Thioctic acid is a metabolic agent necessary for complications of diabetes mellitus. By binding free radicals, it can help regulate fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
The benefits of thioctic acid for diabetics are enormous: in combination with hypoglycemic drugs, it lowers glucose levels.
Like any drug, lipoic acid has contraindications, potential harm, compatibility with other drugs. How to take this medicine and what needs to be replaced will be discussed below.
Benefits of a bioactive compound for diabetes
Diabetes mellitus type I and II develops due to the malfunctioning of the immune system, which begins to produce antibodies to the beta cells of the pancreas. As a result, there is a violation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which entails an increase in the concentration of glucose and “harmful” cholesterol in the blood.
So what is thioctic acid (TC)? It is an antioxidant that is produced during oxidative processes in the body. The substance binds free radicals, releasing them from the body. You should immediately figure out what is the difference between thioctic acid and lipoic acid. In fact, there is no difference: they are two synonyms for the same chemical compound. Another well-known name is Thioctacid.
Similar in composition to the B vitamins, thioctic acid is especially necessary for the body of a diabetic, because:
- Reduces the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
- Increases the concentration of glycogen in the liver.
- Helps eliminate insulin resistance.
- Regulates the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and cholesterol.
- Protects the liver from negative internal and external factors.
- Reduces the likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy and other complications of diabetes.
The instructions for use contain the only indication – diabetic polyneuropathy. But this medicine is not limited to just one disease. The use of thioctic acid is permitted for alcoholic polyneuropathy, fatty degeneration of the liver, therapy and prevention of hyperlipidemia, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and body poisoning.
The substance is synthesized in the form of a lemon crystalline powder with a bitter taste. The drug is available in the form of tablets, concentrate for intramuscular injection or infusion solution. A large amount of the chemical compound is found in rice, spinach, kidneys, liver and heart.
Application features and substitutes
Before using the medicine, the patient visits a doctor who will prescribe a prescription. The instruction should be carefully studied in order to avoid overdose and other unpleasant consequences.
For diabetics with severe polyneuropathy, thioctic acid 600 mg is administered intravenously. The concentrated solution is diluted with sodium chloride. A dropper can be prescribed once a day. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 1200 mg per day. How much to take is determined by the specialist. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Intramuscular injection is administered at a time not more than 50 mg. The injection site needs to be changed periodically.
The drug in tablet form is allowed to be taken at 600 mg (1 tablet) once a day.
Various analogs of thioctic acid are available on the pharmacological market. The cost of the drug in tablet form (600 mg, 30 pieces) ranges from 645 to 690 rubles. Substitutes are selected in case of contraindications or the onset of adverse reactions. The most famous analogs are:
- Lipoic acid (25 mg, 50 tablets). The price is from 40 to 55 rubles.
- Neurolipon (300 mg, 30 capsules) – has a price of 240 to 270 rubles.
- Octolipen (300 mg, 30 tablets) – costs from 320 to 360 rubles.
- Thiolepta (300 mg, 30 tablets). Cost from 290 to 370 rubles.
Before choosing an analogue, you should consult your doctor.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
There is a certain list of contraindications for which the medicine is not used. It is not allowed to take pills and inject the drug intravenously during pregnancy, lactation, children under 18 years of age and in case of allergic reactions.
For some reason, sometimes a side effect of the medication may occur. The negative effect is manifested by the following symptoms:
- A sharp decrease in the concentration of sugar in the bloodstream (hypoglycemic state).
- Anaphylaxis, urticaria, skin rashes and itching.
- Indigestion – bouts of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdominal region.
- Dizziness and headaches.
As a result of rapid intravenous administration of the drug, high intracranial pressure, seizures, diplopia (visual impairment), hemorrhage and respiratory arrest may occur.
Excessive use of the medication can cause an overdose. It manifests itself with vomiting, headaches, increased intraocular pressure and bouts of nausea.
Overdose is treated with symptomatic therapy. Also, the goal of doctors is to maintain the work of vital organ systems. There is no specific antidote.
Interaction and special instructions
With insulin therapy, lipoic acid enhances the hypoglycemic effect. Therefore, before therapy, the patient should consult a doctor and regularly check the sugar level.
The substance reduces the effectiveness of cisplatin. Thioctic acid can increase the effect of carnitine intake.
Do not mix with Ringer’s solution, dextrose, ethanol and solutions that react with disulfide bridges and SH-groups. In this regard, it is undesirable to consume alcoholic beverages during treatment. The interaction of ethanol with thioctic acid leads to undesirable consequences.
It should be noted that the compound may contain certain drugs that promote weight loss. They are often taken by athletes to reduce oxidation values after grueling exercise. The drug helps to restore muscle faster and increases the absorption of glucose by muscle structures.
Vitamin N is included in medicines that are prescribed when women are menopause. She is able to have a beneficial effect on the female body, easing the symptoms of menopause.
Reviews of thioctic acid are positive, both from doctors and patients. Side effects are extremely rare. Lipoic acid is often prescribed in combination with vitamins for diabetics.
Now it is clear why the human body needs vitamin N. It helps lower glucose levels by normalizing carbohydrate and fat levels. There is no difference between thioctic acid and lipoic acid: in pharmacies you can find drugs with different names.