Digestion is an extremely unpleasant condition, not only causing a lot of inconvenience, but also often leading to life-threatening consequences. When dyspeptic disorders are caused by dysbiosis, eubiotics come to the rescue. Among the preparations of this pharmacotherapeutic group, Linex Forte capsules are especially popular among consumers.

The composition of the drug

The pharmaceutical product is manufactured by Sandoz (Slovenia) under the name Linex Forte. It is presented in a single dosage form - these are capsules consisting of a white body with a yellow cap. Inside the capsules is 0.6 g of probio-tech AB Blend 64 powder, which is white or beige in color and may include yellow blotches.

The composition of the tool has two active components:

  • lactobacilli Lactobacillus acidophilus in an amount of 13.8 mg;
  • bifidobacteria Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in an amount of 4.2 mg.

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The remainder of the product is formed by forming substances: starch, dextrose, cellulose, etc. The powder also contains glucose and oligofructose, which should be considered for patients with pathologies of assimilation of these substances and their intolerance.

Capsules are packaged in 6-8 pieces in aluminum foil blisters. One to six blisters are placed in a cardboard box along with a printed instruction sheet. A reduced version of it is also present on the package itself.

The remedy from the pharmacy points is released freely. It is recommended for use within two years from the date of issue. It is necessary to store the pharmaceutical product in a place protected from animals and children, at t <25 ºС. Special measures for the disposal of expired capsules are not provided.

Pharmacological action and pharmacodynamics

Each capsule of the drug contains more than a hundred CFU of live lactic acid bacteria in the form of a lyophilisate.

These microorganisms are a natural part of a healthy human intestinal flora and are normally present in it constantly. They are directly involved in the digestion process and their presence inhibit the growth of colonies of pathogens.

So, lactic acid bacteria perform the following functions:

  • protective, due to the development of substances with antibacterial activity;
  • enzyme-forming due to the breakdown of proteins, lipids, starch and fiber;
  • synthetic, through the synthesis of certain vitamins and amino acids.

Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli prevent the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, creating conditions inside the intestine that are unfavorable for their vital functions:

  • lower pH (lactic acid bacteria, which is clear from their name, produce lactic and other types of acids);
  • produce metabolites that are toxic to foreign agents;
  • synthesize antimicrobial substances that prevent the growth of bacteria and certain types of fungi;
  • compete with pathogens for food;
  • bind to intestinal epithelial cell receptors, preventing its colonization by harmful bacteria.

The bacterial strains present in Linex Forte also stimulate the entire immune system as a whole.

Both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium act exclusively within the digestive tract, are not absorbed into the bloodstream, and therefore do not have a systemic effect on the body. For this reason, traditional pharmacokinetic studies for the drug in question are not relevant.

The high resistance of the indicated bacterial strains to the aggressive environment inside the stomach and the 12th duodenum allows them to reach their destination — the intestine, where they attach to the mucosa without significant losses. Like all other microorganisms that make up the normal intestinal microflora, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli leave the gastrointestinal tract through peristalsis and defecation.

Why is Linex Forte prescribed?

Taking the drug is aimed at normalizing the balance of intestinal microflora, disturbed for any reason.

Dysbacteriosis can be caused by many factors:

  • infections of both bacterial and viral origin;
  • taking antimicrobials;
  • chemotherapy therapy;
  • radiation therapy of the pelvic organs;
  • delayed colonization of healthy intestinal flora in infants, etc.

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Imbalance of intestinal microbiocenosis is manifested primarily by diarrhea, as well as flatulence, dyspeptic disorders, pain in the abdomen, nausea and subsequent vomiting. Sometimes, against the background of dysbiosis, dermatological manifestations of allergies develop.

Therapy with the drug under discussion reduces the frequency and severity of manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders caused by an imbalance in the intestinal microflora, and ensures the normalization of its functions.

Considering data from preclinical studies on safety, toxicity and carcinogenicity, Linex Forte capsules are considered safe for use.

Instructions for use of capsules for children and adults

The drug in this dosage form is not prescribed to patients of the youngest age group. For children up to a year, according to indications, a preparation in the form of a powder for the preparation of a suspension “Linex Baby” can be prescribed.

Reception "Linex Forte" for children under the age of 4 may be an impossible task, due to the temporary imperfection of the act of swallowing.The inability to swallow the capsule may also be encountered by elderly patients or people with certain pathologies. In such a situation, it is permissible to remove the cap from the capsule, pour its contents into a spoon and mix with a small amount of liquid. It can be not only water, but also tea or juice. Take the resulting solution immediately.

Standard daily dosage:

  • patients from one to two years - one capsule;
  • from two to 12 years - 1-2 times per capsule;
  • adolescents over 12 years of age take the drug in an adult dosage - by capsule up to 3 times a day.

To maximize the effectiveness of therapy with the drug in question, it should be taken with food. However, it is undesirable to combine capsule intake with the use of hot food and alcohol.

It is worth considering that the doctor should prescribe the treatment regimen for any digestive disorders for young patients who are not yet 6 years old. Therefore, therapy with the Linex Forte drug of this category of persons should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

The duration of the course of treatment depends on the severity of the manifestations of the disease, the causes of its occurrence and the characteristics of the body.

It is permissible to take the drug until the symptoms disappear completely, however, if diarrhea does not stop within two days from the beginning of its intake, then you should seek medical help. Exceeding the indicated dosage of the drug in order to improve the effect is not recommended.

In any case, before normalization of the patient's condition, the flow of fluid into his body should be controlled, avoiding dehydration.

During pregnancy and lactation

Clinical studies of the drug in women during gestation and lactation have not been conducted, and therefore there is no reliable data on its effect on the fetus and the growing body of the newborn.

For this reason, women in position and nursing mothers are not recommended to start taking Linex Forte capsules without consulting a doctor.

However, it is important to understand that prolonged diarrhea in a pregnant woman poses a serious threat to the fetus. Therefore, if the specialist conducting the pregnancy recommends taking the medication under discussion, such therapy should not be abandoned.

Drug interaction

In the instructions for use, the manufacturer notes that there were no undesirable effects from the joint administration of Linex Forte with drugs of other pharmacokinetic groups.

The only limitation is the use of antibiotics. If it is necessary to simultaneously use eubiotics with antimicrobial agents, their methods should be distributed in time for at least 3 hours.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The manufacturer does not report cases of unwanted side effects. Doctors say that the drug, in general, is well tolerated by all categories of patients.

Among the contraindications for taking Linex Forte, only three conditions were noted:

  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • hereditary pathology, manifested by fructose intolerance;
  • violations of the absorption process of monosaccharides.

You should not prescribe yourself taking Linex Forte capsules under the following conditions:

  • increase in body temperature up to 38 ºС and higher;
  • the presence of blood in the stool or the secretion of mucus during bowel movements;
  • prolonged diarrhea (more than two days) with severe symptoms of dehydration.

Also, a doctor’s consultation about the possibility of treatment with the drug under discussion is necessary for patients with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency states.

The drug does not affect the reaction rate, therefore, it can be indicated for admission to drivers of vehicles and persons working with dangerous mechanisms.

Cheap analogues of the drug

The cost of packing Linex Forte capsules in Russian pharmacies starts at 300 rubles, so you can’t call this tool budget.Drugs with an absolutely identical composition are not represented in the country's pharmacy chains, however, there are cheaper drugs with a similar principle of action, which in most cases can become a full replacement for it.

Nevertheless, always check with your doctor if you can use the found analogue instead of the expensive prescribed drug.

Group analogues of Linex Forte:

  • Gastrofarm. Contains lactobacilli, is available in tablets. Cost - from 25 rubles.
  • "Bifidumbactrin." Contains bifidobacteria, is available in the form of a lyophilisate and suppository. The cost is from 35 rubles.
  • "Lactobacterin." Contains lactobacilli, is available in tablets, suppositories and as a lyophilisate. Cost - from 45 rubles.
  • "Acylact." Contains lactobacilli, is available in tablets and suppositories. The cost is from 50 rubles.

There are other drugs containing various strains of bacteria. For example, “Yogurt”, “Lactovit Forte”, “Subalin”, “Hilak Forte” and others. However, their composition, dosage, contraindications and principle of action are not identical to the characteristics of the discussed means. Therefore, it is not worth it yourself to choose what is best to drink - Linex or Hilak Forte. Entrust the solution to this problem to a specialist.

What is the difference between Linex Forte and Linex

The drugs are produced by one manufacturer and have almost identical characteristics. But, choosing which is better, Linex or Linex Forte, it is worth paying attention to the composition of both funds. Linex Forte contains the already considered types of lactic bacteria; Enterococci is also present in the Linex. However, in the latter preparation, the content of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is significantly lower.

In addition, if you look deeper, it turns out that Linex refers to probiotic drugs, and its “colleague” with the prefix “forte” is a synbiotic. That is, in addition to strains of living bacteria, it contains specific substrates that these microorganisms use for growth and reproduction.

Therefore, if the drug is planned as a preventive measure, you can use the usual "Linex". For the treatment of intestinal disorders, it is better to choose Linex Forte.

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