The medication allows you to increase the processes of transportation, the accumulation of oxygen in the body, and therefore, intracellular utilization is accelerated. It is these processes that contribute to the acceleration of metabolism, an effective increase in the energy resources of each cell.
That is, Actovegin is a drug that accelerates the processes of regeneration and metabolism, improves cell nutrition. Against the background of therapy, blood supply improves, the proper intake of glucose and oxygen in the tissue that has been damaged is ensured.
In the article, we consider the instructions for the use of Actovegin, reviews and analogues.
The pharmacological effect of this drug
Actovegin is a medication that can stimulate metabolic processes in the following cases:
- The use of a large number of energy resources in the restoration, tissue regeneration.
- Limited functioning of the metabolism with impaired absorption of oxygen, insufficient oxygen supply, hypoxia.
No less activity of the drug is observed with anabolism, so its use can improve the body's absorption of all substances. In addition, under the influence of active components, blood supply increases, which also positively affects the general condition of the body. The effectiveness of the drug is confirmed not only by clinical studies, but also by reviews of users who have had experience with the use of Actovegin injections.
Indications for the use of the drug
Experts recommend the use of the drug in order to eliminate such pathologies and symptoms as:
- Cerebrovascular insufficiency.
- Inadequate blood circulation in the veins.
- Corneal abrasions resulting from the use of contact correction of vision.
- The recovery period after the corneal transplant procedure.
- Corneal burns, ulcers.
- Damage to the sclera.
- Therapy of radiation injuries, prevention of such lesions.
- Pressure sores.
- Ulcers of any origin.
- Varicose veins of the lower extremities, changes in the shape of the veins.
- Trophic processes (disorders of dermal absorption).
- Angiopathy.
- Circulatory failure in the veins.
- Metabolic disorders (head injury, dementia, ischemic stroke).
The drug has proven itself in the treatment of trophic ulcers, pressure sores, any lesions of the dermis.
Using Actovegin
First of all, it should be taken into account that the dosage of the medicine recommended for use depends on the form of the pathology and its nature. The drug can be prescribed both for oral administration and for local treatment. Any form is effective.
When using the tablet form of the drug, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets three times a day. You should not chew the tablet, it is recommended to swallow whole, washed down with water in a small amount.
Consider the use of injections "Actovegin".
Injections are done intravenously or intramuscularly, using a dose of up to 20 ml. The exact dosage should be determined by a specialist based on the patient's condition.
If the drug is administered intravenously, the infusion rate should not exceed 3 ml, and the amount of the drug used should be 250 ml of the solution, which is prepared using 50 ml of the drug and 200 ml of saline or glucose.
One therapeutic course includes up to 20 infusions.
If "Actovegin" is administered parenterally, it is important to observe the patient, as the likelihood of a strong allergic response remains. To avoid this situation, doctors advise to pre-check the body's response to the medicine. With a test introduction, a dose of 5 ml is used, it is administered under the supervision of a doctor. In addition, it is necessary to ensure all the conditions before the procedure so that in case of an emergency it is possible to provide the patient with help.
The instructions for the medication indicate that Actovegin is characterized by hypertonic characteristics, therefore it is recommended during the treatment to control the water-electrolyte balance.
The local remedy, ointment, has no less high efficiency. Assign it in the following cases:
- Burns.
- Cleansing, ulcer treatment.
When using the ointment, it is applied to the dermis with a thin layer. In addition, in accordance with the reviews, it can also be used for the treatment of radiation injuries of the body.
In the case of ulcer therapy, it is recommended to use a larger amount of ointment so that more active component penetrates into the depth of the dermis. After the remedy is applied to the damage, it is covered with a compress with ointment. This will prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound. If the damage becomes very wet, it is recommended to change the dressings several times during the day.
The manufacturer's abstract reports that the ointment form of Actovegin is an indispensable tool for healing wounds, including those that are very wet. Therefore, it can also be used to eliminate pressure sores. In this case, the drug should be applied as thin as possible.
In order to prevent the occurrence of radiation damage, the agent is applied to the dermis between radiation sessions, after it.
The use of eye gel involves the application of the drug directly into the affected eye. For this, only one drop of the medicine is squeezed out of the tube and injected into the conjunctiva. Use eye gel can be a maximum of three times a day. From the moment the package is opened, the drug retains its therapeutic properties for a month, no more. After this period, the drug should be disposed of.
So it is said in the instructions to "Actovegin." Reviews about the drug will be presented at the end of the article.
Use of the medication during pregnancy
Often, experts recommend the use of the drug during pregnancy. The manufacturer's summary contains information that the drug helps prevent repeated miscarriages, helps preserve the child. Doctors confidently recommend the use of the medication for women suffering from diabetes mellitus, as it helps eliminate potential risks. In addition, the drug has shown its effectiveness in such cases as:
- Hypotrophy.
- Violation of normal blood flow.
- Fetoplacental insufficiency.
- Not carrying.
- Detachment of the placenta.
If the blood flow is disturbed, the fetus begins to develop hypoxia, which can cause miscarriage or other negative consequences. The use of “Actovegin” injections prevents the development of these pathologies. In this case, the manufacturer claims that during pregnancy, you can use a tablet preparation. Also, the drug can be used in the lactation period, there are no contraindications for this.
However, it is important to remember that you can use any medication in the lactation period and during pregnancy only if it is approved by an experienced doctor. It all depends on many factors of the pathology, its symptoms, course.
Pharmacological forms, composition of the drug
Available in several pharmacological forms of Actovegin. It:
- Tableted.
- Injection solution. Packed in ampoules of transparent glass, each of which may contain 2, 5, 10 ml of the drug.
- Infusion solution (for intravenous administration). Packed in 250 ml bottles, corked and additionally placed in a cardboard box.
- Ointment with a concentration of the active component of 5%. Packed in 20 grams in tubes.
- Cream. Packed in 20 grams in tubes.
- Eye gel with an active substance concentration of 20%. Packed in 5 grams per tube.
- Gel with a concentration of the active component of 20%. Packed in 5 grams per tube.
That is, the manufacturer of Actovegin produces a medicine in various forms, which allows each patient to choose the option that is most suitable for him.
The main active substance in the composition of the medication is an extract obtained from calf blood. Additional components vary depending on the pharmacological form of the drug.
The negative effects of the drug
Before you start using the drug, you must familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's annotation and study the likely negative consequences of using the drug. According to the instructions to "Actovegin" and reviews, in some cases, the drug causes the development of the following side symptoms:
- Hot flashes.
- Temperature rise.
- Increased sweating.
- Hives.
- Redness of the sclera.
- Lacrimation.
- Choking sensation.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Compressive feeling in the sternum.
- Sore joints, muscles.
- Immune reactions.
- Chills.
- Swelling.
- Burning in the field of applying a local preparation.
- Itching
It is important to note that if the patient has an individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, other negative manifestations may develop. Everything will depend on how well the patient tolerates the medication in general or the substance in its composition in particular.
In clinical practice, cases have been reported when patients noted the development of itching, the appearance of rashes, redness at the injection site. If any of these reactions occurs, you must refuse to use the medicine and consult a specialist.
However, as practice shows, this negative symptomatology develops rather rarely, especially if the patient complies with all the doctor’s prescriptions.
This is also confirmed by the instructions for use for Actovegin and patient reviews.
Contraindications to the use of the drug
There are situations when you should refuse to use the drug. First of all, treatment should not be carried out if the patient has an individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug.
A relative contraindication is the lactation period and pregnancy. That is, the drug can be used in these cases, but its use should be justified, and therapy should be monitored by a doctor.
In addition, Actovegin is not recommended for use if patients have such pathologies as:
- Decompensated form of heart failure.
- Fluid retention in body tissues.
- Anuria, oliguria.
- Pulmonary edema.
The instructions analogues "Actovegin" are not indicated. Consider them below.
Analogues of a drug
Currently, the pharmacological market offers patients a wide selection of analogues of Actovegin. According to reviews, they are no less effective.
They are: "Yantavit", "Eltatsin", "Emoksipin", "Cytochrome C", "Trekrezan", "Thiotriazolin", "Trimetazidine", "Tridukard", "Solcoseryl", "Rimekor", "Preductal", "Olifen "," Neyrolipon "," Meksifin "," Metostabil "," Meksidol "," Meksipridol "," Levokarnitil "," Karnifit "," Karnitin "," Kudesan "," Carditrim "," Dihydroquercetin "," Dimephosphon ", Glation, Vitanam, Astrox. Antisten, Cortexin, Curantil.
The issue of replacing a drug prescribed by a specialist always remains relevant for many reasons. The need for replacement may arise due to the specificity of the composition of Actovegin. Many similar drugs give a similar effect, but contain other components.
We should also note such analogues:
- Cortexin. Able to positively affect blood circulation, is used for intoxication. One of its main properties is anticonvulsant effect. However, unlike "Actovegin", it cannot be used for lesions of the dermis.
- Curantil. It has the ability to slow down the aggregation of various platelets in the blood, and therefore microcirculation improves. In addition, it dilates blood vessels. Instructions for use of the analogue "Actovegin" confirms this.
- "Solcoseryl." It is the drug most similar to Actovegin, as it has identical components.
- Cavinton The medication belongs to the group of drugs with cerebrovasodilating properties. The drug helps to restore metabolic processes in the brain, improve the flow of oxygen into it thanks to vinpocetine - the main component. Cavinton has a stimulating effect on the cerebral metabolism of norepinephrine and serotonin. The medication does not affect blood pressure and heart rate, which allows it to be used in the treatment of patients prone to hypertension and hypotension.
It is important to remember that before using Actovegin analogues, it is important to consult a doctor, since all the described drugs can cause the development of negative symptoms and have a number of specific contraindications.
The cost of this drug
Actovegin is a popular drug. The cost of the drug depends on its pharmacological form. So, an injection will cost 615 or 1300 rubles (small or large packaging, respectively). A tabletted Actovegin costs an average of 1,600 rubles, and an ointment costs 150 rubles.
Reviews on the use of Actovegin
Patients note the high effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of a variety of skin lesions. Due to the properties of the drug, it is possible to quickly restore the dermis, improve trophic tissue. The possibility of using the drug in the lactation period, during pregnancy, is separately noted.
Among the negative responses, a rather high cost of the drug can be noted, as well as the fact that in rare cases it causes severe allergic manifestations.
It is important to remember that therapy should be coordinated with a specialist.
We reviewed the instructions for "Actovegin", analogues and patient reviews about the drug.