Many medicines appeared due to analogues synthesized in the human body. Chenodeoxycholic acid, which effectively fights gallstones, is one such substance. Preparations containing this acid have long been used to treat and prevent diseases affecting the gallbladder.
Description and properties of the substance
Chenodeoxycholic acid has the ability to dissolve gallstones. This is one of the most important bile acids for the body, formed in the liver cells. Once in the gallbladder, it acts specifically on cholesterol stones, dissolving them, protecting the liver and the whole body from gallstone disease. In addition to dissolving stones, this acid reduces the amount of cholesterol synthesized in the liver. It follows from this that bilebecomes less saturated with it, so the formation of new cholesterol stones is minimized.
Medicines
Preparations with chenodeoxycholic acid in the composition:
- Chenofalk. A drug from Doctor Falk Pharma GmbH, made in Germany.
- Henochol. The drug company ICN GALENIKA. Country of origin - Serbia.
- Henosan. Medicine made by PRO. MED. CS Praha a.s. in the Czech Republic.
Preparations of well-deserved imported manufacturers are high-quality and effective medicinal raw materials.
Application
Drugs are prescribed for cholelithiasis with the presence of cholesterol stones up to 20 millimeters in diameter. In this case, the gallbladder must perform its function, that is, accumulate, concentrate and discharge bile during the entry of food into the digestive system. Cholesterol stones are the most common bladder formations, since cholesterol becomes the basis of all stones formed in this organ. The use of the above drugs is a good alternative to the surgical treatment of gallstone disease.
Instructions for chenodeoxycholic acid
Features of the use of drugs:
- "Henofalk" is used daily, once a day before bedtime. The dosage is 15 mg per kilogram of body weight. Capsules are not chewed and washed down with water in the required amount. The maximum dose is 1.5 grams per day. Long-term treatment - from three months to 3 years. Treatment should be under ultrasound control, since the absence of a decrease in the diameter of the stones after six months is the basis for stopping the medication.
- "Khenochol" is used in a daily dose of 15-18 mg per kilogram of the patient's weight. The manufacturer recommends dividing the dose into three doses and taking one capsule in the morning and afternoon, and 2 capsules in the evening. The maximum that can be taken per day is 1.5 grams. The duration of treatment depends on the size of the stones, but therapy should not be less than 6 months, and in cases where the stones reach 15-20 mm, you have to take the medicine for up to two years. After measuring the diameter of the stones with the help of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, after 6 months the expediency of further taking Henohol is assessed. In case of successful dissolution of cholesterol stones in patients prone to increased stone formation due to metabolic characteristics, it is recommended to take the drug prophylactically for another month, one capsule per day, repeating the monthly course every 90 days.
- "Henosan" is used for oral administration, calculating the daily dose of 15 mg per kilogram of body weight. On average, 3-6 capsules are obtained (no more than 1.5 grams per day), which are taken once in the evening. Capsules should be swallowed whole with the right amount of water. Treatment should be continued for 6 months to a year. The effectiveness of the dissolution of stones is evaluated after six months using ultrasound. For preventive purposes, repeated courses are recommendedin a few months.
It is necessary to be treated with drugs strictly according to the instructions for the use of chenodeoxycholic acid.
Contraindications
Contraindications for taking chenodeoxycholic acid drugs are:
- Rocks larger than 20 mm.
- Stones with a powerful calcium framework.
- A gallbladder full of stones and not fulfilling its function.
- Acute cholecystitis.
- Acute or chronic hepatitis of any nature.
- Acute inflammation of the bile ducts.
- Decompensation and end-stage cirrhosis.
- Presence of liver failure.
- Kidney failure.
- Bile duct blockage by stones.
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach, duodenum during exacerbation.
- Malabsorption syndrome.
- Ulcerative colitis, enteritis.
- Pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding.
- Intolerance to the main substance or auxiliary components.
Chenodeoxycholic acid release form
They produce medicines in the following forms:
- "Henofalk" is produced in capsules with a dosage of 250 mg of the active ingredient. Records of 25, packed in a box of two or four blisters.
- "Chenochol" is produced in capsules, the content of chenodeoxycholic acid in which is 250mg. The capsules are sealed in blisters of eight. The carton contains seven blisters.
- "Henosan" is available in capsules containing chenodeoxycholic acid 250 mg, blisters of ten capsules in a carton of five.
Side effects
Chenodesoxycholic acid preparations are generally well tolerated. Of the side effects, mild allergic reactions are possible, manifested in the form of a rash on the skin or itching. In patients taking large doses of the drug for a long time, it is possible to exceed the norm of hepatic transaminases in a biochemical blood test, which indicates a toxic effect of the drug on liver cells, where active metabolic transformations of the active substance occur.
Significant increase in ALAT and ASAT requires a revision of dosages. Paroxysmal pain in the right hypochondrium (biliary colic) may occur when the stones dissolve by the drug. If the pain is short-term, then the drug is continued without changes. Intestinal manifestations in the form of diarrhea appear at high doses and intensive dissolution of stones, which is accompanied by an increase in the content of fat in the stool.
