Indications
Liposomes are not a medicine on their own. They are tiny hollow spheres made from phospholipids (the same kind of fat molecules found in cell walls), used as a carrier to deliver other ingredients. In dietary supplements, such as some anti allergy or immune support products, nutrients and plant extracts are packed into liposomes to help them survive digestion and be absorbed. In prescription medicines, liposomal forms of drugs such as Amphotericin B or Doxorubicin are used to change where the drug goes in the body and to reduce side effects; their uses are those of the drug they carry.
How It Works
A liposome has one or more fatty double layers around a watery core. Water loving ingredients sit in the core and fat loving ingredients sit in the layers. This shell protects the contents from stomach acid and enzymes, can improve uptake through the gut wall, and in injections can keep the drug in the blood longer or direct more of it to certain tissues.
Dosage and Administration
Liposomes have no dose of their own. Follow the directions on the label of the supplement, or the prescription for a liposomal medicine. Liposomal injections are given only by a doctor or nurse, and must not be swapped with non liposomal versions of the same drug, because the doses are different.
Interactions
The phospholipids used are generally inert. Any interactions depend on the active ingredients carried, so check the information for those ingredients and tell your doctor about all supplements you use.
Contraindications
- Allergy to the phospholipid source, such as soy or egg lecithin, or to any other ingredient of the product.
- Any contraindications of the active ingredient that the liposome carries.
Side Effects
The liposome carrier itself is usually well tolerated. Oral products may occasionally cause mild stomach upset. Liposomal injections can cause infusion reactions such as flushing, chest tightness, back pain or breathlessness, usually during the first minutes of the drip. Other side effects are those of the carried ingredient.
Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash, or chest pain during or after use.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Phospholipids are natural food components. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding depends on the active ingredients; ask your doctor before using a liposomal supplement or medicine.
Precautions and Warnings
A liposomal form does not make an ingredient automatically safer or more effective; benefits differ between products. People with soy or egg allergy should check the source of the lecithin. Supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment of allergies or other illnesses.
Overdose
Overdose of the carrier is not expected. Effects of taking too much depend on the ingredients carried; seek medical advice if a large amount is taken.
Therapeutic Class
Drug and nutrient delivery system (phospholipid carrier, excipient)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children, or as directed on the pack. Some liposomal products need refrigeration at 2 to 8°C; do not freeze.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.