Lipoic acid (Tablets, Capsules) Instructions for Use

ATC Code

A16AX01 (Thioctic acid)

Active Substance

Thioctic acid (BAN)

Clinical-Pharmacological Group

Drug with antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic action

Pharmacotherapeutic Group

Means for the treatment of diseases of the liver and biliary tract; agents for the treatment of liver diseases, lipotropic agents

Pharmacological Action

It is an endogenous antioxidant that binds free radicals.

Thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid is involved in the mitochondrial metabolism of the cell; it functions as a coenzyme in the complex transformation of substances with a pronounced antitoxic effect.

They protect the cell from reactive radicals arising during intermediate metabolism or during the breakdown of exogenous foreign substances, and from heavy metals.

Thioctic acid exhibits synergism with insulin, which is associated with increased glucose utilization.

In patients with diabetes mellitus, Thioctic acid leads to a change in the concentration of pyruvic acid in the blood.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, it is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

C_max is reached 30 minutes after administration and is 4 µg/ml.

With intravenous administration of thioctic acid at a dose of 600 mg, C_max in blood plasma after 30 minutes is about 20 µg/ml.

Thioctic acid has a “first-pass” effect through the liver.

Metabolite formation occurs as a result of side chain oxidation and conjugation.

V_d is about 450 ml/kg.

Thioctic acid and its metabolites are excreted by the kidneys, predominantly as metabolites (80-90%), and in small amounts unchanged.

T_1/2 is 25 minutes.

Total plasma clearance is 10-15 ml/min/kg.

Indications

Diabetic polyneuropathy. Alcoholic polyneuropathy.

ICD codes

Dosage Regimen

Administer orally or intravenously via slow bolus or drip infusion.

Initiate treatment with a recommended dose of 600 mg once daily.

For severe diabetic polyneuropathy, begin therapy with a 2 to 4-week course of intravenous administration before transitioning to oral forms.

Take tablets or capsules on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal.

Avoid concomitant intake with dairy products, calcium, magnesium, or iron supplements due to chelation and reduced absorption.

Adjust the method of administration, treatment schedule, and duration of the therapeutic course individually based on disease severity and patient response.

Monitor blood glucose levels closely in diabetic patients, especially during initial therapy, and reduce the dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents if necessary to prevent hypoglycemia.

Administer intravenous infusions slowly; rapid injection increases the risk of adverse reactions such as headache, thrombophlebitis, and elevated intracranial pressure.

Exercise caution with intravenous administration in geriatric patients over 75 years of age.

Abstain from alcohol consumption throughout the treatment course, as ethanol reduces the drug’s efficacy and is a risk factor for neuropathy progression.

Adverse Reactions

From the immune system : very rarely – allergic reactions (skin rash, eczema, urticaria, skin itching); frequency unknown – anaphylactic shock, autoimmune insulin syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by frequent hypoglycemia in the presence of autoantibodies to insulin.

From metabolism : very rarely – hypoglycemia (due to improved glucose absorption), the symptoms of which include dizziness, increased sweating, headache, and visual impairment.

From the nervous system : frequently – dizziness; very rarely – change or impairment of taste sensations, “flushes”, convulsions.

From the digestive system frequently – nausea, vomiting; very rarely – abdominal pain, diarrhea.

From the hematopoietic system: after intravenous administration very rarely – petechial hemorrhages in the mucous membranes, skin; hemorrhagic rash (purpura), thrombocytopathy, hypocoagulation.

From the liver and biliary tract : after intravenous administration very rarely – increased activity of liver enzymes.

From the cardiovascular system : with rapid intravenous administration very rarely – thrombophlebitis, pain in the heart area, tachycardia.

From the organ of vision : after intravenous administration very rarely – diplopia, blurred vision.

Local reactions : after intravenous administration very rarely – burning sensation at the injection site, frequency unknown – allergic reactions at the injection site (irritation, redness or swelling).

Other : with rapid intravenous administration very rarely – self-limiting increased intracranial pressure (feeling of heaviness in the head) and difficulty breathing, weakness.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to thioctic acid; pregnancy, lactation period (breastfeeding); childhood and adolescence under 18 years.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Contraindicated for use during pregnancy and during the lactation period (breastfeeding). If it is necessary to use during lactation, the issue of discontinuing breastfeeding should be decided.

Pediatric Use

Contraindicated for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Intravenous administration of thioctic acid should be carried out with caution in elderly patients (over 75 years of age).

Special Precautions

In severe diabetic polyneuropathy, it is recommended to start treatment with parenteral administration of thioctic acid for 2-4 weeks, followed by the use of oral forms of thioctic acid.

During the use of thioctic acid in patients with diabetes mellitus, constant monitoring of blood plasma glucose concentration is necessary, especially at the initial stage of therapy.

In some cases, it may be necessary to reduce the dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs to avoid the development of hypoglycemia.

If symptoms of hypoglycemia occur (dizziness, increased sweating, headache, visual impairment, nausea), the use of thioctic acid should be stopped immediately.

Alcohol consumption reduces the effectiveness of treatment with thioctic acid.

During therapy, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol throughout the entire course of treatment, and also, if possible, during breaks between courses.

Drinking alcohol during treatment with thioctic acid is also a risk factor for the development and progression of neuropathy.

Several cases of autoimmune insulin syndrome development in patients with diabetes mellitus during treatment with thioctic acid have been described, which was characterized by frequent hypoglycemia in the presence of autoantibodies to insulin.

The possibility of developing autoimmune insulin syndrome is determined by the presence of HLA-DRB1*0406 and HLA-DRB1*0403 haplotypes in patients.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

During the use of thioctic acid, patients should exercise caution when driving vehicles and mechanisms, as well as when engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Drug Interactions

With simultaneous use of thioctic acid and cisplatin, a decrease in the effectiveness of cisplatin is noted.

Thioctic acid is capable of forming chelate complexes with metals; simultaneous administration with iron, magnesium, and calcium preparations should be avoided.

It should be borne in mind that dairy products contain calcium.

Therefore, it is also necessary to avoid the use of thioctic acid simultaneously with dairy products (due to their calcium content).

With simultaneous use of thioctic acid and insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, their action may be enhanced, so regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended, especially at the beginning of thioctic acid therapy.

In individual cases, a reduction in the dose of hypoglycemic drugs may be acceptable to avoid the development of hypoglycemia symptoms.

Thioctic acid enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids.

Ethanol and its metabolites weaken the action of thioctic acid.

Thioctic acid forms poorly soluble complex compounds with sugar molecules.

Thioctic acid is incompatible with dextrose (glucose), fructose, Ringer’s solutions, as well as with solutions that react with disulfide or SH-groups.

Storage Conditions

Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Dispensing Status

Rx Only

Important Safety Information

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.