In 2010, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of randomized clinical trials of several drugs with carnitine as the active ingredient. Out of 12 drugs, only 5 showed a therapeutic effect. One of the most effective drugs was Carnicetin.
Carnitine-based preparations are used in medicine to treat congenital diseases associated with insufficient endogenous synthesis of the substance, neurological problems and other pathologies.
The compound is widely used in sports due to its catabolic effect on body fat. In addition, carnitine accelerates muscle cell repair, increases endurance and significantly improves cognitive performance in the brain.
General information
Carnitine is a compound that is synthesized by the parenchyma of the kidneys and liver. The substance plays an important role in the biochemical processes of the body - it ensures the transport and oxidation of lipids in the energy laboratories of cells - mitochondria, supports the structure of nerve cells, neutralizes premature cell apoptosis (that is, programmed death) and participates in the processes of growth and development of the body. There are two structural forms of the compound - D and L, while only L-carnitine has biological activity.
For the first time, the substance was isolated from muscle tissue by Russian scientists at the beginning of the 19th century. Later, experts found that a lack of connection leads to the formation of serious pathologies of internal organs with high energy requirements - heart, brain, kidneys, liver.
Release form and composition
The medicine is available in the form of capsules in the amount of 60 pieces in one package. The active ingredient is the L-form of carnitine, namely acetylcarnitine. The preparation contains additional components - magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, Aerosil A-300.
Pharmacological properties
The L-form of carnitine exhibits a catabolic effect on fatty acids, that is, it participates in lipid peroxidation in mitochondria. As a result of a biochemical reaction, energy is released in the form of ATP molecules. Also, the substance maintains the balance of acetyl-CoA inside the cell and in the intercellular space. This effect has a neuroprotective effect by increasing the synthesis of phospholipids - components of nerve cell membranes.
Carnicetine accelerates the transmission of electrochemical impulses across synapses, which in turn improves brain activity. Therapeutic doses of the drug prevent the development of ischemic damage to the cells of the nervous system. The compound has a regenerative capacity for mechanical trauma and other types of moderate nerve damage.
Carnitine, which is part of the drug, improves memory and brain activity, increases alertness and learning. The drug has shown a pronounced effect as a component of complex therapy for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The drug is beneficial for intense mental activity, therefore, it is prescribed to maintain the functioning of neurons during preparation for exams.
It is also effective when administered to older people with dementia.
The drug enhances the secretion and effect of endogenous serotonin and has an antioxidant effect. This effect allows you to maintain the integrity of cells and their membranes.
Acetylcarnitine accelerates the process of losing weight by stimulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism reactions. The use of the drug during intense physical activity increases endurance as a result of an increase in the formation of ATP molecules in mitochondria.
Due to the structural similarity of carnitine to the mediator acetylcholine, the drug causes a moderate cholinomimetic effect in the form of a slight decrease in heart rate, an increase in the contractility of the smooth muscles of the uterus, bladder, and a decrease in intraocular pressure.
Indications
The drug is prescribed for:
- Alzheimer's disease - a pathology characterized by rapid degradation of neurons in the brain, with impaired cognitive functions, neurological pathologies, amnesia and other manifestations;
- polyneuropathy - damage to peripheral nerves against the background of diabetes mellitus, alcoholism and other pathological conditions;
- dementia in the elderly, developing as a result of atherosclerotic changes in the vessels of the brain.
In sports, Carnicetin is used for faster regeneration of muscle and nervous tissue in the event of microtraumatization against the background of heavy physical exertion. Also, the drug increases the production of energy by the mitochondria. This effect provides full coverage of energy costs not only during training, but also during mental activity.
Karnitsetin is used by athletes involved in difficult sports for more productive memorization and mastering of movements.
Antioxidant effect allows you to neutralize metabolites and toxins, prevent premature aging of cells. Carnicetin is used for weight loss, as the active substance promotes the exit from the depot and the rapid metabolism of lipids. This property is used by bodybuilders before performances to give the body relief.
Contraindications
The medication is contraindicated in case of an allergic reaction or intolerance to the components. If undesirable symptoms appear, you should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.
Clinical studies of the efficacy and safety of the drug were carried out in focus groups, which included people over 18 years old, so the use of the drug by minors is not recommended.
Relative contraindications - exacerbation of gastritis or gastric ulcer, renal failure with a pronounced decrease in the filtration capacity of the glomerular apparatus, insufficient thyroid function.
Due to the possible atherogenic effect, it is not recommended to take Carnicetin for patients with ischemic heart disease, decompensated myocardial infarction, heart failure, arterial hypertension.
If you have muscle cramps, medication may worsen the symptom.
Method of administration and dosage
The capsule is administered orally. The recommended dosage is 6-12 tablets per day.
For athletes, there are special drug intake regimens - it is recommended to use the drug for 1-3 months during the active period of training, preparation for competitions and performances.
The daily dose is 600-2000 mg, depending on gender, age and individual characteristics of the organism.
The greatest effect is observed with the combined use of Carnicetin with protein supplements.
It is recommended to take the drug 30-60 minutes before the start of the workout.
Side effects
The reported side effects were associated with an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Nausea, vomiting and heartburn may occur. The undesirable manifestations disappear after the drug is discontinued.
A 2011 Cleveland Clinic study linked carnitine use with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The compound is used by some types of opportunistic bacteria as a substrate for the synthesis of a specific substance with a short lifetime - trimethylamine, which is further converted into trimethylamine oxide - one of the most powerful atherogenic factors.
Overdose
Cases of drug overdose have not been identified, however, there is evidence that insomnia may develop when using the drug in large quantities.
Exceeding the maximum permissible dose in rare cases is manifested by spastic pain in the epigastric region, stool disturbance, nausea, vomiting, and bad breath.
Special instructions
It is not recommended to take Karnitetin and alcoholic products at the same time, since ethyl alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the drug.
Drug interactions
The interaction of Carnicetin with other drugs has not been noted.
Analogs
The analogues of Karnitetin include:
- Carnitex;
- Acetylcarnitine.
Terms and conditions of storage
It is recommended to store the drug out of the reach of children. Avoid direct sunlight. The optimal storage temperature is from 15 to 25 degrees. The shelf life is one year.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
For 2018, the drug is a prescription drug.
Price in pharmacies
The average cost of a pack of Karnitetin in pharmacies varies from 510 to 580 rubles. It is not recommended to purchase the medicine by hand, according to ads on Avito, etc. Buy only from authorized distributors.
