Compound
Linex contains three groups of beneficial microorganisms necessary for normal intestinal function:
- enterococci (Enterococcus faecium) - 4.5 × 10 6 CFU;
- lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus) - 4.5.0 × 10 6 CFU;
- bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium infantis) - 3.0 × 10 6 CFU.
Linex Forte contains a significantly larger total number of bacteria, but it does not contain enterococci:
- lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus) - 1 × 10 9 CFU;
- bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis) - 1 × 10 9 CFU.
Despite the different names of bifidobacteria in the two products, both microorganisms belong to the same species and exhibit similar effects.
Linex Forte additionally contains a nutrient medium for the propagation of beneficial intestinal microflora: inulin and oligofructose, regular Linex - lactose. Therefore, for patients with a history of hypersensitivity to lactose, it is better to avoid using this drug.
It should be noted that a specially selected composition of beneficial microorganisms complements each other’s effects and helps to effectively normalize the intestinal flora.
Effect of the drug
The effect of Linex is aimed at the formation of the correct intestinal microflora. Since these medications are classified as probiotics and prebiotics, they guarantee effective protection of the intestines and normalization of digestive processes.
Linux also has the following effect:
- minimizes the possibility of infection with bactericidal and infectious pathologies;
- suppresses pathogenic bacteria;
- increases the synthesis of vitamins, amino acids, proteins and minerals;
- prevents the occurrence of allergic reactions;
- helps fight dermatitis and other skin diseases, significantly reduces the severity of acne;
- prevents the development of abnormalities in the functioning of the liver, stomach and intestines;
- stimulates the immune system;
- helps normalize digestive and metabolic processes;
- has a protective and enzyme-producing effect;
- increases nonspecific resistance of the body;
- enhances peristalsis.
Dosage and method of use
Linex Forte differs from regular Linex in dosage. This is due to the increased number of beneficial microorganisms in the first preparation. Let's look at the method of use and the required doses for all patient groups.
Linex in capsules:
- Children from the first day of life to 2 years should use 1 probiotic capsule three times a day;
- patients from 2 to 12 years old need to take 1 to 2 capsules three times a day;
- Children over 12 years of age and adults with symptoms of dysbacteriosis (including diarrhea and constipation) are prescribed 2 capsules three times a day.
Linex Forte in capsules:
- a child from birth to 2 years should take 1 capsule of the product once a day;
- for children from 2 to 12 years old, it is necessary to use 1 Linex capsule 1 to 2 times a day;
- Patients over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 capsule of the drug 1 to 3 times daily.
The duration of treatment with Linex and Linex Forte is from 7 to 30 days. Repeated therapy can be carried out no earlier than a month after the end of the course.
A certain difference between Linex and Linex Forte becomes obvious when using a more concentrated product in children. The use of the drug in children under 6 years of age can only be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician.
Linex
Linex ®
(lat.
Linex ®
) is a medicine that normalizes intestinal microflora, a probiotic. Available in the form of enteric-coated capsules. A Linex capsule contains 280 mg of an active substance called Lebenin ®. One gram of Lebenin powder contains probiotic material:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus ( Lactobacillus acidophilus sp. L. gasseri
) - 300 mg, - bifidobacterium infantis ( Bifidobacterium infantis var. liberorum
) - 300 mg, - Enterococcus faecium
- 300 mg,
as well as excipients: lactose - 50 mg and potato starch - 50 mg.
In addition, the Linex capsule, including its shell, contains magnesium stearate, gelatin, methylhydroxybenzoate, propylhydroxybenzoate and titanium dioxide (E171)*. The bifidobacteria, lactobacilli acidophilus and non-toxigenic lactic acid enterococcus faecium included in Linex maintain and regulate the physiological balance of the intestinal microflora and ensure its physiological functions: create unfavorable conditions for the reproduction and vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms; participate in the synthesis of vitamins B1, B2, folic acid, vitamins K and E, ascorbic acid, provide the body with vitamins B6, B12 and biotin; by producing lactic acid and reducing the acidity of intestinal contents, they create favorable conditions for the absorption of iron, calcium, vitamin D. Lactic acid bacteria carry out the enzymatic breakdown of proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates (including lactase deficiency in children), carbohydrates not absorbed in the small intestine and proteins undergo deeper breakdown in the colon by bifidobacteria. The bacteria included in the drug facilitate the digestion of proteins in infants and participate in the metabolism of bile acids. Linex contains lactic acid bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents.
Enterococcus faecium
(old name
Streptococcus faecium
) is an aerobic gram-positive bacterium, lactic acid enterococcus, which colonizes primarily the small intestine. Linex uses a specially selected non-toxicogenic strain of Enterococcus faecium SF68, which is characterized by a high level of antibiotic resistance and non-pathogenicity.
The genome of Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 lacks virulence genes known for pathogenic clinical isolates of enterococci: gelE (gelatinize), sprE (serine protease), esp (extracellular surface protein), fsrB (virulence factor regulator), asa1 (aggregation substance). Enterococcus faecium SF68 is sensitive to vancomycin, ampicillin, piperacillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, imipenem, ciprofloxacin and fusidic acid and resistant to methicillin, cefuroxine, aztreonam, mipramine, tobramycin, streptomycin (Bondarenko V.M. Multicomponent probiotics : therapeutic effect for intestinal dysbiosis and mechanism of action).
Indications for use:
treatment and prevention of dysbacteriosis. Dysbacteriosis is characterized by the following symptoms: diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, nausea, belching, vomiting, abdominal pain. When carrying out Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, due to the possibility of side effects associated with the development of dysbiotic changes in the intestine, the inclusion of probiotics in the treatment regimen is recommended. The drugs of choice are complex probiotic agents, such as Bifiform and Linex (Khavkin A.I., Zhikhareva N.S., Rachkova N.S.).
Recommendations include probiotics in the treatment regimen for peptic ulcer disease in order to correct possible dysbiotic phenomena. The most optimal drug for restoring the intestinal microbiota, taking into account the fact that its suppression in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease is most likely caused by the action of antibacterial drugs and long-term drug blockade of gastric acid production, is the drug Linex (Dobrovolsky O.V., Serebrova S.Yu.).
The advantage of Linex is that it ensures the supply of “medicinal” microflora in quantitatively and qualitatively balanced proportions. Lacto- and bifidobacteria are producers of lactic acid and form the basis of obligate intestinal microflora. They restore the disturbed balance of microflora, ensure its stabilization and the integrity of epithelial cell formations, and stimulate the immunological functions of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Lactobacilli synthesize a variety of compounds that inhibit the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria (E.
. Bifidobacteria also prevents the proliferation of pathogenic, putrefactive and gas-forming intestinal microflora, mainly due to the formation of organic acids and a decrease in the intestine. They protect the intestinal mucosa better than lactobacilli and suppress pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms in the colon, where their main quantity is concentrated (Ushkalova E. A.).
Professional medical publications,
regarding the use of Linex in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Khavkin A.I., Zhikhareva N.S., Rachkova N.S. Modern principles of therapy for peptic ulcer // Attending physician. – 2005. – No. 2. – p. 30–33.
- Dobrovolsky O.V., Serebrova S.Yu. Therapy of peptic ulcer and problems of preserving the microecology of the gastrointestinal tract // Russian Medical Journal. – 2007. – T. 15. – No. 16. – p. 1193–1198.
On the website in the literature catalog there is a section “Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, symbiotics”, containing articles on the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics.
How to use Linex and dosage
:
- Children under 2 years old, starting from infancy: 3 times a day, 1 capsule of Linex, washed down with a small amount of liquid. If it is difficult for a child to swallow a capsule, it is opened and the contents are mixed with a small amount of liquid: tea, sweetened water or juice.
- Children from 2 to 12 years: 3 times a day, 1 or 2 Linex capsules, washed down with a small amount of liquid. If it is difficult for a child to swallow a capsule, it is opened and the contents are mixed with a small amount of liquid.
- Adults: 3 times a day, 2 Linex capsules, with a small amount of liquid.
It is not recommended to take Linex with hot drinks or alcohol, as this may affect the viability of the bacteria contained in the drug.
Compatibility of Linex with other drugs
. Linex can be taken with other medications, including antibiotics and chemotherapy. No undesirable drug interactions were noted.
Contraindications
. Hypersensitivity to Linex components. If symptoms of an allergy to dairy products appear, Linex should be stopped until the true cause of the allergy is determined.
Linex has no side effects during pregnancy and lactation.
The bacteria contained in Linex, despite numerous beneficial effects, are not equivalent to their own indigenous microflora and, like all other probiotic strains included in drugs and dietary supplements, are not able to multiply in the intestines. One reason for this may be bioincompatibility with resident human bacteria. Even the most effective probiotics only act during the course of treatment and are found in feces no longer than one to two weeks after the end of treatment.
Linex does not affect the ability to drive a car.
Linex is an over-the-counter medicine
.
According to the pharmacological index, Linex belongs to the group “Medicines that normalize intestinal microflora”. According to ATC, it belongs to the group “Microorganisms producing lactic acid in combination with other drugs”, code A07FA51.
Manufacturer:
Lek, Sandos dd, Slovenia.
Linex has contraindications and features of use; consultation with a specialist is necessary.
Other drugs and dietary supplements with “Linex” in their name.
In addition to the drug “Linex”, the probiotic drug “Linex ® Gastro” and dietary supplements (which are not drugs) are also registered in Russia:
- "Linex for children ®", composition: bifidobacterium Bifidobacterium animalis
(strain DSM No. 15954) and auxiliary substance maltodextrin) and - "Linex ® Immuno", composition:
- lactobacilli Lactobacillus rhamnosus
LCR35 - 352.25 mg, i.e. not less than 109 CFU - zinc oxide - 18.50 mg
- L-selenomethionine - 0.25 mg
- excipients: hypromellose, titanium dioxide dye, magnesium stearate
The amount of zinc contained in one Linex Immuno capsule is 15 mg, which corresponds to 100% of the daily intake, the amount of selenium contained in one capsule is 100 mcg, which corresponds to 143% of the daily intake, but this does not exceed the permissible level of selenium intake .
"Linex Immuno" is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Instructions from Sandoz for the use of the dietary supplement “Linex Immuno” (pdf, 49.81 Kb).
* In the EU, from 2022, by decision of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the use of titanium dioxide (E171) in food is completely prohibited, as this food additive is no longer considered safe. Back to section
Features of use
Taking drugs in complex therapy with antibacterial agents has its own characteristics. According to the instructions, at least 2 hours should pass between taking antibiotics and Linex in any form.
Probiotic therapy should continue for at least a week after the use of antibacterial drugs. During this time, the balance of the intestinal flora will be restored.
The combined use of Linex and Linex Forte with alcoholic beverages significantly reduces the effectiveness of the drugs, which should be remembered by adult patients.
Despite the fact that Linex is well tolerated by patients, the use of probiotics during pregnancy is possible only after appropriate prescription by the attending physician.
special instructions
There are some special rules in the use of Linex Forte and Linex. The instructions for use state that it is strictly prohibited to take it simultaneously with drinks containing alcohol! Do not take medications with hot drinks, because in this case, the viability of the drug components is lost. It is recommended to take medications during or after meals.
If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, you should immediately consult a qualified professional. It is also necessary to contact a doctor if there is blood or mucus in the stool, as well as upset stools for several days. When treating diarrhea, all measures must be taken to replenish the loss of water and electrolytes.
Unlike Linex, Linex Forte should not be taken by children from birth to one year.
The medication does not have a negative effect on the ability to operate machinery and drive vehicles.
Treatment with both drugs should continue for at least 7 days. Only during such a period of time can the intestinal flora be restored.
Analogs
Linex and Linex Forte are among the most common products that are intended for treatment and preventive measures for the gastrointestinal tract. If for some reason the patient cannot be prescribed Linex or Linex Forte, then in this case the drugs can be replaced with the following analogues:
Acipol is a domestic analogue of Linex, which is prescribed for the prevention of dysbiosis, treatment of inflammation in the intestines and microflora disorders in various organs. The cost of Atsipol is about 350 rubles. Compared to Linex, its disadvantage is that it contains only one type of beneficial bacteria and does not contain bifidobacteria.
Lactobacterin is another Russian-made analogue containing only lactobacilli. Available in bottles and widely used in gynecology and dentistry for the treatment of oral infections. In addition, the drug is often prescribed for dysbiosis, problems with the gastrointestinal tract and low immunity.
Bifidumbacterin is available in the form of tablets and suspensions, therefore it is prescribed to both adults and children. This drug is an analogue of Linex when taking antimicrobial agents, as well as for normalizing immunity and improving digestion processes.
Florin Forte - due to the fact that this analogue contains lactobacilli, prebiotics and bifidobacteria, it perfectly normalizes digestion, stimulates increased immunity and activates the development of beneficial microorganisms.
Bifiform - an analogue is produced in Denmark and is effectively used as an alternative to Linex. If we compare these drugs with each other, the main difference between Bifiform is the presence of bifidobacteria and enterococci in it, but the absence of lactobacilli.
Enterol is produced in France and is often prescribed as an analogue of Linex to eliminate diarrhea and prevent dysbiosis. However, the drug should not be prescribed to pregnant and lactating women.
Maxilak - this sinobiotic contains a prebiotic and 9 types of beneficial bacteria. The drug is recommended for use while taking antibiotics, as well as for problems with intestinal function.
Bifidum BAG - the drug is prescribed as an analogue of Linex if the patient is diagnosed with acute intestinal infections and gastrointestinal pathologies. Can also be used for preventive purposes.
Biogaia is an analogue that is prescribed for use in childhood. The drug is aimed at developing beneficial microorganisms, increasing immunity and has an antimicrobial effect.
Baktisubtil is a probiotic that contains antibacterial components that help restore intestinal microflora, as well as get rid of diarrhea, enterocolitis and enteritis.
It is not recommended to choose a Linex analogue on your own. This should only be done by a qualified specialist, taking into account the diagnosis, the severity of the pathology and the personal characteristics of the body.
