Iberogast

Iberogast is a representative of a group of medicines that include herbal components. In particular, Iberogast consists of 9 types of medicinal herbs, the main properties of which provide a wide range of therapeutic effects.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Indications Iberogast

This drug is widely used in gastroenterology. It can be used as monotherapy or as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Indications for the use of Iberogast include dysfunctions of the digestive tract of various origins with the aim of restoring and regulating motility.

The drug is suitable for therapeutic purposes in cases of disorders of gastric and intestinal peristalsis, spastic syndrome of various origins, as well as functional dyspepsia.

Indications for the use of Iberogast as an auxiliary component of therapy for ulcerative and erosive lesions of the gastric and intestinal mucosa.

In addition, the drug can be used to relieve heartburn, get rid of belching, increased gas formation in the intestines with the appearance of flatulence, as well as bloating. In most cases, the cause of the above clinical symptoms is a violation of the digestive processes.

Iberogast is used for gastritis, when the integrity of the gastric mucosa is not significantly damaged, but signs of its inflammation are still observed. The drug relieves pain in the epigastric region, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea and heartburn.

[ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Release form

The drug is released in the form of a solution, which allows you to dose Iberogast drop by drop. This form of release is very convenient for use in childhood, when it is necessary to strictly adhere to the volume of the drug used.

Iberogast is available in bottles filled with the liquid form of the drug, the volume of which can be 20, 50 or 100 ml. In addition, the bottle is contained in a light-colored cardboard outer package.

The form of the drug release assumes a dosage according to the number of drops, in connection with which it is possible to strictly monitor the dosage in childhood.

It is also important to remember that a single dose for an adult, 20 drops, contains approximately 0.24 g of pure ethanol, which corresponds to 0.72 g for the maximum dose – 60 drops of the drug.

Due to the fact that the medicine is in liquid form, there is a high probability of a small sediment and turbidity. This phenomenon is absolutely safe and poses a health threat, since particles may settle during storage.

Pharmacodynamics

Due to the herbal composition of the drug, the pharmacodynamics of Iberogast is the provision of an antispasmodic and tonic effect on the digestive tract and the body as a whole.

In addition, the tone of smooth muscle fibers that provide adequate digestive activity and are located in the gastrointestinal tract is normalized. However, as a result of this, there is no change in peristalsis, so the intestines do not suffer from the action of this drug.

Some sources indicate that the pharmacodynamics of Iberogast have a detrimental effect on several types of Helicobacter pylori, which can provoke the appearance of ulcerative defects in the mucous membrane of organs.

Iberogast is able to selectively influence the functioning of the digestive system. Thus, by increasing the tone in weak areas of the organs, a decrease in flatulence is noted and the sensation of a full stomach is suppressed.

On the contrary, in areas with a hyperstimulating effect, the drug perfectly relaxes the muscles, exerting an antispasmodic effect. As a result, when taking the drug, normalization of the digestive system activity and restoration of physiological performance are observed.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Pharmacokinetics

Each drug, due to its unique composition, ensures the implementation of certain processes in the body, as a result of which their pharmacological effect is observed and, accordingly, help is provided to a person.

The pharmacokinetics of Iberogast is represented by a decrease in the activity of nerve impulses along the afferent pathways when the intestinal receptors are irritated or when the intestinal volume is excessively increased. Thus, the disappearance of increased visceral sensitivity is observed.

Such phenomena can be explained quite simply. Taking into account the composition of the drug, it is possible to trace the interaction of its components with specific proteins - serotonin receptors and even with opioid and muscarinic receptors.

As a result of such interactions, the pharmacokinetics of Iberogast ensures the regulation of peristaltic waves and the sensitivity of the structures of the digestive tract.

Through research, it was discovered that the medicinal components included in the preparation increase the concentration of prostaglandins and mucin. They, in turn, protect the mucous membranes and reduce the amount of leukotrienes, which also have a negative effect.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Dosing and administration

It is recommended to shake this pharmaceutical product well before use, as a small sediment may appear during storage.

The method of application and doses depend on the person's health, the degree of activity and severity of the pathology, as well as age. In addition, it should be taken into account that the doses and duration of use of the drug should be selected individually, based on the dynamics of treatment and the patient's condition.

Usually the drug is prescribed to be taken three times a day. Since the release form is presented in drops, they can be washed down with several tablespoons of water.

According to the instructions, the use of drops in infancy is permitted, however, this can only be permitted by a doctor after a thorough examination of the baby.

Up to 3 months, it is recommended to take a maximum of 6 drops, then the dose can be increased by 2 drops. Starting from 3 years and up to 6 years, the effect of the drug will be observed in a dosage of up to 10 drops.

As for children after 6 and up to 12 years old, they should not exceed 15 drops. Adults can take up to 20 drops.

If after the first dose there is discomfort in the stomach or abdomen, you should consult a doctor. Also, do not exceed the dosage to avoid side effects and overdose.

Use Iberogast during pregnancy

The process of bearing a fetus requires a lot of effort from a woman. Every day the fetus grows and develops, and for its full growth it needs a sufficient amount of nutrients and strength.

Any factor that has a negative impact on the pregnant woman can influence the formation and growth of the fetus in utero. This can be environmental, chemical, nutritional, genetic, and even pharmacological factors.

The effect is especially harmful in the first three months of pregnancy, when the fetus's organs are being laid down. Of course, this does not mean that starting from the fourth month, it is allowed to take any drugs, but their effect is still slightly lower than in the first trimester.

As for the last months of pregnancy, it is necessary to take into account the ability of the components of the drug to penetrate into breast milk and thereby subsequently reach the baby. If the child is breastfed, the mother's intake of drugs is sharply limited to avoid the development of side effects and overdose of the baby.

The use of Iberogast during pregnancy should be considered exclusively by a doctor, as he is obliged to evaluate the benefits of taking the drug and the harm it may cause to the fetus.

Contraindications

Since each drug is unique in its pharmaceutical composition, it is necessary to take into account contraindications to their use. This is due to the fact that a person can react differently to different components. Allergic reactions or individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug are possible.

Contraindications to the use of Iberogast include its use in people who suffer from alcohol addiction, since the drug contains ethanol, which limits its use.

In addition, it should be used with caution by pregnant and nursing women to avoid ethanol from penetrating into breast milk and, accordingly, into the baby.

It is also worth paying attention to the group of patients who have organ pathology, due to which taking the drug in large doses can aggravate the course of their underlying disease. This applies to liver diseases, traumatic brain injuries or epilepsy.

Contraindications to the use of Iberogast may be individual characteristics of the body, such as intolerance to the main or auxiliary substances. Manifestations of allergic reactions to the drug are not excluded.

[ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Side effects Iberogast

Many drugs contain allergens, which for each person are certain components, to the action of which a person develops a rapid reaction.

Side effects of Iberogast may manifest themselves in the form of an allergic reaction to a single dose of the drug or after a week as it accumulates. Typical clinical manifestations of allergy are nausea, vomiting, various dyspeptic symptoms and intestinal dysfunction in the form of diarrhea.

It is quite rare to observe manifestations of an allergic reaction in the form of skin symptoms, such as rashes, itching, swelling and redness. Also, to a lesser extent, the appearance of urticaria and angioedema is possible, but this is observed very rarely.

It is especially important at such moments to monitor a person's breathing, which can complicate the clinical condition. If you suspect the appearance of any symptoms or deterioration of the condition, you must stop using the drug and seek advice and help from a doctor.

Overdose

Each case of pathological condition should be considered individually. This requires an objective examination, the use of instrumental diagnostic methods and laboratory test results.

If the dose and frequency of administration have not been agreed upon with the doctor, and the amount of medication taken does not correspond to the age and severity of the person’s condition, then the likelihood of an overdose increases.

Large doses of the drug should not be prescribed at once, since individual human characteristics on the effect of the constituent components are unknown. An overdose of the drug may be represented by an increase in the manifestation of adverse reactions of the body.

Thus, nausea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, discomfort in the stomach and abdomen may occur. There is also a possibility of intestinal dysfunction, which is manifested by increased peristalsis and diarrhea.

Skin symptoms include rashes of various diameters, itching, slight swelling and hyperemia of the skin. In addition, in rare cases, as a result of overdose, angioedema with respiratory dysfunction may develop.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Interactions with other drugs

In order to evaluate the interaction of Iberogast with other drugs, it is necessary to understand that each component of the drug is capable of reacting with another drug.

Since Iberogast is a natural remedy that contains various herbs, it is worth considering the simultaneous use of such herbal preparations and the possibility of their synergistic or antagonistic action.

As a result of the fact that Iberogast contains the optimal amount of each component, the negative interaction of Iberogast with other drugs is practically excluded.

However, it is important to remember that if weakness, nausea or other non-specific clinical symptoms occur when using several medications together, you should stop taking them and consult a doctor for a more thorough examination, selection of medications and optimal dosages.

[ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Storage conditions

The manufacturer of each drug provides for the selection of certain characteristics of the environment of the place where the drug is supposed to be stored.

Their observance is necessary to preserve the pharmacological properties of the drug throughout the shelf life. The storage conditions of Iberogast are some characteristics of the air, including the temperature regime (no more than 25 degrees) and the optimal level of humidity.

In addition, the place where the medicine is supposed to be stored should be darkened, especially without exposure to direct sunlight.

Particular attention should be paid to storing the drug in a place where children cannot get it. Despite the fact that the drug is approved for use even in infancy, children may exceed the dosage. As a result, clinical symptoms of side effects or overdose may appear, which threatens the lives of children.

Thus, if you follow the storage conditions for Iberogast, the drug will be effective throughout the expiration date and will not spoil prematurely.

[ 18 ]

Special instructions

The drug is widely used for functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The herbal composition of Iberogast allows it to be used for the purpose of regulating and normalizing the motility of the digestive system.

In addition, the product has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and cytoprotective effects. According to the international classification, the drug belongs to drugs that affect the processes of digestion and metabolism, in particular, used for functional digestive disorders.

Iberogast contains about 10 medicinal herbs, including chamomile flowers, lemon balm, myta, celandine, licorice roots and many others. Of the auxiliary components, ethanol should be singled out, which is why the dosage should be strictly controlled in childhood and when driving vehicles.

Shelf life

During the production of each pharmaceutical drug, the manufacturer carries out a large number of tests, one of which is the measurement of the shelf life, that is, the period of time during which the drug retains its therapeutic properties and can have a therapeutic effect.

The shelf life is 2 years from the date of its production. In order for the medicine to be effective and beneficial during this period, it is necessary to carefully follow the recommendations for its storage.

If the temperature conditions or the integrity of the packaging are violated, then you should pay attention to the fact that the drug may lose its therapeutic properties and only cause harm to the body.

[ 19 ]