Among newborns, the development of jaundice is quite common - a condition in which there is an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance formed during the destruction of fetal hemoglobin, which is responsible for the transport of oxygen through the blood of the fetus in the mother's womb. At birth, a large amount of this substance is released. If the liver does not immediately cope with the work, various characteristic symptoms occur. Such as the yellowness of the skin, eyeballs and mucous membranes of a small organism.
In most cases, this condition is harmless and can be easily corrected in a few days in the maternity hospital using an ultraviolet lamp that destroys excess bilirubin. However, in some cases, doctors prescribe a French drug such as Hofitol to a small baby. This helps the newborn body to cope with the load on the liver more quickly. After all, she has to work hard at a high levelbilirubin. About what this remedy is, how safe it is and how to give "Hofitol" to a newborn, we will discuss below.
Composition
The list of components of the drug depends on the form in which it is produced. As a rule, for a newborn "Hofitol" is used in the form of a solution, which includes:
- Dense extract of fresh leaves of the field artichoke in the amount of 20 grams per 100 ml. Acts as the main active ingredient.
- Ethyl alcohol. In a small amount (2.8 grams).
- Hydroxybenzoates - act as preservatives. Without them, the drug would have been stored very little.
- Orange flavor that provides a more pleasant taste and makes it easier for the baby to heal.
- Water in the amount of 100 ml per vial. Acts as a solvent.
Description
Solution "Hofitol" is a dark brown liquid that does not have transparency. In addition, the presence of a small yellow precipitate is acceptable, which usually disappears with vigorous shaking of the vial.
Action
The properties of the drug are due to the extract of such a medicinal plant as the field artichoke (Latin - Cynara), which is part of it. It grows almost everywhere. And in Australia and South America, it is even considered a weed, which is quite difficult to get rid of. Despite this "reputation", this plant has many useful properties.
Decoctions of its leaveshave been used for many centuries as a urinary and choleretic agent. In addition, the field artichoke is famous for its beneficial effect on liver cells, restoring them. During the last century, mankind has learned to produce artichoke-based medicines, releasing them in tablets and solutions. "Hofitol" is one of them.
It has a number of useful properties:
- Removal of excess bile. This helps to remove dangerous indirect bilirubin as soon as possible.
- Restore he althy liver cell function.
- Removal of toxins and heavy metals from the body. Therefore, "Hofitol" is often prescribed for poisoning a small organism.
- Reduce cholesterol.
- Normalization of metabolic processes.
- Improve kidney function.
In addition, this tool contains many useful substances:
- Ascorbic acid. It is a natural antioxidant, helps to remove toxins more quickly.
- B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin). They play a vital role in many of the body's metabolic reactions.
- Carotene.
- Vitamin K. Reduces the permeability of the capillary wall, is responsible for normal blood clotting.
All this will only benefit the newborn. "Hofitol" has another advantage - the field artichoke is of natural origin, and this ensures maximum safety of use. This means that by giving this medicine to her child, the mother can be calm forhis he alth.
When the use of "Hofitol" is necessary
Of course, the use of "Hofitol" is not always prescribed for newborns. After all, a fragile body is completely undesirable load in the form of the use of a drug. Let it be natural. Therefore, neonatologists and pediatricians first weigh the pros and cons and only then prescribe the drug. And this is really justified with severe intoxication of the baby. This is usually manifested by the following symptoms:
- vomit;
- bloating (child has anxiety and a hard belly);
- very pronounced yellowness of the integuments of the skin and sclera of the eyes.
Indications for use
Instructions for "Hofitol" for newborns indicates the following conditions in which this drug should be used. In addition to jaundice, this includes:
- Chronic hepatitis.
- Elevated levels of acetone in the blood.
- Diseases of the gallbladder.
- Inflammation of the kidneys.
- Bloating.
- Nausea.
- Poisoning.
- Intestinal infections.
Contraindications for use
Like any other drug, "Hofitol" has a number of contraindications, which should include:
- Intolerance to the components of the drug. The use of the drug in this case is strictly prohibited, otherwise it threatens the development of an allergic reaction in the form of an itchy rash and swelling of the mucosa.
- Availabilitystones in the gallbladder or its ducts.
- Biliary obstruction. The fact is that in this case, the use of "Hofitol" can lead to a significant deterioration in the patient's condition, as well as to intoxication of his body.
Possible side effects
Of course, every mother is concerned about what side effects her baby may experience when using Chofitol. And although the drug is natural, it, like any other drug, is not without side effects. However, their list is very small. These mainly include:
- The development of an allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug. This can be manifested by itching, a rash on the skin, urticaria, redness of the mucous membranes, Quincke's edema. The above symptoms are stopped with the help of antihistamines and completely disappear after the abolition of "Hofitol".
- In addition, one of the common side effects is indigestion in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
If the pediatrician has prescribed Chofitol to the child, it is necessary to carefully monitor his condition after taking the drug, especially during the first day. In the event of unwanted side reactions, it is imperative to seek medical help from a pediatrician who will select a more appropriate dosage or cancel the drug, as well as prescribe a worthy replacement.
Dosing regimen
How to give "Hofitol"newborn? Only a pediatrician can decide this. It is he who should prescribe the dosage and frequency of administration, since the amount of the necessary drug and the duration of the course are usually individual for each small patient and the degree of his illness.
However, unless the doctor has prescribed otherwise, the baby should be treated according to the scheme indicated in the instructions for "Hofitol" for newborns.
5-10 drops of the solution must be dissolved in 5 ml of clean drinking water and given to the child immediately before feeding. This will help his body absorb the drug more easily.
Many mothers are wondering how to take "Hofitol" to a newborn. The easiest way to give the baby medicine is with a small spoon (special children's or teaspoon). Carefully bring to your mouth and gradually pour. Do not give the whole spoon at once, because the baby can choke. It is best to do this in two or three passes. In pediatric practice, the method of delivering medication through a syringe is sometimes used. This should be done 3 times a day.
Thus, the maximum daily dose for a small organism, according to the instructions, is 30 drops of Hofitol solution.
How long should a treatment course last for a newborn? It depends on the severity of the jaundice. As a rule, the duration of the course is not very long, unless otherwise prescribed by the pediatrician, it ranges from one to three weeks.
Drug cost
On the pharmaceutical market, the price for one bottle containing 120 ml of a substanceis in the range of 350-400 rubles. As a rule, one bottle of Chofitol is more than enough for a newborn.
It should be noted that the exact cost depends on the region, city and specific pharmacy organization.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
"Hofitol" refers to over-the-counter drugs, therefore it is freely available on the pharmaceutical market. His tablets and solution can be found on the windows of every pharmacy. When dispensing Chofitol, the pharmacist (or pharmacist) will not ask for a prescription from a doctor.
Despite this, it must be remembered that the use of this tool is permissible only after mandatory consultation with a specialist.
Terms and conditions of storage
Before you start using the drug, you should study the rules for storing "Hofitol". A newborn baby should only be given a new, freshly opened bottle of this medicine.
It must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, in a dry place away from sunlight. A closed cabinet or table drawer is optimal for this.
Be sure to keep the drug out of reach for small children.
The shelf life of the Hofitol solution is 4 years from the date of its production.
The shelf life of an open vial depends on how tightly closed it is. With a tightly screwed cap, the drug can be used according to the main expiration date.
In case the vial is not closed untilend, its contents can only be consumed within two months from the date of opening.
Reviews
"Hofitol" for newborns during the time that he is on the pharmaceutical market, managed to get a lot of different opinions from mothers and pediatricians. As mentioned above, this is a natural drug, which is one of the main selection criteria that doctors pay attention to. After all, this minimizes the risk of side effects in the form of allergies, diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms.
Another advantage that can be found in the reviews is the rapid onset of a noticeable therapeutic effect. In most cases, the symptoms of jaundice disappear within a few days after starting the drug, and the results of laboratory blood tests for bilirubin return to normal.
However, there are also negative reviews in which mothers indicate that after taking Chofitol, the child has itching, rash, nausea or diarrhea. All this points to the occurrence of side effects. In this case, the drug is canceled due to its intolerance to a small organism. It should be noted that such reviews are ten times less. But you need to know about the possible development of unwanted reactions.
Conclusion
It often happens that when a baby is born, the mother and the doctor have to resort to drug therapy to get rid of jaundice. "Hofitol" for newborns is an excellent option. Its main features:
- Natural composition.
- Quick action.
- Visible effect.
- Not a very high price.
- Availability in the pharmaceutical market.
