have analogues?

Octolipene is not the only medicine based on thioctic acid. It is the active ingredient in a number of products, including:

1. Tiogram. The drug is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Verwag Pharma. It is produced in the form of tablets with a dosage of the active component of 600 mg and a solution for intravenous administration, 1 ml of which contains 12 mg of thioctic acid. The average cost of a package with 30 tablets is 900 rubles, a solution - 226 rubles per bottle.
2. Thiolepta. The drug is produced in Russia by the company Canonpharma. In pharmacies it can be purchased in the form of tablets, the content of the active substance is 300 and 600 mg. Thiolepta 300 mg costs an average of 350 rubles, 600 mg - 650 rubles per pack containing 30 tablets.
3. Alpha lipoic acid. The dietary supplement from the American company Solgar is sold in capsule form. The dosage of the active component in them is 60 mg. The average price of a bottle with 30 capsules is 690 rubles. When using this product, it should be borne in mind that it contains 10 times less active ingredient than Octolipen tablets, so it will be less effective in the fight against extra pounds.

Drug substitutes.

Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics

The active component has a broad effect on the body. When taking it, patients have a decrease in blood sugar concentration, since thioctic acid increases sensitivity to insulin. Accordingly, glucose is actively absorbed by cells and distributed in tissues.

Acid neutralizes the effects of pathogenic substances, cleanses the body of toxic elements and helps strengthen the immune system. Thanks to it, the amount of cholesterol is reduced, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, the acid improves liver activity and affects the processes of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

When taken orally, the therapeutic component is absorbed and distributed at a rapid pace. Its concentration reaches its maximum after about 40 minutes. Even greater effectiveness can be achieved with injections. The absorption process is affected by the timing of meals - it is advisable to use the drug before meals.

Acid processing is carried out by the liver. Most of this substance is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Half-life requires about an hour.

Video about the properties of thioctic acid:

Pharmacological characteristics

The active substance "Octolipen" 300 and 600 mg - α-lipoic (thioctic) acid in the body is formed due to the processes of oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids and is defined by medical science as an endogenous antioxidant. This substance ensures the binding of free radicals in the blood, promotes the rapid restoration of intracellular glutathione concentration and enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase.

In addition, thioctic acid normalizes axonal conduction and trophism of neurons. Being a coenzyme of multienzyme mitochondrial complexes, this active element is directly involved in the oxidative decarboxylation of α-keto acids and pyruvic acid.

Due to the effect of the medicinal drug "Octolipen" 300 mg and 600 mg on the human body, there is a natural increase in the level of glycogen content in the liver structures and a significant decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood.

In addition, overcoming insulin resistance is observed. The intensity of the biochemical effect of thioctic acid is similar to that of B vitamins. This biologically active substance normalizes the processes of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, activates cholesterol metabolism, exhibits a pronounced lipotropic effect, normalizes the functional parameters of the liver, demonstrates a strong detoxification effect in a variety of intoxications, including heavy metal poisoning.

Indications and contraindications

Abusing the drug or using it for no reason can harm the patient.

Indications for use of the product:

• polyneuropathy resulting from diabetes or alcoholism (treated with tablets);
• poisoning with food or toxic substances;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hyperlipidemia;
• hepatitis type A (in these cases, the use of an injection solution is provided).

The product may also be recommended for diseases that are not included in the list of indications. This is allowed in complex treatment.

Having an appropriate diagnosis is a very important factor, but the absence of contraindications is considered much more important. If they are detected, the use of Octolipen is prohibited.

Contraindications include:

• intolerance to components;
• bearing a child;
• natural feeding;
• childhood.

In such situations, a replacement for the drug Octolipen is sought from among analogues.

Instructions for use

It is necessary to take Octolipen according to the following rules:

1. The tableted drug is consumed only orally and only on an empty stomach. It should not be crushed or chewed.
2. The most commonly prescribed dosage is 600 mg, but if necessary, the doctor can increase it.
3. The duration of the treatment course depends on the clinical picture and dynamics of treatment.
4. The injections should be given into a vein. To prepare the composition, you need 1-2 ampoules of the medicine. They are diluted in sodium chloride solution.
5. The usual dosage when using the liquid form of the drug is 300-600 mg. The duration of such exposure may vary.
6. Very often, at the initial stage of therapy, a solution is used (2-4 weeks), and then the patient is transferred to Octolipen tablets.

Special patients and instructions

Caution is necessary when prescribing the drug to certain groups of people, since their body may react unpredictably to this medicine.

These include:

1. Pregnant women. According to research, thioctic acid does not harm the fetus or the expectant mother, but the specifics of its effects have not been studied in detail. Therefore, doctors avoid prescribing Octolipen during this period.
2. Women who practice natural feeding. There is no information about whether the active substance of the drug passes into breast milk. In this regard, this drug is not used during lactation.
3. Children and teenagers. It was not possible to establish the effectiveness and safety of thioctic acid for this category of patients, which is why the medicine is considered contraindicated for them.

Other patients can use the drug if they do not have individual intolerance.

When using Octolipen in people with diabetes, you should remember the ability of thioctic acid to reduce glucose concentrations.

This may enhance the effect of other hypoglycemic agents if the patient is taking them. Therefore, you should regularly check your blood sugar levels and adjust the dosage of medications accordingly.

Another important feature of the drug is the distortion of its action under the influence of alcohol. In this regard, specialists prohibit the consumption of alcohol during the course of therapy.

There is also no information about how Octolipen affects reaction speed and concentration. To avoid possible risks, you need to exercise caution when driving and engaging in hazardous activities.

Pharmacological properties of the drug Octolipen, pharmacokinetics

Thioctic acid is formed during the oxidative decarboxylation of keto acids and, by its structure, is an endogenous antioxidant. Its main functions include binding free radicals and restoring intracellular glutathione levels. In addition, it improves the trophism of neurons and the conductivity of nerve cells. Thioctic acid, being a coenzyme, is involved in the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid.

As a result of the influence of the drug, the level of glycogen in the liver increases and glucose in the blood decreases, and insulin resistance is overcome. The nature of the biochemical action of thioctic acid is similar to that of B vitamins. The substance normalizes lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, activates cholesterol metabolism; exhibiting a lipotropic effect, improves liver activity; demonstrates a detoxification effect in cases of intoxication, including poisoning with salts of heavy metals. When taken orally, Octolipen is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Simultaneous administration of the drug with food slows down its adsorption, so it must be taken separately. The bioavailability of the drug is 30–60%. The maximum concentration in blood plasma is reached 25–40 minutes after a single dose. Thioctic acid is metabolized in the liver. It is excreted primarily by the kidneys in an amount of 80–90% of the initial dose.

Side effects and overdose

Taking this drug sometimes causes side effects.

These include:

• allergies (its manifestations vary, from mild to severe);
• attacks of nausea;
• heartburn;
• hypoglycemia.

If they are detected, you should consult with your doctor. Severe side effects require discontinuation of the drug, and in some cases the patient requires treatment.

Symptoms of overdose occur infrequently if the patient follows the instructions. But with increased sensitivity to thioctic acid, even a regular portion of the product can cause their occurrence.

Most often observed:

Elimination of these phenomena depends on their type.

Overdose

When taking thioctic acid in doses that exceed therapeutic doses, patients are likely to develop vomiting, nausea and headache. In case of severe overdose (taking a dosage of more than 6 g for adults and more than 50 mg/kg of body weight for children), psychomotor agitation, disturbances of consciousness and generalized convulsions, as well as acid-base balance disorders with lactic acidosis, are likely to develop. In addition, with severe intoxication with thioctic acid, patients experience a decrease in plasma glucose levels (up to hypoglycemic coma), hemolysis, acute necrosis of skeletal muscles, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, multiple organ failure and suppression of bone marrow functions. A specific antidote for thioctic acid is unknown. In case of overdose, immediate hospitalization and standard measures recommended for overdose are required (gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, symptomatic therapy). Hemodialysis, filtration methods and hemoperfusion are ineffective in treating an overdose of thioctic acid. The patient should be under the supervision of medical personnel until complete recovery.

Drug interactions and analogues

For therapy to be productive, the following features of the drug must be taken into account:

• Octolipen enhances the effect of oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin;
• when taken together, the medicine may reduce the effectiveness of Cisplatin;
• preparations containing iron, magnesium or calcium should be taken before or after Octolipen with a gap of several hours;
• the medicine enhances the anti-inflammatory properties of glucocorticosteroids;
• Under the influence of alcohol, the effectiveness of Octolipen itself decreases.

In this regard, it is necessary to change the dose of the medicine and maintain the prescribed time intervals. Although it is better to avoid combining this drug with inappropriate drugs.

Sometimes patients refuse to take this medicine and ask to find cheaper analogues. In other cases, a replacement is needed due to problems with this particular drug.

Synonymous drugs include:

The choice of Octolipen substitutes should be made by a healthcare professional.

Opinion of specialists and patients

From the reviews of doctors about the drug Octolipen, we can conclude that it is more readily prescribed in complex therapy for weight loss. In the case of diabetes, there is a high probability of complications in the form of hypoglycemia.

Reviews from patients are quite contradictory - the drug effectively helps in weight loss, but is characterized by frequent side effects.

I rarely prescribe Octolipen to my patients. Suitable for some, not for others. The drug helps with poisoning, reduces sugar levels, women often ask to prescribe it for weight loss. But, as with any medicine, you need to be careful with it due to contraindications and side effects.

Ekaterina Igorevna, doctor

I recommend Octolipen and its analogues to overweight patients - it really helps with this. I do not recommend using it for diabetics. If they use hypoglycemic drugs, then Octolipen can cause complications.

Irina Sergeevna, doctor

I didn't like this drug. Because of it, my sugar dropped significantly - the doctor did not pay attention to the fact that I was diabetic. I was hospitalized due to hypoglycemia. Some friends praise this product, but I don't want to risk it.

I used Octolipen for weight loss. The first week I felt unwell and was constantly nauseated. Then I got used to it. I liked the results - in 2 months I got rid of 7 kg.

To purchase this drug in capsules you will need from 300 to 400 rubles. Tablets (600 mg) cost 620-750 rubles. The price for a package of Octolipen with ten ampoules is 400-500 rubles.