To correct electrolyte imbalance in medical practice, the drug "Asparkam" is used, consisting of potassium and magnesium asparaginate. Specialists in the field of therapy, cardiology and transfusiology are increasingly detecting cases of inappropriate prescription of the drug. Such use increases the risk of adverse reactions and deterioration of the patient's condition. To prevent unpleasant situations, you should adhere to the original instructions, take into account the list of indications, dosage rules, medication administration and doctors' recommendations.
Instructions for the use of "Asparkam"
In the human body, the harmonious functioning of systems is possible provided that the electrolyte balance, the balance between cations and anions in the blood plasma and extracellular space are maintained.
Potassium (K +) and magnesium (Mg 2+) are key intracellular electrolytes that regulate enzymatic activity and membrane potential. They belong to the group of cations (positively charged ions), which also includes sodium and calcium.
Action of the elements:
- maintain osmolarity of blood plasma (concentration of kinetically active particles) and electrolyte balance;
- provide the movement of water molecules through the blood vessels in the tissue;
- create a certain concentration of solutes (salts, bicarbonates, phosphates and acids);
- activate enzymatic reactions;
- ensure the constancy of blood pH.
Deficiency of potassium and magnesium is manifested by disorders of the cardiovascular system. Self-regulation of the body is impaired, an imbalance of substances between cells and intercellular space develops, which is accompanied by:
- deterioration of nerve and electromuscular conduction;
- rhythm disorder;
- dysfunctions of the myocardium.
To correct the electrolyte ratio, drugs based on cation-anion mixtures are actively used. The drug "Asparkam" is represented by a balanced complex of D- and L-isomers of magnesium and potassium aspartate. Numerous medical studies have confirmed that such funds can restore the electrolyte balance, prevent new cases of arrhythmias, angina attacks, and improve the patient's quality of life.
"Asparkam" is used in therapeutic and cardiological practice. In addition, the medicine is intended for:
- elimination of dyspepsia in athletes;
- reducing the stress on the heart during bodybuilding;
- replenishment of the deficiency of important micronutrients in children and adults, including pregnant women.
Indications
The use of the drug is indicated in the following conditions:
- laboratory-confirmed hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia;
- chronic heart failure (CHF);
- ischemic heart disease (CHD);
- condition after myocardial infarction (MI);
- shock, which is accompanied by the loss of trace elements (hypovolemic with hypoosmolarity of the blood);
- smokers and the elderly to normalize metabolism and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease;
- acute fluid loss (prolonged vomiting, diarrhea), polyuria;
- syndrome of hyperaldosteronism with damage to the adrenal cortex or secondary violation of hormone secretion;
- overdose of cardiac glycosides (digitalis intoxication);
- arrhythmias: ventricular premature beats, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation;
- for the prevention and correction of overtraining, increasing the energy reserve in professional athletes, bodybuilders.
"Asparkam" is often prescribed in the complex therapy of chronic cardiac pathology, but not in all cases the use of cationic mixtures is justified. An imbalance of key intracellular electrolytes provokes serious violations of homeostasis, lability of the level of trace elements (sodium, chlorine and calcium) in the blood and extracellular space.
It is necessary to monitor the level of magnesium and potassium in the blood before and during treatment. This will prevent adverse reactions and minimize the risk of hyperkalemia with respiratory failure, muscle weakness, paresis, and fatal arrhythmias.
Composition, dosage and release form
"Asparkam" is available in tablet and injectable form for intravenous administration.
Forms of release with the dosage of the active substance are presented in the table.
| Form | Magnesium asparaginate (mg) | Potassium asparaginate (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Tablets (10, 20 and 50 per pack) | 175 | 175 |
| Ampoules of 5 and 10 ml | 40 (in 1 ml) | 45 (in 1 ml) |
| Solution for infusion (vials of 400 ml) | 1100 (in 1 l) | 7900 (in 1 l) |
Previously, the drug of a domestic manufacturer was produced in ampoules of 20 ml, with a high content of cations in the solution (900 mg of potassium and 800 mg of magnesium).
Mechanism of action and properties: what is "Asparkam" for
Deviations in the exchange of macro- and microelements are a serious problem, since they maintain balance in the body, determine the potential of the membrane transition and the activity of enzyme systems. In recent decades, doctors have been actively discussing methods for correcting such disorders.
Asparaginate is involved in the process of restoring the balance: it transfers cations, ensures the delivery of K + and Mg 2+ from the extracellular space into the cells, participates in the metabolic process and improves the bioavailability of substances.
What the drug is prescribed for:
- Elimination of potassium imbalance, improvement of neuromuscular conduction, regulation of fiber contractions and cardiac activity.
- K + has a moderate chronotropic effect: it normalizes the heart rate and rhythm, reduces the strength and excitability of the myocardium during arrhythmias.
- Combined intake with Mg 2+ increases energy reserves and accelerates metabolism by stimulating the synthesis and release of ATP. As a result, the state of health and tolerance to physical activity improves in patients with coronary artery disease, frequent attacks of angina pectoris, in athletes with overtraining.
- With a confirmed deficiency of ions, taking Asparkam reduces the frequency of paroxysms of tachycardia, supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles.
Taking diuretic drugs ("Furosemide", "Torasemide"), digitalis drugs ("Digoxin", "Strofantin", "Korglikon"), antibiotics and cytostatics causes hypokalemia, as a result of which a compensatory magnesium deficiency develops. Reception of "Asparkam" eliminates electrolyte imbalance and side pharmacological effects from the use of drugs.
Admission rules: when, how and how much
Asparkam is available over the counter without a prescription. It is not recommended to take the medicine without the knowledge of the doctor.
With normal or increased values of K + and Mg 2+ in the blood, the intake of a cationic solution provokes a state of hyperkalemia with an excess of magnesium and characteristic side effects. In complex treatment regimens, the medication is prescribed by general practitioners (general practitioners or family doctors), cardiologists or neuropathologists.
Tablets
Rules for taking the tablet form of the medication:
- tablets are intended for oral use;
- drink plenty of water;
- dosage for persons over 18 years of age: 1-2 tablets 3 times a day;
- with a pronounced lack of macronutrients (laboratory confirmed) up to 3 tablets 3 times a day;
- it is recommended to take it 20–40 minutes after a meal (under the influence of the aggressive acidic environment of the stomach, the effectiveness decreases by 20–35%).
Ampoules
The solution for intravenous administration is available in ampoules of 5 and 10 ml or in vials (bags) of 400 ml for installation in an infusomat or on a dropper stand. Application rules:
- the medicine is injected slowly (jet) into the ulnar vein;
- the drug is preliminarily added to 100-200 ml of saline or 5% glucose solution;
- infusion rate: 2–5 ml per minute;
- for drip injection, "Asparkam" is added to a physiological solution of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose;
- the course of treatment is 7-14 days (the drug begins to act after a sufficient accumulation of ions in the tissues).
An adult is injected with 10–20 ml of Asparkam (2 ampoules of 10 ml, or 4 ampoules of 5 ml). They drip 1-2 times a day, slowly, over an hour. In an infusion pump or a dropper, a rate of 25-30 drops per minute is set. Rapid administration is dangerous by the development of fatal arrhythmias.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
It is not recommended to take "Asparkam" at:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- allergies to sorbitol, fructose intolerance;
- impaired renal function (acute and chronic failure);
- AV-blockade of the heart (atrioventricular) 1-3 degrees;
- severe myasthenia gravis;
- laboratory confirmed hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia;
- metabolic or respiratory acidosis;
- blood clotting pathologies (coaguloathies);
- massive burns, mechanical and other tissue damage.
Normally, the content of cations in the blood of an adult is 3.8–5.2 mmol / l for potassium, and 0.8–1.1 mmol / l for magnesium.
Symptoms of an overdose with cationic solutions are presented in the table.
| Group of violations | Signs |
|---|---|
| Are common |
|
| Skin integument |
|
| Digestive tract |
|
The dependence of clinical signs on the level of electrolytes in the blood:
- Hyperkalemia:
- More than 5.5 mmol / L: significant muscle weakness, paresis or paralysis with respiratory failure. Excretion of ammonia and hydrogen by the kidneys worsens, metabolic acidosis develops.
- More than 7.5 mmol / l is a danger to the automatism of the heart. On the electrocardiogram, sharp T waves, lengthening of the P-Q interval and expansion of the ventricular complex are recorded (against the background of a slowdown in the conduction of impulses through the atrioventricular node). In the absence of emergency care, there is a risk of developing fibrillation and cardiac arrest. As an antidote, 10% calcium gluconate is administered, general rehydration is carried out (intravenously - up to 1 liter of saline).
- Hypermagnesemia:
- More than 2.5 mmol / L: lethargy, loss of orientation in space, drowsiness, decreased reflexes, inhibited nervous activity.
- More than 5.5–6.5 mmol / l: slowing down of cardiac activity, bradycardia develops with a pulse rate of less than 40–60 beats per minute, pressure decreases.
- More than 7.5 mmol / L: high risk of asystole (cardiac arrest).
Resuscitation measures include the introduction of large volumes of fluid, elimination of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia by injection of calcium chloride, "Insulin" 10-15 units per 100 ml of 40% glucose, hemodialysis.
The use of Asparkam with diuretics (Eplerenone, Spironalokton) increases the risk of hyperkalemia. In combination with glycosides, it reduces sensitivity to them.
Use in pregnancy
During pregnancy, the drug is taken strictly as directed by a doctor. "Asparkam" is not recommended for women in the 1st and 2nd trimester. The exception is cases of severe toxicosis with edema, vomiting, nausea, and laboratory-confirmed disorders. In such situations, the remedy is prescribed if the benefits of the drug outweigh the harm.
Cationic solutions are indicated for convulsions, nervous twitching, weakness during pregnancy. Intravenous administration is performed in a hospital under the supervision of a medical professional. Caution is needed to minimize the risk of complications for the mother and baby.
"Asparkam" in sports: how and why the product is used
The official instructions for "Asparkam" indicate that the drug is indicated to compensate for the deficiency of potassium and magnesium. In athletes, this condition develops after prolonged grueling training. The drug is taken to normalize the balance of electrolytes, maintain the heart under conditions of increased stress, with maladjustment (overtraining) and vegetative-vascular or neurocirculatory dystonia.
Another reason for the lack of K and Mg is the frequent loss of electrolytes with sweat and the dietary habits of athletes: a strict protein diet that allows you to control muscle growth and fat burning. In the process of metabolism and breakdown of amino acids, nitrogenous bases are released, which are excreted by the kidneys and liver along with potassium and magnesium. This leads to an electrolyte imbalance with typical symptoms:
- cramps of the lower and upper extremities;
- increased fatigue;
- poor sleep;
- episodes of tachycardia or arrhythmia.
Athletes and bodybuilders cannot always compensate for the lack of micronutrients with food due to dietary and nutritional restrictions. Taking medication is the only way to regulate the balance of K and Mg. "Asparkam" allows you to eliminate the symptoms of overtraining, increase exercise tolerance and increase endurance.
Analogues and substitutes
Panangin is the most famous analogue of Asparkam. It has an identical chemical composition and is available in tablet and injectable form.
Differences between drugs:
- Price and country of origin: Panangin is more expensive, produced by the international Hungarian company Gedeon Richter, and Asparkam by Russian and Ukrainian firms.
- Panangin film-resistant tablets are preferable for patients with diseases of the digestive tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux).
Doctors prefer a foreign remedy due to great confidence in the quality of the medication and the best reviews.
Conclusions
In therapy, cardiology and transfusiology, solutions of potassium and magnesium asparaginate are used to compensate for the deficiency of K + and Mg2 + cations. The drug "Asparkam" is indicated for the correction of electrolyte imbalance in laboratory confirmed hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. Rational use of the drug in accordance with the clinical need and the individual need of the patient minimizes the risk of adverse reactions and overdose with a life-threatening condition.
