Alpha Lipoic Acid
About
Alpha Lipoic Acid belongs to the class of 'antioxidants', primarily used to treat diabetic polyneuropathy. Diabetic polyneuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.
Alpha Lipoic Acid contains the active ingredient of alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a free-radical scavenger that catches damaging oxygen radicals both in aqueous and lipid-soluble cell environments, thereby counteracting the sensory disorders of diabetic polyneuropathy.
Take Alpha Lipoic Acid as recommended it. Sometimes, you may experience certain common side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, headache and upset stomach. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Alpha Lipoic Acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless recommended by the doctor. Alpha Lipoic Acid may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if alert. Alpha Lipoic Acid should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Alpha Lipoic Acid as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Alpha Lipoic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Alpha Lipoic Acid contains the active ingredient of alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a free-radical scavenger that catches damaging oxygen radicals both in aqueous and lipid-soluble cell environments, and thereby, it protects the nerve cell from damaging degradation products and free radicals. And thus improving nerve conductivity and thereby counteracting the sensory disorders of diabetic neuropathy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Upset stomach
- Rash
- Change in eyesight
- Dizziness
- Headache
- sleepiness
- Feeling sleepy
- Feeling weak
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Alpha Lipoic Acid if you're allergic to any ingredient in it. Do not take Alpha Lipoic Acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless recommended by the doctor. Alpha Lipoic Acid may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if alert. Alpha Lipoic Acid should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Alpha Lipoic Acid to avoid unpleasant side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Alpha Lipoic Acid may have interaction with antidepressant medications (amitriptyline, duloxetine, mirtazapine, fluoxetine, sertraline), anticonvulsants (gabapentin), anti-anxiety medications (diazepam, alprazolam), anti-diabetic medications (metformin), antibiotic medications (chloramphenicol), and pain killers (codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol with Alpha Lipoic Acid to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Alpha Lipoic Acid may interact with disease conditions such as suicidal tendency, angioedema, creatine kinase elevations, peripheral oedema, malabsorption and anaemia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Alpha Lipoic Acid to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Pregnancy
cautionAvoid taking Alpha Lipoic Acid if you are pregnant unless recommended by a doctor. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will recommend it only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Alpha Lipoic Acid, and your doctor will decide whether Alpha Lipoic Acid can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionDrive only if you are physically stable and mentally focused. If you experience drowsiness after taking this medication, you should not drive or operate any machinery or vehicles.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionAlpha Lipoic Acid should not be given to children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include food rich in vitamins B and D in your diet.
- Include cayenne pepper in your diet to help lower neuropathic pain.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health and combating pain.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Try taking a warm bath, as it can be soothing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation.
Special Advise
- It is advised to rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down to decrease dizziness.
- Your doctor may recommend regular vision checks.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetic neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.
FAQs
Alpha Lipoic Acid contains the active ingredient of alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a free-radical scavenger that catches damaging oxygen radicals both in aqueous and lipid-soluble cell environments, thereby counteracting the sensory disorders of diabetic polyneuropathy.
Over time, the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can damage the nerves. This type of nerve damage is known as diabetic polyneuropathy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is used to treat diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which nerve damage occurs due to high blood glucose levels. It mostly causes pain in the legs and feet.
Do not discontinue Alpha Lipoic Acid without consulting your doctor, as it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Alpha Lipoic Acid for as long as recommended. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Alpha Lipoic Acid; your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
Consult your doctor before taking Alpha Lipoic Acid if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend Alpha Lipoic Acid only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Alpha Lipoic Acid should not be given to children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
