Instructions for using Linex for children

Release forms and composition

Pharmacies offer a large number of probiotics, of which Linex for newborns and children under 12 years of age is the most popular. This medicine comes in three types, which are worth considering in a little more detail.

Powder

The medication consists of 3 types of microorganisms that help restore digestion: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and enterococci. They do not cause inflammatory processes in the intestines, do not cause pathology, but, on the contrary, participate in the breakdown of nutrients.

Linex Sachet is white, odorless and tasteless. Before use, the medicine is mixed with a small volume of clean boiled water.

Capsules

This form of release is easy to use and is distinguished by a film consisting of gelatin, titanium dioxide and other substances. A powder containing 2 types of dried microorganisms is sealed inside: lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Additionally includes lactose, starch, magnesium stearate.

Linex Forte

Indicated for children aged 2 to 12 years. There are two types: powder and capsule. The active components are no different; the auxiliary compounds are:

• dextrose;
• cellulose;
• starch;
• insulin;
• oligofructose.

Due to its balanced composition, it is well tolerated by the child and relieves the baby of dysbiosis in a short time.

Pharmacological properties

Linex for children includes one of the most studied strains of bifidobacteria - Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) and a minimum amount of additional components, so the dietary supplement has a high degree of safety for children.

Bifidobacteria are found in breast milk and from the first hours of a newborn’s life they begin to colonize the intestines. In breastfed children, bifidobacteria account for 60 to 91% of the intestinal microbiosis. They contribute to the formation of natural normal intestinal microflora and the function of the digestive system, as well as the creation of an optimal environment in the intestines for the action of digestive enzymes. Thanks to the properties of bifidobacteria, the correct formation of immunity is ensured and the risk of infectious diseases, food allergies and atopic dermatitis in young children is reduced.

The risk group for imbalance of intestinal microflora includes children with the following diseases/conditions:

• physiological immaturity of intestinal motor function;
• premature birth, caesarean section;
• late breastfeeding;
• unfavorable course of the neonatal period;
• prolonged stay in a hospital or maternity hospital;
• early transfer to artificial feeding.

Also, risk factors for disruption of normal intestinal microflora include the following unfavorable aspects:

• cessation of breastfeeding and/or introduction of complementary foods;
• stress (in particular, during weaning from the breast and pacifier, during separation from the mother if she goes to work);
• teething;
• hospitalization;
• functional disorders of intestinal motility;
• intestinal infections;
• frequent acute respiratory infections;
• therapy with antibacterial drugs;
• unbalanced diet;
• long trips, jet lag, change of place of residence;
• decreased immunity.

These factors lead to disruption of the natural colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria and can cause dysbiosis (disturbances in the balance of microflora). For these reasons, children at risk for microflora imbalance have an increased tendency to food allergies, functional pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as a higher susceptibility to intestinal infections.

Proven effectiveness in children of the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12):

• prevention of diarrhea in young children: there is a statistically significant reduction in the occurrence of acute diarrhea and the spread of rotavirus infection;
• intestinal microflora: manifests itself in the form of normalization of the digestive microflora and correction of functional disorders against the background of digestive disorders such as colic, stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation), gas formation;
• strengthening the immune system: expressed in reducing the risk of colds, enhancing the response to seasonal flu vaccination;
• prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants: manifested as a reduction in the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea;
• impact on child development: reflected in normal weight gain and growth rate.

The strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BB-12) shows high safety, good tolerability and clinical efficacy when used in children from the neonatal period. Other advantages of the dietary supplement include the absence of lactose and the possibility of use from the first days of life.

Action

The dose established for one dose contains 2 × 109 colony-forming units of living but dried microorganisms. Once in their familiar environment, they “wake up” and in the course of their life synthesize a number of enzymes, biologically active substances that have an antiseptic and digestive effect.

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria suppress the growth of pathogenic flora by the following mechanisms:

• change the pH value to the acidic side;
• release hydrogen peroxide;
• produce bacteriocins;
• compete with the infection for nutrients: proteins, fats, sugars.

All this slows down and prevents the colonization of inflammatory pathogens and improves intestinal function.

As for pharmacokinetics, Linex is not absorbed and acts directly in the cavity of the digestive tract. The substances are resistant to gastric juice and bile, which increases the bioavailability of the drug several times.

Indications

Linex is not recommended for all children, but is used in the presence of the following disorders and conditions:

• intestinal dysbiosis;
• constipation;
• taking antibacterial substances to suppress the growth of Helicobacter pylori.

The medication can be prescribed for prevention and when the patient has complaints of diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, belching, and intestinal colic.

Use after antibiotics

You can often find recommendations from inexperienced or incompetent doctors that involve taking cephalosporins, penicillins and other similar drugs together with probiotics. This approach is extremely incorrect and makes no therapeutic sense.

The fact is that antibiotics do not have a selective effect and do not determine which bacteria are “good” and which are “bad”. Linex for children includes microorganisms that will die during such treatment and will not give the desired effect.

Therapy should begin after the full volume of such medications is administered, after 7–10 days.

Indications for use

According to the instructions, Linex for children is recommended for children to take as a source of probiotic microorganisms.

Linex powder and drops for children are prescribed to achieve the following goals:

• establishing and maintaining a balance in the functional state and composition of the intestinal microflora against the background of digestive disorders such as gas formation, colic, stool disorders (diarrhea, constipation), etc.;
• maintaining the balance of the functional state and composition of the intestinal microflora during the use of antibiotics, as well as after completion of the course of antibiotic therapy;
• reducing the likelihood of developing diarrhea, which is associated with bacterial or viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract (including rotavirus infection);
• prevention of atopic dermatitis in children;
• maintaining the formation and functioning of the immune system.

Contraindications

The instructions for use contain a list of conditions under which drinking the drug is prohibited. These include:

• individual intolerance to active components;
• hereditary indigestibility of fructose, irreparable deficiency of certain digestive enzymes (sucrase, lactase);
• immune system deficiency (HIV infection);
• severe diabetes mellitus.

In any case, you should not self-medicate; dysbiosis can only be treated under the constant supervision of a doctor.

Properties

A child aged two years is given Linex to eliminate bowel movements and gastrointestinal problems. The drug belongs to the group of probiotics. The effective medicine Linex includes strains of various microorganisms for the microflora of the digestive system.

In the child's body Linex:

• stimulates immune processes;
• promotes the production of beneficial fatty acids;
• protects the body from harmful toxins;
• helps absorb calcium, phosphorus and other minerals;
• participates in the synthesis of protein compounds and amino acids;
• improves digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Linex has a combined composition, which is important for a child’s growing body. The drug can be given to both newborns and old people. Children usually tolerate Linex well. The occurrence of an allergic reaction to the drug Linex is possible only if there is an individual intolerance to the drug. The children's form contains a very large number of beneficial bifidobacteria, while the adult Linex Forte capsule also includes lactobacilli.

Side effects

Since Linex is well tolerated even in childhood, when the functioning of organs is not entirely stable and formed, there is no information in the instructions for use and according to reviews from doctors about negative consequences after taking the medicine. The development of hypersensitivity cannot be ruled out; it is expressed in the form of rash, itching and other signs of allergy.

Drug interactions

Linex for children (the instructions for use describe the recommended use of the drug for complex therapy) cannot be used in conjunction with antibiotics (the time interval between doses is at least 2-3 hours), since antibiotics destroy the main component of the drug, as a result of which the intestinal microflora is not restored.

Simultaneous use with alcohol-containing medications is also prohibited (a similar time interval must be maintained). There is no interaction with other drugs.

How to give to a child: instructions for use

The probiotic is taken orally, washed down with a large volume of liquid after meals. If a child under three years of age is not able to swallow the capsule, it is recommended to open it, pour it into a teaspoon, and mix it with a small volume of water.

The duration of treatment is selected individually; the doctor must take into account the patient’s age, his characteristics and the course of the pathology. Typically taken in a monthly course.

Dosage

It varies depending on the form of release of the drug and is described in detail in each instruction for use located in the box.

Linex powder

One sachet already contains the required amount of lyophilisate, which only needs to be diluted with cool, clean water. According to the instructions, one sachet is prescribed for newborns and children under 7 years old, and two sachets per day for older children.

Capsules

The details of the treatment are described below in the form of a table.

Take the medicine with plenty of liquid; you do not need to use tea, coffee or carbonated drinks.

Linex Forte

The application is practically no different. The instructions indicate a special heading: an addition to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and to relieve constipation. Here the child should drink one capsule 2-3 times a day; you should not exceed the recommended doses.

Linex instructions for infants

Instructions for use of the drug Linex will familiarize parents with all the information about it necessary for infants.
Here you can find information about the release form of Linex, as well as its composition and packaging. In addition, detailed information is provided on the dosage regimen and indications for use, contraindications and side effects. The accompanying leaflet also contains instructions for various categories of patients, which are important to consider during treatment.

For those who are interested in the opinions of other patients about the effectiveness of Linex, in the conclusion there are reviews about the drug that anyone can read.

Form, composition, packaging

The drug, intended to regulate the balance of intestinal microflora, is produced in the form of opaque capsules, the body and cap of which are white, and inside there is the required amount of odorless white powder.

The active substance of the drug is the combined component Lebenin, consisting of beneficial living bacteria, lactose and potato starch. The excipient is the required amount of magnesium stearate.

The capsule shell consists of methylhydroxybenzoate, propylhydroxybenzoate, titanium dioxide (E171) and gelatin in the required proportions.

The drug is supplied to the pharmacy in cardboard packs containing varying quantities (from 2 to blisters, which are made of hard or soft aluminum foil. Each of them contains eight or sixteen capsules. Also, capsules can be placed in tinted glass bottles and enclosed one per pack.Each of them can contain from 16 to 32 pieces.

Storage period and conditions

The main storage conditions for the drug will be a dry room and a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees. It is also advisable to choose a place that is protected from light and inaccessible to children. Storage duration is two years from the date of its production.

Pharmacology

The effect of the drug in normalizing the intestinal microflora is due to its composition of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci, which through their activity ensure a shift in the acid balance in the intestine towards the acid fermentation of lactose. Which helps inhibit the growth of pathogens and increases the efficiency of enzymes necessary for normal digestion, takes part in the process of vitamin synthesis, thereby increasing the body’s resistance to adverse factors. In addition, Linex enhances the metabolism of bile acids and pigments, the synthesis of substances that have antibacterial activity and enhances the body's immune response.

Pharmacokinetics

At the moment there is no information that could be provided in this section of the instructions.

special instructions

There is no need to use the product with hot drinks; bacteria are killed at high temperatures. Mandatory consultation before use is required in the following situations:

• fever;
• pathological impurities in feces (blood, pus, mucus);
• the duration of diarrhea is three days or more, the clinical picture also includes pain in the abdominal area, rapid loss of body weight;
• diathesis;
• exacerbation of chronic pathologies.

If a large amount of fluid is lost, treatment with Linex is supplemented with the introduction of saline solutions.

Komarovsky's opinion

A well-known pediatrician says that dysbiosis should not be considered a pathology, it is just a sign of an underlying disease or a consequence of the influence of an etiological factor. Evgeniy Olegovich also claims that probiotics do not fulfill their original purpose one hundred percent, but only indirectly help cope with digestive disorders.

To improve a child’s well-being, it is enough to pay attention to his diet, adjust the amount of certain products, and focus on good kefir, yogurt or cottage cheese.

Analogs

There are a huge number of pharmacological companies producing their own probiotic. Their action and composition are not much different from Linex, except perhaps in the type of microorganisms and price. These include:

• Acipol;
• Bifiform;
• Probifor;
• Maxilac;
• Hilak forte;
• Bifidumbacterin.

The proposed drugs are available in the form of suspensions, syrups, drops, which can be added to mixtures, and the taste of the food does not change. Some of them are cheap, which increases accessibility for the population.

Colic in newborns and infants is also treated with completely different medications, for example, vegetable oils or simethicone, a substance that suppresses the appearance of foam and gases in the intestines. So, if desired, the bacterial suspension can be replaced with other substances.

Linex instructions for use

The drug is taken orally after meals. The capsule should be taken with a small amount of water. For small children and those patients who have difficulty swallowing the drug, the capsule must be opened and its contents given to the patient diluted in a small amount of water.

For infants and children up to two years of age, one dose can be prescribed for three doses.

For children from 2 to 12 years of age, one or two pieces are prescribed three times a day.

For adolescents over 12 years of age and adult patients, two pieces are prescribed for three doses.

The duration of therapy depends on the reason for the development of dysbacteriosis and on the individuality of the organism.

Linex during pregnancy

For pregnant and lactating women, taking Linexa, if necessary, can be recommended for treatment, like any other categories of patients, since it does not pose any danger to the body.

Linex for babies

For children, from the first day of life, Linex can be prescribed in the usual dosage, which is prescribed for patients of this age category.

As a rule, you should give your baby one capsule three times a day. Of course, the capsule should be opened and the contents poured into a spoon, then diluting the powder with a small amount of breast milk or water. The drug is given to the baby just before feeding. Linex does not have a distinct smell or taste, so it causes virtually no difficulties when taking the drug in a newborn.

Reviews

Parents' opinions regarding Linex are divided and extremely contradictory. Some say that the powder or capsules are excellent in helping to cope with diarrhea and digestive disorders, others claim that the drug does not work, and the child still cries from colic.

Often this probiotic is purchased before traveling to another city, to the sea, where the risk of catching an infection (rotavirus, Staphylococcus aureus) or disrupting intestinal function increases several times. Unlike Bifidumbacterin, the product does not need to be stored in the refrigerator; it can be put in a bag or suitcase.

Price

The price depends on the amount of medication, the form of release, and also on the region. The average values ​​are shown in the table.

Some people prefer to order the product via the Internet, since the price is lower and there are fewer resellers. Here you need to be confident in the integrity of the owners, otherwise, instead of a quality product, you can get either an expired product or a placebo.

Summary

Linex is a good medicine that has a number of advantages: high bioavailability, few contraindications and side effects. A probiotic can save children from dysbiosis if you do not drink it in its pure form, but combine it with proper nutrition and follow the recommendations specified in the instructions for use.

Another advantage of the drug is that it is available in different forms; there is even a special Linex Baby for the treatment of newborns and infants.

Daria Shirochina

Practitioner. She graduated with honors from Vitebsk State Medical University in 2012 with a degree in general medicine. She was awarded a certificate of honor for her achievements in her work.