Asparkam

Asparcam is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration and solution for injection. Each component (potassium and magnesium) in this drug contributes to the maintenance of electrolyte balance and normal function of cell membranes, including nerve and muscle cells.

Pharmacological action

1. Metabolic function:

   • Potassium and magnesium asparaginates are involved in the processes of nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction, including heart muscle.

2. Cardioprotective action:

   • Asparkam helps to improve the nutrition of the heart muscle, participates in the processes of cellular energy supply (ATP metabolism), which is useful in various cardiac diseases.

3. Stabilization of electrolyte balance:

   • The drug helps replenish potassium and magnesium deficiencies, which are important for maintaining a normal heart rhythm and preventing arrhythmias.

Indications Asparkam

1. Potassium and magnesium deficiency: The drug is used to compensate for the lack of these important electrolytes in the body.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Including heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), heart failure, ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
3. Hypertension: The drug may be used to reduce blood pressure and maintain it at a normal level.
4. Muscle Disorders: Asparkam may be prescribed to treat neurological and muscle disorders associated with potassium or magnesium deficiency, such as cramps or muscle weakness.
5. Conditions accompanied by lossof electrolytes: The drug may be used to replenish the loss of potassium and magnesium during diarrhea, vomiting, use of diuretics or other conditions accompanied by loss of electrolytes.

Release form

1. Oral tablets:

   • Tablets are the most common form of Asparkam release.
   • Typically contain 175 mg of potassium asparaginate and 175 mg of magnesium asparaginate per tablet.
   • Tablets are taken orally, drinking enough water.

2. Solution for injection:

   • Asparkam solution is intended for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
   • It is used in inpatient settings, especially when a rapid effect is needed or when the patient cannot take the medication orally.
   • The potassium and magnesium asparaginate content of the solution may vary, but the standard is 40 mg/mL potassium asparaginate and 40 mg/mL magnesium asparaginate.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Potassium asparaginate:

   • Participation in metabolism: Potassium plays an important role in the regulation of water-electrolyte balance, normal muscle function, transmission of nerve impulses and many other biological processes.
   • Correction of hypokalemia: The drug contains potassium, which can be used to correct hypokalemia (low blood potassium level). Hypokalemia may occur in various diseases or as a result of prolonged use of diuretics.

2. Magnesium asparaginate:

   • Metabolism: Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes and is involved in the regulation of many biochemical processes in the body, such as nucleic acid synthesis, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and regulation of muscle contractility.
   • Correction of hypomagnesemia: The drug contains magnesium, which can be used to correct hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in the blood). Hypomagnesemia can occur in various diseases or when taking certain medicines.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Potassium asparaginate and magnesium asparaginate are usually administered orally. After ingestion, they are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream. Absorption is relatively rapid.
2. Distribution: After absorption, potassium and magnesium are distributed throughout the tissues and organs of the body. They can penetrate cell membranes and participate in a variety of biological processes.
3. Metabolism: Potassium and magnesium in the form of asparaginate do not undergo normal metabolic processes. They may undergo metabolic changes associated with electrolyte metabolism in the body.
4. Excretion: Residual amounts of potassium and magnesium that are not used by the body are excreted mainly through the kidneys. To a lesser extent, they may be excreted through the intestines.

Dosing and administration

Method of application

Asparkam is available in two dosage forms: oral tablets and solution for injection.

1. Oral administration (tablets):

   • Tablets are taken orally, preferably during or after meals to minimize possible gastrointestinal irritation.
   • Tablets should be swallowed whole, drinking sufficient water.

2. Injection application (solution):

   • Asparkam solution is administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
   • Intravenous administration should be done slowly, under the supervision of medical personnel, to avoid complications such as bradycardia or arrhythmias.

Dosage

For adults

• Oral:

  • The usual dosage is 1-2 tablets 3 times a day.
  • The course of treatment may vary, but usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks depending on the clinical situation and the physician's recommendations.

• Injections:

  • Intravenous or intramuscular injection of 5-10 ml of solution 1-3 times a day.
  • Solution for injection is more often used in hospital conditions for the treatment of acute conditions.

For children

• The use of Asparkam in children should be strictly according to the prescription of a doctor.
• The dosage and route of administration in children will depend on age, body weight and clinical condition.

Special Instructions

• During treatment with Asparkam it is necessary to monitor the levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood, especially with prolonged use.
• Care should be taken when using Asparkam in patients with renal impairment, as it may lead to hyperkalemia.
• Asparkam may interact with other medications, especially cardiac glycosides, so it is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Use Asparkam during pregnancy

The use of Asparkam (potassium asparaginate, magnesium asparaginate) during pregnancy may be warranted to treat and prevent certain conditions associated with deficiencies of these minerals. Here are a few key findings from the studies:

1. Efficacy for frequent premature ventricular contractions: Asparkam has been shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of frequent premature ventricular contractions in pregnant women. In a study involving 69 pregnant women receiving Asparkam, there was a significant reduction in premature ventricular contractions and symptoms such as palpitations and heaviness in the heart without significant adverse reactions (Yu, 2011).
2. Use in the third trimester of pregnancy: Asparkam (potassium and magnesium aspartate) has been used to reduce the risk of preterm labor because magnesium is an important element that can affect muscle activity, including uterine contractions (Lauletta et al., 1990).
3. Safety and efficacy in viral myocarditis: Asparkam in combination with astragalus has been used to treat viral myocarditis during pregnancy, showing high efficacy and safety with no significant adverse reactions (Yu, 2011).
4. Effect on electrolyte balance: Asparkam has a cardiotropic effect, positively affecting carbohydrate, energy and electrolyte metabolism in the myocardium, which may be useful in cardiac disorders during pregnancy (Aksel'rod et al., 1985).

Contraindications

1. Hyperkalemia: The drug contains potassium, therefore it should be used with caution in patients with hyperkalemia or other electrolyte balance disorders.
2. Hypermagnesemia: In patients with renal dysfunction or other conditions leading to hypermagnesemia, the use of magnesium asparaginate may be undesirable.
3. Blockade of anterior heart transmission: Blockade of anterior heart transmission may be increased with potassium asparaginate and should therefore be used with caution in patients with such disorders.
4. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to potassium asparaginate, magnesium asparaginate or other components of the drug should avoid its use.
5. Renal insufficiency: Patients with severe renal impairment should use the drug with caution and possibly with dosage adjustment.
6. Pregnancy and lactation: Information on the safety of Asparkam use during pregnancy and lactation is limited, therefore its use should be evaluated by a physician.
7. Pediatric age: The use of Asparkam in children requires caution and may require special dosage.

Side effects Asparkam

1. Gastrointestinal disorders:

   • Discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. These symptoms most often occur when taking the drug on an empty stomach.

2. Allergic Reactions:

   • Urticaria, itching, skin rashes. In very rare cases, anaphylactic shock is possible.

3. Metabolic disorders:

   • Hyperkalemia (elevated blood potassium levels) or hypermagnesemia (elevated blood magnesium levels), especially in patients with kidney failure or those taking other drugs that affect the levels of these electrolytes.

4. Effects on the cardiovascular system:

   • Bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate), especially in patients with a predisposition to low heart rate or if the dosage is exceeded.

5. Neurological reactions:

   • Dizziness, headache, general feeling of fatigue may occur at high doses or individual sensitivity to the drug components.

Overdose

Asparkam (potassium asparaginate, magnesium asparaginate) overdose can cause a number of serious side effects and complications, especially related to electrolyte balance and cardiac function. Here are the main findings on this topic:

1. Cardiac disorders: Studies show that Asparkam overdose can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac disorders due to effects on electrolyte balance, especially potassium and magnesium levels in the blood. These changes can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats and other cardiac symptoms (Spasov et al., 2007).
2. Cardiac toxicity: In animal experiments, it has been shown that high doses of potassium and magnesium aspartate can induce toxic effects depending on the nature of the anions, emphasizing the risk of using pharmacologically effective doses without control (Spasov et al., 2007).
3. Effect on blood: Individual studies indicate that there are no hemolytic, hypersensitivity and angioirritation effects when potassium magnesium aspartate is administered, indicating its relative safety in normal use. However, serious changes in blood composition may occur in overdose (Hong-liang, 2002).
4. Reduction of arrhythmias: Asparkam can effectively reduce the frequency and severity of ventricular arrhythmias, making it useful in certain clinical scenarios. This property makes it an important agent in cardiology, but dosage should be monitored to avoid overdose (Kühn et al., 1991).

Interactions with other drugs

1. Other drugs containing potassium or magnesium: The use of Asparkam concomitantly with other drugs containing potassium or magnesium may increase the level of these electrolytes in the blood, which may lead to hyperkalemia or hypermagnesemia.
2. Drugsaffecting electrolyte balance: Drugs that affect electrolyte balance, such as diuretics or some heart failure drugs, may alter the levels of potassium and magnesium in the body. If taken concomitantly with Asparkam, this may require dosage adjustment or monitoring of electrolyte levels in the blood.
3. Drugs causing hyperkalemia or hypermagnesemia: Some drugs, such as some anti-inflammatory drugs or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), may increase the level of potassium in the blood. Concomitant use of such drugs with Asparkam may increase this effect.
4. Drugsaffecting potassium or magnesium metabolism: Drugs that affect potassium or magnesium metabolism, such as some antibiotics or antihypertensive drugs, may affect the levels of these electrolytes in the body. They may interact with Asparkam, altering its effectiveness or safety.