thanks
Essentiale is a drug from the group hepatoprotectors containing natural phospholipids, which are constantly required by the body from the outside, since such compounds are not synthesized in its cells. These phospholipids are called essential and can be compared with essential amino acids, which must also be constantly supplied to the human body with food, since they are not synthesized by cells of various organs and systems.
Essential phospholipids normalize the metabolism of fats and proteins, as well as the ability of the liver to neutralize various toxic substances. In addition, phospholipids help to restore the structure of the liver, stimulating the formation of new cells and inhibiting the formation of connective tissue in the ducts of the organ (sclerosis or fibrosis), and also reduce the lithogenicity of bile (the level of predisposition to stone formation).
Therefore, Essentiale is used in the complex therapy of fatty degeneration of the liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as to prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder and to eliminate liver dysfunctions in various conditions and diseases, such as psoriasis, radiation exposure, etc.
Names, release forms, varieties and composition (Essentiale, Essentiale N, Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N)
Currently, there are four varieties of Essentiale, such as:1. Essentiale;
2. Essentiale N;
3. Essentiale forte;
4. Essentiale forte N.
All of these types of medicinal products are often combined under the general group name "Essentiale". Doctors and pharmacists specify exactly which variety they mean and mean only when necessary. In other cases, all varieties of the drug are simply called "Essentiale".
Essentiale varieties differ in names, release forms and composition. So, Essentiale and Essentiale N are available in the form of a solution for intravenous administration. Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N are in the form of capsules for oral administration.
That is, in order to quickly and well navigate what kind of Essentiale is produced in what form, it is enough to simply remember that drugs with the word "forte" in the name are produced in capsules. And drugs that do not contain the word "forte" in the title are produced in the form of a solution for intravenous administration.
Essentiale dosage forms containing the letter "N" in the name (Essentiale N and Essentiale forte N) contain only phospholipids. And varieties of drugs without the letter "H" in the name contain not only phospholipids, but also a complex of vitamins as active substances.
That is, the general regularity of the nomenclature of Essentiale varieties is clear and logical, allowing you to quickly and easily navigate both in the composition and in the form of release of the drug. So, if there is the word "forte" in the full name of the Essentiale variety, it means that we are talking about a preparation in capsules, and if not, then about a solution for intravenous administration. If there is a letter H in the name of the Essentiale variety, then we are talking about a preparation containing only phospholipids, and if not, then phospholipids + vitamins.
In addition to the indicated correct names of Essentiale, everyday designations of varieties are often used, based on knowledge of the form of release of the drug. So, Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N capsules are often called "Essentiale tablets". And solutions for intravenous administration (Essentiale and Essentiale N) are called "Essentiale in ampoules".
Essentiale varieties contain phospholipids or phospholipids + a complex of vitamins as active ingredients. The composition of the active components of all forms of Essentiale is shown in the table.
| Active substances of Essentiale solution | Active substances of Essentiale N solution | Active substances of Essentiale forte capsules | Active substances of Essentiale forte N capsules |
| Essential phospholipids (EPL substance) - 250 mg per ampoule (5 ml) | Essential phospholipids (EPL substance) - 300 mg per capsule | ||
| Pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B 6) - 2.5 mg per ampoule (5 ml) | Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B 6) - 6 mg Capsule | ||
| Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B 12) - 0.1 mg per ampoule (5 ml) | Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B 12) - 0.06 mg capsule | ||
| Nicotinamide (vitamin PP or B 3) - 25 mg per ampoule (5 ml) | Nicotinamide (vitamin PP or B 3) - 30 mg capsule | ||
| Sodium pantothenate (vitamin B 5) - 1.5 mg per ampoule (5 ml) | Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B 1) - 6 mg Capsule | ||
| Riboflavin (vitamin B 2) - 6 mg capsule | |||
| Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E) - 6mg Capsule |
Essentiale therapeutic effects
The therapeutic effects and action of all varieties of Essentiale is determined by the phospholipids included in their composition. The vitamins in Essentiale and Essentiale forte are only able to slightly enhance the effects of phospholipids or compensate for their deficiency in organs and tissues. That is, vitamins do not play a big role in the main therapeutic action of Essentiale.So, the phospholipids that make up Essentiale are normally substances that make up the structure of the cell membrane. Phospholipids themselves are complex organic compounds with a short "head" of phosphatidylcholine and long "tails" of their unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic, linolenic, and oleic. In principle, the structure of phospholipids is similar to the sperm, only they have, in contrast to it, two tails of fatty acids.
These phospholipids line up with their tails in one direction, and their heads in the other. Then two such rows are connected by their tails in such a way that the heads of one row are turned into the cell (into the cytoplasm), and the second into the intercellular space (see Figure 1). Two of these series of phospholipids are the cell membrane that protects the cell from the external environment (Figure 1).
Picture 1- Schematic representation of the cell membrane, where the gray spheres show the heads of phospholipids, and their tails with yellow zigzag lines.
That is, phospholipids are necessary to build the membranes of absolutely all cells in the human body. If there are not enough phospholipids, the membranes will become fragile, as a result of which substances they do not need will penetrate into the cells, provoking their death. The end result of a poor-quality membrane is premature cell death.
Due to the fact that phospholipids, after absorption in the intestine, enter primarily the liver, it is in this organ that they are incorporated into the cell membranes, improving their properties and normalizing the structure. It is in improving the structure of cells and increasing their vitality that Essentiale's hepatoprotective effect lies.
By improving the structure of cells, Essentiale reduces the number of dead cellular elements of the liver. And this, in turn, normalizes the functioning of the organ and creates the preconditions for its excellent work in the future. In other words, Essentiale prolongs the life of cells and provides an improvement in liver function for a fairly long period of time, until the supply of phospholipids is depleted and cellular elements begin to die again in large quantities.
Against the background of the use of Essentiale, the normalization of clinical and laboratory parameters (ASAT, ALAT, bilirubin, etc.) of liver functions against the background of fatty degeneration, cirrhosis and hepatitis is recorded, and the resistance of liver cells to toxic effects also increases. In addition to the normalization of laboratory parameters, under the influence of Essentiale, the severity of necrosis and inflammation in the liver tissues decreases.
In general, Essentiale has the following effects on the liver:
- Restores the integrity of the liver cell membrane;
- Maintains the normal structure and integrity of the liver cell membrane;
- Activates the work of membrane enzymes, which ensure the transport of various substances into the cell and outside;
- Improves lipid metabolism;
- Improves protein metabolism;
- Increases the stores of glycogen in the liver;
- Improves the detoxification function of the liver (increases the liver's ability to neutralize various toxic substances, including medicines);
- Converts cholesterol and other fats that can cause atherosclerosis into other forms that are easily utilized by cells for energy;
- Reduces the liver's need for energy;
- Reduces or completely eliminates fatty infiltration of hepatocytes;
- Reduces the risk of developing sclerosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver;
- It normalizes the chemical and physical properties of bile, reducing its lithogenicity (lithogenicity is the ability of bile to form gallstones).
- Normalizes and intensifies the course of metabolism;
- Reduces the size and number of atherosclerotic plaques by normalizing the level of high and low density lipoproteins in the blood;
- Removal of cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques;
- Reducing the severity of clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus;
- Normalizes blood flow and reduces its viscosity.
Essentiale (Essentiale forte, Essentiale forte N, Essentiale N) - indications for use
All varieties and forms of Essentiale have the same indications for use, such as: - Acute and chronic hepatitis of various origins (viral, alcoholic, toxic, due to poisoning, etc.);
- Fatty degeneration of the liver of any origin, including against the background of diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis or infectious diseases of other organs;
- Cirrhosis of the liver;
- Liver cell necrosis;
- Hepatic coma and precoma (only in the form of injection solutions);
- Preoperative preparation before surgical interventions on the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts (only in the form of a solution for intravenous administration);
- Postoperative recovery after surgical interventions on the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts;
- Elevated blood levels of low-density lipoproteins (hyperlipoproteinemia), cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), and triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia);
- Dysfunction of the liver in any other disease;
- Pregnancy toxicosis;
- A pronounced increase in the activity of AsAT and ALT in pregnant women;
- Prevention of re-formation of stones in the gallbladder;
- Cholestasis;
- Psoriasis;
- Radiation syndrome (radiation sickness).
- Diseases of the organs of the cardiovascular system, including ischemic heart disease, angina pectoris, post-infarction and post-stroke conditions, impaired cerebral and peripheral blood flow, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetic angiopathy;
- Prevention of thromboembolism before surgery;
- Prevention and treatment of fatty embolism;
- Diseases of the digestive system, such as pancreatitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, etc.;
- Diffuse neurodermatitis;
- Eczema;
- Prevention of premature aging.
Essentiale - instructions for use
Treatment with Essentiale drugs is recommended to begin with the simultaneous administration of solutions intravenously and taking capsules inside. As the condition improves, intravenous injections of solutions are abandoned and completely switched only to taking capsules.If a person for some reason cannot take capsules orally, Essentiale is administered only intravenously. Moreover, it should be as soon as possible, as soon as possible, supplement the intravenous administration of the solution by taking capsules.
In the treatment of acute conditions, the total duration of continuous therapy with Essentiale drugs should be at least 3 months, and for chronic diseases, at least six months. Intravenous administration of solutions and taking capsules should be included in the indicated periods of therapy.
Consider the rules for using Essentiale solutions and capsules separately.
Essentiale and Essentiale N (solution for injection) - instructions for use
Essentiale and Essentiale N are solutions for intravenous administration containing the same amount of phospholipids - 250 mg per ampoule, which corresponds to 50 mg per 1 ml. The drugs differ only in that Essentiale additionally contains a complex of vitamins that improve the absorption of phospholipids. Otherwise, there are simply no differences between Essentiale and Essentiale N, therefore, the rules for using both solutions are exactly the same. In the further text of the subsection, we will use the same name "Essentiale" to denote both types of solution. Solutions for injection are administered exclusively intravenously! Essentiale should not be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, since there is a high likelihood of local reactions and irritation.
At the same time, two ampoules of Essentiale solution (10 ml) can be administered to an adult at once. In conditions of mild and moderate severity against the background of various diseases, for which a decision was made to use Essentiale, the solution is administered at 1 - 2 ampoules per day. If a person's condition is severe, then the dosage is increased to 2 - 4 ampoules per day. These dosages are the same for adults and children over 12 years of age and are universal for any diseases and conditions for which Essentiale is indicated. The maximum permissible single dosage of Essentiale for adults is 10 ml (2 ampoules), and the daily dosage is 20 ml (4 ampoules).
Children aged 3 - 6 years old Essentiale are injected with 2 ml of solution once a day, and children 6 - 12 years old - 2 - 5 ml, also once a day.
If the daily dosage is no more than two ampoules, then they are administered at a time. If the daily dosage of Essentiale is 4 ampoules, then they are taken in 2 ampoules twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Intravenous solutions of Essentiale should be administered no more than 10 - 30 days, and to continue the course of therapy, switch to taking capsules.
The solution from ampoules immediately before administration should be diluted in a 1: 1 ratio with the patient's blood, glucose solution 5% or dextrose 10%. However, glucose and dextrose solutions should only be used if Essentiale cannot be diluted with a person's own blood. Salt solutions (saline, Ringer's solution, etc.) must not be used to dilute Essentiale. Also, you can not mix Essentiale solution in the same syringe with other drugs.
If Essentiale was diluted with a solution of glucose or dextrose, then its transparency should be monitored during the entire period of administration. If turbidity of the solution is noticed, then you should immediately stop its introduction, remove the needle from the vein, discard the rest of the drug, and introduce the missing amount from a new ampoule.
Essentiale solution is injected in a stream, slowly at a rate of no more than 1 ml per minute. For insertion, the site with the best veins is selected, most often the elbow bend area. However, if the solution cannot be injected into the veins of the elbow bend, then another site is selected, for example, the back of the foot or hand, etc.
In acute liver diseases, treatment lasts 1 to 3 months, depending on the speed of recovery. In case of chronic liver damage, the course of Essentiale should be at least six months. If necessary, courses of therapy are repeated.
For the treatment of skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.) in the first two weeks, it is recommended to take 2 Essentiale capsules 2 times a day, and then make 10 intravenous injections of 1 ampoule each for 10 days. After completing the course of 10 injections, they again switch to taking Essentiale in capsules in the same dosage (2 capsules 3 times a day) and continue it for 2 months. Simultaneously with the start of intravenous administration of Essentiale, it is recommended to start specific therapy for skin disease.
Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N - instructions for use
Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N capsules contain the same amount of phospholipids - 300 mg each, and differ only in the presence of an additional complex of vitamins in Essentiale forte. The rules of application and dosage of both types of capsules are exactly the same, therefore, in the further text of the subsection, we will refer to them by the same name "Essentiale Forte". So, Essentiale Forte capsules should be swallowed whole, without biting, chewing or crushing in other ways, but with a sufficient amount of water (at least one glass). The optimal time for taking is during or immediately after a meal.
The dosage of Essentiale Forte capsules is the same for various diseases and conditions for which the drug is used. However, Essentiale capsules are prescribed only for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age with a body weight of at least 43 kg. So, adults and adolescents over 12 years old should take 2 capsules 3 times a day.
The duration of therapy is not limited and depends on the rate of normalization of laboratory parameters (AST, ALT, bilirubin, etc.) and the improvement of a person's well-being. In case of chronic diseases, it is recommended to take Essentiale for six months, and in acute conditions - 1 - 3 months. If necessary, courses of therapy are repeated.
In chronic hepatitis Essentiale can be used only if the person's condition improves.
In children, you cannot use solutions for intravenous administration up to 3 years old, and capsules up to 12 years old. The ban on the use of the solution is associated with the presence of benzyl alcohol in its composition, which in children under 3 years of age can provoke the development of "Gasping syndrome" with a fatal outcome.
Impact on ability to drive
Essentiale capsules and solution do not affect the ability to drive mechanisms, including a car. Therefore, during the entire period of application of Essentiale, a person can control mechanisms and engage in any activity that requires a high speed of reaction and concentration of attention.Overdose
Overdose with Essentiale solution and capsules has not been recorded even once over the entire period of observation of the clinical use of drugs. However, according to theoretical calculations, the symptoms of an overdose are an increase in the severity of side effects. To treat an overdose, you should stop taking the drug and carry out symptomatic therapy aimed at maintaining the normal functioning of vital organs.Interaction with other medicinal products
Capsules and IV solution may interact with anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting) to enhance their effects. Therefore, with the simultaneous use of these drugs, the dosage of the anticoagulant should be reduced.Essentiale during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The drug does not have a negative effect on the fetus and the pregnant woman herself, therefore, theoretically, Essentiale is not contraindicated for use during the entire period of bearing a child. However, since the drug can cause various reactions from the liver, in order to avoid a possible negative effect on the fetus, it is not recommended to take it in late pregnancy 2 to 4 weeks before delivery. The rest of the time, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, Essentiale can be taken without any fear.Essentiale side effects
Essentiale capsules and injections are usually well tolerated and rarely cause side effects, but if they appear, you should immediately stop taking the drugs and consult a doctor. The side effects of the capsules (Essentiale forte and Essentiale forte N) include the following symptoms:
- Discomfort in the stomach (feeling of heaviness, burning, bloating, etc.);
- Soft stools or diarrhea;
- Allergic reactions, usually cutaneous, such as rashes, rash, urticaria, and itching.
- Allergic reactions such as rashes, exanthema, urticaria and itching;
- Irritation at the injection site;
- Diarrhea with the introduction of high dosages of the solution.
Contraindications to Essentiale's use
Capsules and injection solution have the same contraindications for use, such as:- Hypersensitivity to drug components;
- Children under 12 years of age (for capsules);
- Children under 3 years of age (for solution);
- Breastfeeding period.
Essentiale, Essentiale forte, Essentiale N and Essentiale forte N - analogues
Since the main active ingredient in all varieties of Essentiale are phospholipids, other drugs that also contain phospholipids as active components will also be synonyms for this drug. In other words, the same drugs will be synonyms for all Essentiale varieties.However, some synonymous drugs, in addition to phospholipids, contain vitamins, like the two varieties of Essentiale. Thus, preparations containing only phospholipids are synonyms of Essentiale N and Essentiale forte N. And preparations containing phospholipids and a complex of vitamins will be synonymous with Essentiale and Essentiale forte.
To easily and quickly navigate the necessary Essentiale synonyms, we list them in two columns of the table, one of which will contain preparations containing only phospholipids, and the second - phospholipids + vitamins.
| Preparations-synonyms for Essentiale solution and Essentiale forte capsules (phospholipids with vitamins) | Preparations-synonyms for Essentiale N solution and Essentiale forte N capsules (only phospholipids) |
| Livolin forte capsules | Antraliv capsules |
| Lipostabil injection solution (ampoules) | Brenziale forte capsules |
| Hepabos capsules | Livenziale injection |
| Essel forte capsules | Livolife forte capsules |
| Essliver forte capsules | Lipostabil capsules |
| Essential phospholipids solution for intravenous administration | Rezalut Pro capsules |
| Eslidin capsules (phospholipids + methionine) | Phosphogliv capsules and lyophilisate for solution for injection |
| Phosphogliv forte capsules | |
| Fosfoncial capsules | |
| Essliver intravenous solution |
On the pharmaceutical market, in addition to synonyms, there is a wide range of Essentiale analog drugs, which include drugs from the group of hepatoprotectors containing other substances as active components, not phospholipids, but having the most similar spectrum of action and therapeutic effects.
Essentiale analogs are the following drugs:
- Bongigar capsules and syrup;
- VG-5 tablets;
- Galstena drops pills sublingual homeopathic;
- Hepa-Merz granules and concentrate for solution for injection;
- Hepatosan capsules;
- Hepaphite herbal collection for the preparation of infusion;
- Hepaphor capsules;
- Heptor tablets and lyophilisate;
- Heptor H tablets;
- Cholenol capsules;
- Elkar solution and tablets.
Inexpensive analogues of Essentiale forte
Among the synonymous drugs, the cheapest, the cost of which does not exceed 300 rubles, are the following:- Antraliv;
- Brenziale forte;
- Livolife forte;
- Livolin;
- Essliver.
What is Essentiale better?
Essentiale is a drug from the group of hepatoprotectors, designed to maintain the normal functioning of the liver and prevent the development of cirrhosis against the background of various chronic organ diseases. Essentiale copes well with its tasks, ensuring the maintenance of liver functions and improving the well-being of a person after regular courses of therapy. However, like other drugs, it is not universal and optimal for absolutely all people. Therefore, the question of what is better than Essentiale is not correct from the point of view of a doctor and a scientist.To answer this question, it is necessary to know the individual characteristics and reactions of the human body to various drugs of the hepatoprotective group. In this case, it will be possible to calculate a group of drugs that are optimal for a person. Then you should track which drug has the maximum possible therapeutic effect and does not cause side effects. And it is this drug for this particular person that will be better than Essentiale.
It is simply impossible to answer in general which drugs are better than Essentiale, meaning all people suffering from liver diseases, since each person is different. Overall, Essentiale is one of the best hepatoprotectors available on the pharmaceutical market.
Essentiale and Essentiale forte - reviews
More than 90% of reviews about Essentiale and Essentiale forte are positive, due to the high efficacy of both varieties of the drug. Most of the reviews refer to Essentiale forte, since people use the type of drug in capsules much more often than Essentiale solution in ampoules for intravenous administration. In the reviews, people note that the drug perfectly supports the functioning of the liver, and with regular use it does not allow any unpleasant clinical symptoms to appear. In addition, Essentiale, when used for long courses against the background of cirrhosis and hepatitis, stops the progression of diseases, preventing them from passing into more severe stages, thereby prolonging a person's life and maintaining its quality.
Some reviews indicate that when used during pregnancy, Essentiale preparations can eliminate the problem of false-positive results for hepatitis C. Also, during pregnancy, Essentiale Forte capsules stop the manifestations of toxicosis and support the woman's normal well-being and performance.
Separately, it is necessary to highlight the reviews about Essentiale regarding the use of the drug to restore liver function after overeating, drinking alcohol or taking antibiotics and other drugs, as well as to eliminate bitterness in the mouth, pain in the right hypochondrium, lack of appetite and other symptoms of organ dysfunction. In these reviews, people indicate that an improvement in well-being, normalization of stools, the disappearance of pain and rashes on the skin, as well as the appearance of appetite was recorded some time after the start of Essentiale (at least 2 to 3 weeks). Therefore, to obtain a clinical effect, the drug must be taken in long courses.
Negative reviews about Essentiale forte are very few and are due to two main factors - the lack of the expected clinical effect or the belief that the drug is relatively old, since there are currently much more effective hepatoprotectors.
Essentiale (Essentiale forte) or Carsil?
Karsil contains an extract from the medicinal plant milk thistle as an active substance, and Essentiale contains phospholipids obtained from soybeans. Thus, the hepatoprotective effect of drugs is provided by different substances and different mechanisms. Moreover, the spectrum of Essentiale's therapeutic activity is wider than that of Carsil, and therefore the drug is effective for a greater number of liver diseases and lesions. Carsil is an effective drug for the restoration of liver function after acute hepatitis, as well as for the normalization of organ function in non-viral hepatitis (for example, alcoholic, toxic, etc.). In other words, the scope of Karsil's use is mainly limited to recovery and rehabilitation after acute hepatitis, as well as maintaining liver function after poisoning with poisons and medications, as well as after overeating, alcohol and junk food abuse. Carsil is not able to stop the progression of cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis, therefore it is not used for this purpose.
Essentiale is effective for a much wider range of liver damage, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty degeneration (steatosis), as well as skin diseases. This means that the drug effectively stops the progression of the disease, preventing it from progressing to a more severe stage.
Therefore, if a person needs to take a hepatoprotector to prevent and maintain liver function in the absence of severe chronic organ diseases, then Carsil can be chosen. And if it is necessary to actively support the functioning of the liver and stop the progression of existing diseases, then Essentiale should be preferred.
