In many newborns on the second and third days after birth, the skin and sclera of the eyes are dyed yellow. This is not pathology, but the so-called physiological jaundice of newborns. In most cases, it disappears on the seventh-eighth day, but can persist for up to a month, and does not require treatment. After the jaundice has passed, the baby's skin acquires a pale pinkish color.
The appearance of the newborn jaundice is associated with the immaturity of the liver and its inability to completely excrete bilirubin. Bilirubin is a substance that is formed as a result of the metabolism of aging cells, and then is excreted by the liver. In newborns, in addition to its own bilirubin, there is still bilirubin from the mother in the blood, so the infant immature enzyme system and the liver do not cope with the excretion of bilirubin.
Most often, jaundice is observed in premature infants, as well as in the case of concomitant pathologies, for example, hypoxia. If the jaundice is strongly pronounced or persists for more than a month, the child is prescribed treatment in order to avoid the toxic effect of bilirubin on brain cells.
Indications and contraindications for the use of ursosana in children
One of the drugs that are used for newborns with jaundice is ursosan, a drug based on ursodeoxycholic acid. Indications for the use of ursosan are various diseases of the liver and biliary tract: cholelithiasis, hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, etc. The drug has a hepatoprotective and choleretic effect, promotes maturation and better liver function, so ursosan helps with the jaundice of newborns. Ursosan is available in capsules of 250 mg of active ingredient. This product is produced by the Czech company Pro.Med.CS Praha.
Ursosan has long been used for children, this is a time-tested tool. It promotes a better outflow of bile and significantly improves the functioning of the baby's liver. Nevertheless, there are contraindications to the use of ursosana in newborns. It is not prescribed for children with pronounced impairment of liver and kidney function, as well as in the presence of individual intolerance of any components of the drug.
Side effects
Like any drug, ursosan has side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, allergic reactions. All these are transient side effects, that is, they independently pass after the drug is discontinued.
Method of application and dosage of ursosana in newborns
If the pediatrician has not prescribed a dosage of Ursosan for a newborn, then these instructions for use should be used. It indicates the dosage corresponding to 10-15 mg per kilogram of the child's weight per day. One capsule contains 250 mg
The doctor always explains to his mother how to give an ursosan to a newborn. It must be washed with water or breast milk. Children, as a rule, tolerate this drug well.
In the overwhelming majority of cases, the jaundice in newborns does not require serious treatment. Medications for oral administration, including ursosan, are quite effective in helping a child. Only in rare cases, the newborn needs hospitalization and the use of injections or droppers. Usually this is due to the presence of accompanying diseases in the child.