Cavinton (vinpocetine) is a drug that corrects circulatory disorders in the brain. This product is formed on the basis of vincamine alkaloids contained in the plant of the genus Periwinkle (a perennial herb of the Kutrov family). Cavinton first began to be produced in the period 1975-1978. Hungarian pharmaceutical organizations. In many countries, the drug is approved only as a food additive. It has an antiaggregation, vasodilating effect, improves and normalizes cerebral circulation. In the Russian Federation, the product is included in the list of essential life-saving drugs.
pharmachologic effect
Antihypoxic, antiaggregation, neuroprotective, vasodilator, improves cerebral circulation.
Pharmacokinetics
Suction
After oral administration, it is quickly absorbed. Cmax in blood plasma is achieved 1 hour after administration. Absorption occurs mainly in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. When passing through the intestinal wall it is not metabolized. Cmax in tissues is observed 2-4 hours after oral administration. Bioavailability is 7%.
Distribution
With repeated oral doses of 5 mg and 10 mg, the kinetics are linear.
Binds to plasma proteins by 66%. Penetrates through the placental barrier.
Metabolism and excretion
Clearance of 66.7 l/h exceeds the plasma volume of the liver (50 l/h), indicating extrahepatic metabolism.
T1/2 is 4.83±1.29h. Excreted in urine and feces in a ratio of 3:2.
Pharmacodynamics
Improves brain metabolism by increasing the consumption of glucose and oxygen by brain tissue. Increases the resistance of neurons to hypoxia, enhancing the transport of glucose to the brain through the BBB; transfers the process of glucose breakdown to the more energy-efficient aerobic pathway; selectively blocks Ca2+-dependent phosphodiesterase; increases levels of AMP and cGMP in the brain. Increases the concentration of ATP and the ATP/AMP ratio in brain tissue; enhances the exchange of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain; stimulates the ascending branch of the noradrenergic system and has an antioxidant effect.
Reduces platelet aggregation and increased blood viscosity; increases the deforming ability of red blood cells and blocks the utilization of adenosine by red blood cells; helps increase oxygen delivery by red blood cells. Strengthens the neuroprotective effect of adenosine.
Increases cerebral blood flow; reduces the resistance of cerebral vessels without significant changes in systemic circulation parameters (BP, minute volume, heart rate, peripheral vascular resistance). Not only does it not have a “stealing” effect, but it also increases blood supply, primarily in ischemic areas of the brain with low perfusion.
Pharmacokinetics
When taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed. Has a bioavailability of 60-70% . Maximum fills the blood plasma approximately an hour after use. The elimination period is 5 hours. Kaviton is excreted in the urine in the form of metabolic products. Saturation in plasma is about 15-20 ng/ml. Has the property of passing through the placenta. Biotransforms in the liver to the state of hydroxyapovinamic acid.
Mechanism of action:
- Selectively improves the blood supply to the brain.
- Improves microcirculation and hemorheological norms.
- Enhances the processing of glucose by brain tissue and supplies it with oxygen.
Side effects:
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Sometimes - extrasystole, increased heart rate.
Interaction with other drugs - while using heparin, the possible risk of bleeding increases.
Directions for use and dosage:
- Solution for injection - intravenously.
- Tablets - orally after meals.
The duration of treatment and dissolution is strictly as prescribed by the attending physician.
Indications for use of Cavinton forte
Neurology: to reduce the severity of neurological and mental symptoms in various forms of cerebral circulatory failure (including conditions after an ischemic stroke, the recovery stage of hemorrhagic stroke, the consequences of a stroke, transient ischemic attack, vascular dementia, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cerebral atherosclerosis , post-traumatic and hypertensive encephalopathy).
Ophthalmology: chronic vascular diseases of the choroid and retina.
Otorhinolaryngology: for the treatment of perceptual hearing loss, Meniere's disease, idiopathic tinnitus.
To avoid complications, use strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
Mexidol
Analogs of the drug Cavinton Comforte include another medicine in their list - Mexidol. Like other analogues of Cavinton, the drug is available in tablet form and is best able to fight diseases in various forms of circulatory failure.
Hello! Today I want to talk about the second drug that saved me from severe pain in my eyes and head. The first is vinpocetine, here is a review about it.
I first became acquainted with Mexidol a little over a year ago, when I was treating my eyes. Then I was injected with sooooo much dexamethasone (this is a hormonal drug) - both in the veins and in the eye. Of course, hormones added depression to an already depressive period of life.
To be honest, at that time I was thinking about very bad things, my mood was terrible, the future seemed full of suffering, illness and torment... Every day of treatment was torture for me, I hated this eye disease.
Then I followed all the instructions of all the doctors at the same time, so taking the pills was not at all difficult for me... I bought them on the same day and started taking them.
Quite unexpectedly for myself, after 2-3 days, I noticed that I had energy and a desire to live... After lunch, I returned home from the hospital and managed (and wanted!) to do a lot of good things at home - cleaning, pies...
I did my manicure with one eye blindfolded! I had breakdowns in the form of hysterics and crying - but only in the most difficult moments, after particularly painful procedures. In general, thanks to Mexidol, I “stayed afloat”, so to speak...
Apart from this, I didn’t take any such medications at that time, so I can say 100% that it was he who helped me survive hormonal treatment and depression in general.
Neurologists discovered that I have a spasm of the blood vessels in my head and eyes - hence the pain. In addition, a spasm of the extraocular muscles (this is already a diagnosis from an ophthalmologist).
The ophthalmologist prescribed these moisturizing drops, and the neurologist prescribed vinpocetine (at that time I still drank it in the Cavinton format, now I use pure vinpocetine) and Mexidol B vitamins (I think they were Milgamma Compositum in injections).
What to say. Firstly, Mexidol helped cope with unwanted side effects from Cavinton (weakness, headaches). I was able to record this because I initially started drinking Cavinton alone. And I added Mexidol only after 2 weeks.
The next day of taking Mexidol, the side effects from Cavinton completely disappeared. In addition, my mood was elevated again and my productivity increased slightly.
And most importantly, I don’t know exactly what Mexidol’s contribution is, but paired with vinpocetine, it helped me reduce pain in my eyes, and headaches became my rare companion (although I’ve suffered from them since adolescence).
After stopping the drug, I didn’t feel worse - my head didn’t start to hurt like before, my health didn’t deteriorate sharply. The energy level simply returned to its original level. The super mood becomes simply normal even in the middle of taking Mexidol. After cancellation it doesn't get any worse.
That is, I personally did not experience anything bad in connection with the cancellation. I am currently taking a course of Mexidol for the third time. I plan to continue to do this - drink it once every six months for 1-2 months.
Use during pregnancy and children
Cavinton® Forte is contraindicated for use during pregnancy, because Vinpocetine penetrates the placental barrier. Moreover, its concentration in the placenta and in the blood of the fetus is lower than in the blood of a pregnant woman. When taken in high doses, placental bleeding and spontaneous abortion may develop, probably as a result of increased placental blood supply.
Within 1 hour, 0.25% of the administered dose of the drug is excreted in breast milk. If it is necessary to use the drug during lactation, breastfeeding should be stopped.
Patient reviews
Lyudmila, 27 years old, Voronezh
At work you have to sit for 8-10 hours a day. This has an adverse effect on health. I consulted a doctor when dizziness and constant migraines appeared. The doctor diagnosed a violation of blood flow to the brain tissue. Prescribed by Cavinton Forte. I saw a positive result only after a month. There were no side effects.
Inna, 36 years old, Volgograd
Mom suffers from diseases of the nervous system. To maintain a normal condition, we place IVs with Cavinton every six months. The solution penetrates faster into the affected areas. The occurrence of migraines and dizziness has decreased. But I think it’s a bit expensive, since each course lasts at least a month.
Side effects
Side effects associated with the use of the drug were rarely detected.
From the cardiovascular system: ECG changes (ST depression, prolongation of the QT interval); tachycardia, extrasystole (however, the presence of a causal relationship has not been proven, since in the natural population these symptoms are observed with the same frequency); lability of blood pressure, feeling of hot flashes.
From the central nervous system: sleep disturbances (insomnia, increased drowsiness), dizziness, headache, general weakness (these symptoms may be manifestations of the underlying disease).
From the digestive system: dry mouth, nausea, heartburn.
Other: allergic skin reactions, increased sweating.
Which is better: Cavinton or Vinpocetine? What is the difference?
The first analogue of Cavinton presented is Vinpocetine. The instructions say that the medicine has vasodilating, antihypoxic and antiaggregation properties. Vinpocetine is available in the form of powder and concentrate for intravenous administration.
Cavinton or Vinpocetine is used to eliminate problems with cerebral circulation, which are the main cause of stroke. Vinpocetine and Cavinton are effective medications for the prevention of vascular accident.
Cavinton or Vinpocetine is used to eliminate problems with cerebral circulation, which are the main cause of stroke.
Vinpocetine has the same pharmaceutical properties as Cavinton. According to the main characteristics, these are the same drugs.
Vinpocetine has the same pharmaceutical properties as Cavinton.
These drugs can be interchanged, because there are no differences between them. The only requirement for patients is to prohibit the simultaneous use of Cavinton and Vinpocetine to avoid overdose.
When taking Cavinton Forte, take this fact into account and reduce the number of tablets accordingly.
Because These medications contain the same substance, they have the same degree of effect on the body. Some experts recommend Cavinton - it contains purified and high-quality components. The effectiveness of each drug is the same. According to some patients, Cavinton is better tolerated.
Anna, 42 years old, Stavropol: “Over the last few months I began to feel pain in the head and difficulty concentrating. The doctor said that these were signs of beginning cerebral circulatory disorders and advised preventive use of Cavinton, 1 tablet 3 times a day. At first I did not notice the effect of this product.
Irina, 63 years old, St. Petersburg: “Cavinton helps to constantly keep yourself in good shape. The medicine effectively fights fatigue, headaches, and irritability. I take it constantly as a preventive measure, 1 tablet 2 times a day. Thanks to the use of Cavinton, blood pressure is kept within normal limits, and there are practically no headaches. “I take medications to prevent the formation of blood clots, and I have limited the amount of salt in my diet.”
Drug interactions
No interaction is observed when used simultaneously with beta-blockers (chloranolol, pindolol), clopamide, glibenclamide, digoxin, acenocoumarol and hydrochlorothiazide, imipramine.
The simultaneous use of Cavinton® Forte and methyldopa sometimes caused a slight increase in the hypotensive effect, therefore, when using this combination, regular blood pressure monitoring is required.
Despite the lack of data confirming the possibility of interaction, it is recommended to exercise caution when prescribing Cavinton Forte simultaneously with centrally acting drugs, antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants.
Doctors' opinion
Shkolnikov A.I., neurologist, Ryazan
Cavinton Forte was prescribed in such cases - headaches of vascular origin in cerebral atherosclerosis, as well as tinnitus. The drug can cause sudden changes in blood pressure. It makes sense to expect an effect only from 10 mg of the drug, but not at a dosage of 5 mg.
Mikhaleev M. A., psychotherapist, Samara
I use Cavinton Forte in small doses up to 5 mg per day when stopping antidepressant therapy. It is well recommended as part of complex treatment for asthenic and psycho-vegetative disorders, as well as night urination in children.
A good product that gives the expected results.
Kudryashov V.S., neurologist, Novosibirsk
Cavinton is an old, proven drug. Improves cerebral circulation, blood rheology, nutrition of brain structures. In practice, I use the tablet form of the drug. The minimum course is 1 month.
Effective for chronic cerebral vascular insufficiency and vegetative-vascular dysfunction. Use with caution when prescribing to patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
Lee D. G., neurologist, Yekaterinburg
Cavinton improves cerebral circulation and metabolic processes in brain tissue. It has proven itself in the treatment of the consequences of stroke, chronic cerebrovascular accident, encephalopathy of various origins, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.
The disadvantage is a change in heart rhythm, which can provoke the appearance of tachycardia, extrasystole, and a decrease in blood pressure. As a result, it is necessary to take into account these criteria when prescribing it, especially in elderly patients.
The injection form contains sorbitol, which must be taken into account when prescribing to patients with diabetes.
Chepurnoy M. G., pediatric surgeon, Astrakhan
Cavinton improves blood circulation in the brain, prevents the formation of blood clots and thins the blood. I prescribe this drug to improve cerebral circulation in patients with ischemia, strokes, encephalopathies, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. The product works well in eliminating the vegetative manifestations of menopause in women.
Cavinton forte dosage
The duration of treatment and dose are determined by the doctor.
Inside, after eating.
Typically the daily dose is 15-30 mg (5-10 mg 3 times a day). The initial daily dose is 15 mg. The maximum daily dose is 30 mg.
The therapeutic effect develops approximately a week from the start of taking the drug. It takes 3 months to achieve the full therapeutic effect.
For diseases of the kidneys and liver, no adjustment of the dosage regimen is required; the absence of accumulation allows for long courses of treatment.
Differences between drugs
Thus, we can highlight the main differences between these drugs:
- Different release forms (Cavinton - tablets and injections, Cavinton Forte - tablets only)
- Cavinton forte can interact (be used) with a large number of drugs.
- Both drugs differ in possible dosage (Cavinton - 5 mg of vinpocetine, Forte contains a double dose - 10 mg.)
- Cavinton forte contains an increased dose of the active substance.
Medicine and healthComment
What's better?
Medicines belong to the same pharmacogroup and are characterized by the presence of the same active ingredient. The choice of drug depends on the dose and form of the medication prescribed by the doctor. Experts recommend purchasing Cavinton Forte for drug therapy with tablets.
If the patient has problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to use the drug in the form of a solution for intravenous injection.
The attending physician can determine which drug is optimal for therapy, taking into account the physiological characteristics of the patient’s body.
