Berlithion

Berlition is a medicine that affects metabolic processes and the functioning of the digestive system.

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Indications Berlitiona

The drug is mainly used in the treatment of polyneuropathy of the alcoholic or diabetic type, in which paresthesia is also observed.

It is also permitted to prescribe it for liver pathologies of varying severity.

Release form

The drug is released in the form of capsules, tablets, and in addition, a concentrate for the production of infusion solutions.

Berlition 300 capsules, 15 pieces per blister. 1-2 blister strips per package.

Berlition 300 U – is available in 12 ml glass ampoules. Inside the pack are 5 or ten ampoules with concentrate.

Berlition 300 Oral - 10 tablets in a blister. A pack contains 3 blister packs.

Berlition 600 capsules – 15 pieces inside a blister. A separate package contains 1-2 strips.

Berlition 600 U is contained in 24 ml glass ampoules. A separate box contains 5 or 10 ampoules with concentrate.

Pharmacodynamics

Berlition is a medicine containing α-lipoic acid. The active substance is a vitamin-like element that is formed inside the body. At the same time, thioctic acid is a coenzyme involved in the oxidative processes of α-keto acid decarboxylation. In people with diabetes, the medicine helps change plasma pyruvic acid levels.

The drug prevents the deposition of glucose in the area of matrix proteins inside the circulatory system, and the formation of end products of glycosylation processes. It also helps improve endoneural blood circulation and activates the process of formation of glutathione (antioxidant component). Due to this property, the drug has a positive effect on the work of peripheral nerves in people suffering from sensory polyneuropathy of the diabetic type. At the same time, the active component of the drug improves liver function in people with liver pathologies.

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Pharmacokinetics

After internal administration, thioctic acid undergoes rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. The level of absolute bioavailability of the substance (in oral form) is 20% compared to use in parenteral form. This is due to the fact that α-lipoic acid undergoes the effect of the first liver pass. The peak plasma indicator is observed half an hour after administration.

The half-life of the substance is approximately 25 minutes.

Excretion occurs mainly through the kidneys - in the form of decay products, and the remainder of the substance is excreted unchanged.

In vitro tests have shown that α-lipoic acid forms bonds with various metal ions and also forms moderately soluble complexes with sucrose molecules.

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Dosing and administration

Taking tablets and capsules:

Take orally, whole, without chewing or crushing. The daily dosage of the medicine is taken in 1 dose, preferably half an hour after breakfast. To obtain the required medicinal effect, it is necessary to follow all the doctor's recommendations for use. Berlition is often taken for a long time, and the treatment regimen is prescribed by a doctor.

For the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy, 600 mg of the drug is usually taken per day (2 capsules or tablets of the substance in the form of 300 mg or 1 capsule of the drug in the form of 600 mg).

To eliminate liver diseases, the drug is often prescribed at a dose of 600-1200 mg per day.

During the treatment of severe forms of pathologies, it is recommended to use the drug in its parenteral form.

Concentrate used in the preparation of infusion solution:

The substance contained in the ampoule is used to prepare the infusion. Only sodium chloride solution (0.9%) can be used to dissolve the concentrate. The finished substance is administered intravenously by drip. The dosage of the finished infusion is 250 ml, which should be administered over a period of at least half an hour.

To treat a severe stage of diabetic polyneuropathy, it is necessary to administer 300-600 mg of the substance per day (1-2 ampoules of the drug in the form of 300 U or 1 ampoule in the form of 600 U).

Severe liver pathologies are treated by administering α-lipoic acid in the amount of 600-1200 mg per day.

The course of therapy with the parenteral method of administration is carried out for a maximum period of 0.5-1 month, and then the patient is transferred to the oral form of treatment.

In case of infusion, there is a risk of anaphylaxis, and if a feeling of weakness, itching or nausea occurs, the administration procedure should be stopped immediately. During the infusion, the patient must be constantly monitored, and only a medical professional can do this.

People with diabetic polyneuropathy must maintain the required blood sugar level (in addition, if necessary, change the dosage of antidiabetic drugs).

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Use Berlitiona during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe Berlition to pregnant or nursing mothers, because there is no information about the effect of the drug on the baby and fetus.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• It is prohibited for people with intolerance to α-lipoic acid or other components of the drug to take it;
• children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Berlition 300 Oral should not be used to treat individuals with malabsorption syndrome, lactase intolerance, or galactosemia.

Capsules are not prescribed for fructosemia.

Caution is required when used in people with diabetes mellitus (requires constant monitoring of glycemia).

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Side effects Berlitiona

Using the medicine may cause the following side effects:

• manifestations in the gastrointestinal tract: the occurrence of vomiting, dyspepsia and nausea, and along with this, a disturbance of taste buds and bowel disorder;
• reactions of the PNS and CNS: with rapid intravenous injection, convulsions, a feeling of heaviness in the head, and diplopia may develop;
• disorders in the cardiovascular system: with rapid intravenous administration of the drug, facial hyperemia (also in the upper body), tachycardia, and also tightness and pain in the sternum develop;
• manifestations of allergy: itching, rashes on the skin, and in addition to this, eczema or urticaria. In some cases (usually when using large doses of drugs), anaphylaxis may occur;
• Others: signs of hypoglycemia may occur, including headaches, hyperhidrosis, dizziness, and visual disturbances. Sometimes, purpura with thrombocytopenia or dyspnea may occur due to the use of thioctic acid.

At the initial stage of the course of treatment, people with polyneuropathy may experience increased paresthesia, causing a feeling of “pins and needles”.

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Overdose

Taking the medicine in excessively large doses may cause nausea, headache, and vomiting. If the dose is increased further, psychomotor agitation and confusion may develop. Taking more than 10 g of the medicine may cause severe poisoning, including death. The severity of α-lipoic acid intoxication may increase in the case of a combination of the medicine with ethanol. Severe poisoning may result in generalized seizures, hemolysis with lactic acidosis, and rhabdomyolysis, as well as decreased sugar levels, deterioration of bone marrow function, shock, DIC syndrome, and multiple organ failure syndrome.

The medicine has no specific antidote. In case of overdose, the victim must be hospitalized. In case of intoxication with tablets or capsules, gastric lavage and the use of enterosorbents are required. If severe poisoning has occurred, intensive therapy is necessary. In addition, symptomatic treatment is carried out (if indicated).

There is no information on the effectiveness of hemodialysis procedures, and also hemofiltration in case of Berlition intoxication.

Interactions with other drugs

You should not take ethanol while using Berlition.

The active component of the drug weakens the effect of cisplatin in case of simultaneous administration of these drugs.

The medicine may potentiate the effect of antidiabetic drugs. During the use of Berlition in people with diabetes, it is necessary to monitor glucose levels and adjust the dosage of hypoglycemic drugs in accordance with them.

Thioctic acid forms complex bonds with individual metals, including iron with magnesium, and also with calcium. The use of drugs containing these components, as well as dairy products, is permitted at least 6-8 hours after using Berlition.

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Storage conditions

The concentrate for the preparation of infusion solution must be kept in a dark, dry place at a temperature of 15-30°C.

The tablet form of the drug must be stored protected from moisture, at a temperature of 15-25°C.

The capsules are kept in places protected from moisture at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.

Shelf life

Berlition in the form of a concentrate used for infusion solutions can be used for a period of 3 years from the date of manufacture of the drug, but the finished infusion (in a dark place) can be stored for no more than 6 hours.

The tablet form of the drug can be used for a period of 2 years from the date of release of the drug.

The capsule form of Berlition is permitted to be used for a period of 3 years (volume 300 mg) and 2.5 years (volume 600 mg) from the date of production of the capsules.