Nootropic medications are used to treat and prevent blood flow disorders in the brain in patients of all ages. Nootropics are also prescribed to maintain the psycho-emotional state of women during pregnancy and lactation. Cortexin and Cerebrolysin are often prescribed in these cases, so it is worth figuring out what is best to take in each case for the treatment of brain pathologies and other neurological disorders.
Cerebrolysin has the properties of neurotrophic activity - replacing the functionality of dead neuron molecules.
Review of Cerebrolysin and Cortexin
Both drugs are nootropics with a neuroprotective effect, but they also have the following features:
- Cerebrolysin is a nootropic drug that is obtained from the brains of young animals, calves and pigs. Cerebrolysin is available as an injection solution. The active ingredient is Cerebrolysin protein concentrate.
The drug has a high level of protection of neurons from the effects of free radicals, and it also protects the brain from the death of neurons during the development of hypoxia.Neuronal protective properties are very important for the treatment of stroke caused by cerebral ischemia. In addition to its nootropic properties, the drug enhances the synthesis of transport molecules that are responsible for the delivery of glucose to tissues and increases the energy potential of cells.
- Cortexin is a polypeptide-based bioregulator that is obtained from the brain of young calves and pigs. The animal must be no older than 1 year. The drug is made in Russia. Cortexin has shown high effectiveness in patients with chronic cerebrovascular diseases.
In the complex therapeutic treatment of patients with dyscirculatory encephalopathy, the use of the drug Cortexin 100% improves the quality of life of patients with a positive result of therapy. The drug restores impaired cognitive-mnestic functions. The positive therapeutic effect persists for a long time after stopping the medication course with Cortexin.
Cortexin or Cerebrolysin: which is better to inject a child
Both drugs belong to a broad group of nootropic drugs.
These medications stimulate metabolism in the tissues of the nervous system, providing nutrition and development of neurons (brain cells). This promotes the formation of new replacement neural connections, bypassing damaged cells. Both are neuropeptides - protein molecules that are formed in the nervous system and have high biological activity. You can read more about the composition and mechanism of action of Cerebrolysin and Cortexin on our website in separate articles devoted to these drugs.
To answer the question of what is more effective than Cortexin or Cerebrolysin, you need to pay attention to the fact that many scientific sources say that Cerebrolysin is the only nootropic drug for which neurotrophic activity has been proven. It supports the viability of brain cells, activates their growth and development.
In turn, Cortexin is the only nootropic drug that stimulates mental functions and has a positive effect on the pathological electrical activity of the brain. This is proven by many psychological tests and EEG (electroencephalography) results. Thus, Cortexin is indicated for epilepsy, because has a moderate anticonvulsant effect.
What is the difference between Cerebrolysin and Cortexin?
There are no significant differences regarding the main active ingredient of these drugs. Both drugs are made from the brain structures of livestock and have a high degree of biological safety and sterility.
The country of manufacture of Cortexin is Russia, the manufacturer is the Geropharm group of companies. Cerebrolysin is produced by the Austrian company Ever Neuro Pharma with direct production in Germany. Both companies are reputable representatives of the pharmaceutical industry with a good reputation.
Cortexin contains Glycine, which is also a nootropic agent, as part of its additional substances. It belongs to the group of neuroamino acids. It has an “inhibiting” effect on neurons and improves signal transmission between brain cells. Helps improve mental performance and has a mild calming effect on the nervous system.
It is important that Cerebrolysin has a fairly extensive list of side effects, from simple redness at the injection site to a seizure. Although they are rare, it is imperative to take this feature into account, especially when prescribing to infants.
When using Cerebrolysin, some mothers complain of changes in the child's behavior. They say that children become disobedient and aggressive. This could presumably be due to the activating effect of the drug on the nervous system.
The instructions for use of Cortexin indicate that the only side effects noted are individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
What is more effective: Cortexin or Cerebrolysin?
As the experience of using both drugs shows, no significant clinical effects of these drugs have been noted. The effect of the medicine in each specific case is difficult to predict. It all depends on the extent and nature of the brain damage and previous therapy.
Based on the properties of the drugs, we can say that, for example, in a child with hypoxic brain damage, Cerebrolysin will have a greater effect.
And in a child with convulsive readiness or epilepsy, it would be more advisable to use Cortexin.
Therefore, the difference when taking one drug or another will be leveled depending on the effect on the nervous system that the doctor wants to achieve by prescribing these drugs.
Features of the use of drugs
Both drugs are available only in forms for parenteral administration. In this case, Cerebrolysin can be administered not only intramuscularly, but also intravenously.
Cortexin is available in vials with lyophilisate; before administration, it must be diluted in a solvent. Cerebrolysin is a ready-made solution and requires additional dilution only for intravenous use. The use of a ready-made solution is more convenient and safer in terms of the development of complications associated with the administration technique and microbial contamination of solutions.
Considering the positive effects of the drugs, the question arises: is it possible to use Cerebrolysin and Cortexin simultaneously? Theoretically, the drugs are compatible for use at the same time, but not in the same syringe.
But the use of drugs from the same group with a similar mechanism of action, especially in the form of injections, is inappropriate. And in some cases, the prescription of several drugs leads to polypharmacy, which is unacceptable in pediatric practice.
In the annotation to the drugs there is no indication of the potentiating effect when they are administered together, but the likelihood of adverse reactions increases.
An effective and acceptable option would be to inject Cerebrolysin after Cortexin if there are indications for a second course of treatment with nootropic drugs.
Having studied the question of how Cerebrolysin differs from Cortexin, you can understand which drug to choose to treat your baby. It is worth noting that the final decision on prescribing a particular medication remains with the attending physician. Only reasonable use of medications can bring the desired effect.
Valentina Ignasheva, pediatrician, especially for Mirmam.pro
Source: https://mirmam.pro/Korteksin-ili-Cerebrolizin
The principle of action of the drugs
Cerebrolysin and Cortexin have the same effects on the body. Highlight:
- nootropic effect - the functional responsibilities of brain cells improve - concentration and attention increase, memory and intellectual abilities improve, neurons become more resistant to stressful situations;
neuroprotective property – active protection of neurons from the effects of free radicals, glutamate molecules, toxins, calcium ions;- antioxidant effects on the body - inhibit lipid oxidation, which helps restore lipid balance, increase the survival of neuron cells in stress situations or during organ hypoxia;
- tissue-regenerating properties - activate metabolic processes in neurons, improve metabolism in the peripheral nervous system, increase the functioning of all parts of the brain.
Cerebrolysin and Cortexin are available in pharmacies without a prescription, but do not forget that all nootropic drugs are not intended for self-medication. These medications should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Description and characteristics
Medicines that have a nootropic effect on the body activate the mechanisms of protection, restoration and renewal of the body and cells. Systematic use of the drug helps:
- reduce heart attack;
- increase neuronal activity and GM function;
- improve blood microcirculation in vessels and capillaries;
- eliminate neurological and cognitive pathological changes of various types.
In patients who are dependent on the help of others, their ability to perform simple daily tasks and self-care improves. The medication also helps to inhibit the active development of neurodegenerative processes. During the experiments, a range of possibilities for restoration and slowing down of destruction during the progression of Alzheimer's disease was established.
The drug accelerates the body's recovery processes, but does not affect the immune system.
The main substance of the composition is Cerebrolysin, which is a peptide compound obtained from the brain of pigs. Release form: solution for injections (5%) in ampoules. The cost of packaging in pharmacy chains is 1000-1100 rubles. Sales are by prescription.
Indications and contraindications
Cortexin is prescribed for the treatment of diseases associated with dysfunction of the central nervous system. The main indications for use are:
- cognitive impairment – decreased intellectual abilities, thinking and deterioration in memory quality;
encephalopathy;- asthenic syndrome;
- epileptic seizures;
- autonomic disorders;
- perinatal lesions of the central nervous system in infants from the moment of birth;
- cerebral palsy;
- deviations in the psychomotor development of children;
- disorders in the development of the speech apparatus of children;
- reduced ability of the student to remember educational material.
Cerebrolysin is prescribed for the following diseases:
- dementia;
- injury to spinal cord cells;
- head injuries and concussions;
- retardation in the intellectual development of children;
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease;
- depression;
- absent-mindedness and impaired memory quality;
- pathologies of cerebrovascular type.
A contraindication to the use of Cortexin is the body's sensitivity to the active component and to additional substances in the composition.
Contraindications for the use of Cerebrolysin:
- pregnancy;
- epilepsy;
- sensitivity to components in the drug;
- kidney cell failure.
Which is better: Cortexin or Cerebrolysin?
In the modern world there are almost no unique substances; any category of objects is represented by a broad group.
From an evolutionary point of view, the more different creatures in an ecosystem, the more resistant it is to adverse factors.
In the environment of human interaction, the phenomenon when one product has many options, forms and manufacturers is called competition. Thanks to this, better representatives remain on the market, and the rest disappear.
Cortexin and Cerebrolysin are nootropics. Nootropics are medications that improve brain function and stimulate cognitive processes (learning, memory, thinking). They also protect neurons from damaging influences and promote faster recovery of central nervous system structures in neurological diseases.
Indications
Both drugs have common indications for use:
- Encephalopathy
- Brain infarction
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Intracranial trauma
There is a fairly large number of studies that prove the positive effect of neuropeptides (which contain Cortexin and Cerebrolysin) on the healing of nerve structures after damage.
However, there are also differences. Cortexin can be used if:
- Asthenic (emotionally labile) disorders.
- Disorders of speech, language, learning skills.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Intellectual-mnestic dysfunctions.
- Delayed developmental stages.
- Malaise and fatigue.
The fact is that Cortexin has a strong influence on cognitive processes associated with the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system.
Cerebrolysin is used in the following cases:
- Dementia of various etiologies.
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Depression.
- Excessive activity (pathological motor activity).
Studies have revealed the ability of Cerebrolysin to normalize the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which is now actively used in medicine.
Speaking about indications for use, it is important to say that Cerebrolysin appeared quite a long time ago - in the 1970s. During its existence, a fairly large amount of information has accumulated about its effects in clinical trials and in practice.
Cortexin is a newer drug, it appeared about 20 years ago, but the experience of its use is already quite large and contains enough data on positive effects.
Compound
Both drugs have a similar composition - they are polypeptides from the cerebral cortex of animals. Cerebrolysin is made from the nerve structures of pigs, and Cortexin is made from cattle.
There are some differences in the manufacturing process. Cerebrolysin is obtained by breaking down brain proteins into their components. The disadvantage of this method is that the likelihood of destruction of the necessary aminopeptides increases.
In the manufacture of Cortexin, lyophilization (freezing and vacuum processing) is used.
Due to this, a direct transition of a substance from a solid to a gaseous state is achieved, which reduces the destruction of proteins and amino acids.
Production
Cortexin is manufactured in Russia by the Geropharm company. Cerebrolysin is produced by the Austrian company Ever Neuro Pharma. Both drugs are manufactured in strict accordance with international quality and safety standards.
Price
Cortexin costs about 2 times less than Cerebrolysin.
Application
These medications are administered parenterally: Cortexin - intramuscularly, Cerebrolysin - intramuscularly and intravenously. Cerebrolysin is a mixture ready for administration; Cortexin is a dry powder that must be diluted in saline, water for injection or local anesthetic before use.
Side effects
It should be noted that the following reactions may occur in rare cases following the administration of Cerebrolysin:
- Feeling hot.
- Increased sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Heart rhythm disturbances.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation and diarrhea.
- Arterial hypo- and hypertension.
- Feeling tired.
- Depression, apathy.
- Increased excitability, manifestation of aggression.
- Convulsive seizures.
- Allergic reactions.
No adverse reactions were detected when using Cortexin.
Which is better for an adult?
Both drugs are successfully used in the treatment of neurological diseases.
Their use during the recovery period after a damaging effect on the brain accelerates the recovery process and promotes rapid rehabilitation.
For depressive disorders, increased excitability, fatigue, preference is given to Cortexin. For the treatment of dementia of various etiologies, Cerebrolysin is the best choice.
What's best for a child?
Increased demands are placed on medications in pediatric practice in terms of safety and effectiveness. Both Cortexin and Cerebrolysin have found their use in children.
Cortexin has shown the best effect for the treatment of epilepsy (as part of complex therapy), convulsive syndrome, cerebral palsy and delayed development of certain brain functions (speech, learning skills).
Due to the risk of side effects of Cerebrolysin, the drug is contraindicated for status epilepticus in a child.
Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is necessary to choose a medicine strictly individually, taking into account the nature of the disease, concomitant pathologies and individual characteristics of the person. There is no ideal universal “pill”; any drug will be effective only in cases where the indications for its use are met.
Source: https://korteksin.ru/o-korteksine/vzroslye/chto-luchshe-korteksin-ili-cerebrolizin
Place of drugs in therapy in children
A common question that is asked when prescribing Cerebrolysin or Cortexin is which is better for children. The effectiveness of Cortexin has been confirmed by studies in the treatment of infants on the second day after birth with cervical trauma. The medication did not have a stimulating effect on the body, which distinguishes it from other nootropics.
For newborns, this medication is a priority in cerebroprotective therapeutic treatment.
Cerebrolysin is recommended for children with the following symptoms:
- frequent pain in the head and cervical region;
- increased feeling of fatigue;
- irritability and nervousness;
- impaired concentration and inattention;
- memory loss;
- sleep disturbance.
Instructions for use and drug compatibility
Cerebrolysin in dosages of 5 to 10 ml is administered by intravenous injection, and with a dosage of 10 to 50 ml, it is administered by drip, diluting the drug in 100-200 ml of 0.9% sodium chlorine solution.
The course of treatment with medication is from 10 days to 1 month. The duration of therapy, drug administration regimen and dosage are prescribed by the attending doctor depending on the pathology, the complexity of its course and based on the indicators of a diagnostic study of the disease:
neurodegenerative pathologies of brain cells – 5-30 ml. The course of treatment is up to 30 days;- ischemic stroke - 10-50 ml, administered by drip for the first 5 days, then the dosage can be halved and therapy should be carried out for 2 weeks;
- brain injuries and consequences of surgery – 10-50 ml;
- perinatal lesions of the central nervous system in children from the moment of birth - 1-2 ml using intravenous administration. The course of therapy depends on the degree of damage and can last at least a month.
The effectiveness of treatment with Cerebrolysin depends on repeated therapeutic courses, which should be the same in time. The time interval between courses of therapy should be no shorter than the time of the drug course.
Cortexin can be administered intramuscularly, intravenously or by drip. If the administration is carried out using an injection, then the contents of the ampoule are diluted in 1-2 ml of injection solution, and if using a dropper - in 100-200 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride. Treatment regimen and dosage for adult patients and children:
For adults, the medication is administered at a dose of 10 mg for 10-15 days;- during the perinatal period, the child is administered 0.50 mg per kilogram of the infant’s weight. Duration of treatment – 10 days;
- children weighing 20 kg and above - 10 mg per day for 10-14 days; a second course of therapeutic treatment can be carried out after 3 months or six months.
For ischemic stroke, Cortexin and Cerebrolysin are administered simultaneously at a dosage of 10 mg twice a day for 10 days, after which the 10-day course must be repeated if necessary.
Both medications have the same mechanism of action and are compatible for complex treatment, but these medications cannot be mixed in the same syringe. In pediatrics, Cerebrolysin is not advisable to use together with Cortexin, as this can lead to polypharmacy. When, after a course of treatment with Cerebrolysin, the doctor prescribes a second course of therapeutic treatment with nootropics, then it is effective to inject the child with Cortexin.
The simultaneous use of Cortexin with Cerebrolysin in the treatment of cardiac pathologies leads to the restoration of cardiac parameters. For ischemic stroke, these two drugs act equally on the brain, reducing the risk of death.
Key differences and effectiveness
The drugs are made from structural compounds of the brain of livestock, so there is no significant difference between them, but there are some features of administration:
- Cerebrolysin is the only nootropic drug with neurotrophic activity. The medication ensures and supports the vital activity of brain cells, activates their development and growth.
Cortexin has a positive effect on the restoration of electrical brain activity.- Cerebrolysin is actively used in the therapeutic treatment of ischemic strokes, spinal cord cell injury, for the treatment of depression, autism in children, and childhood enuresis.
- Cortexin is effective for improving memory, concentration, attentiveness and thinking, as well as for the treatment of such pathologies: encephalopathy of various etiologies, epilepsy, infectious encephalitis, cerebral palsy.
Both medications are not prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the development of allergies and its consequences.
Which is better, Cerebrolysin or Cortexin
Pediatric neurologists often use nootropic drugs in their practice.
This group of drugs has gained such popularity due to the presence of a positive and safe effect on the brain cells of any person, including children.
Medications are often prescribed to treat even the smallest patients with neurological disorders. Let's look at 2 prominent representatives of the described category of drugs and figure it out - Cerebrolysin or Cortexin, which is better.
Cerebrolysin and Cortexin: comparison of drugs
Both nootropic drugs stimulate metabolic processes in the tissues of the nervous system. This reaction ensures the nutrition and development of brain cells (neurons). Improved metabolism allows new cells to quickly form to replace damaged ones.
Cerebrolysin and Cortexin are neuropeptides, that is, protein molecules formed in the nervous system. These substances are characterized by high biological activity, which makes it possible to achieve the following effect:
- nootropic;
- neuroprotective;
- antioxidant.
To answer the question of which is better, Cortexin and Cerebrolysin, between which there is still a difference, it is necessary to compare the characteristics of these medications. It is important to pay attention to the fact that only Cerebrolysin, according to proven data, has neurotrophic activity. The drug actively supports the viability of neurons, activates their development and replacement.
Cortexin is the only nootropic that provides stimulation of mental functions. The medication has a positive effect on the electrical activity of the inflamed brain.
This specific parameter is proven by many psychological tests and electroencephalography results.
For this reason, it is better to use Cortexin for epilepsy, since it has a moderate anticonvulsant effect.
Side effects of drugs on the body
The development of side effects (Table 1) occurs in rare cases, and usually disappear on their own after a few days.
| Body systems | Negative effects |
| Blood flow system and cardiac organ |
|
| CNS |
|
| The immune system |
|
| Digestive system |
|
| Respiratory system |
|
| Leather |
|
| General negative reactions of the body |
|
Interaction with other drugs and analogues
When complex treatment with drugs, it is worth considering the following points:
- Cerebrolysin does not need to be mixed with amino acid solutions in the same vial for drip administration.
When using nootropics simultaneously with antidepressants or MAO inhibitors, inhibitory medications must be taken in half the dosage. Nootropic drugs enhance the inhibitory properties of drugs.- The effective action of Cerebrolysin and Cortexin is manifested in complex therapy with cardiac and vascular medications, but mixing them in the same syringe is prohibited.
- Cortexin should not be taken in complex therapy with drugs of a peptide structure.
In terms of composition, Cortexin and Cerebrolysin have no analogues, but there are drugs that are similar in the principle of their effect on the body. Common substitutes are:
- Actovegin is prescribed for mental and neurological disorders of various etiologies, as well as for oxygen deficiency in brain cells.
- Glycine - prescribed for mental retardation, dementia, and emotional overexcitation. The drug is often used in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
- Piracetam or Nootropil are nootropic drugs that are prescribed for the development of a deficiency of oxygen molecules in the brain, for stroke and neurological pathologies.
