All processes in the human body are regulated by trace elements. Many of them come from food. Their deficiency is reflected in the state of he alth. Especially often there is a lack of potassium and magnesium, as a result of which the work of the cardiovascular system is disrupted and a person's well-being worsens. Often in such cases, natural vitamin preparations are prescribed, one of which is Asparkam. The INN (or international non-proprietary name) of this remedy is magnesium and potassium aspartate, because it contains only two active ingredients. It is thanks to them that the drug has medicinal properties and helps with various pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
General characteristics of the drug
Asparkam is produced, the INN of which is potassium and magnesium asparginate, in the form of tablets or injections. Its action is based on the properties of the main components - magnesium and potassium, which are present in the preparation in the formaspartate. So they are better absorbed and all their healing properties are manifested. The injection solution is used only in a medical institution, and Asparkam tablets can be purchased at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. They are inexpensive and therefore available to every patient.
The name of the INN "Asparkama" reflects its composition. After all, the main active ingredients of the drug are potassium and magnesium aspartates. But, in the composition of the tablets there are also auxiliary components that are needed to give the desired shape and consistency to the tablets. These are starch, macrogol, silicon dioxide and stearic acid.
Properties of potassium and magnesium
As noted above, INN "Asparkama" - magnesium and potassium asparginate. This form of minerals provides timely delivery of ions of these trace elements directly into the cellular space. Due to this, they are actively involved in the metabolic processes in the body and eliminate the imbalance of electrolytes. Asparginates are quite easily absorbed into the blood and quickly excreted from the body through the kidneys. The effectiveness of the drug is due to the properties of potassium and magnesium.
Potassium is involved in the behavior of nerve impulses. In addition, it improves muscle function by increasing the contraction of muscle fibers. Due to this, an additional intake of potassium normalizes the activity of the heart. In small doses, potassium expands the coronary vessels, and in case of an overdose, it narrows. The lack of this microelement can lead to the appearance of edema, convulsions, disruption of the heart.
Magnesium is also involved in the conductionnerve impulses, but most of all it affects enzymatic reactions and metabolic processes. It regulates the intake and expenditure of energy, normalizes the balance of electrolytes. It is magnesium that regulates the balance of neuromuscular reactions and contributes to the normal delivery of ions to cells. It also normalizes the permeability of cell membranes and is involved in cell growth.
Drug action
Despite the fact that everyone knows what an important role minerals play in the body, many patients are perplexed: what is Asparkam for, for example, in case of heart failure. In fact, this drug can improve the patient's condition even when used alone and is quite effective as part of complex treatment. It compensates for the lack of potassium and magnesium, which is often found in humans. The loss of these trace elements increases with hormonal disruptions, increased sweating, diarrhea, diseases of the digestive tract, and the use of alcoholic beverages.
When taken in the recommended dosage, Asparkam has the following effect:
- normalizes heart rate;
- improves the conduction of nerve impulses;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls;
- improves blood flow;
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- improves the functioning of the heart muscle.
Indications for use of the drug
"Asparkam", the INN of which reflects its composition, is used quite often for various pathologiesof cardio-vascular system. The drug belongs to the group of metabolic agents that regulate the balance of trace elements in the body. Compensating for the lack of potassium and magnesium ions in the blood, "Asparkam" normalizes nerve conduction and heart rate. Therefore, this drug is most often used for arrhythmias, coronary heart disease and heart failure. It can be prescribed independently or as part of complex treatment. This drug prevents myocardial infarction or stroke.
But not only patients with heart pathologies need Asparkam. What this drug helps from is not always indicated in the instructions. Doctors may prescribe it in such cases:
- with increased intracranial pressure together with "Diacarb";
- chronic circulatory failure;
- frequent spasms of muscles or blood vessels;
- anxiety, irritability;
- shock conditions;
- after taking digitalis preparations to stop its toxic effect;
- for epilepsy;
- severe swelling;
- glaucoma;
- Ménière's disease;
- alcoholism.
Why he althy people need Asparkam
This drug has long been popular not only among cardiologists. It is prescribed by therapists with a decrease in efficiency and frequent convulsions. Doctors of sports medicine also drew attention to this remedy. Now the drug is actively used by athletes, especially in bodybuilding. It neutralizes the negative effects of a special protein diet for muscle building and prevents potassium and magnesium deficiencies."Asparkam" increases efficiency, eliminates fatigue, prevents convulsions.
In addition, it has recently become popular to take this drug for weight loss. After all, it normalizes metabolic processes, prevents fluid retention in the body, strengthens the heart muscle. On its own, Asparkam will not help you lose weight, but it can be an addition to diets and sports training. Although, even he althy people can take this drug only after consulting a doctor.
Contraindications for taking it
Asparkam is not always suitable for patients. Therefore, it is undesirable to self-medicate and take it without consulting a doctor. Contraindications include the following conditions:
- individual intolerance;
- kidney failure, impaired urine outflow;
- violation of protein metabolism;
- adrenal dysfunction;
- excess potassium and magnesium in the blood;
- myasthenia gravis;
- low blood pressure;
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- Some serious heart problems like AV block.
Often people wonder if children can take Asparkam. Indeed, the instructions indicate that up to 18 years of age the drug is contraindicated, but doctors sometimes prescribe it even for infants. It is needed at the first signs of epilepsy, inflammatory heart disease or severe hypokalemia. Use the drug only after blood tests that confirm the deficiencypotassium.
During pregnancy and lactation, you can take "Asparkam" only according to strict indications, if the benefit to the mother outweighs the possible harm to the fetus.
Possible side effects
"Asparkam" is usually well tolerated by patients. Side effects are rare if all doctor's recommendations are followed. But in case of individual intolerance, it is recommended to take analogues of Asparkam. Instructions for use notes that there is a possibility of such side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
- flatulence;
- dry mouth;
- abdominal pain, burning;
- appearance of ulcers on the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- urticaria;
- atrioventricular block;
- slow heart rate;
- strong drop in blood pressure;
- the appearance of blood clots in the vessels;
- dizziness;
- weakness, reduced performance.
Often there is also an excess of potassium or magnesium in the blood. This is expressed in disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, paresthesia, muscle weakness, a strong sense of thirst, redness of the face, and a drop in blood pressure. Sometimes there may be convulsions, difficulty breathing or even coma.
Interaction with other drugs
Often the medicine "Asparkam" is prescribed as part of complex treatment. It is very important to consider the compatibility of different drugs. It is undesirable to use "Asparkam" together with potassium-sparing diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatorymeans, adrenoblockers or "Heparin". This increases the risk of an excess of potassium in the blood. And when taken together with Calcitriol, the amount of magnesium in the blood increases.
"Asparkam" can enhance the effect of muscle relaxants, causing severe muscle weakness, up to paresis. In addition, it can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of certain drugs: "Tetracycline", "Neomycin", "Streptomycin" or "Polymyxin". But there are also drug interactions that are beneficial for the patient. For example, Asparkam is often prescribed in conjunction with glucocorticosteroids, as it prevents the development of hypokalemia. And when taking cardiac glycosides and diuretics, it reduces the risk of side effects.
Instructions for use
Usually prescribed "Asparkam" in the form of tablets. Take them half an hour after eating, so the active ingredients are better absorbed. It is recommended to drink 1-2 tablets three times a day. If the drug is taken for prophylactic purposes, 1 tablet is enough, in severe cases - 2. The course of treatment usually lasts from 2 weeks to a month.
If it is necessary to prescribe the drug to children, the dosage is calculated strictly individually, starting from a quarter of a tablet per day. A whole tablet can be drunk only after 10 years, but 1-2 times a day. After 16 years of age, the dosage may be the same as for adults.
Injection solution is used only in a medical institution. It must be administered very slowly so that severe hyperkalemia does not develop. The infusion is done intravenously through a drip. Dilute the drug in glucose or sodium chloride. 10-20 ml is enough for one infusion. The procedure is carried out twice a day. The course of intravenous administration of "Asparkam" should not exceed 10 days.
Analogues of "Asparkam"
Reviews about taking this drug indicate that it is quite effective for its low price. On sale you can find several drugs that are synonymous with this remedy. The most popular are: Asparkam Avexima, Asparkam L, Potassium and Magnesium Asparaginate.
But there are other preparations that also contain these minerals. These are Panangin, Pamaton, Mexarithm, Rhythmocard. Especially often they use "Panangin" instead of "Asparkam". This drug is more expensive, but many patients prefer it because they believe that it is better tolerated. But the concentration of potassium and magnesium in "Panangin" is less, so the replacement of drugs without consulting a doctor is unacceptable.
Reviews on the use of "Asparkam"
This drug is often prescribed by doctors for any problems with the functioning of the cardiovascular system. It is quite effective and well tolerated by patients. It has numerous reviews. Many patients who were prescribed "Panangin" begin to take "Asparkam", as it costs less, and its action is no less effective.