"Elkar": why is it prescribed to infants and how does it work?

Description of the drug and indications for use

Elkar is a medicine that improves metabolism. In most cases, it is prescribed to weak and premature children to accelerate physical and mental development. In addition, the use of the drug is indicated for:

• jaundice;
• decreased hemoglobin;
• poor appetite (for weight gain);
• with adynamia (lethargic behavior, muscle weakness);
• decreased immunity;
• open oval window (this is normal for children under one year old);
• for skin rashes, etc.

Elkar can be used from birth, but only under medical supervision

The medicine is considered harmless, so doctors safely recommend it. According to Dr. Komarovsky, Elkar is more necessary to calm the mother than to treat the child.

There are no serious diseases that can be cured with this drug. And non-serious illnesses, as a rule, go away without Elkar.

E.O. Komarovsky

https://www.komarovskiy.net/faq/preparat-elkar.html

The drug has two forms of release:

• injection;
• solution for oral administration.

They can be used at any age.

Release forms of the drug Elkar (gallery)

The oral solution is available in different volumes: 25 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml

Oral solution is safe from birth

Injection solution is recommended for hypoxia and cardiovascular diseases

Compound

The active component of the drug is L-carnitine, an amino acid produced in the body of every person. Its role is to correct energy exchange and stimulate it. Thus, levocarnitine takes part in the processes:

• lipid (fat) and protein metabolism;
• synthesis of ATP (the main source of cell energy) and acetyl-CoA;
• food processing;
• correction of body weight;
• regulation of glycogen consumption and maintenance of its liver and muscle reserves;
• inhibition of the synthesis of keto acids (the release of acetone is especially dangerous for newborns);
• catalyzing the work of enzymes in gastric and intestinal juices;
• the substance promotes the breakdown of fat in muscles, increases physical performance, for which sports people love it.

In its structure, carnitine is a relative of B vitamins. Its main task is considered to be the transfer of long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria, a kind of energy production factory in our body. It also contributes to the formation of lecithin in the liver, which is responsible for reducing cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, and vitamins C and E, under its influence, increase their antioxidant abilities.

So, we found out that Elkar can be very useful. But when is it prescribed for children and in what dosage should the medicine be taken?

Dosage and methods of administration for newborns

The dosage for children under three years of age should be determined by a doctor depending on the disease. As a rule, newborns are recommended to take 2-10 drops 30 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2-6 weeks. Drops can be given either pure or diluted (in water, breast milk or formula).

It is also possible to dilute the medicine in a glucose solution: 1 ml of Elkar (20%) per 40-50 ml of glucose solution (5%). Give 6-15 ml of the resulting substance half an hour before feeding. The course of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to 1.5 months.

In what cases is Elkar prescribed for newborns and how to use it?

Modern ecology, severe pregnancy of the mother and other factors lead to the fact that some babies begin to have health problems from the first days of life. In these cases, experts often prescribe “Elkar” for newborns - a fortified drug that has a beneficial effect on the baby’s body.

Properties of "Elkar"

The medicine provides the small body with an additional source of energy. It contains levocarnitine. This substance is necessary for the complete breakdown of fats, as a result of which energy is released. In addition, carnitine supplies fatty acids to cells and has the ability to combine with toxins and remove them from the body with urine. The excipients of the medicine are water and sorbic acid.

While taking Elkar, children experience:

• influx of vitality;
• a good appetite;
• improvement of metabolism;
• strengthening immunity.

Despite the positive properties of the drug, it should not be given to children without good reason. In most children, carnitine is produced by the body in sufficient quantities for full energy metabolism. "Elkar" will be beneficial when the baby's need for carnitine increases sharply. The prerequisites for this are metabolic disorders, malfunctions of internal organs, low hemoglobin and protein in the blood.

In what cases is the drug prescribed?

Most often, doctors prescribe the medicine in the form of a liquid 20% solution to newborns and children under 3 years of age. For older children, the drug is available in a 30% solution. When buying Elkar, carefully study the insert. Instructions for use for these two solutions are different. A medicine with a higher concentration is taken in a lower dosage.

Doctors prescribe the drug to children in certain cases.

1. For asphyxia, which occurs from the entanglement of the baby’s umbilical cord neck, or after a birth injury. "Elkar" for newborns stabilizes brain function and minimizes damage to the nervous system.
2. If the baby has poor appetite associated with a sluggish sucking reflex. Taking the drug normalizes appetite by improving food reflexes.
3. When babies are born prematurely and are underweight, Elkar helps them gain weight.
4. If the baby has a metabolic disorder. The drug stabilizes metabolism.

This treatment is effective in the presence of skin diseases. Normalization of metabolic processes will remove the symptoms of psoriasis, seborrheic eczema and other skin diseases.

"Elkar" for newborns is also prescribed to increase the body's defenses against persistent colds and viral diseases. It quickly strengthens the immune system and improves the general condition of the child.

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The medicine is indispensable when the baby is undergoing surgery, and after the operation. "Elkar" allows a small organism to recover faster because it improves the synthesis of red blood cells and makes them more viable. Thanks to this, blood loss, which is inevitable during any operation, is compensated. In addition, the drug thins the blood, thereby reducing the possibility of blood clots.

For older children, Elkar is prescribed to stabilize mental activity. This helps them better learn the material at school, concentrate, and get less tired in class.

Dosage of the drug for children

The drug can be given to a child only as prescribed by a pediatrician. The doctor individually determines the treatment regimen based on tests and examination of the small patient. The instructions allow you to take the medicine from the first day of life and instructs you to do this 30 minutes before meals.

The dosage for children of 20% Elkar is as follows:

• For infants 1 month of life, 4-10 drops twice a day are recommended;
• babies under 1 year - 10 drops twice a day;
• children from 1 to 6 years old - 14 drops 2-3 times a day;
• Schoolchildren under 12 years of age should be given the drug one quarter of a measuring spoon, which is included in the package with the medicine.

"Elkar" is a medicinal liquid of transparent color with a neutral odor. Newborns should dilute the drug in a small amount of water and give it to drink from a spoon. When children begin to introduce complementary foods, the medicine can be diluted with apple juice or jelly.

Be sure to maintain a 30-minute interval before eating, because during this time “Elkar” is completely absorbed from the stomach into the blood and begins to act. During therapy, constantly consult with your pediatrician and tell him about all changes in the baby’s behavior and well-being. This is necessary to prevent side effects, which in rare cases may occur.

Typically, treatment continues for a month, unless the doctor considers it advisable to continue taking Elkar. Positive dynamics can be noticed already in the second week of regular treatment.

Side effects and contraindications

The instructions state that, apart from individual intolerance, Elkar has no other contraindications. In newborns, an allergic reaction can begin to any unfamiliar drug.

If after the first use no negative symptoms are noticed within 24 hours, this does not mean that you can calm down and stop observing the baby’s further reaction to the medicine. Side effects may occur at any time and must be identified immediately.

1. Pay attention to the appearance of increased tone in the baby, excessive excitability or, conversely, a depressed state and apathy.
2. Abdominal pain, digestive system disorders and, in rare cases, loss of appetite may occur.
3. If you notice that your baby's urine has acquired a specific smell, this is a signal that you need to reduce the dose of the medicine.

If you see at least one of the above symptoms, immediately go to see a pediatrician. You may need to discontinue the drug, prescribe another treatment, or simply adjust the daily dose of Elkar. Only a doctor can make a decision about this, so do not delay your visit to a specialist.

Storage conditions and price

In pharmacies you can buy the medicine in the form of a solution, which is in bottles made of dark glass or plastic. The bottle is enclosed in a cardboard package along with a measuring spoon. There are also detailed instructions for the drug.

When purchasing, pay attention to the shelf life, which for Elkar is 3 years from the date of manufacture. Once the drug is uncorked, store it in a dark place and try to keep the temperature between 8 and 15 °C. The shelf life of opened medicine is no more than 2 months.

The price of the drug depends on the size of the bottle and varies in different pharmacies from 330 to 460 rubles. Among the analogues is o, which is available in the form of syrup for children. It costs about 250 rubles and is allowed from the first month of life. Good reviews are left about the drug "Levocarnil". This is a special powder that needs to be diluted with water and taken according to the instructions.

Never replace Elkar for newborns with another medicine yourself. This can negatively affect the baby's health. The doctor prescribes a specific drug based on the child’s individual characteristics and medical history. Therefore, first get a detailed consultation with your pediatrician and buy a new drug only with his permission.

If your doctor prescribed Elkar for you, don’t worry. This is a high-quality, proven drug that has proven itself well. Side effects from it are rare, so trust your pediatrician and strictly follow his recommendations.

TheRebenok.ru

Contraindications and side effects

Sometimes the following side effects may occur when taking Elkar:

• disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
• muscle weakness;
• allergy;
• discomfort or pain in the stomach;
• insomnia;
• dizziness;
• decreased appetite (rare);
• increased excitability.

The drug Elkar has contraindications, so before using it you should consult a qualified doctor.

Newborns are the most sensitive to external factors, especially to taking medications, so it is necessary to balance the benefits of taking Elkar with the possible harm from side effects.

Elkar can be used only if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of side effects

Combination with other medications

Elkar can be combined with a wide range of medications and vitamins, but only a qualified doctor can select the right remedy and dosage, as well as assess the advisability of taking them.

1. In accordance with the instructions, the simultaneous use of Elkar with glucocorticosteroids increases the accumulation of carnitine in tissues (except the liver).
2. Anabolic drugs enhance the effect of the drug.
3. Often, neurologists prescribe Elkar for newborns along with nootropics: Glycine, Pantogam (syrup), Picamilon, Phenibut. This treatment regimen is usually recommended for hyperexcitability.
4. For increased intracranial pressure, mixtures with Citral are prescribed.
5. In case of damage to the central nervous system, nootropics can be prescribed along with Elkar: Cortexin, Encephabol, Kudesan (as a cardiotonic).
6. Cavinton is often prescribed (improves blood circulation and brain metabolism). However, it is contraindicated in children under 18 years of age due to the lack of clinical trials.
7. For lethargic behavior and poor appetite, pediatricians recommend taking medication with vitamin D and Creon 10,000.

Elkar for babies description

Elcar for infants is essentially carnitine - a substance for the formation of energy.
Most energy, as a rule, is formed in the reaction of fat breakdown, and without carnitine this process cannot occur. The energy potential of the body depends on the amount of fats broken down - the less this happens, the lower it is. In some severe cases, energy starvation even occurs.

Carnitine is a vitamin-like substance, similar in structure to B vitamins. Infants especially need this substance, because it promotes the harmonious development of the child’s muscular and nervous systems.

Analogues of the drug

Doctors prescribe Elkar both as a prophylactic and for the treatment of various diseases. To eliminate serious problems, stronger medications may be needed, and to improve appetite and weight gain, there are medications that can be used instead of Elkar.

Elkar analogue drugs (gallery)

Carnitine chloride

Korilip

Karniten

Glycine

Pantogam

Reviews

The son was born premature, the sucking reflex was absent. We started taking Elkar from the age of two weeks. The child began to gain weight.

karinka120281

https://irecommend.ru/content/effektivnyi-preparat

My children were born premature, and we delivered Elkar while still in the maternity hospital. I noticed that the children began to burp heavily, like a fountain. I stopped giving it and the regurgitation disappeared. I did not notice any benefit from this drug: no weight gain, no improvement in appetite. I don't see the point in poisoning children with them.

ma_tanya

https://irecommend.ru/content/effekta-ne-zametili-0

Elkar was first appointed to her daughter when she was not even a month old. Due to poor weight gain and frequent regurgitation, the pediatrician prescribed Elkar 5 drops 2 times a day for a month. I did not notice an increase in appetite, and the regurgitation did not stop. If before taking the drug we did not have any special problems with sleep, then after a week my daughter began to wake up frequently. Then it got to the point that the child did not sleep all night. A few days after stopping the drug, my daughter began to sleep a little better. I did not notice any positive effect from Elkar.

Ann Helner

https://otzovik.com/review_1758799.html