LIVER TONIC ORAL SOLUTION

Indications

• Vitamin C deficiency
• Scurvy
• Adjunct therapy in iron overload conditions

Dosage

Children: Child 1 month–3 years: 125–250 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses; Child 4–11 years: 250–500 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses; Child 12–17 years: 0.5–1 g daily in 1–2 divided doses.

Adults: 500 mg daily, taken in 1-2 divided doses, depending on the clinical condition and dietary needs.

Mechanism of action

Ascorbic acid functions primarily as a reducing agent, facilitating enzymatic reactions in the body, including the hydroxylation of proline and lysine in collagen synthesis. It also plays a role in the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract and enhances the immune response.

Pharmacodynamics

Ascorbic acid is crucial for the maintenance of connective tissue and is involved in the metabolism of several amino acids. Its antioxidant properties help to mitigate oxidative stress and may play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Pharmacokinetics

Ascorbic acid is absorbed in the intestines and is widely distributed throughout the body. The renal clearance of ascorbic acid is dose-dependent, with higher doses leading to increased excretion. The half-life varies but is generally around 15 to 30 minutes in healthy individuals, with tissue saturation levels influencing its retention.

Contra-indications

• Hypercalcaemia
• Hyperoxaluria
• Patients with cardiac dysfunction

Adverse effects

• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Polyuria
• Sweating
• Thirst
• Vertigo

Interactions

• Increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects with iron chelators
• Increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects with deferiprone
• Increases risk of cardiovascular adverse effects with desferrioxamine

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with iron overload
• Monitor for symptoms of overdose

Pregnancy

High doses teratogenic in animals but therapeutic doses unlikely to be harmful.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Formulations

• Ascorbic acid 50 mg tablets
• Ascorbic acid 100 mg tablets
• Ascorbic acid 200 mg tablets
• Ascorbic acid 250 mg tablets
• Ascorbic acid 500 mg capsules

Indications

• Nutritional supplementation in adults and children
• Management of conditions related to taurine deficiency
• Support in metabolic disorders

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines.

Mechanism of action

Taurine functions by replacing missing nutrients in the body. It serves as a substrate for bile salt formation, regulates cell volume, modulates intracellular calcium levels, and provides cytoprotection in the central nervous system.

Pharmacodynamics

Taurine supplements are well-tolerated and serve as a nitrogen source for nutritional support. The administration of taurine regulates plasma amino acid concentrations, nitrogen balance, weight, and serum protein levels to normalize values and enhance overall nutritional status.

Pharmacokinetics

Taurine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed widely in the body, particularly in tissues with high metabolic activity. It is excreted primarily through urine. The pharmacokinetics may vary based on dietary intake and individual metabolic rates.

Pregnancy

Taurine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but consult a healthcare provider before use.

Breast-feeding

Taurine is thought to be safe during breastfeeding, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Formulations

• Dietary supplements containing taurine

Mechanism of action

The diet supplements containing taurine function by replacing the missing nutriments in the body. Taurine, as a single agent, presents different functions like substrate for formation of bile salts, cell volume regulation, modulation of intracellular calcium, cytoprotection of central nervous system, etc.

Pharmacodynamics

The diet supplements containing taurine are formulated as a well-tolerated nitrogen source for nutritional support. Administration of diet supplements regulates the level of plasma amino acid concentration, nitrogen balance, weight and serum protein concentration to reach normal values, thus improving the nutritional status.