Licorice Root Extract

Pharmacological properties

Naked licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, potassium and calcium salts of glycyrrhizic acid, flavonoic glycosides (liquivirithin, liquvirtigenin, liquviritozide). the expectorant effect of licorice preparations is associated with the content of glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the activity of the ciliary epithelium of the trachea and bronchi, enhances the secretory function of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. the antispasmodic effect of the drug on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract is due to the presence of flavonoids, among which the most active is liquiviritoside; anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid-like) effect - the presence of glycyrrhizic acid, which is released during the hydrolysis of glycyrrhizin.

Pharmacokinetics Not studied.

Indications

As part of the complex therapy of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by cough and difficult discharge of sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis).

Application

Licorice root syrup is prescribed orally after meals 3-4 times a day. before use, the drug is not diluted, but after taking it, drink plenty of fluids (tea or warm water).

Adults and children over the age of 12 years are recommended to take 15 ml of syrup per reception;

children aged 1-3 years - 2.5 ml per reception;

children aged 4-6 years - 2.5-5 ml per reception;

children aged 7–9 years - 5–7.5 ml per reception;

children aged 10-12 years - 7.5-10 ml per reception.

The dose of the drug is measured using a dosing spoon.

The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor individually for each patient, taking into account the nature, severity and characteristics of the course of the disease, the stability of the achieved therapeutic effect and tolerability of the drug.

Contraindications

• Individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug; impaired liver and kidney function; hypokalemia; ag; severe obesity.

Side effects

With individual hypersensitivity to the drug, it is possible to develop allergic reactions (rash, itching, flushing of the skin and swelling).

Prolonged use of licorice in excessive doses can cause disturbances in the water-electrolyte balance and lead to the formation of edema, the development of hypokalemia; in some cases, an increase in blood pressure, hypokalemic myopathy and myoglobinuria are possible.

In the event of any adverse events, the patient must stop using the drug and consult a doctor!

special instructions

Use with caution in patients with diabetes because of the sugar content in the syrup. 5 ml of syrup contain 0.142 hex.

It is not recommended to use the drug for a long time.

Use during pregnancy and lactation. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, since naked licorice increases estrogen levels, as a result of which hormonal balance is disturbed. If it is necessary to take the drug during lactation during treatment, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Children. The drug is prescribed for children over the age of 1 year.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or working with other mechanisms. Does not affect.

Interactions

Hypokalemia (as a result of excessive use of licorice root) may intensify when interacting with cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic drugs, and drugs that affect heart rate (e.g. quinidine).

With simultaneous use with drugs that cause hypokalemia (thiazide and loop diuretics, adrenocorticosteroids and laxatives), electrolyte balance may be disturbed. Therefore, licorice root preparations should not be used for a long time at the same time with the above medicines.

With the simultaneous use of any other medicines, you should consult your doctor.

Overdose

Perhaps an increase in the severity of side effects.

Treatment. Symptomatic

Storage conditions

In the original packaging at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. after opening the package, the drug can be used for 6 months at a storage temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.