Fish oil

Fish oil is a substance that helps regulate metabolic processes.

When taking drugs containing ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, there is a decrease in the values of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL, and in addition, there is an increase in the vasodilating effect (in comparison with the vasoconstrictor effect), an increase in the elasticity of the walls of blood cells and a decrease in the activity of chemotaxis with platelets, as a result of which blood viscosity and the likelihood of blood clots are reduced. [ 1 ]

The properties described above lead to improved microcirculation (especially within vessels affected by atherosclerosis). [ 2 ]

Indications Fish oil

It is used for therapy of the following diseases:

• a- and hypovitaminosis type A;
• eye pathologies ( xerophthalmia, keratomalacia, retinitis pigmentosa and hemeralopia);
• general treatment of lesions of the mucous membranes and epidermis, malnutrition with rickets, acute respiratory infections (and chronic forms), erosions and inflammations in the area of the urinary tract and digestive tract;
• increasing the rate of bone fracture healing and wound regeneration;
• prevention of thrombosis and atherosclerosis;
• restoration of normal coagulation processes after thrombosis.

Release form

The drug is released in the form of a liquid for oral administration - in bottles or jars of 50 or 100 ml; there is 1 such jar or bottle inside the box.

Fish oil fortified with vitamins

Vitaminized fish oil is produced in capsules - 10 pieces in a cell pack; there are 5 such packs in a box.

Pharmacodynamics

The medication contains vitamins such as ergocalciferol and retinol, as well as DHA with EPA and eicosatetraenoic acid.

Fatty Ω-3 polyunsaturated acids (DHA with EPA), contained in large quantities in cod liver oil, demonstrate the following biological effects: DHA is required for the healthy development of the nervous system, the retina and the brain of the child; EPA acts as a precursor of eicosanoids - bioactive molecules including leukotrienes, PG, thromboxane and prostacyclins.

Eicosanoids, which are derivatives of saturated arachidonic acid, differ significantly in their biological properties from eicosanoids, which are derivatives of EPA. For example, thromboxane, which has a strong vasoconstrictor effect, is formed on the basis of arachidonic acid, and the substance formed from EPA has almost no such effect.

PGs, which are derivatives of arachidonic acid, have a higher activity than PG derivatives of EPA. This is associated with a weakening of the activity of the non-specific inflammatory response in the case of using a sufficient volume of essential fatty ω-3-polyunsaturated acids.

Fatty Ω-3 polyunsaturated acids are precursors of individual enzymes; they change the physical characteristics of cell walls. When entering the structure of phospholipids, they become direct participants in the processes of synthesis of protein molecules with cell walls, as well as gene transcription.

Dosing and administration

The sizes of Fish oil portions are selected by the doctor individually. Adults are often prescribed to take 1 tablespoon of the substance orally (2-3 times a day).

For infants over 1 month of age, use 3-5 drops of the drug 2 times a day, gradually increasing the dosage to 0.5-1 teaspoon per day (2.5-5 ml). For a child under 12 months of age, administer 1 teaspoon per day (5 ml); for persons under 6 years old - 1 teaspoon 2 times a day; for children over 7 years old - 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.

It is necessary to use the medicine in 2-3 month courses. Upon completion, it is necessary to monitor the characteristics of the blood coagulation system and, taking into account the result, continue the therapeutic cycle (after consulting with a doctor).

• Application for children

Fish oil can be used in pediatrics, but when prescribing it, it is necessary to follow the recommended dosages.

Use Fish oil during pregnancy

Due to the antithrombotic activity of the drug, it is used during pregnancy only with a doctor's prescription and after a careful assessment of the benefits and risks.

During breastfeeding, the medicine can be prescribed after consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance associated with elements of the drug;
• hypercalciuria;
• idiopathic hypercalcemia;
• active pulmonary tuberculosis;
• liver/kidney diseases in chronic or active form;
• sarcoidosis;
• nephrolithiasis;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• hypervitaminosis subtype D;
• cholecystitis;
• prolonged state of patient immobility;
• hyperthyroidism;
• bleeding disorder and all other disorders associated with bleeding processes;
• active form of pancreatitis.

Side effects Fish oil

Main side effects:

• immune disorders: signs of allergy;
• vascular system damage: nosebleeds, as well as increased bleeding from abrasions or wounds;
• digestive problems: mild gastric disorders that can be reduced by lowering the dosage; in addition, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis or cholecystitis, as well as diarrhea. Long-term administration of large doses of the drug may result in the patient's exhaled air having a slight fishy odor.

If any negative symptoms occur, you should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

Overdose

Long-term use of the drug may result in lethargy, drowsiness, vomiting, headaches, nausea, bone demineralization, pain in the bones of the legs, hyperhidrosis, epidermal rash and fever.

Symptomatic measures are taken; in addition, it is necessary to stop taking fish oil and limit the intake of Ca with food into the body.

Interactions with other drugs

The introduction of the drug with other substances that contain retinol and calciferol can lead to the development of hypervitaminosis.

Fish oil should be administered with extreme caution together with medications that alter blood coagulation.

Interaction with aspirin or other NSAIDs may occur. Symptoms include hematuria, nosebleeds, and melena. Hemoptysis and bloody vomiting may occur sporadically. In such situations, the medication should be discontinued immediately.

The effect of calciferol may be weakened if it is combined with barbiturates or anticonvulsants.

Combined use with estrogens increases the likelihood of developing hypervitaminosis A.

Retinol weakens the anti-inflammatory activity of GCS.

Storage conditions

Fish oil should be stored in a place closed to small children. Temperature values - no more than 25 ° C.

Shelf life

Fish oil can be used within an 18-month period from the date of sale of the pharmaceutical product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Vitrum Cardio and fortified fish oil.