CORTEXIN or ACTOVEGIN: which is better and what is the difference (differences in composition, reviews from doctors)

General information about Cortexin

Cortexin is classified as a polypeptide bioregulator because it is a drug of animal origin. It is made from extracts of the cerebral cortex of piglets and calves. The healing substance – cortexin – is a polypeptide fraction. Glycine is an auxiliary component that regulates the metabolic process.

Areas of application of the drug

Its release form is a sterile lyophilized powder of 5 and 10 mg. It is packaged in bottles and intended for dilution with saline solution. It is used both in adult practice and pediatrics.

General information about Actovigen

Actovegin belongs to the same group of drugs and is also of animal origin. It is made from the blood of young calves using the filtration method. It is completely purified from proteins, so it practically does not cause allergies.

Produced in the form:

gels and ointments for external use;
injections in ampoules for intramuscular administration;
liquid suspensions in dropper bottles;
tablets for oral use.

The medicine is released in finished form, and its preliminary dilution is not required.

The principle of action of the drugs

Cortexin includes soluble neuropeptides that quickly act on the central nervous and circulatory systems. The medication regulates brain neurotrophic factors, as well as the normal ratio of amino acids in the brain.

Cortexin is characterized by the following properties:

antioxidant;
neuroprotective;
nootropic.

Mechanism of action

It increases the intensity of metabolism of neurons in the central nervous system and PNS, stimulates reparative processes in the central nervous system, and improves the functional state of the cerebral cortex. It has a beneficial effect on the somatic and vegetative systems.

Actovegin is a universal metabolic stimulant. Provides improved tissue nutrition and oxygen saturation. Promotes the production of ATP, which is responsible for the normal functioning of all systems in the body.

With local action, under the influence of a healing substance, wounds heal faster, and the scar remains barely noticeable. Tissue respiration processes are activated. Oxygen is distributed throughout the body evenly.

The formation of collagen fibers improves, as well as the growth, division and distribution of cells. The medicine improves energy exchange in the brain, meets its glucose needs, and normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system.

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.

Indications and restrictions

Taking Cortexin is indicated in the following cases:

diseases of the central nervous system of viral and bacterial etiology;
disturbances of blood flow in brain tissue;
TBI of varying degrees of complexity and their consequences;
diffuse brain damage of various nature;
cerebral autonomic disorders. In combination with other drugs, it is used to treat epilepsy, as well as to treat acute and chronic diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
The drug is prescribed not only to adults, but also to children. For small patients, it is suitable for increasing mental abilities, with delayed psychomotor and speech development, and various forms of cerebral palsy.

Actovegin is used much more often, in particular, for:

stroke;
skull injuries;
encephalopathies;
ulcers;
varicose veins;
endarteritis;
angiopathy of various etiologies;
bedsores;
burns;
radiation damage to the skin;
endocrine and neurological disorders. The medication is indicated for difficult pregnancies and the threat of miscarriage. It has a beneficial effect on the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. In childhood, treatment is carried out only under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications for Cortexin are:

excessive sensitivity to the components of the drug;
periods of gestation and pregnancy.

Actovegin is not recommended for use if the patient has:

pulmonary edema;
kidney diseases;
heart failure;
fluid retention.

A limitation for the use of the drug may be ordinary intolerance to the components. Therefore, before using it, make a control test. This is especially true for children.

Contraindicated for nursing mothers, because possible harm to the child’s health has been studied.

Doctors' opinion

Ivchenko E.K., psychotherapist, 40 years old, Tula

Cortexin is well tolerated by most patients; the advantage is that it can be used from birth. It gives a good effect in complex therapy for diseases such as speech disorders, various brain lesions, improves brain function, learning processes and memory, concentration, and in some places there is an increase in the degree of resistance to stress.

In children of early and primary school age it can cause overexcitation, increased tearfulness, nervousness and emotional tension.

Kuztsov P. Yu., psychiatrist, 54 years old, Ufa

Cortexin is an original nootropic drug. It is used both in monotherapy and in complex treatment in adults and children. This drug improves higher brain functions, learning and memory processes.

Due to the fact that the drug is available only in injections, it is difficult to administer to children.

Instructions for use

The main drug regimens are as follows:

For adults, Cortexin injections are given intramuscularly once a day at a dosage of 10 mg. The full course of treatment is 10 days. In difficult cases (for example, strokes), the daily dosage is doubled. The duration of treatment is the same. After 10 days, the therapy is repeated.

In pediatrics, the medicine is used from the first days of a child’s life. With a weight of up to 20 kg, no more than 5 mg of medication should be administered, with a weight of more than 20 kg - 10 mg. One course is 10 days. Six months later, a second course of therapy is sometimes prescribed.
The medication is so safe that it can be prescribed for use even by newborns. For older children, there is only one inconvenience - it is not available in tablets. This drawback is especially obvious when a repeated course of therapy is prescribed.
Actovegin tablets are taken 1-2 times a day. Droppers are placed during the first three days, and then treatment with tablets is continued. Intramuscular administration of no more than 5 ml of solution at a time is indicated. The course of therapy continues for 10 days.
When using Actovegin plus Cortexin therapy, medications are not administered at one time. Doctors recommend injecting Cortexin in the morning, and injecting a second drug in the evening. The duration of the course is no more than 10 days. After six months, the appointment can be repeated if necessary.

How to use

Cortexin is administered into the body using intramuscular injections. Most often, for adults, the course of therapy is 10 days. When treating newborns and children weighing less than 20 kg, dosage adjustments are required depending on body weight.

Actovegin in solution can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or intraarterially.

Administration of the drug may be indicated daily or once every few days, depending on the chosen treatment regimen.

Main differences

So, what is the difference between Cortexin and Actovegin? The first medication is successfully used in therapies for dyscirculatory encephalopathy. The same cannot be said about Actovegin. For this pathology, this medication is only applicable in combination with the first one. Doctors practice injections of drugs one at a time, every other day.

Cortexin is the only medication that is suitable for treating children with central nervous system injuries. Its use usually gives good results.

Cortexin cures chronic fatigue faster. But it is prohibited for use by pregnant and nursing mothers, while Actovegin has no such restrictions. They also differ in price - Actovegin is much cheaper.

Cortexin copes more effectively with hypoxic and traumatic brain damage. Although Actovegin works well in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, it can provoke nervous-reflex overexcitation. Therefore, if the patient is prone to hysteria or nervous attacks, it is better to carry out therapy with Cortexin.

Both medications are rarely used at the same time, since serious allergic reactions are likely, but such a prescription is possible.

Patient reviews

Actovegin was prescribed in combination with Phlebodia for varicose veins, after the course the skin on the legs acquired a normal color and the pain went away.

Anastasia, 35 years old

Cortexin is a good drug. My daughter was prescribed 5 mg, but she developed an allergy. The doctor divided the dose into 2 doses, the allergic reaction disappeared, and the child’s condition improved.

The average price of Cortexin in Russia is 1100-1200 rubles. per package with a 10-milligram dosage of the drug and 700-850 rubles. per package at a dosage of 5 mg.

Actovegin in ampoules costs 1280 rubles. for 5 pieces, in the form of a solution for infusion - 550 rubles. for 250 ml. The cost of the drug in ampoules for injections is 800 rubles. per pack of 5 ampoules.

If Cortexin and Actovegin are compared before purchasing, it is necessary to compare their properties, composition, indications and contraindications. Both drugs help normalize blood circulation and prevent the development of hypoxia.

Which remedy is more effective?

Which remedy is more effective should be decided only by a medical specialist. The drugs have many similarities. They are used for cerebrovascular accidents, head injuries, encephalopathies, and cognitive disorders.

There are situations when one of them is more suitable. It is also worth considering the range of patients for whom these medications are not contraindicated. Thus, Cortexin is used to treat childhood pathologies from birth, but is contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers. Actovegin, on the contrary, has positive effects in complicated pregnancies, but is less often used to eliminate childhood pathologies.

What is better – “Cortexin” or “Actovegin”?

The doctor must decide which drug is more suitable for a particular patient. Although medications are similar in many ways, they have specific differences that determine whether a particular medication can be used in a given situation. For certain pathologies, both drugs may be suitable, but in some cases one of them turns out to be less effective or is contraindicated for use.

Side effects

Cortexin has virtually no side effects. The only caution is a possible allergy to the components of the medicine.

Actovegin has the following side effects:

indigestion;
development of cardiopathy;
disorders of nervous activity;
dyspnea;
hives;
skin redness;
feeling of a rush of blood;
nausea;
dyspepsia;
bowel dysfunction;
tachycardia;
cyanosis;
development of arterial hypertension;
headache;
tremor of the limbs;
dizziness;
aching joints;
lower back pain.

Do not be afraid and refuse the medication. All side effects are so rare that in most cases patients tolerate the prescription well.

Characteristics of Actovegin

Actovegin is a pharmacological agent whose active substance is a deproteinized hemoderivative obtained from calf blood.

The product is produced in several dosage forms:

injection solution;
infusion solution;
tablet form;
cream;
gel for external use;
eye gel;
ointment.

The use of the drug helps accelerate metabolic processes in the tissue structures of the central nervous system. External use of cream, ointment or gel ensures activation of regeneration processes of damaged tissues and improvement of trophism. The active component of the drug is obtained using dialysis and ultrafiltration methods.

Under the influence of the active compound in humans, an increase in tissue resistance to hypoxia is observed, this is due to the ability of the drug to improve the process of utilization and oxygen consumption. Under the influence of the drug, activation of energy metabolism is observed.

Actovegin is able to influence the process of glucose absorption, exhibiting insulin-like activity, therefore the use of this medication by people suffering from diabetes leads to the restoration of lost sensitivity and a decrease in the severity of symptoms associated with mental disorders.

Indications for use of the drug in tablet form are:

treatment of ischemic stroke;
dementia;
lack of blood flow in the brain;
disorders caused by TBI;
diabetic polyneuropathy;
arterial and venous vascular disorders, manifested by trophic ulcers and angiopathy.

Administration of the drug in the form of intramuscular injections and intravenous injections to an adult is prescribed in similar cases.

Actovegin ointment and gel are used in the treatment of:

inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes;
burns, abrasions, cuts, cracks, etc.;
weeping ulcers, varicose origin.

Actovegin is able to influence the process of glucose absorption, exhibiting insulin-like activity, which is why the use of this medication by people suffering from diabetes.

The drug is recommended for use to activate tissue regeneration after burns, for the treatment and prevention of bedsores and to prevent skin manifestations associated with the effects of radiation.

Actovegin can be used to improve the performance of athletes.

Contraindications to the prescription of the drug are:

oliguria;
pulmonary edema;
fluid retention;
anuria;
decompensated heart failure;
presence of hypersensitivity.

During drug therapy using Actovegin, the patient may experience the following side effects and undesirable reactions:

hives, swelling, heavy sweating, increased body temperature, hot flashes;
vomiting, nausea, dyspeptic symptoms, pain in the epigastric region, diarrhea;
tachycardia, pain in the heart, pallor of the skin, shortness of breath, arterial hypertension or hypotension;
weakness, headaches, dizziness, agitation, loss of consciousness, tremor;
feelings of tightness in the chest, rapid breathing, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, feeling of suffocation;
lower back pain, pain in joints and bones.

To eliminate side effects caused by the use of the drug, symptomatic therapy is used.

If high dosages are used, the patient may develop disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. To eliminate the consequences of an overdose, symptomatic treatment is used.

All dosage forms of the drug are sold in pharmacies only after presentation of a prescription from the attending physician; the doctor must fill out the prescription in Latin.

The shelf life of the drug in tablets is 5 years; in the form of a solution, the drug is stored for 3 years.

The cost of the product varies depending on the dosage form in the range from 100 to 1250 rubles.

Interaction with other tools

Both drugs do not interact with other medications. Therefore, they can be used in complex treatment.

The only warning may be that you should not mix medications when administered. It is better to prescribe their administration one by one.

In addition, it is important to consider the following features:

Cortexin is not compatible with drugs that have a peptide structure.
Actovegin should be carefully combined with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors.

The use of nootropic drugs in childhood

The latest generation of nootropics is highly effective. However, these drugs are used very carefully in children. For example, Pirocetam is an excellent remedy for bringing patients with alcohol or drug addiction out of a coma. For children with less serious pathologies, it is better to choose another nootropic drug, since a powerful nootropic can provoke agitation and poor sleep. This occurs due to the rapid acceleration of metabolism in brain cells, which occurs after the administration of a strong nootropic.

The administration of nootropic drugs to children is permissible in severe cases, but the drugs can be difficult to tolerate by the child’s body. This suggests that a child should not choose a nootropic drug without a doctor’s recommendation.

Pediatrics allows the administration of nootropic drugs for the following pathologies:

mental retardation;
mental and speech delay;
cerebral palsy;
lack of attentiveness;
consequences of birth injuries and hypoxia;

Doctors carefully select the drug, taking into account all the characteristics of the body and the clinical picture of the children. Actovegin and Cortexin showed good results in therapeutic therapy. Sometimes a specialist decides on complex treatment. The medications are completely compatible, but it is not recommended to inject children at the same time. Typically, the treatment regimen is designed to alternate administration.