Alpha lipoic acid: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What does alpha-lipoic acid do?

Alpha-lipoic acid or also known as alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant supplement that has many functions.

Mostly, these drugs are used to control diabetes and nerve-related diabetes symptoms such as burning, pain, and numbness in the feet and hands.

Not only that, there are several other functions of alpha lipoic acid, namely:

• relieves symptoms of nerve damage
• reduces the risk of eye damage from uncontrolled diabetes
• treat or prevent memory or memory loss, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), HIV / AIDS, cancer, liver disease, heart and blood vessel disease and Lyme disease.
• treat eye disorders, such as damage to the retina, cataracts, glaucoma, and an eye disease called Wilson's disease.
• help lose weight

Alpha-lipoic acid can also help prevent cell damage in the body, and can also increase the level of vitamins in the body, such as vitamin E and vitamin C.

Even so, this drug should not be used to replace the medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor for you. This medicine is sold as a herbal medicine and the purchase of this medicine should be done carefully to avoid contamination of the drug.

What are the other benefits of using alpha-lipoic acid?

Prevents skin aging

This medicine is also found in creams for the skin, so if you use a cream that contains only 5% alpha-lipoic acid, fine lines on the skin can disappear, as well as dry and rough skin due to sunburn.

The content of antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione also helps protect your skin from damage and reduce the signs of premature aging on your skin.

Inhibits memory loss

Memory loss or forgetfulness problems often occur in the elderly (elderly). Oxidative stress, or a condition in which the number of free radicals exceeds the body's capacity, is a major factor in memory loss in the elderly.

As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid can slow down the process of memory loss in a person, so that the development of diseases such as Alzheimer's can be inhibited.

Improve the quality of the nervous system

This medication can be used to slow the progression of carpal tunnel syndrome, or a disease that affects the hands, especially the wrists that result from a pinched nerve.

In addition, a journal that discusses carpal tunnel syndrome released by PubMed states that taking this drug before and after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery indicates a faster healing process.

How do you use alpha-lipoic acid?

When considering herbal supplements, seek advice from your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal / health supplements.

If you choose to use alpha lipoic acid, use it according to the dosage directions on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more alpha-lipoic acid than recommended on the label.

The use of alpha lipoic acid will work optimally if consumed on an empty stomach. This is because several types of food actually slow down the action of this herbal medicine.

In addition, skin health products that contain this drug can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles on the skin.

Your health care provider may change your dose from time to time to ensure you get the best results. The recommended nutritional adequacy of alpha-lipoic acid increases with age.

Follow your doctor's instructions. You can also check the National Academy of Sciences "Dietary Intake Reference" or the US Department of Agriculture's "Reference Dietary Intake" (formerly known as "Recommended Daily Allowances" or RDA) for more information.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is alpha-lipoic acid stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature and kept away from direct exposure to light. Keep it away from damp places and try to store it in a dry place.

Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the alpha-lipoic acid dosage for adults?

Adult dosage for dietary supplements

300 mg Alpha-lipoic acid capsule, orally: 1 capsule once or twice daily.

50 mg Alpha-lipoic acid tablet, orally: 1 oral tablet per day with food.

Dosage for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

The dose that adults use for the treatment of diabetes is 300-1800 mg of alpha lipoic acid daily.

What is the dose of alpha-lipoic acid for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is alpha-lipoic acid available?

Capsule, Oral: 300 mg.

Tablet, Oral: 50 mg

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to alpha-lipoic acid?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or feel like passing out.

Although alpha-lipoic acid is known as one of the drugs that has almost no side effects that are harmful to the health of the body, you still have to pay attention to the various side effects that may occur after taking these drugs.

Stop using alpha lipoic acid and call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Low blood sugar when using alpha-lipoic acid
• Hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating
• Sweating, or fast heartbeat
• Feeling about to pass out

Less serious side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Dizziness, feeling tired
• Headaches, muscle cramps
• Mild skin rash

Not everyone who takes this drug experiences the side effects listed above. In fact, more people do not get any side effects when taking this drug.

Most adults can use this medication safely if it is taken by mouth for up to 4 years, and can apply it to their skin for up to 12 weeks of use.

There may also be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using alpha-lipoic acid?

Before using alpha-lipoic acid, you should do the following:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to alpha lipoic acid or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using Alpha Lipoic Acid, contact your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or a thyroid disorder.

Is alpha-lipoic acid safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Take care of your health condition and avoid using it unnecessarily.

If you think you need to take alpha lipoic acid while pregnant, be sure to always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Alpha-lipoic acid can be absorbed into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

The use of this medicine in newborns and toddlers is also not recommended because it can cause seizures, vomiting, and fainting.

Interaction

What other medicines may interact with alpha-lipoic acid?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• amlodipine (Norvasc)
• folic acid (Folvite, Folacin-800, FA-8, FaLessa)
• Low Strength Aspirin (aspirin)
• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• biotin (Hair, Skin and Nails, Appearex)
• CoQ10 (ubiquinone)
• gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone, Fanatrex)
• Insulin or oral diabetes medications such as metformin (glucophage), glyburide (diabeta, glynase), etc.
• Chemotherapy (or drugs for cancer treatment)
• chromium picolinate (Chromium GTF, Cr-GTF, CRM)
• cinnamon
• turmeric
• lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil, Qbrelis)
• levothyroxine (synthroid) and other thyroid medications
• magnesium okisda (Mag-Ox, Mag-Oxide, Mag-Ox 400, Mag-200, Uro-Mag, MagGel, Phillips' Cramp-free, Mag-Caps)
• metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Riomet)
• Fish Oil (omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids)
• milk thistle
• omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid (Original Formulation), Omesec)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• vitamin e (Alpha E, Aquasol E, Aqua-E, Aqua Gem-E, E-600, E-Gems, E Pherol, Amino-Opti-E, Vita-Plus E Natural, Nutr-E-Sol, E-400 Clear, Centrum Singles-Vitamin E, Aquavite-E, E-Max-1000)

The above drugs have a small interaction with alpha lipoic acid, so the harm that can occur from the interaction of the two drugs will be less dangerous. Even so, still consult your doctor about what drugs you are taking or want to take.

Can food or alcohol interact with alpha-lipoic acid?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Alcohol use can decrease the amount of vitamin B1 in the body. Taking alpha-lipoic acid when there is only a small amount of vitamin B1 in the body can cause serious health problems.

Avoid using alcohol while taking this drug. However, if you want to consume alcohol while you are also consuming alpha lipoic acid, then you should take vitamin B1 supplements as well.

For safe use, always discuss your drug use with food, alcohol, or tobacco first with your healthcare provider.

What health conditions can interact with alpha-lipoic acid?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems:

• Liver disease
• Kidney illness
• Diabetes
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Thyroid disorders. Taking this drug can affect the course of treatment for this disease.
• Operation. If you are going to have an operation, do not take alpha lipoic acid for two weeks before the procedure because it can affect the condition of your blood sugar before and after the operation.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule.

Don't force yourself to double your dose at one time. Avoid doubling the dose because using the dose at the wrong time can have a negative impact on health.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.