Unithiol (solution for injections 5%)
Solutio unithioli 5% pro injectionibus
International not patented name
Unithiol
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Detoxicating preparations. Antidotes.
Composition
1 ml of the preparation contains 50 mg of unithiol.
Pharmacologic action
Pharmacodynamics
It has a detoxicating effect. The preparation removed the sulfhydryl groups deficiency. Its action mechanism is close that of complexones. Active sulfhydryl groups enter into reactions with thiol poisons present in blood and tissues, form not toxic complex with them eliminated with urine. The poisons fixation results in the body enzyme systems changed under the poisons effect functions restoration. It is efficient as an antidote in case of intoxications by arsenic and heavy metals salts.
In persons suffering from diabetic polyneuropathies and secondary amyloidosis the preparation favors the pain syndrome reduction, the peripheral nervous system state improvement, the capillaries permeability normalization.
Pharmacokinetics
When introduced parentheral it is absorbed quickly in blood. The maximal blood plasma concentration is achieved in 15 – 30 minutes after an intramuscular injection. The period of half elimination is 1 – 2 hours. It is excreted by kidneys mostly as products of an incomplete or partial oxidation, partly in the unchanged form.
Indications for appliance
The preparation is used for managing acute and chronic intoxications by arsenic, mercury, bismuth compounds, by cardiac glicosides; in case of hepatocerebral dystrophy, diabetic polyneuropathy.
Mode of appliance and dosage regime
For managing acute and chronic intoxications by arsenic and mercury compounds utnithiol is injected intramuscular or subcutaneous (5 – 10 ml of 5% solution). The treatment should be started as early as possible. In case of intoxications by arsenic compounds injections are every 6 – 8 hours the first day, 2 – 3 injections every 8 – 12 hours the second day, 1 – 2 injections the subsequent days. Children are made intramuscular injections in the doses 1 ml of 5% solution for each 10 kg of the body mass every 6 hours the first day; then 1 – 3 injections a day.
In case of intoxications by mercury salts the preparation is injected for not less than 6 days.
In case of intoxications by cardiac glicosides it is injected intramuscular or subcutaneous in the dose 5 or 10 ml of the unithiol 5% solution during the first 2 days. Injections are made 3 – 4 times a day. Then it is injected 1 – 2 times a day until the cardiotoxic action stops.
In case of hepatocerebral degeneration 5 – 10 ml of the unithiol solution is prescribed for daily or in a day intramuscular injections, the course being 25 – 30 injections with an interval between the courses – 3 – 4 months.
In case of diabetic polyneuropathy 5 ml of 5% solution is injected for 10 days.
In case of chronic alcoholism the preparation is introduced intramuscular in dose 3 – 5 ml of 5% solution 2 – 3 times a week. For arresting the alcoholic delirium attacks 4 – 5ml of 5% solution is injected intramuscular.
Special warnings
Unithiol injections in case of acute intoxication do not exclude appliance of other curative procedures (stomach washing, oxygen inhalation, glucose injections).
Side effects
Unithiol is usually tolerated well.
Sometimes nausea, tachycardia, dizziness, hypertension, anxiety may be observed.
Contraindications
The preparation is contraindicated in case of severe liver diseases, resistant raise of arterial pressure, hypertonic disease.
Caution measures
The therapy should be continued until the intoxication manifestations disappear.
Interaction with other medicinal preparations
It is incompatible pharmaceutically with preparations containing heavy metal, alkalies (it decomposes quickly).
Dosage form
Solution for injections 5% in 5 ml vials. 10 vialsinapack.
