Thioctic Acid Injection
Thioctic Acid Injection, with thioctic acid as its main component, is an important injectable pharmaceutical preparation in modern medicine, thanks to its unique pharmacological properties and significant efficacy.
Core Ingredients and Characteristics
Thioctic acid, or alpha-lipoic acid, is a naturally occurring compound that is both fat-soluble and water-soluble. This allows it to distribute widely in the body's tissues and cells. As a strong antioxidant, it scavenges excess free radicals, reduces cellular oxidative stress damage, and regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione, boosting the body's overall antioxidant defense.
Clinical Applications
- Treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy: It is widely used for this condition. Long-term hyperglycemia in diabetics causes metabolic disorders, leading to nerve tissue oxidative damage, nerve fiber degeneration, and neuropathy. Symptoms include limb numbness, tingling, burning, and reduced sensation. The injection improves nerve cell energy metabolism, aids nerve fiber regeneration, and reduces oxidative damage and inflammation, relieving symptoms and enhancing quality of life, as confirmed by clinical studies.
- Potential other uses: Researchers are exploring its application in other oxidative stress-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) and liver diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver, drug-induced liver injury). However, these are still in the research stage.
Usage and Dosage
- Administration: Can be given intravenously or intramuscularly. Intravenous injection speed should not exceed 50mg per minute; intramuscular injection at each site should not exceed 50mg. It can also be added to normal saline for intravenous drip (250-600mg in 100-250ml saline, over about 30 minutes).
- Course: For severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the usual daily dose is 300-600mg via intravenous drip, with a 2-4 week course. Dosage and course may be adjusted based on individual conditions.
Adverse Reactions and Precautions
- Adverse reactions: May include head swelling, dyspnea (with fast intravenous drip), convulsions, diplopia, purpura, bleeding tendency, local or systemic allergic reactions (including shock), and gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea.
- Precautions: Prepare the solution in the dark (use within 6 hours), avoid mixing with incompatible solutions (e.g., glucose, Ringer's). Patients must continue managing diabetes. Thioctic acid is photosensitive, so ampoules should be taken out just before use. Pregnant/lactating women, children, and adolescents are generally not recommended. Seek medical help for suspected overdose.
In conclusion, Thioctic Acid Injection is valuable for specific diseases but must be used under professional medical guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.