Hepatoprotectors of plant origin Legalon and Carsil are analogues in the active component. However, they have some differences. We have broken down the drugs for maintaining liver function to determine which is better.
The drug | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Legalon | Hepatoprotective and detoxifying effect | Risk of severe allergic reaction |
Life extension for cirrhosis | ||
No serious contraindications; | ||
Side effects are rare | ||
Tolerated well | ||
Carsil | Pills are approved from 5 years of age | Long course of application – from 3 months |
Fights symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases | ||
Gentle in action | ||
It is well tolerated | ||
The risk of allergy is minimal | ||
Used for therapy and prevention of hepatobiliary disorders |
Description of the drug Legalon
Legalon is produced in Germany by Madaus. Sold in capsules of 70 and 140 mg. It belongs to the group of hepatoprotectors. The main active ingredient is silymarin.
In addition to the main hepatoprotective action, the drug has a detoxifying effect. The substance in Legalon prevents the destruction of healthy cells of the organ through the neutralization of free radicals. Admission of the drug promotes the restoration of damaged hepatocytes and stabilization of cell membranes. Treatment prevents hepatotoxic substances from entering the liver.
The positive effect is the overall improvement in the well-being of patients with pathologies of the hepatobiliary system. The drug reduces the severity of clinical symptoms, subjective complaints and objective indicators.
Long course of application of the herbal remedy increases the life expectancy in cirrhosis.
Research and efficacy
A 2007 study involving 103 patients with chronic liver disease. The main group additionally took Legalon at a dose of 140 mg 3 times a day. The treatment lasted for 3 weeks.
The results show that the inclusion of Legalon in the therapy affects the positive dynamics of liver recovery, as confirmed by laboratory tests.
It has been concluded that Legalon is rational to use in pathologies of the hepatobiliary system of different origin. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, reparative, antifibrotic effects. Treatment with Legalon improves patient’s well-being and biochemical parameters.
Source: Legalon in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. ju.m. Stepanov. Modern gastroenterology. 2016.
Contraindications
The remedy is not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to the composition and allergy to the active component. It is contraindicated under 12 years of age. During lactation and carrying a fetus, there is no data on its safety, so the treatment can be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor. Consultation of a specialist is also required for jaundice.
Side effects
Side effects from the use of Legalon have not been established. There is a possibility of allergies in the form of itching, swelling, hyperemia, urticaria.
More serious manifestations of allergic reactions are also possible:
Quincke’s edema;
anaphylactic shock;
blueness of the skin;
disruption of vital organs.
Dosage
The drug is taken orally after a meal. The dosage depends on the severity of the disorder. In acute conditions, an initial dose of 2 capsules 3 times is prescribed. Thereafter, the maintenance dose is 1 capsule 3 times.
No cases of overdose have been recorded. It is possible to experience the typical signs of overdosing – nausea, urge to vomit, discomfort in the stomach area.
Who is suitable
Legalon is designed to maintain the condition of the liver and protect it. It is a hepatoprotective agent, whose components make poisonous substances less toxic, which prevents the destruction of hepatocytes.
This effect is necessary when the organ is toxically affected, alcoholic and drug poisoning. Legalon is also used as a prophylactic when using hepatotoxic drugs.
Description of the drug Carsil
Hepatoprotective drug Carsil contains silymarin. It is available in the form of tablets and capsules by Sopharma, Bulgaria. Also has an anti-toxic effect and is used to treat pathologies of the hepatobiliary system.
Silymarin as a component stimulates the synthesis of proteins and phospholipids in damaged cells. It normalizes cell metabolism, neutralizes free radicals and protects hepatocytes from harmful factors. Against the background of taking Carsil there is a slowing of fibrosis.
Silymarin controls cell permeability, has regulatory and metabolic effects. Flavonoids improve liver recovery and reduce the severity of clinical manifestations. Patients’ general well-being improves, appetite increases, digestibility of food normalizes.
Research and effectiveness
Silymarin-based liver remedies are the most studied. They are widely used for mild organ recovery with minimal side effects.
The main effect of the drug is in the membrane stabilizing effect. Silymarin reduces the susceptibility of cells to toxic substances.
Additional use of Carsil in the treatment of chronic hepatitis accelerates the normalization of biochemical and clinical parameters. It is a low-toxic drug that can be used for a long course.
Carsil is prescribed for chronic liver pathologies, given its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, membrane stabilizing, detoxifying action.
Source: Experience of Carsel application in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. v.n. Kozko. Provisor. 2010.
Contraindications
Carsil is contraindicated for hypersensitivity to silymarin and additional drug components. The tablets are prohibited up to 5 years, capsules – up to 12 years.
In pregnancy and breastfeeding the safety of the drug is unknown, this group of patients should not use Carsil without a doctor’s permission.
Side effects
The herbal remedy is characterized by good tolerability. In rare cases, gastrointestinal symptoms are observed. It is nausea, liquid stools, dyspepsia. Allergic reactions in the form of itching, rash and alopecia are also possible. Even rarer are vestibular disorders.
Side effects from Carsil are not dangerous and go away on their own. It is usually not necessary to cancel the drug, but it is necessary to consult a doctor to adjust the treatment regimen.
Dosage
Tablets and capsules are taken orally. After 12 years of age, in mild to moderate impairments, it is indicated to take 1-2 pieces 3 times. In severe forms of the disease, the dose is increased to 2-4 tablets 3 times.
From 5 to 12 years of age, the daily dosage should not exceed 3 mg/kg at 2-3 doses. The duration of therapy is regulated by the attending physician and averages 3 months.
Suitable for whom
Carsil is used for toxic lesions, cirrhosis, inflammatory liver disease as maintenance therapy.
Indications for the use of the remedy are:
Eliminate the effects of acute hepatitis;
cirrhosis;
Drug and alcohol damage;
steanosis;
Prevention of drug and alcohol intoxication.
Cost and analogues
The drug | Cost | Analogues |
Legalon | Capsules #60 – from 660 rubles; #30 – from 460 rubles | Hepalex; Heparete; Darsil; Heparsil; Silibor; Triosil; Silymarin |
Carsil | Capsules #30 – from 340 rubles; Dragee #80 – from 340 rubles |
Which drug is better?
Karsil and Legalon contain the same active substance. The German drug contains a high concentration of silymarin. The natural medicine Legalon is effective for hepatitis, congestion, cholelithiasis. It helps to recover from cirrhosis and toxic lesions. Legalon also copes with symptoms of dyspepsia, nausea, fatigue.
Carsil protects liver cells and promotes their repair in case of fatty infiltration and digestive disorders. It is better for weakness, a feeling of heaviness in the right subcostal area.
Both drugs, when used for a long time, can prolong life with cirrhosis. Dietary intake is an important factor. When choosing a medication, you need to follow the recommendations of your doctor, who will select an effective remedy after an examination.
