Linex for children - instructions for use

In dysbiosis and other intestinal problems, children are often prescribed. probiotics. One of the most popular representatives of this group of drugs is Linex. But, before giving it to the baby, parents should find out why such a drug is used, how to give it correctly and other features of Linex use.

Linex is available in several forms:

1. In capsules.
2. In sachet with powder (specially designed for children form).

Also, such a probiotic can be found in the form of the drug Linex Forte, the main difference is a smaller number of species of bacteria. They are represented only by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, however The total number of microorganisms in Linex Forte is much higher than in ordinary Linex.

This form of the drug is represented by portions of white powder, packed in separate sachets. Each bag contains 1.5 g of odorless powder, and the package contains 10 or 20 sachets. The active component of this form of Linex are bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium animalis), which in one sachet is contained in the form of a lyophilisate 1,5x10⁸CFU Bacteria are supplemented with only one compound, maltodextrin.

Linex encapsulated form Available in packs of two, four or six aluminum blisters, each of which contains 8 pieces of capsules. Also in pharmacies there are dark glass bottles with 16 or with 32 capsules inside.

Store packaging with capsules Linex should be out of the reach of children dry place where the temperature will not exceed + 25 ° C. The shelf life of packages with Linex in blisters is 2 years. If you have opened a bottle with capsules, then after this the medicine can be stored for no longer than 4 months.

Its active components are:

1. Bifidobacterium infantis
2. Lactobacillus acidophilus
3. Enterococcus faecium

Microorganisms are supplemented with lactose and potato starch, as well as magnesium stearate. The capsule itself is made from gelatin.

This form of medicine is available in capsules packed in 7, 14 or 28 pieces in aluminum blisters or glass bottles.

The capsules of this probiotic include:

1. Bifidobacterium animalis
2. Lactobacillus acidophilus

The bacteria are supplemented with fructose, magnesium stearate, glucose, inulin, sucrose, potato starch, and cellulose. All of these components are encased in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Thanks to the effects on the intestinal flora, Linex helps to restore its balance. The bacteria contained in Linex are in an inactive state (they are dried). But as soon as they enter the intestinal lumen, the microorganisms come to life and their active reproduction begins.

As a result of their activity and due to additional substances in the composition, the intestinal reaction is shifted to the acidic side, which inhibits pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, and also provides optimal conditions for the enzyme system to work. Besides, bacteria from Linex themselves produce substances that have an antibacterial effect.

The main indication for the appointment of Linex is dysbacteriosis, while the medication is used for therapeutic purposes and for prevention. The drug is prescribed to children with dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and other symptoms of an imbalance of the intestinal flora. Also often indications for the use of Linex are infant colic.found in babies aged 2-4 months.

Do all children need probiotics, see the video of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia.

One of the most frequent indications for administration of Linex is antibiotic therapy, due to which 5-40% of babies may experience disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is recommended to give children taking antibiotics, and for prophylactic purposes., and to eliminate problems with digestion, which appeared after a course of antibiotics.

An obstacle to the appointment of Linex can only be an intolerance to any component of this drug. Most often, the drug in capsules is not prescribed in case of hypersensitivity to dairy products, since in each capsule of Linex there is 50 mg of lactose.

Some children when taking Linex observed:

• Skin rash.
• Pruritus

• Linex is given to children during meals or after meals, so that the gastric juice does not destroy the bacteria contained in the preparation.
• Using the medicine in the powder, gently open the sachet, pour the contents into a spoon and mix with liquid food (kefir, breast milk, mixture) or with a cool drink (tea, juice, water).
• Preparing such a suspension should be immediately before giving the medicine to the child, since Store diluted powder can not.
• If capsules are used, the child is offered to swallow the required number of capsules and drink them in water in a small amount.
• Children up to 3 years old and older children who still do not know how to swallow a capsule are given only its contents. To do this, the capsule is opened, the powder from it is poured into a spoon, add a little liquid there and give the baby to swallow.
• You can not drink Linex any hot drink.
• If the medicine is prescribed for antibiotic treatment, then taking Linex is recommended 3 hours after taking an antimicrobial agent.

The drug for children in powder prescribed in a single dose of one sachet at the age of 7 years and two sachets at the age of 7-12 years. The medicine is taken once a day.

Single dosage capsules Linex depends on age:

A single dose is taken at regular intervals three times a day.

A single dose of the drug is represented by one capsule, and daily admission rate depends on age:

The duration of the use of Linex is influenced by the reason for which the drug was prescribed. In addition, the timing of therapy is determined by the individual characteristics of the child. As a rule, the medicine is prescribed for a rather long period of time - from two weeks to a month or longer.

Popular doctor considers Linex to harmless drugs, but believes that the effectiveness of the effect of this drug, like other probiotics, has not been proven. Komarovsky calls dysbacteriosis a non-existent diagnosis, supporting his foreign colleagues in this opinion.

The well-known pediatrician does not consider it necessary to prescribe probiotics when treating with antibiotics, and is also confident that there are no effective remedies to help get rid of colic. And therefore he does not recommend to take Linex neither with the preventive purpose, nor with pains in the tummy, but advises to focus on the diet of the child and his proper diet.

Opinions of parents and doctors regarding Linex are very controversial. Someone claims that the drug is highly effective and well helps with diarrhea, colic and other problems with digestion. And someone claims that the drug did not help.

Many parents in the preparation of a home first aid kit in anticipation of a newborn choose Linex as a probiotic.

In most cases, according to parents, Linex is well tolerated. Allergy to the drug is rare. Disadvantages of the drug are the high price and inconvenience of using the encapsulated form for small children (the need to open the capsules).

Read more about Linex and similar products in the next video.

Any form of Linex can be given to babies from birth. Adults consider the drug in capsules, however, and it is permissible to give the children, if necessary, opening the capsule shell and mixing the powder contained in it with a liquid.

If for any reason you cannot give a child Linex (for example, when there is no effect from Linex taking or a rash appears), the drug can be replaced with another medicine with a similar effect. Instead of Linex, babies can be given:

• Bifidumbacterin - probiotic containing bifidobacteria. It is produced in the form of a powder, from which a suspension is prepared, as well as in candles.
• Hilak forte - Prebiotic, which is a substance that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. The drug is represented by drops that are given to children from birth.
• Atsipol - probiotic preparation in capsules, in which acidophilic live lactobacilli are supplemented with polysaccharides from kefir fungus.
• Lactobacterin - a medicinal product in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a suspension containing lactic acid bacteria is prepared.
• Probifor - probiotic containing bifidobacteria. The drug is released in powder, as well as in capsules.
• Bifiform - means of the group of probiotics, containing, depending on the form of release (capsules, powder, chewable tablets) enterococci, bifidus or lactobacilli.

If Linex was assigned to a baby with colic, It can be replaced:

• Plantex - preparation on the basis of fennel.
• Espumizan - medicine containing simethicone.
• Beibikalm drops - means which contains essential oils.