Ekurochol
Ekurohol: instructions for use and reviews
- 1. Release form and composition
- 2. Pharmacological properties
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of application and dosage
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Special instructions
- 9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
- 10. Use in childhood
- 11. In case of impaired renal function
- 12. For violations of liver function
- 13. Drug interactions
- 14. Analogs
- 15. Terms and conditions of storage
- 16. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
- 17. Reviews
- 18. Price in pharmacies
Latin name: Ekurokhol
ATX code: A05AA02
Active ingredient: ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodeoxycholic acid)
Manufacturer: LLC "Ozon" (Russia)
Description and photo update: 2019-10-07
Prices in pharmacies: from 585 rubles.
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Ekurochol is a hepatoprotective agent.
Release form and composition
Dosage form - capsules: hard gelatinous, size No. 0, with an opaque white body and an opaque light gray lid; content - a mixture of granules and powder of almost white or white color, which can be compacted into lumps, easily destroyed by pressure (in blister strip packs of 5, 6 and 10 pcs., in PET cans with first opening control or a push-turn system 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 pcs., In a cardboard box 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 10 contour packs, or 1 can and instructions for the use of Ekurohol; cardboard packs can be completed in 2 or 3 pieces in a group carton pack for consumer packaging).
Composition of 1 capsule:
- active substance: ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) - 250 mg;
- auxiliary components: magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch;
- capsule shell: body - gelatin and titanium dioxide; cap - gelatin, titanium dioxide and iron dye black oxide.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Ekurochol is a hepatoprotective drug with a choleretic effect.
The active substance - UDCA - reduces the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and its concentration in bile. Due to a decrease in the saturation of bile with cholesterol, it is mobilized from gallstones. The drug stimulates the formation and excretion of bile, reduces its lithogenicity and increases the content of bile acids in it. It enhances the activity of lipase, causes an increase in pancreatic and gastric secretion. When taken orally, it contributes to the partial or complete dissolution of cholesterol stones.
Ekurochol produces hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory effects. It has a beneficial effect on immunological reactions in the liver, as a result of which the number of eosinophils and the expression of some antigens on the membrane of hepatocytes decreases, an effect on the number of T-lymphocytes and the formation of interleukin-2 is noted.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, UDCA is rapidly absorbed: due to active transport - in the distal part of the ileum, due to passive diffusion - in the jejunum and in the proximal part of the ileum. The absorption rate is approximately 60–80%.
After absorption, bile acid is almost completely conjugated in the liver with glycine and taurine, and is excreted in the bile. Up to 60% is metabolized during the first passage through the liver.
Different amounts of UDCA can accumulate in the liver, depending on the daily dose of the drug, the type of existing disease or liver condition. At the same time, a relative decrease in the amount of other more lipophilic bile acids is noted.
UDCA is partially destroyed by the action of intestinal bacteria with the formation of lithocholic and 7-keto-lithocholic acids. Lithocholic acid is hepatotoxic and has been shown to damage the liver parenchyma in some species in animal studies. In humans, this acid is absorbed in small quantities and then sulfated in the liver, due to which it is detoxified before excretion into bile and excretion in feces.
The half-life (T ½) of UDCA can range from 3.5 to 5.8 days.
Indications for use
- reflux esophagitis;
- biliary reflux gastritis;
- toxic (including medicinal) liver damage;
- biliary dyskinesia;
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis;
- small and medium cholesterol stones in patients with a functioning gallbladder (to dissolve them);
- prevention of recurrence of stone formation after cholecystectomy;
- cystic fibrosis of the liver;
- acute hepatitis;
- chronic hepatitis of various origins;
- primary biliary cirrhosis in the absence of signs of decompensation (symptomatic therapy);
- primary sclerosing cholangitis;
- alcoholic liver disease.
Contraindications
Absolute:
- severe dysfunction of the liver, kidneys or pancreas;
- liver cirrhosis in the stage of decompensation;
- frequent biliary colic;
- complete obstruction of the biliary tract;
- non-functioning gallbladder;
- bile-intestinal-gastric fistula;
- Crohn's disease;
- acute inflammatory diseases of the intestines, gallbladder or bile ducts;
- X-ray positive gallstones (high in calcium)
- children under 3 years of age (for this dosage form);
- lactation period;
- hypersensitivity to the components of Ekurochol capsules.
The drug is not recommended to be prescribed to patients weighing less than 34 kg (it is advisable to use ursodeoxycholic acid for such patients in the form of a suspension).
Ecurochol should be used with caution in children from 3 years of age, as well as pregnant women.
Ekurochol, instructions for use: method and dosage
Ekurochol is indicated for oral administration. The capsules should be swallowed whole with a little water.
To dissolve cholesterol gallstones in adults, the drug is prescribed in a daily dose of 10 mg / kg, which, depending on body weight, corresponds to:
- up to 60 kg - 2 capsules;
- 61–80 kg - 3 capsules;
- 81-100 kg - 4 capsules;
- > 100 kg - 5 capsules.
You need to take Ekurochol capsules before bedtime. The duration of treatment is from 6 to 12 months. In order to prevent recurrent cholelithiasis, it is recommended to continue taking the drug for several months after dissolving the stones.
For symptomatic treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, depending on body weight, the following dosing regimen is recommended:
- 47–62 kg - 1 capsule in the morning, afternoon and evening (daily dose - 3 pcs.);
- 63–78 kg - 1 capsule in the morning and in the afternoon, 2 capsules in the evening (daily dose - 4 pcs.);
- 79–93 kg - 1 capsule in the morning, 2 capsules in the afternoon and evening (daily dose - 5 pcs.);
- 94-109 kg - 2 capsules in the morning, afternoon and evening (daily dose - 6 pcs.);
- > 109 kg - 2 capsules in the morning and in the afternoon, 3 capsules in the evening (daily dose - 7 pcs.).
After improvement of hepatic parameters, you can take the daily dose of the drug at a time - in the evening. The duration of treatment is unlimited. Rarely, at the beginning of therapy, clinical symptoms may worsen, for example, itching may become more frequent. Such patients should continue treatment with Ekurochol taking 1 capsule per day and gradually increase the dosage (1 capsule weekly) to the optimal one corresponding to the weight.
Recommended dosage regimens of Ekurochol for adult patients for other indications:
- biliary reflux gastritis: 1 capsule before bedtime for a course of 10 days to 6 months, if necessary, treatment can be continued for up to 2 years;
- cystic fibrosis: in a daily dose of up to 20-30 mg / kg, the duration of therapy is up to 6-24 months or more;
- primary sclerosing cholangitis: in a daily dose of up to 12-15 mg / kg (in some cases - up to 20 mg / kg) for a course of up to 6-24 months and even several years;
- biliary dyskinesia: the average daily dose is 10 mg / kg in 2 doses for 2-8 weeks;
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis of various origins, alcoholic liver disease: 12-15 mg / kg in 2-3 doses, duration of therapy is 6-12 months or more.
The doctor determines the dose of Ekurochol for children from 3 years of age individually, the usual daily dose is 20 mg / kg.
Side effects
- gastrointestinal tract: often (≥ 1/100 to <1/10) - loose stools or diarrhea; very rarely (<1/10 000) in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis - acute pain in the right upper abdomen;
- liver: very rarely in the treatment of advanced stages of primary biliary cirrhosis - decompensation of liver cirrhosis (disappears after Ekurochol discontinuation);
- biliary tract: very rarely - calcification of gallstones;
- skin and subcutaneous tissue: very rarely - urticaria.
Overdose
An overdose of Ekurochol is usually manifested by diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic.
special instructions
Treatment with the drug must be accompanied by medical supervision.
During therapy, it is necessary to monitor the functional parameters of the liver (alkaline phosphatase, transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the blood serum): during the first 3 months - every 4 weeks, then - once every 3 months. Tracking these parameters allows early detection of liver dysfunction. This also applies to patients with late stages of primary biliary cirrhosis, they have known cases of decompensation of cirrhosis (after discontinuation of Ecurochol, partial reverse development of manifestations of decompensation is possible). In primary biliary cirrhosis, these tests will help determine the patient's response to treatment.
In case of development of diarrhea during therapy, the dose of Ekurochol should be reduced, with persistent diarrhea, the drug should be canceled.
To assess the progress in the use of the drug to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and timely identify signs of calcification of stones, depending on their size, the gallbladder should be visualized (oral cholecystography) and darkening should be examined in the supine position and standing (ultrasound) after 6– 10 months after you start taking Ekurochol. The drug should be discontinued if the gallbladder cannot be visualized, if weak contractility of the gallbladder or stone calcification is detected, and also in the case of frequent attacks of colic.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
Cases of a negative effect of Ekurochol on the speed of reactions and the ability to concentrate have not been registered.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy, Ekurochol is used in cases where the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks.
It has not been established whether ursodeoxycholic acid passes into breast milk. Women are advised to discontinue breastfeeding if treatment is required during lactation.
Pediatric use
Ursodeoxycholic acid has no age restrictions for use, however, Ekurochol is not recommended for children under 3 years of age due to its solid dosage form. In children from 3 years of age, the drug is recommended to be used with caution because of the possible difficulty in swallowing capsules.
With impaired renal function
In case of severe renal impairment, Ekurochol is contraindicated.
For violations of liver function
With severe violations of liver function, Ekurochol is contraindicated.
Drug interactions
With the combined use of neomycin, progestins, estrogens, hypolipidemic agents (especially clofibrate), the saturation of bile with cholesterol increases, which is fraught with a decrease in the effectiveness of Ekurochol in dissolving cholesterol gallstones.
Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or smectite (aluminum oxide), cholestyramine and colestipol limit the absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid in the intestine, thereby reducing its absorption and reducing the effectiveness of Ekurochol. If the combined use of any of these funds is necessary, they should be taken at least 2 hours before Ekurochol.
In some cases, Ecurochol is able to reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin.
Ursodeoxycholic acid can enhance the absorption of cyclosporine from the intestine, therefore, with their simultaneous use, the concentration of the latter in the blood should be monitored and, if necessary, the dose adjusted.
Analogs
Ekurochol's analogs are: Antraliv, Bicyclol, Heparetta, Hepaphor, Hepatosan, Heptor, Glutargin, Greenterol, Carsil, Liventsiale, Livedeksa, NeoGep, Samelix, Ursodez, Urdoksa, Ursofalk, Holudexan, Esssenschliver
Terms and conditions of storage
Store out of the reach of children, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.
The shelf life is 3 years.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Dispensed by prescription.
Reviews about Ekurohol
Most of the reviews about Ecurohol are positive: the drug dissolves cholesterol stones, eliminates the symptoms of hepatobiliary disorders, and relieves inflammatory processes in the liver and gallbladder. However, there are also negative reports in which patients write about the lack of therapeutic action. Complaints about adverse reactions are rare.
Price for Ecurohol in pharmacies
Depending on the region of sale and the pharmacy chain, the price for Ekurohol for a pack of 100 capsules can be approximately 1,078-1202 rubles.
Ekurohol: prices in online pharmacies
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Drug name Price Pharmacy |
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Ekurochol 250 mg capsules 50 pcs. 585 RUB Buy |
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Ekurochol capsules 250mg 50 pcs. RUB 600 Buy |
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Ekurochol 250 mg capsules 100 pcs. 1010 RUB Buy |
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Ekurochol capsules 250mg 100 pcs. 1146 RUB Buy |
Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
