The drugs Mexidol and Cerebrolysin belong to the pharmacological group of nootropics. Also, both medications have antioxidant properties. The area of application of drugs is neurology. Medications are drugs with a neuroprotective mode of action, which are often used in the treatment of acute attacks of stroke.
Medicines are primary and secondary neuroprotectors. What does it mean? Neuroprotection of the primary form is an action that is aimed at quickly interrupting the progression of necrosis in cell tissues.
Concept of neuroprotection
Neuroprotection of the secondary form is a reduction in the symptoms and consequences of ischemia. In this article, we will try to figure out what is better to choose in a particular case for the treatment of brain pathologies - Mexidol or Cerebrolysin.
General information about Mexidol
Mexidol is a medication based on the active ingredient ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate.
This substance is a membrane protector - helps protect cell membranes from free radicals. The drug helps normalize blood flow in the intracranial arteries, which prevents the development of pathologies in brain cells and reduces the risk of hypoxia. Thanks to improved blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, the quality of memory and the functioning of different parts of the organ improves, and a person’s intellectual abilities increase.
Clinical effects of Mexidol
Neurons under the influence of nootropic drugs become less vulnerable when the hemodynamics of the cerebral blood supply system are disrupted. The action of the drug promotes rapid recovery in the post-infarction and post-stroke period, and it is also effective in the treatment of systemic cerebral atherosclerosis and coronary sclerosis.
Mexidol is available in the form:
- injection solution No. 5 (2 and 5 ml each);
- capsules of 125.0 mg of active ingredient;
- toothpaste – for the treatment of dental pathologies.
Cerakson
A nootropic drug intended for the treatment of sensory and motor neurological disorders of a degenerative and vascular nature. Prevents the death of brain cells and promotes the regeneration of damaged cell membranes. Inhibits the action of phospholipase.
In case of stroke, it reduces the volume of affected brain tissue and improves the transmission of impulses. In case of traumatic brain injury, it reduces the duration of coma and the recovery period.
Helps treat cognitive disorders such as loss of memory and attention, deterioration of speech and difficulties in performing habitual activities.
Has a moderate antioxidant effect .
Active ingredient: citicoline .
Release form: solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration, solution for oral administration.
Ceraxon contains citicoline as an active component, which has a wide spectrum of action:
- Participates in the process of restoration of damaged cell membranes.
- Blocks the appearance of free radicals and prevents cell death.
- Suppresses the action of phospholipases, which can negatively affect mucous membranes.
- With the development of a stroke, it reduces the degree of damage to brain tissue and improves the transmission of excitation in cholinergic synapses.
- In patients with traumatic brain injury, treatment with the drug reduces the duration of post-traumatic coma and recovery period, and makes neurological symptoms less pronounced.
- In case of chronic oxygen starvation, due to nootropic therapy, attention and self-care skills improve, and signs of amnesia are weakened.
Indications for use:
- Acute period after ischemic stroke (as part of complex therapy).
- Recovery period after ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
- Traumatic brain injuries and the recovery period after them.
- Behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions in brain lesions.
General information about Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is available in the form of an injection solution of 1 ml. The active ingredient of the drug is Cerebrolysin concentrate. This is a peptide drug obtained by splitting an enzyme that is synthesized in low-fat proteins in the brain of pigs. The medication also consists of low molecular weight peptides and free amino acid molecules.
Cerebrolysin has been used for several decades in the treatment of senile dementia, as well as dementia, which is caused by massive death of neurons. The medication helps the body cope with the consequences of injuries to the skull and brain, as well as after an attack of ischemic stroke. — The medicine is not prescribed at the first stage of treatment for hemorrhagic stroke.
Components of the neurotrophic action of Cerebrolysin
The results of laboratory and clinical studies confirm that the active component of the drug has a pharmacological structure and properties that are as close as possible to the regulatory cells of the centers of the human nervous system.
Compound
The active component of the drug is citicoline sodium, which has the following properties:
- has a stabilizing effect on the membrane;
- reduces cerebral edema;
- weakens the severe symptoms of cerebral dysfunction resulting from injury or acute circulatory disorders in the brain;
- helps reduce the level of amnesia, etc.
Depending on the form of release of the drug, the main substance is supplemented with auxiliary components that improve the absorption of the drug by the body.
The list of components used by the manufacturer includes:
- sorbitol;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- glycerol;
- sodium citrate dihydrate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- sodium saccharinate;
- potassium sorbate;
- strawberry flavor (strawberry essence 1487-S-Lucta);
- citric acid (50% solution);
- purified water.
The medicine is intended for internal use and is available in several versions:
- syrup (capacity 30 ml);
- injection solution (in ampoules of 4 ml);
- tablets (pack of 20 pcs.);
- powder for preparing a suspension (a sachet containing 10 g of the drug; after dilution, 100 ml of the finished solution is obtained).
The cost of the drug differs depending on the purpose and volume of the container.
You can buy a pharmacological agent in Moscow at the price:
- syrup (30 ml, 100 mg) – 757 rubles;
- injections (5 ampoules of 4 ml, 500 mg) – 719 rubles;
- injections (5 ampoules of 4 ml, 1000 mg) – 1239 rubles;
- solution (10 sachets of 10 ml, 100 mg) – 1495 rub.
Finding out how much the drug costs is available in an online pharmacy or on an information and reference website, where, after entering your place of stay, nearby pharmacies that sell the pharmaceutical product are displayed.
The principle of action of the drugs
Both drugs improve metabolism in the brain, as well as all metabolic processes in neuronal tissues. The mechanism of their action is based on membrane protective, nootropic and antioxidant properties. Penetrating through the blood-brain barrier, Cerebrolysin and Mexidol regulate metabolic processes at the cellular level and increase the transmission of excitation along the fibers of the nervous system.
As a result of the introduction of these nootropic drugs, the following processes occur in the body:
the efficiency of energy and aerobic metabolism in tissues increases;- at the intracellular level, the synthesis of protein and protein compounds increases;
- the concentration of dopamine in brain cells increases;
- the body’s resistance to short-term oxygen deficiency increases;
- cell protection increases during mental and emotional stress;
- the organ’s protection from the formation of foci of ischemic stroke due to oxygen imbalance and hypoxia in the brain increases;
- the harmful effects of lactic acidosis on cellular tissues are reduced;
- violations in the cell membranes of neurons due to intoxication with poisons and alcohol are prevented;
- aggregation of platelet molecules is reduced, which improves cerebral microcirculation;
- the neuroprotective protection of brain cells is enhanced - the death of neurons due to oxygen deficiency is prevented;
In addition, Mexidol improves metabolism in cardiomyocytes during myocardial infarction, prevents necrosis from spreading throughout the organ, and restores electrical conductivity in the heart and its contractile properties.
Both drugs also:
- promote the rapid release of toxins from the body during alcohol and drug intoxication;
- protect neurons from the effects of ethyl alcohol.
Comparison of addiction between Cerakson and Neypilept
Like safety, addiction also involves many factors that must be considered when evaluating a drug.
So, the totality of the values of such parameters as “o syndrome” in Cerakson is quite similar to the similar values in Neypilept. Withdrawal syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs after the cessation of intake of addictive or dependent substances into the body. And resistance is understood as initial immunity to a drug; in this it differs from addiction, when immunity to a drug develops over a certain period of time. The presence of resistance can only be stated if an attempt has been made to increase the dose of the drug to the maximum possible. At the same time, in Tserakson the meaning of the “syndrome” is quite small, however, the same as in Neypilept.
Indications and contraindications
The instructions for use clearly indicate a list of indications and contraindications for both medications, which is important to read. Thus, Cerebrolysin is prescribed for the following pathologies:
- disruption of blood flow in the brain;
encephalitis;- brain surgery;
- intellectual retardation in a child;
- stress and anxiety;
- depression;
- schizophrenia;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- dementia;
- ischemic stroke due to hypoxia of cerebral vessels.
In addition to these pathologies, Mexidol is also prescribed for:
- VSD;
- systemic atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries;
- coronary insufficiency;
- myocardial infarction;
- withdrawal syndrome;
- stress;
- alcohol and drug poisoning;
- acute stage of pancreatitis;
- encephalopathy;
- pathologies of the oral cavity.
Contraindications to the prescription of medications are:
- period of gestation and pregnancy;
- kidney failure in the acute stage of development;
- allergy to components in the medicine;
- hypotension.
Mexidol is also not prescribed to children under the age of 18, and Cerebrolysin is not prescribed for epilepsy.
Reviews from neurologists
Many medications have been prescribed following ischemic stroke. When the doctor left Cerakson for a long-term appointment, the hope for a complete restoration of speech seemed illusory.
But my fears were in vain, the drug helped me return to normal life, mooing and loss of letters in words became barely noticeable. After 4 months I spoke as before the illness, but maybe not so quickly.
My son at 4 years old spoke barely understandable phrases. The pediatrician, together with the neurologist, prescribed Cerakson.
Six months later, the child made great progress in mastering speech, the words became clear and completely understandable. Positive dynamics were also noted in educational games, the assimilation reaction accelerated, and the son made decisions instantly.
During a difficult birth, the child got stuck in the passageways, which caused hypoxia. The doctors made every effort to save my daughter.
Any drugs with which she was treated alarmed me. I read the annotations to them and got acquainted with the list of side effects.
Concerns about Ceraxon turned out to be unfounded. The injections helped stop the death of brain cells and restore normal blood circulation. The injections did not cause any negative effects.
I have been using Ceraxon in my practice for a long time. The active component justifies the properties declared by the developers.
I prescribe a nootropic drug to speed up the recovery process after strokes of various types, to stop the death of brain cells during acute attacks. The risk of developing side effects is minimal, which is important in any therapy.
Newborns born prematurely develop more slowly, so help is required in activating physiological processes. Children with developmental disorders and congenital pathologies associated with blood circulation in the brain and blood vessels need the participation of doctors. Cerakson is highly effective in these cases, causing virtually no side effects.
Drug compatibility
Both medications are compatible with each other when used simultaneously in therapy. Thus, Cerebrolysin and Mexidol can be injected simultaneously during hypoxia of brain tissue, as well as as emergency therapy for attacks of ischemic stroke.
The combined use of both drugs increases blood flow in the brain, which helps improve the functioning of the organ, improves concentration and memory, helps quickly recover from a cerebral infarction - the functioning of the speech apparatus and motor skills of the limbs are restored within 4-5 days.
Comparison of side effects of Ceraxon and Neypilept
Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.
Cerakson's level of adverse events is almost the same as Neypilept's. They both have few side effects. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low, that is, the indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect of treatment are possible and registered is low. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of Ceraxon are similar to Neypilept: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all.
Instructions for use
The dose of the drug for treatment is selected individually for each patient. The duration of the therapeutic course is also individual. The daily dosage of Mexidol is 0.25-0.50 grams per day. The maximum dose is up to 0.8 grams. The maximum daily dose is prescribed as a last resort and only in inpatient treatment conditions. To relieve alcohol intoxication, the course of treatment with the drug is 5-7 days.
The dosage of the drug is prescribed depending on the disease and the stage of its development:
in case of disturbance of cerebral blood flow - 0.3 grams using a dropper, 3-4 days;- for encephalopathy - 0.1 gram twice a day by drop method. Medication course – 2 weeks;
- systemic sclerosis - intramuscularly 0.1 grams, three times a day;
- IRR - 0.40 grams per day intramuscularly. Course - 2 weeks;
- myocardial infarction – 0.6-0.9 grams per day for 5 days;
- for cardiac ischemia - a daily dose of 0.3 grams for two months.
In the residual period of cerebral infarction, as well as in severe forms of inflammation caused by infections, and in case of skull injuries, Cerebrolysin is prescribed 5-10 ml per day for 20 days to 1 month.
Also, in the first 3-4 days, it is necessary to use Mexidol in complex therapeutic treatment. As prescribed by the doctor, the course of treatment with Cerebrolysin should be repeated according to the same regimen and with a similar duration of the therapeutic course.
If Cerebrolysin and Mexidol are prescribed, then how to alternate them depends on the pathology and condition of the patient. For mild stage brain diseases, you can carry out a week-long course of treatment with Mexidol, and then continue with Cerebrolysin intramuscularly, 1-2 ml. The course of therapy is up to one month.
For cerebrovascular disorders and encephalopathy, the medication is effective in the initial stages of disease development. When Cerebrolysin is administered intramuscularly at a dose of 1-2.0 ml, the patient's ability to work increases and the symptoms of asthenic syndrome decrease. Efficacy largely depends on the development of cerebrovascular insufficiency. The course of treatment is up to 30 days.
In case of mental disorders and a depressive state of an endogenous nature, it is necessary to prescribe complex drug therapy with Cerebrolysin and antidepressants. The nootropic drug should be administered intravenously at a dose of 5 ml for 10 days to 23 weeks.
Which is better: Cerebrolysin or Ceraxon
The issue of selecting Cerebrolysin analogues is relevant for those for whom the injection form is not suitable, if the patient cannot afford the expensive drug or there are other reasons. Check with your doctor for the choice of substitutes; many of them are not sold freely in pharmacies. The drug is particularly beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's disease when it is a disease-modifying drug. Cerebrolysin reduces the frequency and severity of clinical relapses of the disease, reduces accumulated damage inside the brain, and slows the increase in disability for a long time.
In the presence of status epilepticus and acute renal failure, the medication is replaced with approved analogues. Method of use: intravenously, as part of droppers with glucose, saline or Ringer's solution, intramuscularly.
The method of administration is influenced by the severity of the disease and the age of the patient, and the prescribed number of ml. So, up to 5 ml is administered intramuscularly, from 5 to 10 - intravenously, over 10 ml - added to droppers. The course of treatment is days, the medicine is administered every day. In case of severe organic lesions of the brain, it is possible to increase the course according to the schedule every other day.
Cerebrolysin is a nootropic drug that is best injected in the morning. When administered in the evening, an undesirable reaction is possible - insomnia or insomnia. The patient’s well-being during and after injection is influenced by the speed of manipulation. Well tolerated if the medicine is administered slowly.
With rapid infusions, a person complains of fever, dizziness, sweating, and confusion. The price of Cerebrolysin depends on the number of ml in the ampoule and varies from 1 thousand. What to replace Cerebrolysin with depends on the patient’s indications and complaints, the presence of contraindications, financial capabilities, preferences for the form of the drug, ampoule or tablet. The Cerepro analogue consists of choline alfoscerate in the form of ampoules and capsules. Used for dementia, ischemic stroke, head injury, cerebrovascular insufficiency, as a nootropic.
Prescribed by a doctor and available with a prescription. The domestic analogue Cytoflavin improves brain metabolism. The medicine consists of succinic acid, riboxin, nicotinamide, riboflavin. Available in ampoules and tablets, available by prescription for cerebrovascular diseases, cerebral infarction, neurasthenia. The Magnesium multivitamin complex replenishes the deficiency of magnesium citrate and ascorbate.
It is used after injuries, for nervous disorders, and for the rehabilitation of people with cardiovascular diseases. Cortexin is a cheaper analogue of Cerebrolysin in ampoules, also obtained from pig brain. Available in powder, dissolved in sodium chloride, water or novocaine before use. The drug is administered intramuscularly once a day, for severe lesions - twice a day. Is a painful injection. Cerebrolysin substitute has similar effects. The medicine improves cognitive function, improves metabolism in damaged brain tissue and protects cells from destruction and adverse factors, accelerates the synthesis of peptides and metabolic processes.
Restrictions on use include pregnancy and individual intolerance to the components. Cerebrolysin is a similar drug in the form of ampoules ready for administration. It has the same therapeutic effects as Cortexin. Has positive reviews from doctors. Which is better, Cortexin or Cerebrolysin, depends on the severity of the patient’s condition, indications, history of contraindications, and financial capabilities.
Actovegin is an analogue of Cerebrolysin injections, also available in tablets for maintenance therapy. It is based on a hemoderivative of calf blood.
Among the therapeutic effects are activation of metabolism in tissues, improvement of trophic processes and stimulation of regeneration. To figure out which is better - Actovegin or Cerebrolysin, and whether it is possible to take these drugs at the same time, you need to compare them: Ceraxon is a nootropic drug based on citicoline, prescribed for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, head injury and cognitive impairment.
Often used for older people. One of the differences between the analogue of the drug Cerebrolysin is the additional form in the form of an oral solution. It is packaged in a bottle with a dispenser syringe or disposable sachets. Ceraxon ampoules are administered intramuscularly or intravenously, depending on the indications and severity of the patient’s condition. Then it is possible to enhance the effect with an oral solution.
The analogue restores damaged brain cells, improves cognitive functions, prevents the death of ischemic tissue, and reduces the severity of neurological manifestations of diseases. Ceraxon differs from Cerebrolysin in its lower price and the presence of an additional release form - an oral solution. Both medications are used for recovery from TBI and stroke, and in cases of impaired cognitive function.
However, Cerebrolysin is also used in children with developmental delay, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms of action of drugs are different due to the incoming substances - Cerebrolysin consists of polypeptides, the cheap analogue Ceraxon contains citicoline.
Citicoline is also contained in the drugs Proneuro, Recognan, Neypilept, etc. Which is better is determined by the doctor specifically for each patient. An analogue of Cerebrolysin in 5 ml ampoules is the antioxidant domestic drug Mexidol. It differs in its spectrum of action and indications.
The Mexidol analogue has an antioxidant, antihypoxic, nootropic, and anticonvulsant effect.
During a course of treatment, it improves blood supply to the brain and metabolism in tissues, and reduces anxiety. Used for acute forms of cerebrovascular accidents, encephalopathy, head injury, mild cognitive and anxiety disorders. Available in ampoules and tablets to enhance the therapeutic effect. Piracetam is an analogue of Cerebrolysin in tablets, capsules and injections. The drug is weaker because it has a nootropic effect, improves metabolism in brain cells, and affects the properties of blood cells.
The main indications for the use of the analogue are the treatment of cognitive impairment after a stroke or other organic brain lesions, treatment of decreased attention, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Not used for hemorrhagic stroke. The two drugs have a similar mechanism of action and therapeutic effects and are available in ampoules. Cerebrolysate substitute Cellex is more effective for cerebral palsy, diseases of the nerve roots, and after surgery on the brain. The route of administration is exclusively intramuscular. Cerebrolysin is a studied Austrian drug for developmental delays in children and dementia after stroke. This means that as a result of clinical trials, indications, contraindications, side effects, and dosage regimens were determined.
The medication is used intramuscularly, intravenously and as part of droppers. The only drawback is the high cost. When choosing between analogues, one should take into account financial capabilities, efficiency and sufficient research. Discuss the choice of analogues cheaper than Cerebrolysin with your doctor due to possible contraindications, side effects and nuances of prescription. Many drugs with similar effects are not sold freely in pharmacies.
Before use, read the instructions for use. Yes, the drug is a prescription and is used as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage and course of treatment are also determined by a specialist. The method of administration is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s condition, severity of the disease, and age. Medicine up to 5 ml is administered intramuscularly, up to 10 ml intravenously, over 10 ml is prescribed in the form of droppers with other approved solutions.
Side effects when using the medicine and exceeding the dosage include arrhythmia, increased heart rate, increased or decreased blood pressure. Ceraxon and Cerebrolysin are 2 nootropic drugs. Despite the fact that both drugs belong to the same clinical and pharmacological group and have similar therapeutic effects, there are many differences between them.
A nootropic drug intended for the treatment of sensory and motor neurological disorders of a degenerative and vascular nature.
Prevents the death of brain cells and promotes the regeneration of damaged cell membranes. Inhibits the action of phospholipase. In case of stroke, it reduces the volume of affected brain tissue and improves the transmission of impulses. In case of traumatic brain injury, it reduces the duration of coma and the recovery period. Helps treat cognitive disorders such as loss of memory and attention, deterioration of speech and difficulties in performing habitual activities.
Ceraxon contains citicoline as an active component, which has a wide spectrum of action:. Cannot be used in case of individual intolerance to components, severe vagotonia, fructose intolerance, or under the age of 18 years. During pregnancy, it can be taken according to strict indications and provided that the benefit of the drug for the mother is higher than the risk of side effects in the fetus.
A drug that has nootropic and neurometabolic effects. Improves metabolism in brain cells, prevents their death during ischemia and hypoxia. Enhances intracellular protein synthesis in the brain. It has a positive effect on cognitive impairment, improves attention and memory, and helps regulate behavior. Active ingredient: Cerebrolysin concentrate, a peptide complex obtained from pig brain cells.
Cerebrolysin as an active component contains a complex of neuropeptides that are obtained from the brain of pigs. The active substance penetrates directly through the BBB to the nerve cells of the brain and has the following effects:
Do not use in case of individual intolerance to the components, acute renal failure, epilepsy. It can be taken during pregnancy provided that the benefit of the drug is greater than the risk of side effects in the fetus.
Ceraxon and Cerebrolysin are 2 nootropic drugs. Despite the fact that both drugs belong to the same clinical and pharmacological group and have similar therapeutic effects, there are many differences between them.
Main differences
Both drugs belong to the nootropic group, but have a different subgroup and, accordingly, scope of application and mechanism of action on the body. Mexidol is an antioxidant, and Cerebrolysin is a polypeptide.
In addition, the difference lies in the possibility of use in pediatrics: Cerebrolysin is prescribed to children with deviations from the norm of intellectual development and with developing brain hypoxia even at an early age, Mexidol is not prescribed until the 18th birthday.
Side effects on the body
Both drugs have the same list of adverse reactions. The following negative effects of these drugs on the body are noted:
- hot flashes;
- dry mouth and sore throat;
increased body temperature;- dyspepsia;
- blood pressure increase or decrease;
- headache and dizziness;
- disturbances in movement coordination;
- sleep disturbance;
- overexcitement and anxiety;
- feeling of lack of oxygen;
- allergy to components - urticaria, itching, redness of the skin.
If unpleasant symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor for advice.
Interaction with other medications
The combined use of both products with vitamin complexes and medications that improve blood circulation in the myocardium is allowed. They also work well with:
- agents of the benzodiazepine pharmacological group;
- antiepileptic drugs;
- medications to treat Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease;
- antidepressants and tranquilizers.
Nootropics are not used in combination with balanced amino acid solutions.
Analogs
The most commonly used analogue of Cerebrolysin is Actovegin. The drug is prescribed for the therapeutic treatment of disorders in brain cells of metabolic and vascular etiology, as well as with an increase in the glucose index in children, during intrauterine gestation in women and with the risk of hypoxia in the mother and developing fetus.
A frequently used analogue of Mexidol is Neurox. This product has the same active ingredient - ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate. The medicine strengthens the cell membrane, prevents lipid oxidation, and helps restore blood flow to the brain and myocardium.
Comparison and how they differ
Despite the fact that both medications belong to the same pharmacological group, there are differences between them:
- Cerebrolysin and Ceraxon have different active and inactive components , which should be taken into account by patients prone to allergies.
- Cerakson is sold not only in injections, but also in the form of a solution for oral administration.
- Cerebrolysin has a wider range of applications ; it is prescribed to patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, mental retardation and hyperactivity in children, in combination with other drugs for depression that is not treatable with antidepressants.
- Cerebrolysin should be stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees, ampoules for 5 years, bottles for 4 years from the date of release. Ceraxon, regardless of the release form, must be stored at an ambient temperature not exceeding 30 degrees, for 36 months from the date of release of the drug.
Both drugs can cause side effects. Treatment with Ceraxon may cause:
- Feeling hot.
- Hallucinations.
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
- Tachycardia.
- Edema.
- Increased activity of liver enzymes.
- Numbness in paralyzed limbs.
- Constipation.
Cerebrolysin may cause the following undesirable effects:
- Aggression.
- Impaired consciousness.
- Epilepsy and seizures.
- Pain in the neck, lower back, limbs.
- Chills.
- Collapse.
- Impotence.
- Indifference to what is happening.
- Flu-like condition.
- Depression.
- Hyperventilation.
- Itching, redness and burning at the injection site.