Vinpocetine: instructions for use, indications and contraindications for taking the drug

For a drug such as Vinpocetine, the instructions for use say that this is a drug that provides positive effect on metabolic processes in the brain, improves blood rheology and normalizes circulation. The neuroprotective effect of the drug on the body is expressed in a decrease in the pathological effect of cytotoxic reactions of stimulating amino acids, as well as in the potentiation of adenosine.

It also inhibits NMDA, AMPA receptors, and voltage-gated sodium and calcium ion channels. As a result of the stimulation of cerebral metabolism by Vinpocetine, an increase in the uptake and consumption of oxygen and glucose by the tissues of the brain occurs.

This makes the brain more resistant to hypoxia, increases the level of glucose transport required for energy production, glucose metabolism shifts towards the aerobic pathway, which is more favorable, increases the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphates and guanosine monophosphates; selectively inhibits the enzymatic activity of GMF-PDE.

According to the instructions for use, Vinpocetine stimulates the exchange of serotonin and norepinephrine, increases concentration of ATP, has antioxidant activity, that is, it has a pronounced cerebroprotective pharmacological effect.

Vinpocetine solution and tablets normalize microcirculatory processes in the brain, reducing blood viscosity, inhibiting platelet aggregation and adenosine uptake, increasing deformability erythrocytes. Oxygen transport in tissues is improved due to the weakening of the mutual bond between oxygen and red blood cells.

The instructions for use embedded in the drug Vinpocetine provide information that the drug acts on the bloodstream the brain selectively, increasing cerebral cardiac output, reducing the resistance of the cerebral vessels. At the same time, the parameters of systemic circulation (total vascular peripheral resistance, pulse rate, blood pressure, cardiac output) remain unchanged, there is no stealing effect. Moreover, there is an increase in the blood supply to the damaged (but not necrotic) areas of ischemia.

Vinpocetine, according to the instructions for use, is rather quickly absorbed, after taking the drug in the form of tablets, its maximum concentration in the blood plasma is recorded within an hour. The main part of the drug is absorbed in the proximal part of the digestive tract, and the drug passes through the intestinal wall almost unchanged. The maximum tissue concentration in cells with oral administration of Vinpocetine is achieved through 2-4 h after consumption.

Since the clearance of the compound in the blood is 16.7 l / h higher than in the liver, its extrahepatic metabolism can be recorded. The drug is excreted by the kidneys and intestines, in a ratio of 60 and 40%, and the half-life depends on the dosage and form of release. In the human body, Vinpocetine, according to the instructions for use, is partially converted to apovincamic acid (25-30%), moreover, AVK after the introduction of ampoules of the drug is 2 times more than with oral administration.

Its other metabolites are hydroxyvinpocetin, hydroxy- and dihydroxyglycinate-AVK, as well as their conjugates. Moreover, all of the listed substances studied make up a few percent. Taking into account the peculiarities of the metabolism of the drug and the absence of its deposition (cumulation) in the body, there is no need to select an individual dose in patients with impaired liver and kidney function. Children are not prescribed medicine.

Since the drug in the overwhelming majority of cases is used for long-term use by elderly patients, clinical studies that made it possible to establish that the rate of absorption, distribution in the body, metabolism and excretion of the drug does not depend on age and duration application. Vinpocetine reflects this fact, as well as the absence of cumulation. This makes it possible to take the medicine for a long time not only to elderly people, but also to patients with hepatic and renal pathologies.

Depending on the type of disease, the doctor will help you choose the appropriate dosage and route of administration. If necessary, this can be done intravenously, in the form of an injection or a dropper. Usually, treatment begins with injections, gradually switching to pills. If the price matters, then in the pharmacy you can choose a more expensive or cheaper analogue. According to reviews, the drug is well tolerated.

Vinpocetine tablets: who is indicated and what contraindications Vinpocetine medication has

The medicine Vinpocetine (Kivinton) is released in the form of tablets and an injection solution.

The drug is widely used in neurology, otolaryngology and ophthalmology.

An ampoule concentrate (5 mg / ml) and Vinpocetine tablets (5 and 10 mg each) are prescribed.

To eliminate the consequences:

• stroke (circulatory disorders of the brain);
• vertebrobasilar syndrome (VBI);
• vascular dementia, dizziness, tinnitus;
• encephalopathy caused by trauma or hypertension;
• cerebral atherosclerosis and other cerebrovascular pathologies.

Vinpocetine injections and tablets significantly reduce the severity of symptoms, mental and neurological in nature, found in cerebrovascular pathologies of various etiologies.

Ophthalmologists use the drug Vinpocetine to treat pathological processes in the choroid (choroid) and retina, occurring in a chronic form. Otolaryngologists often use Vinpocetine tablets to eliminate tinnitus, reduce the increased amount fluids in the inner ear (Miniere's syndrome), and in the complex therapy of presbycusis (senile hearing loss) perceptual type.

There are categories of patients who are contraindicated to use the drug Vinpocetine in any form:

1. Persons with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, both to the active substance and to any auxiliary component (including lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and others).
2. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Children, since no studies have been conducted on the safety of the drug Vinpocetine in pediatric practice.

With an acute nature of brain damage, therapy begins with intravenous administration of the drug, followed by a switch to Vinpocetine tablets. Since the drug has an unexpressed vasodilating effect, dilates blood vessels and reduces pressure, it is advisable to take a lower dosage in case of hypotension. Before you start taking the drug, it is advisable to study the annotation at the pharmacy.

Vinpocetine: abstract, types and forms of release

For the drug Vinpocetine, the annotation confirms that there are similar drugs from different manufacturers with one active substance synthesized from the alkaloid of the periwinkle plant.

Under various trade names and release forms on the pharmaceutical market, there are tablets of 5 and 10 mg, as well as ampoules of 2 ml, with a concentration of 5 mg in 1 ml.

In pharmacies, you can purchase a drug with one international and different trade names:

• Bravinton;
• Cavinton and Cavinton Forte;
• Vinpocetine-Acri;
• Vinpocetine-AKOS;
• Vinpocetine ATS;
• Vinpocetine-Farmak and others.

For all the listed types of the drug Vinpocetine, the annotation will be almost the same. It is not recommended to exceed the daily dose. 15-30 mg, which is usually selected individually and divided into 3 steps. Patients with high intracranial pressure, with a prolonged QT interval, taking antiarrhythmics need medical supervision while taking this medication, with regular monitoring electrocardiogram. Since the drug is lactose-containing, it is not suitable for persons with malabsorption disorders and galactose intolerance.

For the drug Vinpocetine, the annotation indicates that the drug is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.. It was found that a synthetic alkaloid penetrates the placenta barrier. Although its content in the blood of the fetus is lower than in the maternal blood and no teratogenic effect was found, the drug is prohibited for use in pregnant women due to the likelihood of placental bleeding and possible premature termination pregnancy. These phenomena are provoked by the drug-induced increase in the supply of blood to the placenta.

Since the drug passes into breast milk (its concentration in milk is 10 times higher than in the blood), and there are no data on the safety of the product for children; women who breastfeed babies are not prescribed it.

Also, the annotation attached to the Vinpocetine drug does not contain information on clinical studies of this drug in pediatrics and the prohibition on prescribing the drug to children. Due to the fact that drowsiness and dizziness may develop when using the drug, persons operating dangerous machinery or vehicles should take Vinpocetine with caution.

For Vinpocetine, the annotation contains a detailed description of the possible side effects caused by the drug. It should be noted that the vast majority of undesirable effects of the drug on the body were less common than in 1% of patients, that is, extremely rare.

These include:

1. Changes in the blood count, as well as the lymphatic system, in the form of a decrease in the content of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, and it is also possible for erythrocytes to stick together (agglutination).
2. Allergic reactions may occur to one of the components of the product, both main and auxiliary.
3. Sometimes in patients on the background of pharmacotherapy with Vinpocetine, appetite decreases, up to its complete absence, cholesterol levels may increase and even diabetes mellitus may develop (in rare cases).
4. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, unexplained anxiety, increased anxiety, or depression, are possible. Sometimes patients complain of headache and dizziness (vertigo), dysfunction of taste buds, unilateral decrease in muscle tone (hemiparesis), drowsiness, decreased memory, tremors, seizures, and even stupor.
5. Redness of the conjunctiva and swelling of part of the optic nerve are possible.
6. Due to hyperacusis, the patient may be irritated by sounds or, on the contrary, hypoacusia may develop, in rare cases, tinnitus appears.
7. Sometimes a violation of vascular tone develops, which is expressed by arterial hypo- or hypertension, hot flashes and thrombophlebitis.
8. According to some annotations of Vinpocetine, the use of the drug can lead to a slowdown or increased heart rate, extrasystole, coronary artery disease, palpitations.
9. The tablets can cause a sensation of discomfort from the digestive system, dyspeptic disorders, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, and pain in the peritoneal region.
10. Allergies may develop, in the form of itching and skin rashes, reddening of the epidermis, hyperhidrosis, urticaria and dermatitis.
11. A patient taking the medicine sometimes has a low body temperature, weakness and asthenia, discomfort in the chest area.
12. In some cases, the patient's weight increases.

Vinpocetine drug - application rules

When using the drug Vinpocetine per day in an amount of 60 mg, there are no signs of an overdose. During the research, it was found that even 360 mg of the drug, while simultaneously entering the body, does not cause cardiovascular and other serious adverse reactions.

If the drug Vinpocetine is taken in parallel with β-blockers (propranolol, sotalol), cardiac glycosides (digoxin), metformin, clopamide, indirect anticoagulants (acenocoumarol) or saluretics (hydrochlorothiazide), then there is no interactions.

With the simultaneous use of the drug Vinpocetine with α-adrenergic agonists (methyldopa), in some cases, there is enhanced hypotensive effect, in order to prevent an undesirable reaction of the body, you should regularly monitor HELL.

Particular care must be taken when prescribing Vinpocetine against the background of other drugs, affecting the metabolism of the central nervous system, possessing antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant action.

The original drug Vinpocetine (brand) is produced under the trade name Cavinton, in addition to it, in pharmacies you can find such generic medicines as Neurovin, Vinzebol, Bravinton, Korsavin and others. Most manufacturers produce the drug under an international name. The pharmaceutical industry also produces analogs that belong to the same group as Vinpocetine, but have a different chemical formula. Despite this, other nootropic drugs have a similar effect on the cells and tissues of the brain.

These drugs include:

• Pyrinitol (Encephabol) is used to eliminate metabolic disturbances in brain tissue by increasing glucose uptake and stimulating the release of acetylcholine.
• Piracetam (Lucetam, Nootropil) enhances metabolic processes and improves brain function.
• Citicoline (Neuroxon, Ceraxon) stabilizes the membranes of neurons, improves brain activity.
• Pramiracetam (Pramistar) increases brain performance and improves memory.
• Mebikar (Adaptol) and Phenibut (Bifren, Noofen) improve mental performance.

Prices for Vinpocetine preparations depend on the form of release, dosage, the number of tablets (ampoules) in the package and the manufacturer.

According to doctors, the drug dilates well the blood vessels of the brain, adapts the body to hypoxia, has a pronounced antiplatelet effect. In terms of effectiveness, most domestic generics are almost 2 times inferior to Cavinton. Therefore, if patients have the financial ability, specialists prefer to use the brand. The most common side effects from the gastrointestinal tract (nausea, heartburn and stomach pain), the rest of the drug is well tolerated by patients.

According to patient reviews, Vinpocetine eliminates tinnitus, reduces dizziness. This effect is observed with regular long-term use of the drug, and the result usually appears within a month and a half after the start of therapy. Most people with chronic diseases of the central nervous system take the remedy twice a year (in spring and autumn). There is also a decrease in the severity of headaches, elimination of nervousness and irritability, improvement of memory and mood, as well as normalization of sleep.