Comparison of drugs – Heptral and Essentiale forte

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In modern clinical practice, drugs to protect the liver – hepatoprotectors are actively used. According to According to medical literature, they prevent the destruction of hepatocytes and accelerate their regeneration. Hepatoprotectors are prescribed in combination with other agents that affect the functioning of the digestive tract – choleretic, enzymatic, etc.

In this article, we will look at two hepatoprotectors – Heptral and Essentiale forte, and find out how they differ.

Hepatoprotectors are dispensed in a pharmacy without a prescription.

Indications for use

Hepatoprotectors Heptral and Essentiale forte are used for diseases of the liver and gallbladder:

1. chronic hepatitis, including against the background of a viral infection and toxic damage;

2. cirrhosis of the liver;

3. fatty degeneration of the liver of alcoholic and non-alcoholic origin;

4. violation of the liver in various somatic diseases;

5. cholestasis of pregnancy.

Heptral has a strong choleretic effect, therefore it is prescribed where it is necessary to restore the outflow of bile – for example, with intrahepatic cholestasis with hepatitis or fatty degeneration of the liver.

Essentiale forte is used in the complex therapy of psoriasis, as well as to prevent the formation of gallstones.

Heptral is prescribed in the treatment of depression as a symptomatic agent.

How do hepatoprotectors affect the liver

The mechanism of action of various hepatoprotectors differs and depends on their composition, however, in general terms, it can be described as follows:

1. Anticytolytic action. They prevent damage to the cell wall of hepatocytes and provide endogenous detoxification. Act as an antioxidant: inhibit lipid peroxidation.

2. Anticholestatic and choleretic action. They enhance the synthesis of bile and restore its secretion in the liver.

3. Antifibrotic action. They relieve the inflammatory process, normalize intracellular metabolism, prevent the growth of connective tissue and the formation of fibrosis.

4. Detoxifying action. Neutralize toxins and accelerate their removal from the body.

5. Hepatoprotectors protect liver cells from destruction, accelerate their regeneration, normalize bile flow, and prevent the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis.

6. Heptral, which includes ademetionine, compensates for the lack of this component in the tissues and enhances its synthesis. The cells of the liver and brain are richest in ademetionine. The main action of heptral is choleretic. The drug restores the flow of bile – and this effect is used in the treatment of many diseases of the liver and gallbladder. The hepatoprotective effect of the drug is auxiliary and is realized through the normalization of metabolism.

7. Essentiale forte contains phospholipids, which are the main component of the cell wall. They are embedded in damaged membranes of hepatocytes (liver cells), prevent their destruction, and inhibit the development and progression of fibrosis.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of drugs

In the Russian-language medical literature, great attention is paid to hepatoprotectors. Recommendations according to their application they sound like this:

1. Hepatoprotectors should be used in all situations involving liver damage.

2. With cholestasis caused by liver damage, drugs with a strong choleretic effect are prescribed – such as Heptral.

3. There are no universal hepatoprotectors. When choosing a drug, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathology.

4. Hepatoprotectors with different mechanisms of action can be used simultaneously.

Heptral

In a large reviewdedicated to Heptral, shows the effectiveness of the drug in liver diseases with impaired intrahepatic cholestasis. Clinical studies have shown: after the therapy, the symptoms of bile stasis disappear: skin itching and jaundice. Heptral is recommended for alcoholic and non-alcoholic dystrophy, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and other conditions.

Essentiale forte

There were no serious studies on this drug in the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library website. Not too much in other sources of information either. In one of reviews phospholipids in the composition of Essentiale are declared as an effective and relatively safe agent, in other There was no evidence that the drug is any different from placebo.

Application Scheme

Hepatoprotectors are prescribed for a long course – for one month or more. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the patient’s condition and the presence of concomitant conditions.

Heptral and Essentiale forte are administered orally during meals. Capsules should be swallowed whole with plenty of water.

Heptral can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Usually the drug is given in injections for 1-2 weeks, followed by the transition to capsules.

Adverse Reactions

Heptral most often causes adverse reactions from the digestive tract: nausea, diarrhea. Often there is a headache. Other symptoms are much less common:

1. anxiety;

2. insomnia;

3. dizziness;

4. lowering blood pressure;

5. abdominal pain;

6. flatulence;

7. itching;

8. muscle and joint pain;

9. allergic reactions.

Essentiale forte is well tolerated. Adverse reactions are rarely recorded. Mostly it is discomfort in the abdomen and diarrhea. There may be allergic reactions.

Противопоказания

Hepatoprotectors are not used for individual intolerance and are not recommended during breastfeeding.

Heptral is prescribed during pregnancy, but with caution and from the second trimester. Essentiale forte is not recommended for pregnant women.

Heptral is not used in children. Essentiale forte is allowed from the age of 12.

Heptral should not be taken at bedtime. The drug has an exciting effect on the nervous system and can lead to insomnia.

Conclusions

To sum up:

1. Heptral and Essentiale forte are drugs from the group of hepatoprotectors. They differ in composition, but have a similar mechanism of action: they protect liver cells from destruction and stimulate their recovery.

2. Heptral and Essentiale forte are prescribed for diseases of the liver and gallbladder to prevent fibrosis, improve bile secretion. The drugs are also used in the complex therapy of some other diseases – psoriasis, depression.

3. Heptral is a strong choleretic, therefore it is used where it is necessary to improve the outflow of bile. In relation to Essentiale forte, such nuances are not stated.

4. Both drugs are well tolerated and have virtually no contraindications.

5. The effectiveness of hepatoprotectors has not yet been proven. It cannot be unequivocally said that such drugs can really prevent fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver and improve the prognosis of the disease.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.