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Hepalex
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Hepalex is a medication prescribed for diseases affecting the liver and biliary tract.
Indications Hepalexa
It is used for liver damage of toxic origin or chronic liver inflammation.
Release form
The medicinal component is released in capsules, 10 pieces per blister pack. A pack contains 3 or 6 such packs.
Pharmacodynamics
Hepalex is a hepatoprotective medicine of plant origin. Its effect is provided by the silymarin contained in the composition (this is a combination of extractive elements obtained from the fruits of spotted milk thistle - silidanin with silibinin, silychristin and other flavonol derivatives). The substance silibinin is the main element of silymarin.
The drug's effect develops by stimulating cellular metabolism. Protein and phospholipid binding inside hepatocytes is activated, cell wall destruction is prevented, which avoids the loss of cellular elements, and in addition, the passage of toxins into liver cells is prevented.
Pharmacokinetics
The main element of silymarin, the substance silibinin, is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract by 20-40%. At the same time, the Cmax values in the blood plasma are determined after 30-60 minutes from the moment of oral administration. Circulation in the liver and intestine is also observed.
More than 80% of the administered silibinin is excreted in the bile in the form of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates (the former most likely undergo intrahepatic circulation).
The excretion of silibinin by the kidneys is secondary. Only 3-7% of the applied substance is determined in the urine after 24 hours.
Dosing and administration
The drug should be taken 1 capsule 1-2 times a day. The medicine is taken after meals, the capsules should be washed down with 1 glass of plain water.
The duration of therapy is selected for patients individually, only by the attending physician. The duration of the treatment cycle has no limitations, but usually it lasts 90 days.
Use Hepalexa during pregnancy
Since there is not enough information regarding the effectiveness and drug safety of the drug, its use during breastfeeding or pregnancy is permitted only under medical supervision, after a thorough risk-benefit assessment.
Contraindications
Contraindicated for use in cases of severe intolerance to silymarin or other components of the therapeutic agent.
Side effects Hepalexa
A single dose of capsules leads to the appearance of hypersensitivity symptoms - increased diuresis, development of diarrhea or the appearance of rashes.
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Overdose
In case of poisoning with the drug, the above-mentioned negative symptoms may be potentiated.
Hepalex has no antidote. Symptomatic measures are taken.
Storage conditions
Hepalex is stored in a place closed to children. Temperature values are a maximum of 25°C.
Shelf life
Hepalex can be used within a 5-year period from the date of manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.
Application for children
Not for use in children under 12 years of age.
Analogues
Analogues of the drug are the medications Hepaval, Liporin, Galstena, Legalon and Adeliv with Hepatomax Forte, as well as Liv-Ker, Essencicaps, Silarsil with Karsil Forte and Maxar with Holosas. The list also includes Levasil, Holoplant and Farkovit B12.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Hepalex" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.