lipotropic factor


choline

(koh-leen) choline,

Intrachol

(trade name),

L-choline

(trade name),

Lipotropic Factor

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: none assigned
Hepatic steatosisAsthmaPrevention of neural tube defects

Action

Choline is synthesized in the body by the liver and is required for liver function. It lowers lipophosphatidylcholine levels producing anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs.

Therapeutic effects

Improved liver function.Decreased asthmatic symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POUnknownUnknownUnknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Allergy/hypersensitivity.Use Cautiously in: Doses >3.5 grams/day can ↑ risk of adverse effects.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting

Miscellaneous

  • sweating
  • fishy body odor

Interactions

None known.None known.Oral (Adults) Asthma—500–1000 mg 3 times daily; Adequate intake—Men and lactating females: 550 mg daily; Women: 425 mg daily; Pregnant women: 450 mg daily; Children 9–13 years: 375 mg daily; Children 4–8 years: 250 mg daily; Children 1–3 years: 200 mg daily; Infants 7–12 mo: 150 mg daily; Infants <6 mo: 125 mg daily. Maximum: 3.5 g daily for adults and 3 g for <18 years.

Availability

Capsules: OTCTablets: OTC

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

  • Monitor vital signs periodically during therapy.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

 (Indications)
Ineffective airway clearance (Indications)

Implementation

  • Oral: Take daily, as directed.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Pure choline is rarely used because of its undesirable side effects of fishy odor. Lecithin or purified phosphatidylcholine is more commonly used.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

  • Decrease in symptoms of hepatic steatosis.
  • Decreased asthmatic symptoms.

cho·line

(kō'lēn), agent found in most animal tissues either free or in combination as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), acetate (acetylcholine), or cytidine diphosphate (cytidine diphosphocholine). It is included in the vitamin B complex. Several salts of choline are used in medicine. Synonym(s): lipotropic factor, transmethylation factor

choline

A chemical present in most tissues, either free or combined with acetate (acetylcholine, which is critical for synaptic transmission), cytidine diphosphate or lecithin (phosphatidylcholine); it is included in the vitamin B complex.
Alternative medicine
Some providers of alternative healthcare have recommended choline to manage body odour, convulsions and tardive dyskinesia.

lipotropic factor

Any of the compounds that promote the transportation and use of fats and help to prevent accumulation of fat in the liver. See also: factor