Treatment of circulatory pathologies is urgent, especially if the disease affects the brain. Therefore, it is important to know about the interchangeability of drugs. If it is not possible to purchase the prescribed Vinpocetine, analogues are represented by a wide range of medications that are identical in composition and mechanism of action.
This medicine is intended to restore blood flow in the soft tissues of the brain during ischemic attacks, vascular atherosclerosis, encephalopathies, dementia and post-stroke conditions. One of the advantages of the product in question is its natural base - the active ingredient is an alkaloid isolated from the herb Vinca.
Not all analogues of the drug Vinpocetine are developed on the basis of natural components, but they are no less effective and cause a small number of side effects and have few contraindications. Experts recommend the following medications:
Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Cavinton or Vinpocetine - which is better and which is safer?
It is believed that the two indicated drugs are completely identical. Cavinton contains the same active substance as Vinpocetine, and in a similar concentration. Moreover, the latter costs almost 3 times less than a foreign medicine.
However, neurologists more often prescribe Cavinton, because the degree of purification of the plant alkaloid for this medication is higher, and therefore it is safer to take.
Which is better - Piracetam or Vinpocetine?
Interestingly, these medications are often recommended to be taken in parallel or as part of one drug (for example, Phezam).
Piracetam, in fact, is a nootropic medication that has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in brain tissue, helps increase concentration and memorization abilities, and improves memory. In combination with the positive effect of Vinpocetine on the vascular system, such combination drugs are recommended for the treatment of a large number of diseases associated not only with circulatory disorders, but also with metabolic processes.
Vinpocetine or Cinnarizine – which is better?
The described analogue also belongs to a number of nootropics, but its mechanism of action is almost identical to Vinpocetine. However, Cinnarizine is prescribed less frequently due to its synthetic rather than natural base, a greater number of side effects and an impressive list of contraindications.
It is worth noting that the presented generic is not recommended for inclusion in therapeutic regimens for the treatment of transient ischemic attacks, strokes and cerebral edema due to its poor effectiveness.
Vinpocetine or Mexidol - which is better and what to choose?
Mexidol appeared on the pharmaceutical market relatively recently and is a progressive domestic development. This nootropic drug undergoes several stages of thorough purification, which makes it as safe as possible. In addition, it has a fundamentally new mechanism of action,
which does not provoke side effects like Vinpocetine (drowsiness, apathy, headache).
Thus, of the two medications under consideration, experts prefer to prescribe Mexidol or its generic (Mexiprim).
Which is better - Picamilon or Vinpocetine?
This analogue is used for cerebrovascular accidents, psychoemotional disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Picamilon has a mechanism of action similar to Vinpocetine, but provokes a large number of side effects from the central nervous system. However, the drug does not help with such severe brain pathologies as stroke, ischemic attacks, neuro- and encephalopathies.
Picamilon
Picamilon has a wide range of actions. The active ingredient is nicotinoyl gamma-aminobutyric acid, a nootropic that stimulates higher mental functions. It improves memory, sleep, reduces anxiety, increases concentration, and speeds up thinking. It has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system of the brain - dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow, prevents platelets from sticking to the walls, preventing the formation of blood clots.
Improves blood supply to the retina of the eye. In patients after a stroke, it helps restore speech and motor functions. It is used as a mild psychostimulant in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-dependent patients. The drug makes it easier to endure intellectual and physical overload (in athletes).
Release forms and dosage
Cavinton has various forms of release: injection, intended only for intravenous injections (when administered intramuscularly, Cavinton is destroyed in soft tissues), tablets (various dosages are available, 5 mg tablets with the trade name Cavinton, 10 mg tablets are called Cavinton Forte), and also dispersible (water-soluble) form of Cavinton Comforte tablets, which have a pleasant orange flavor. The latter form was created primarily for patients with impaired swallowing function. Piracetam has an injection form (it is suitable for intramuscular administration, as well as for intravenous administration), as well as tablets of various doses (from 200 to 1200 mg), it should also be said that Piracetam as an active substance is also not present in mono form, but is also included in composition of combination drugs (Phesam, Omaron, Combitropil, NooKam, etc.).
Daily dosages of Cavinton are in the range of 15-30 mg; it is also recommended to use the injection form at the beginning of the course of therapy. Piracetam is used most often at a dose of 800-2400 mg per day. Although, of course, it makes no sense to compare these milligrams with each other.
To summarize this section, we can say that both drugs have a variety of release forms, but Piracetam has a slight advantage in the form of the ability to be used intramuscularly (for adherents of intramuscular treatment).
Cavinton
The main mechanism of action of Cavinton is improvement of cerebral circulation. It also improves cognitive function. But, unlike Picamilon, the improvement in brain functions occurs indirectly, through the dilation of brain vessels, increasing the sensitivity of neurons to oxygen and glucose, and accelerating the transport of glucose molecules across the blood-brain barrier. Cavinton increases the plasticity of red blood cells, facilitating their easy penetration into capillaries. Reduces the affinity of oxygen molecules for red cells, which is why the latter easily “give” it to nerve cells.
The ability to thin the blood and strengthen the vascular wall leads to the prevention of thrombosis. Has protective properties for neurons. The effect of the substance on the condition of the blood and blood vessels does not affect the functioning of the heart: blood pressure, pulse, cardiac output remain unchanged. The phenomenon of “robbing” does not occur either. By increasing the flow of blood to ischemic areas of the brain, the drug does not “steal” it from other areas.
Rules for joint reception
In inpatient treatment conditions, the drugs are injected into a vein at the same time. Can be combined. For example, Piracetam capsules in Cavinton injections. Dose selection is determined on an individual basis.
The maximum doses of drugs are administered for the following disorders:
- - stroke;
- – concussion;
- – encephalitis.
For outpatient treatment, medications are used in the form of tablets. The dosage is selected by the attending physician. For example, Cavinton - 2 times a day together with Piracetam - 700-1100 milligrams 2 times a day.
Causes of dizziness in women with normal blood pressure
Comparison of drugs
The indications for the use of the drugs are close. General indications for Picamilon and Cavinton:
- chronic cerebral hypoxia;
- encephalopathy;
- recovery period after acute cerebrovascular accident and hemorrhagic stroke;
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- hypertensive encephalopathy;
- transient ischemic attack;
- chronic vascular diseases of the retina.
Picamilon, in addition to the listed conditions, is indicated for alcoholic brain damage, withdrawal syndrome, and migraine. Used in psychiatry as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of depression, asthenia, and psychosis. In ophthalmological practice, the drug is indicated for primary open-angle glaucoma and diseases of the optic nerve.
Cavinton is used in otolaryngology in the treatment of diseases accompanied by hearing loss.
Indications for taking medications
The drug "Piracetam" is prescribed to patients with diseases of the central nervous system:
- – blockage of blood vessels in the brain (stroke);
- – skull injuries;
- – concussion;
- – epileptic seizures and convulsions;
- – pathologies associated with drug or alcohol addiction;
- – inflammatory processes in the brain or its membrane;
- – mental disorders and congenital diseases of the nervous system;
- – Parkinson (hand tremors);
- – Alzheimer’s (a type of age-related dementia).
The drug "Cavinton" is prescribed to patients with diseases based on impaired blood flow:
- - stroke;
- – disturbances of blood flow in the brain;
- – cervical osteochondrosis, blocking blood flow;
- – disruptions in blood circulation due to age-related changes;
- – malfunctions of the mesh vessels.
What's better
We cannot say that one drug is better than another. Both drugs are effective in restoring brain function. The choice of one or the other is made individually, based on the degree of impairment of cognitive indicators, causes and capabilities of the body.
Picamilon is best used for severe impairments of attention, memory, speech and motor abilities after a stroke. It is preferable for patients prone to anxiety and depression. For long-term therapy of patients whose work is associated with mental or physical overload, stress. Cavinton is more useful if the patient is bothered by dizziness, noise in the head or ears. Not recommended for arrhythmias, severe cardiac ischemia.
Both drugs are contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Should be taken with caution in case of renal and liver failure.
Instructions for use
Before starting treatment, you should consult with your doctor about how best to take Cavinton and Piracetam together. Despite the fact that the drugs interact well with each other, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of use for each of them.
Cavinton is administered only by slow intravenous infusion, which does not exceed 80 drops per minute. Intramuscular administration or administration without prior dilution is strictly prohibited.
The duration of therapy is individual and can last from 10 days to two weeks, after which the patient is transferred to oral nootropics or continues treatment with the tablet form of Cavinton. The initial dose averages 20 mg, and is subsequently increased at the rate of 1 mg per kg of patient body weight per day.
Piracetam is used only orally, which makes it possible to use it together with the infusion form of Cavinton, and the drugs act without reducing the bioavailability of each other. The duration of treatment and dose are selected individually for each patient depending on the severity of the condition, the severity of cognitive impairment, and the functional state of the kidneys.
Piracetam dosage
For elderly patients and people suffering from renal failure, dosage selection is carried out taking into account the indications of createnine clearance. For cognitive dysfunction, the initial dose is 4.8 g, which is divided into 2-3 doses. With the emergence of positive dynamics over time, the dosage is reduced until the average effective dose is established.
Simultaneous use of Picamilon and Cavinton
The simultaneous use of drugs is not harmful. In individual cases it is even preferable. No negative effect of one drug on another on the state of the body has been identified.
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Alexandrova O.M.
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2031
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Which remedy is more effective?
Even an experienced neurologist cannot answer this question. The effect of using nootropics is individual and even with the same dosages can manifest itself differently in patients with the same pathology. The effectiveness of the drugs depends on the state of the kidney filtration apparatus, the severity of the patient’s condition, as well as the state of the previous pathology. In this regard, combination use of drugs will be preferable to monotherapy.
The exception is diseases that are accompanied by internal bleeding, as well as severe microcirculation disorders in the vessels of the head and neck, when the simultaneous use of drugs is not only unjustified, but also dangerous.
Patient opinions
From the above, it is quite clear how the nootropic is positioned in the instructions for use. Reviews from patients who have tested the medications themselves largely confirm their effective effect on the body.
The same old drug Piracetam occupies a special place. It is prescribed for many pathologies, especially after traumatic brain injuries. Patients who adhere to the course of treatment prescribed by the doctor notice that unpleasant phenomena such as migraines and dizziness are eliminated under the influence of the medicine.
Excellent remedies, especially for VSD, are the drugs “Cinarizine” and “Vinpocetine”. They eliminate such unwanted symptoms as constant dizziness, blue nail plates, cold extremities and many others. However, some patients may experience adverse reactions.
Despite this, it is the patients who assure that nootropic drugs can “simply bring you back to life”! Therefore, love yourself, take care of your health and take the medications your doctor prescribed for you!
Classification of drugs
This class includes many substances of various pharmacological groups that have a positive effect on the functioning of nerve cells and help improve their structure.
In medicine, the following classification of these drugs is accepted:
1. Medicines that improve metabolic processes. This is a broad group containing effective nootropics. List of such drugs:
- "Piracetam", "Phenylpiracetam", "Pramiracetam".
- "Phenibut", "Picamilon", "Aminalon", "Hopantenic acid".
- "Pantogam".
- "Pyritinol."
- «.
- "Cerebrolysin", "Actovegin", "Glycine".
- "Ginseng extract", vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B15.
- "Oxymethylethylpyridine succinate."
2. Vasotropic drugs. These nootropics have a positive effect on blood vessels. List of the most popular products:
- "Vinpocetine."
- "Cinnarizine."
- "Xanthinol nicotinate."
- "Pentoxifylline."
- "Instenon."
3. Nootropics that stimulate learning processes and improve memory:
- "Amiridin", "Choline", "Galantamine".
- "Corticotropin".
- enkephalins, endorphins.
Medicine "Actovegin"
This product contains only physiological substances. The drug increases resistance to hypoxia and accelerates glucose utilization.
Medicine is prescribed for ischemic and consequences of hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injuries. It is in demand in the fight against diabetic neuropathy, burns, and peripheral circulatory disorders. It is used for trophic pathologies in order to accelerate wound healing.
It is generally well tolerated. But some patients may experience undesirable reactions, which were discussed above. In case of disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism, this remedy is not used because it contains sucrose.
Side effects
The latest generation of nootropics rarely cause unpleasant reactions. However, some patients may experience the following side effects:
- Headache, anxiety, drowsiness, irritability, sleep disturbance.
- Blood pressure surges.
- Increased symptoms of coronary insufficiency (occurs in elderly patients and is extremely rare).
- Discomfort in the stomach area, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.
- Allergic manifestations.
- Increased psychopathological symptoms.
Let's look at the new generation of nootropics that have become widespread in medical practice.
Mechanism of action
New generation nootropics do not cause addiction in humans. In addition, they do not provoke psychomotor agitation. Taking them does not cause depletion of physical capabilities.
Nootropic drugs have the following effects on the body:
- Psychostimulant.
- Sedative.
- Antiasthenic (reduces a person’s feeling of lethargy and weakness).
- Antidepressant.
- Antiepileptic.
- Nootropic (affect cortical functions, resulting in improved speech, thinking, attention).
- Mnemotropic (increase learning ability, improve memory).
- Adaptogenic (stimulate the body’s ability to resist various harmful influences).
- Antiparkinsonian.
- Vasovegetative (improves blood supply to the brain, as a result of which the patient gets rid of dizziness, headaches and other disorders).
- Antidiskinetic.
- Increases clarity of consciousness and level of wakefulness.
Features of the use of drugs for children
From all of the above, we can conclude that the latest generation of nootropics are quite effective. However, despite this, they have significant drawbacks. This is what casts doubt on the possibility of their widespread use in pediatrics.
Nootropics for children are good in cases of overcoming quite serious pathologies. For example, internal administration of the drug Piracetam is an excellent way to recover from an alcoholic, drug or other coma.
However, the use of such funds for children with a less serious condition, who attend kindergarten, school, learn lessons, and participate in games, can do a disservice.
After all, powerful nootropics for children can cause:
- insomnia;
- increased excitability.
This reaction is quite natural. Because drugs speed up metabolism in the brain. In some pathological conditions this is necessary. But children can have a hard time tolerating the effects of the medication. Therefore, it is highly not recommended to use nootropics on your own, without a pediatrician’s prescription.
In pediatrics, nootropics are prescribed for the following child conditions:
- delayed development of the baby (mental, speech);
- mental retardation;
- cerebral palsy;
- attention deficit disorder;
- consequences of damage to the nervous system during childbirth.
Today, quite effective drugs have been developed that fully take into account the characteristics of the baby’s body. An excellent remedy for a child is the medicine “Pantogam”. It has a mild effect and does not have a detrimental effect on mental activity or sleep.
List of the best nootropics
Today there is simply a huge list of effective medications. In addition, new drugs appear on the pharmacological market from time to time. After all, developments to create the most effective means are constantly underway.
If we talk about the best nootropics, doctors highlight the following medications:
- “Piracetam” (even today it ranks as a highly effective remedy).
- "Nootropil"
- "Phenotropil".
- "Glycine".
- "Meclofenoxate."
- "Cerebrolysin".
- "Aminalon".
- "Bemitil."
- "Biotredin".
- "Vinpocetine."
Tanakan
Tanakan is a herbal medicine. The active substance included in its composition - extract of Ginkgo biloba biloba leaves in an amount of 40 mg - includes a number of organic acids, flavone glycosides and other specific substances. In addition, it contains a number of potassium and calcium salts. It is often prescribed to young children, as it has a very gentle effect on the body. The medicine is available in two forms - tablets and solution.
Tanakan helps improve cerebral circulation , supplies it with glucose and oxygen, and also prevents the formation of free radicals, inhibits the process of activation of blood clots and prevents their formation. In addition, the drug prevents capillary fragility, improves blood circulation, supplies brain tissue with oxygen and nutrients, and prevents edema.
Despite its plant origin and relative safety, Tanakan also has a number of contraindications. It is not recommended for use in myocardial infarction, pregnancy, lactation, gastric ulcer, gastritis.
When using Tanakan, you must follow the correct dosage, and if side symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tinnitus, redness of the skin, rash, nausea, diarrhea, bleeding appear, stop taking it immediately.
