Alpha-Lipoic acid Pharmacology

Alpha-Lipoic acid

About Alpha-Lipoic acid
Naturally occurring dithiol compound , antioxidant, Agent for neuropathies.
Mechanism of Action of Alpha-Lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid and its reduced metabolite, Dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), form a redox couple and may scavenge a wide range of reactive oxygen species. Alpha-lipoic acid has been found to decrease urinary isoprostanes, O-LDL and plasma protein carbonyls, markers of oxidative stress. Further, alpha-lipoic acid and its redox couple DHLA have been found to have antioxidant activity in aqueous, as well as in lipophilic regions, and in extra cellular and intracellular environments. Alpha-lipoic acid participates in the recycling of other important biologic antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, Ubiquinone and glutathione.
Both alpha-lipoic acid and DHLA can scavenge hydroxyl radicals, the nitric oxide radical, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite. Alpha-lipoic acid may scavenge singlet oxygen, and DHLA may scavenge super oxide and peroxyl reactive oxygen species.
Pharmacokinets of Alpha-Lipoic acid
Absorption: Alpha-lipoic acid is absorbed from the small intestine. The natural R-entantiomer is more readily absorbed than the L-entantiomer and is the more active form.
Distribution:It is distributed to the liver via the portal circulation and to various tissues in the body via the systemic circulation. . Alpha-lipoic acid readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is found, after its distribution to the various body tissues, intracellularly, intramitochondrialy and extracellularly.Metabolism: Alpha-lipoic acid is metabolized to its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), by mitochondrial lipoamide dehydrogenase enzyme. DHLA, together with lipoic acid, form a redox couple. It is also metabolized to lipoamide, which functions as the lipoic acid cofactor in the multienzyme complexes that catalyze the oxidative decarboxylations of pyruvate and alpha-ketoglutarate. Alpha-lipoic acid may be metabolized to dithiol octanoic acid, which can undergo catabolism.
Onset of Action for Alpha-Lipoic acid
N/A
Duration of Action for Alpha-Lipoic acid
N/A
Half Life of Alpha-Lipoic acid
N/A
Side Effects of Alpha-Lipoic acid
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
Contra-indications of Alpha-Lipoic acid
1.Contraindicated during radiotherapy
Special Precautions while taking Alpha-Lipoic acid
Patient with diabetes and problems with glucose intolerance
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
N/A
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
N/A
Indications for Alpha-Lipoic acid
1.Diabetic neuropathy
2.It may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and may be protective, generally, against oxidative stress and, specifically, against atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury and various radiologic and chemical toxins.
3.It may also be useful in some inborn metabolic disorders
Interactions for Alpha-Lipoic acid
N/A
Typical Dosage for Alpha-Lipoic acid
Adult: up to 600 milligrams daily
Diabetic neuropathy: 300 milligrams daily taken in divided doses.
Schedule of Alpha-Lipoic acid
N/A
Storage Requirements for Alpha-Lipoic acid
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Keep out of the reach of children. Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Alpha-Lipoic acid
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose.Continue the regular schedule.Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Alpha-Lipoic acid
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Alpha-Lipoic acid in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including alpha-lipoic acid.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for alpha-lipoic acid and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for alpha-lipoic acid may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take alpha-lipoic acid only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for alpha-lipoic acid before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for alpha-lipoic acid with the pharmacy.

Alpha-Lipoic acid is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for alpha-lipoic acid might be better known than alpha-lipoic acid itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have alpha-lipoic acid in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for alpha-lipoic acid.