Linex is a tool that everyone has probably heard of. But not everyone understands the mechanism of its action. This is a powerful eubiotic that can quickly normalize the composition of the intestinal microflora or prevent a violation. Prescribing medicine to both adults and even the smallest patients. To get the result, it is important to follow the instructions for use of Linex.

The composition of the drug

Linex Forte is hardly a conventional medicine. This tool, which contains not the usual chemical compounds or plant extracts, but living microorganisms, which normally live within the human intestines.

In total, two strains were introduced into the drug:

  • Bifidobacterium animalis subsp - bifidobacteria;
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus - Lactobacillus.

This combination of microorganisms provides the highest efficiency in a short period of time. Capsules are composed of additional substances. This is starch, magnesium stearate, glucose.

Pharmacological action and pharmacodynamics

A characteristic feature of the drug is the shell, which dissolves only in the intestine. This means that it passes through the esophagus and stomach in an unchanged form, and begins to work only where necessary. During the reception, the number of pathogenic microorganisms sharply decreases. There are three ways to achieve this effect.

  1. Bacteria supplied with the capsule normalize the pH level, making the environment unsuitable for life and reproduction of pathogenic microbes.
  2. During the life of bacteria received from outside, special substances are released - bacteria, which have antimicrobial activity.
  3. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli begin to compete with the pathogenic flora for food and a place for colony formation. Gradually, the number of malicious agents decreases.

In fact, the drug can be considered as a local action. It works in the intestines without affecting the systemic circulation, therefore pharmacokinetics are not given.

At what age is it allowed to take the drug

The use of eubiotics has no age restrictions. Linex for children is prescribed by pediatricians from birth, provided that the need for this drug is proven.

Why is Linex prescribed for children?

A complete list of indications is given in the instructions for use of Linex. It indicates why this remedy is given to children.

Its main purpose is to restore the disturbed balance of microflora.

Alas, this condition does not only concern adults.

Dysbacteriosis can occur for various reasons in children of any age.

It can be suspected by symptoms such as:

  • frequent change of polar different intestinal disorders (diarrhea, followed by prolonged constipation);
  • bloating;
  • heaviness in the lower abdomen;
  • nausea or vomiting associated with a lack of appetite.

Other signs may signal the presence of intestinal dysbiosis. So, in patients the skin condition often worsens. A small rash appears on the face (usually on the forehead). A characteristic symptom is the pallor of the skin in combination with weight loss.

Diagnosing dysbiosis in newborns is more difficult. It is best to do this together with your doctor. The pediatrician will tell you what signs you should pay attention to. Usually, children who are concerned about abdominal pain become moody, often cry for no apparent reason, sleep poorly.

On a note. Acne can appear on the skin of a face in a baby suffering from dysbiosis. It is important not to confuse them with allergy.

Instructions for use and dosage

How to take the remedy is described in detail in the annotation to it. The dosage regimen is little dependent on age, but children's dosages are markedly reduced.

  1. Linex for newborns is prescribed in the smallest amount. The baby is given one capsule per day, dissolving its contents in breast milk, mixture or water.
  2. Children 2 to 12 years old can drink one or two capsules. An increase in dose will be required if the symptoms of dysbiosis are pronounced and cause significant discomfort.
  3. After 12 years, the drug is taken on an equal basis with adults - 1 to 3 capsules per day.

It is best to drink the drug with food. This will increase the effectiveness of the drug. The course of treatment is always selected individually. Usually, the drug is taken until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely, but if there is no positive trend, a second consultation with the doctor will be required.

Drug interaction

Eubiotics are well tolerated and do not interact with drugs of other groups. In parallel, taking other drugs with a similar effect is not necessary.

Doctors often prescribe Linex in conjunction with antibiotics to prevent the development of dysbiosis in the child, since an antimicrobial drug quickly destroys even beneficial microflora. In this case, you need to follow a simple rule: first take an antibiotic tablet, and then, after at least 3 hours, a Linex capsule.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

Eubiotic is considered safe and has virtually no intake restrictions. The exception is hypersensitivity to its components, which in practice is extremely rare.

Side effects when using the drug are not manifested.

Only in the presence of hypersensitivity can signs of an allergic reaction develop:

  • rash;
  • redness of the skin;
  • itching
  • peeling of the epidermis.

All of these symptoms disappear on their own when the drug is withdrawn or its amount is reduced. There is no data on overdose, but this does not mean that it is allowed to exceed the prescribed dose. The body of the child is weak, so it is impossible to predict its reaction.

Cheap analogues of the drug

Linex capsules are an expensive drug, so many are eager to find a budget replacement for it.

There are cheap analogues of Linex, but the effectiveness of such funds will be significantly reduced.

  1. Florin Forte. The cost of packaging starts at 200 rubles. This is a powder containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, but their concentration is lower than that of Linex Forte capsules.
  2. "Biobactone." Another inexpensive analogue with live bacteria in the composition. A package with 10 bottles costs at least 120 rubles, but for one course it may not be enough.
  3. Normoflorin-L. This is a liquid suspension, one bottle of which costs 120 rubles and above. It is exclusively composed of lactobacilli, but you can take the drug not only with dysbiosis, but also with gastritis, hepatitis, colitis.
  4. "Lactobacterin." Another remedy with lactic acid bacteria that can normalize the digestion in a child. A package containing 10 bottles costs 170 rubles and more.

Doctors say that you can find analogues in the same price category or a little cheaper. Their effectiveness is confirmed by numerous studies.

What is better for a child, Linex or Bifiform

"Bifiform" is a tool with a slightly different composition. Instead of lactobacilli, enterococci are introduced into it. This allows you to prescribe a probiotic for dysbiosis, chronic diarrhea, gastroenteritis.

The type of drug is selected taking into account the age of the child:

  • "Bifiform Baby" - an oily liquid for infants up to a year;
  • "Bifiform Baby" - chewable tablets that are suitable for children under 3 years old;
  • Beefiform Kids is a similar form for children from three years old.

Important! "Bifiform" is not prescribed for patients who do not tolerate lactose, since this sugar is present in the composition of the drug.

Comparison with Hilak forte and Acipol

Parents often ask themselves which is better, Linex or Hilak Forte. Doctors explain that it is difficult to compare these two drugs, since they work on different principles.

  • Linex is a complex of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria that penetrate the intestines, form a colony there and inhibit the growth of the number of pathogenic microorganisms. The product is allowed from birth and is available in capsule format.
  • “Hilak Forte” is a slightly different medicine. It is also designed to maintain the balance of microflora, but it does not include bacteria themselves, but their metabolic products in the form of aqueous substrates. In the production of drugs, enterococci, acidophilic lactobacilli, E. coli are used.

The medicine is liquid, made in the form of drops for internal use. It is not used for the treatment of newborns, therefore, if signs of dysbiosis are found in a baby up to two years old, it is better to prefer Linex. “Hilak Forte” give 20 to 40 drops (up to 60 for children over 12 years old).

This medication helps with:

  • dysbiosis;
  • bowel disorders;
  • salmonellosis;
  • metabolic disorders in the liver.

He has an extended list of indications, but is able to provoke side effects in the child in the form of allergic rashes. Linex is considered a milder medication.

Often, parents compare what is best, "Acipol" or "Linex", thereby trying to choose the most effective drug. Acipol also has a different composition.

Its main components are:

  • acidophilus bacteria;
  • kefir fungus;
  • gelatin for the shell.

This is a probiotic that comes in capsule form. It not only frees the intestines from pathogenic microflora, but also strengthens the immunity of the child, and also normalizes the peristaltic activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Like Linex, this remedy has practically no contraindications and side effects.

It is difficult to make a choice in favor of any one means to combat dysbiosis. It is best to show the child to the doctor.

The pediatrician will not only quickly select the most effective drug, but also exclude other diagnoses that may be accompanied by similar symptoms.

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