There are many drugs that contain substances necessary to maintain the health of the body and are used by pharmacology as medicines for various diseases. For example, lipoic acid, the harm and benefits of which will be discussed below.

pharmachologic effect

The vital activity of the human body is an amazing interweaving of various processes that begin from the moment of conception and do not stop for a fraction of a second throughout life. Sometimes they seem quite illogical. For example, biologically significant elements - proteins - need non-protein compounds, the so-called cofactors, to work correctly. It is to such elements that lipoic or, as it is also called, thioctic acid belongs. It is an important component of many enzyme complexes that work in the human body. So, when glucose is broken down, the end product will be pyruvic acid salts - pyruvates. It is lipoic acid that participates in this metabolic process. In its effect on the human body, it is similar to the B vitamins - it also participates in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, increases the glycogen content in the liver tissues and helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood.

Due to its ability to improve cholesterol metabolism and liver function, lipoic acid reduces the pathogenic effect of toxins of both endogenous and exogenous origin. By the way, this substance is an active antioxidant, which is based on its ability to bind free radicals.

According to various studies, thioctic acid has hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects.

Derivatives of this vitamin-like substance are used in medical practice to impart certain degrees of biological activity to medicinal preparations containing such components. And the inclusion of lipoic acid in injection solutions reduces the potential development of drug side effects.

What are the dosage forms?

For the drug "Lipoic acid" the dosage of the drug takes into account the therapeutic need, as well as the method of its delivery to the body. Therefore, the drug can be purchased in pharmacies in two dosage forms - in the form of tablets and in the form of a solution in ampoules for injection. Depending on which pharmaceutical company is manufactured, or capsules can be purchased with a content of 12.5 to 600 mg of active substance in 1 unit. The tablets are available in a special coating, which most often has a yellow color. The drug in this form is packed in blisters and in cardboard boxes containing 10, 50 or 100 tablets. But in ampoules, the drug is available only in the form of a 3% solution. Also, thioctic acid is a common component of many multicomponent medicinal products and dietary supplements.

In what cases is the use of the drug indicated?

One of the vitamin-like substances that are important for the human body is lipoic acid. Indications for use take into account its functional load as an intracellular component, which is important for many processes. Therefore, lipoic acid, the harm and benefits of which are sometimes the cause of controversy on health forums, has certain indications for use in the treatment of diseases or conditions such as:

• coronary atherosclerosis;
• viral hepatitis (with jaundice);
• chronic hepatitis in the active phase;
• dyslipidemia - including a change in the ratio of blood lipids and lipoproteins;
• hepatic dystrophy (fatty);
• intoxication with medicines, heavy metals, carbon, carbon tetrachloride, mushrooms (including pale toadstool);
• hepatic insufficiency in acute form;
• chronic pancreatitis against the background of alcoholism;
• diabetic polyneuritis;
• alcoholic polyneuropathy;
• chronic cholecystopancreatitis;
• hepatic cirrhosis.

The main field of work of the drug "Lipoic acid" is therapy for alcoholism, for poisoning and intoxication, in the treatment of liver pathologies, the nervous system, and diabetes. Also, this medicine is often used in the complex therapy of oncological diseases in order to alleviate the course of the disease.

Are there any contraindications for use?

When prescribing treatment, patients often ask doctors - what is lipoic acid for? The answer to this question can be quite lengthy, because thioctic acid is an active participant in cellular processes aimed at the metabolism of various substances - lipids, cholesterol, glycogen. It participates in protective processes against free radicals and tissue cell oxidation. For the drug "Lipoic acid", the instructions for use indicate not only the problems that it helps to solve, but also contraindications for use. And they are as follows:

• hypersensitivity;
• a history of allergic responses to the drug;
• pregnancy;
• the period of feeding the baby with breast milk.

This drug is not prescribed in the treatment of children under 16 years of age due to the lack of clinical trials in this vein.

Are there any side effects?

One of the substances biologically important at the cellular level is lipoic acid. What is it for in cages? For carrying out a number of chemical and electrical reactions of the metabolic process, as well as for reducing the effects of oxidation. But despite the benefits of this substance, it is impossible to take drugs with thioctic acid thoughtlessly, not as prescribed by a specialist. In addition, these medications can cause the following side effects:

• allergic reactions;
• epigastric pain;
• hypoglycemia;
• diarrhea;
• diplopia (double vision);
• difficulty breathing;
• skin reactions (rashes and itching, urticaria);
• bleeding (due to functional disorders of thrombocytosis);
• migraine;
• petechiae (punctate hemorrhages);
• increased intracranial pressure;
• vomiting;
• convulsions;
• nausea.

How to take thioctic acid preparations?

For the drug "Lipoic acid", the instructions for use describe the basics of treatment, depending on the initial dosage of the drug unit. The tablets are not chewed or crushed, taking them orally half an hour before meals. The drug is prescribed up to 3-4 times per day, the exact number of doses and the specific dosage of the drug is determined by the attending physician in accordance with the need for the therapy. The maximum permissible daily dosage of the drug is 600 mg of the active ingredient.

For the treatment of liver diseases, lipoic acid preparations should be taken 4 times a day in an amount of 50 mg of the active substance per dose. The course of such therapy should be 1 month. It can be repeated after a time specified by the attending physician.

Intravenous drug administration is prescribed in the first weeks of treatment of diseases in acute and severe forms. After this time, the patient can be transferred to the tablet form of lipoic acid therapy. The dosage should be the same for all dosage forms - intravenous injections contain from 300 to 600 mg of the active substance per day.

How to buy the drug and how to store it?

Lipoic acid is sold by prescription at the pharmacy, as indicated in the directions for use. Its use without consulting the attending physician is not recommended, since the drug has a high biological activity, its use in complex therapy should take into account compatibility with other drugs that the patient is taking.

The purchased medicine in tablet form and for injection is stored at room temperature without access to sunlight.

Drug overdose

In therapy with any drugs and lipoic acid, including, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage recommended by a specialist. An overdose of thioctic acid manifests itself as follows:

• allergic reactions;
• anaphylactic shock;
• pain in the epigastric region;
• hypoglycemia;
• headache;
• diarrhea;
• nausea.

Since there is no specific antidote to this substance, an overdose or poisoning with lipoic acid requires symptomatic therapy against the background of the withdrawal of this medication.

Better or worse together?

A fairly frequent incentive for self-medication is for various drugs, including for the drug "Lipoic acid", price and reviews. Thinking that only benefits can be obtained from a natural vitamin-like substance, many patients forget that there is also a so-called pharmacological compatibility that must be taken into account. For example, the combined use of glucocorticosteroids and drugs with thioctic acid is fraught with an increase in the activity of adrenal hormones, which will certainly cause a lot of negative side effects.

Since lipoic acid actively binds many substances in the body, it should not be combined with taking medications containing components such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. Treatment with these drugs should be divided in time - a break of at least 2-4 hours will be the best option for the medication regimen.

Treatment with alcohol-containing tinctures is also best done separately from lipoic acid, since ethanol weakens its activity.

Is it possible to lose weight by taking thioctic acid?

Many people believe that one of the effective and safe means necessary for adjusting weight and shape is lipoic acid for weight loss. How to take this medication to remove excess body fat? This is not a difficult question, considering that without certain physical activity and adjusting the diet, no weight loss can be achieved with any drugs. If you reconsider your attitude to physical education and proper nutrition, then the help of lipoic acid in losing weight will be very noticeable. You can take the drug in different ways:

• half an hour before breakfast or half an hour after it;
• half an hour before dinner;
• after an active sports training.

This attitude to weight loss involves the use of lipoic acid preparations in an amount of 25-50 mg per day. It will help the metabolism of fats and sugars, as well as the elimination of unnecessary cholesterol from the body.

Beauty and thioctic acid

Many women use Lipoic Acid for their face, which helps to make their skin cleaner, fresher. With thioctic acid preparations, you can improve the quality of a conventional moisturizer or nourishing cream. For example, a couple of drops of injectable solution added to a cream or lotion that a woman uses every day will make it more effective in combating active radicals, impurities, and deterioration of the skin.

With diabetes

Lipoic acid is one of the most important substances in the field of glucose metabolism and metabolism, and hence insulin. In type 1 and type 2 diabetes, this substance helps to avoid serious complications associated with active oxidation, and therefore with the destruction of tissue cells. Studies have shown that oxidative processes are activated with a significant increase in blood sugar, and it does not matter for what reason such a pathological change occurs. Lipoic acid acts as an active antioxidant agent, which significantly minimizes the effects of the destructive effect of blood sugar on tissues. Research in this area continues, and therefore preparations with thioctic acid for diabetes mellitus should be taken only on the recommendation of the attending physician with regular monitoring of blood counts and the patient's condition.

What do they say about the drug?

Lipoic acid is a component of many drugs with significant biological activity. The harm and benefits of this substance are the cause of constant disputes between specialists, between patients. Many consider such drugs to be the future of medicine, whose help in the treatment of various diseases will be proven by practice. But many people think that these drugs have only the so-called placebo effect and do not carry any functional load. But still, for the most part, reviews of the drug "Lipoic acid" have a positive and recommendatory connotation. Patients who took this medication in a course tell that after the therapy they felt much better, there was a desire to lead a more active lifestyle. Many people note an improvement in appearance - the complexion has become clearer, acne has disappeared. Also, patients note a significant improvement in blood counts - a decrease in sugar and cholesterol after taking a course of the drug. Many people say that lipoic acid is often used for weight loss. How to take such a remedy to lose extra pounds is a topical question for many people. But everyone who took the drug in order to lose weight says that without changing the diet and lifestyle there will be no result.

Similar drugs

Biologically significant substances present in the human body itself help in the fight against many diseases, as well as pathological conditions that affect health. For example, lipoic acid. The harm and benefits of the drug, although they cause controversy, still play a huge role in the treatment of many diseases. A drug with an identical name has many analogues, which include lipoic acid. For example, "Octolipen", "Espa-Lipon", "Tiolepta", "Berlition 300". It can also be found in multicomponent products - "Alphabet - Diabetes", "Complivit Radiance".

Each patient wishing to improve their condition with the help of medicines or biologically active food supplements, including lipoic acid preparations, should first consult a specialist about the rationality of such treatment, as well as about the available contraindications.

Lipoic acid is a metabolic agent with antioxidant, lipid-lowering and hepatoprotective effects.

Release form and composition

• Tablets (12 mg - 10 pcs. In blisters, in a katon pack 5 packs; 50 pcs. In cans, in a cardboard bundle 1 can; 25 mg - 10 pcs. In a blister, in a katon pack 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 packages; 50 pcs. In cans, in a cardboard box 1 can);
• Solution for injection (2 ml in ampoules, 10 ampoules in a package).

The active ingredient of the drug is thioctic acid:

• 1 tablet contains 12 or 25 mg;
• In 1 ml of solution - 5 mg.

Indications for use

Parenteral Lipoic acid is used to treat alcoholic and diabetic polyneuropathy.

Inside the drug is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:

• Hepatitis A;
• Chronic hepatitis;
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Fatty degeneration of the liver;
• Intoxication (including heavy metal salts);
• Toadstool poisoning.

In addition, Lipoic acid is used to treat and prevent hyperlipidemia, including those accompanied by coronary atherosclerosis.

Contraindications

• Hyperacid gastritis;
• Peptic ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer;
• Children under 6 years of age (in the case of polyneuropathy treatment - up to 18 years);
• Hypersensitivity to the drug.

During pregnancy, Lipoic acid is prescribed only if there are vital indications, if the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

If necessary, a course of therapy during lactation is recommended to stop breastfeeding.

Method of administration and dosage

The solution is administered intramuscularly. A single dose is 2-4 ml. If necessary, the drug can be injected intravenously in a slow stream or drip.

Inside Lipoic acid should be taken after meals. A single dose for adults is 25 mg, the daily dose is 50-150 mg. Frequency of admission - 2-4 times a day.

Children over 6 years of age are prescribed 12-25 mg 2-3 times a day.

The duration of treatment is 20-30 days. If necessary, after a month's break, a second course of therapy is carried out.

Side effects

Possible side effects due to the use of Lipoic acid:

• Gastrointestinal tract: ingestion - abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn;
• Allergic reactions: itching, skin rash, urticaria, anaphylactic shock;
• Others: hypoglycemia, headache; with rapid intravenous administration - increased intracranial pressure, punctate hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes and a tendency to bleeding, diplopia, short-term delay or difficulty in breathing, convulsions.

special instructions

The entire period of treatment, especially at the beginning, in patients with diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to regularly monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Drug interactions

Thioctic acid can enhance the effect of glucocorticoids, insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, and reduce the effectiveness of cisplatin.

In this article, you can read the instructions for using the drug Lipoic acid... The reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as opinions of doctors of specialists on the use of Lipoic acid in their practice are presented. A big request to more actively add your reviews about the drug: did the medicine help or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed that may not have been declared by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogs of Lipoic acid in the presence of available structural analogs. Use for the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy and weight loss in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Composition of the preparation.

Lipoic acid - is an endogenous antioxidant that binds free radicals. Thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid (the active substance of the drug Lipoic acid) is involved in the mitochondrial metabolism of the cell, it performs the function of a coenzyme in the complex of transformation of substances with a pronounced antitoxic effect. They protect the cell from reactive radicals arising from intermediate metabolism or the decay of exogenous foreign substances, and from heavy metals. Thioctic acid exhibits synergy with insulin, which is associated with increased glucose utilization. In patients with diabetes mellitus, thioctic acid leads to a change in the concentration of pyruvic acid in the blood.

Composition

Thioctic acid + excipients.

Indications

• diabetic polyneuropathy;
• alcoholic polyneuropathy;
• fatty degeneration of the liver;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• chronic hepatitis;
• hepatitis A;
• intoxication (including heavy metal salts);
• poisoning with a pale toadstool;
• hyperlipidemia (including with the development of coronary atherosclerosis - treatment and prevention).

Release forms

Film-coated tablets 12 mg, 25 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 600 mg.

Injections in ampoules for injection (3% solution).

Instructions for use and dosage

Intravenous lipoic acid is administered at 300-600 mg per day, and these are 1-2 ampoules of 10 ml + 1 ampoule of 20 ml of a 3% solution. The duration of treatment is 2-4 weeks. After that, supportive therapy is continued in the form of taking pills. The daily dose of maintenance therapy is 300-600 mg per day.

For the treatment of liver diseases and intoxication, tablets of 25 mg or 12 mg are used. They are swallowed. For adults, the dose is 50 mg up to 4 times a day. Children over 6 years old can drink them up to 3 times a day. And so on for up to a month. If necessary, the course of treatment is repeated after 1 month.

For the treatment of alcoholic and diabetic neuropathy, tablets of 200, 300 and 600 mg are used. They are swallowed whole on an empty stomach with water. half an hour before breakfast, up to 600 mg per day. Treatment begins with parenteral administration.

Side effect

• diplopia;
• convulsions;
• pinpoint hemorrhages in the mucous membranes and skin;
• dysfunction of platelets;
• with rapid introduction - increased intracranial pressure;
• dyspeptic symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, heartburn);
• allergic reactions (urticaria, anaphylactic shock);
• hypoglycemia.

Contraindications

• pregnancy;
• lactation period (breastfeeding);
• children up to 6 years old (up to 18 years old in the treatment of diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy);
• hypersensitivity to thioctic acid.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

Lipoic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

Application in children

Contraindicated in children under 6 years of age (under 18 years of age in the treatment of diabetic and alcoholic polyneuropathy).

special instructions

During the treatment period, regular monitoring of the blood glucose concentration (especially at the beginning of therapy) in patients with diabetes is necessary.

There is an opinion about the possibility of using the drug Lipoic acid for weight loss, but there are no clinical data on the use of the drug for reducing excess weight.

Drug interactions

With simultaneous use, it is possible to increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.

With simultaneous use with cisplatin, its effectiveness may decrease.

Thioctic acid (in the form of a solution for infusion) is incompatible with dextrose solution and Ringer's solution.

Analogs of the drug Lipoic acid

Structural analogues for the active substance:

• Alpha lipoic acid;
• Berlition;
• Lipamide tablets;
• Lipothioxone;
• Neurolipon;
• Octolipene;
• Thiogamma;
• Thioctacid;
• Thioctic acid;
• Thiolepta;
• Thiolipon;
• Espa Lipon.

In the absence of analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps, and see the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.

Lipoic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in foods. In small amounts, lipoic acid (vitamin N) is produced by the human body on its own to improve metabolic processes. Lipoic acid has been used for weight loss quite recently, but the tool has already managed to gain fans among those who want to lose extra pounds. This happened not because of annoying advertising, but because this natural supplement brings the figure back to normal without violence against the body.

Properties

The positive effect of lipoic acid on the body is due to the numerous beneficial properties of the drug:

• activates metabolism;
• improves the functioning of the organs of vision and the functionality of the pancreas;
• improves skin condition;
• stabilizes sugar levels;
• oxidizes fatty acids;
• removes accumulated toxins and bile;
• rejuvenates the cells of the body.

Products containing lipoic acid

You don't need to take a lipoic acid supplement to lose weight. This antioxidant is found in many foods that need to be added to the daily diet. The richest food for the presence of lipoic acid is spinach. A smaller amount of vitamin N is found in rice, yeast, cabbage, cucumbers, legumes, bell peppers. Some animal products contain lipoic acid: beef, eggs, milk, kidneys, liver, heart.

How does lipoic acid work on the body

The use of lipoic acid has its advantages over other means for reducing fat mass, because its mechanism of action on the body is significantly different. Since the substance is an antioxidant, it fights against the oxidation of lipids (small particles of fat). In the process of their oxidation, free radicals are released that damage cells, which provokes the emergence of various diseases and cell aging. Taking lipoic acid enhances detoxification, enhances immunity, improves the functioning of all organs, and helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy.

Indications for use

Lipoic acid supplements are prescribed for many conditions. This medicine gives good results in the treatment of:

• disorders of the peripheral nerves;
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• fatty degeneration of organs;
• after drinking a large dose of alcohol;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• food poisoning;
• intoxication with salts of heavy metals.

How to take lipoic acid for weight loss

The dosage of lipoic acid depends on the individual parameters of the person and the state of health. The body needs no more than 50 mg of vitamin N per day, and the minimum threshold is 25 ml. But how do you take lipoic acid for weight loss? The additive is produced in different forms: tablets, ampoules, powder. The amount in the package also varies, so before you start taking lipoic acid for weight loss, carefully read the instructions. If you do not know how to take a means to reduce fat mass, then for a healthy person you will need from 100 to 200 mg per day. Nutritionists advise taking the supplement after each meal with plenty of fluids.

This instruction is not universal. Talk to your doctor before using a weight loss medication. Self-medication is hazardous to health!

What results can be achieved

Alpha lipoic acid for weight loss is used in combination with regular exercise and a balanced low-calorie diet. The first results are already noticeable 1.5 weeks after the first dose. If the dosage of the drug was correct, then in a month you will lose up to 7 extra pounds, because it is not for nothing that lipoic acid is called the slimming vitamin.

Contraindications for admission

We have already covered how to take lipoic acid for weight loss. But do not forget about contraindications for admission. Thioctacid (alpha lipoic acid) should not be taken if you have the following diseases:

1. Hypersensitivity to drug components.
2. Hypoglycemia (impaired glucose metabolism).
3. Allergic reactions to vitamins.

In order to avoid risk to the fetus, women should stop taking the supplement during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also not necessary to continue taking the supplement if side effects are observed: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting. The appearance of allergic reactions, such as hives, skin rashes or anaphylactic shock while taking the drug for weight loss, is a serious reason to see a doctor.

Compatibility with other drugs

Reducing body weight with lipoic acid and the combined use of B vitamins will enhance the effect of both substances. The action of antihyperglycemic drugs is also improved, for example, "Metformin", "Gliclazide" and others. Any dose of alcohol and joint administration of drugs containing metal compounds (calcium, magnesium, iron) will reduce the severity of therapy with alpha-lipoic drugs. Lipoic acid injections should not be used together with solutions of fructose, glucose and other sugars, in order to avoid side effects.

Price

To take a course of using vitamin N for weight loss, you need at least 100 ampoules containing 25 mg of the drug. It is more profitable to buy lipoic acid packs with a large number of tablets in pharmacies. So, a drug containing 20 capsules will cost an average of 265 rubles. And 60 pieces of tablets in a package will cost half the price - about 600 rubles.

How much lipolic acid does a person need

The recommended dose of vitamin N for a tonic and supportive effect is up to 50 mg per day. But, depending on the purpose of using the substance, the doctor has the right to change it. Diabetics are often prescribed higher doses of lipoic acid - up to 400 mg / day to enhance the effect of insulin.

The opinion of doctors

Most doctors are inclined to believe that lipoic acid does an excellent job of being the "elixir of youth." This is due to many years of medical research, which have confirmed the unique characteristics of its properties. Doctors claim that using vitamin N for weight loss results in the following:

• The growth of body fat decreases.
• The spread of excess glucose throughout the body is blocked.
• The work of the nervous system improves.
• The body's need for food is minimized.
• The process of burning fat is accelerated.

General characteristics. Composition:

Pharmacological properties:

Indications for use:

Important! Check out the treatment

Method of administration and dosage:

Application features:

Side effects:

Interaction with other medicinal products:

Contraindications:

Storage conditions:

In a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. Keep out of the reach of children.

Vacation conditions:

On prescription

Packaging:

Film-coated tablets 12 mg and 25 mg. 10 tablets in a blister strip packaging. 50, 100 tablets in glass jars or polymer cans. Each can or 5 blister strip packs together with instructions for use are placed in a pack.