Thioctic Acid (Alpha-lipoic acid)

Indications and Dosage

Oral Diabetic neuropathy For patients who are refractory to or intolerant of first-line pharmacotherapies and interested in a nutritional supplement approach. Adult: 600 mg daily.

Administration

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take 30 min before meals. Swallow whole, do not chew/crush.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy, lactation. Monitor blood glucose and adjust diabetic medication accordingly. May cause insulin autoimmune syndrome in diabetics.

Adverse Reactions

Allergic reactions such as skin rash, nausea, hypoglycemia.

Mechanism of Action

Thioctic acid, or α-lipoic acid, is used for its antioxidant effects in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. It has been tried in the treatment of liver dysfunction and in subacute necrotising encephalopathy. Thioctic acid and its reduced metabolite form a redox couple and may scavenge a wide range of reactive oxygen species. Distribution: Cross the blood brain barrier.