What Cavinton analogues exist in the pharmaceutical market? Before answering this question, you should find out why this drug is needed, what are its pharmacological properties, indications for use, etc. In addition, you will be presented with detailed instructions for the use of Cavinton analogues, as well as their differences, composition and other information.
Pharmacodynamics
Cavinton medication significantly improves brain metabolism due to increased oxygen consumption. It increases the resistance of neurons to hypoxia, and also enhances the transport of glucose through the blood-brain barrier, translating the process of its breakdown into a more economical aerobic pathway.
This drug is prescribed by a doctor as an antioxidant, which is designed to reduce platelet aggregation, resistance of brain vessels, increase blood viscosity, promote the release of oxygen by red blood cells and increase cerebral blood flow. It is also worth noting that the Cavinton medicine enhances blood supply in ischemic areas of the brain.
Indications for use
Before you find out which Cavinton substitute is the most effective and inexpensive, you should talk about why this drug is generally prescribed to patients.
In neurology, such a drug is prescribed to reduce the severity of mental and neurological signs in cases of cerebrovascular insufficiency (for example, with ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, vascular dementia, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cerebral arteriosclerosis, post-traumatic and hypertensive encephalopathy, and also with stroke).
In ophthalmology, some analogues of Cavinton and the drug itself are prescribed for chronic vascular diseases, damage to the retina and lining of the eye (for example, with thrombosis of a retinal vein or central artery). In addition, such a medication is recommended in the complex treatment of Meniere's disease, hearing loss and idiopathic tinnitus.
Instructions for use
The drug in question is intended not only for oral administration, but also for intravenous infusion (drip). It must be administered very slowly (the speed should not exceed 80 drops per minute). It is forbidden to use the medication presented intravenously and intramuscularly without prior dilution.
For the preparation of infusion, it is allowed to use physiological saline or funds that contain dextrose, for example, Salsol, Reomacrodex, Ringer or Rindex. It should be especially noted that the medicine based on Cavinton should be used as intended only in the first 3 hours after its preparation.
The usual daily dose is 20 mg (or 2 ampoules) per 500 milliliters of the infusion solution. Within 2-3 days, this amount can be increased, but not more than up to 1 mg / kg / day (depending on tolerability). The duration of therapy is about 10-13 days. At the end of the course of intravenous treatment, it is advisable to start oral administration of the drug (2 tablets three times a day).
Contraindications and side effects
All analogues of Cavinton (below we will consider them in more detail) and the original itself have their side effects and contraindications. So, this tool is not recommended for use in the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke, a severe form of coronary heart disease and arrhythmia, as well as with hypersensitivity to vinpocetine. Due to insufficient research and data, this drug should also not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 18 years of age.
Side effects after using the Cavinton medication were extremely rare. So, on the part of the cardiovascular system, some changes in the ECG, extrasystole and tachycardia were observed. From the side of the central nervous system, sleep disturbances (increased drowsiness or insomnia), dizziness, headaches and general weakness were detected. From the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, dry mouth and heartburn were noted.
The drug "Vinpocetine"
Which is better: Cavinton or Vinpocetine? It is rather difficult to answer clearly the question posed. Indeed, in both cases, the main active ingredient is vinpocetine. As for the effectiveness and safety of drugs, these indicators depend on the degree of purification of the product and the amount of excipients used. But most often, patients acquire the second option. This choice is due to the fact that the price of Cavinton analogues is much lower (sometimes 10, or even 20 times).
Pharmacological action of the drug "Vinpocetine"
This tool improves blood circulation and metabolism. With antispasmodic properties, it has a vasodilating effect on the vessels of the brain. Blood pressure while taking this medication decreases slightly. At the same time, the drug rather quickly improves blood circulation, including microcirculation in the brain tissues. In addition, this medication reduces platelet aggregation, promotes the transport of oxygen to organs, etc.
Dosage and administration
Patients quite often wonder which is better: Cavinton or Vinpocetine? Doctors answer this question that the Cavinton remedy is more effective. But if you need a cheaper analogue, then it is better to use the drug "Vinpocetine". For oral administration, it is prescribed 5 or 10 milligrams three times a day. In the form of an intravenous injection (for example, in acute conditions), a single dose of this drug should be 20 mg. If the tolerance of Vinpocetine is good, then its amount is increased within 2-4 days to 1 mg / kg. The treatment period should last no more than 10-13 days.
Medication "Actovegin"
This is another analogue of the drug considered at the beginning of the article. Cavinton or Actovegin - which is better? This question is often asked by neurologists. But each specialist answers it in his own way. Someone recommends using exclusively a tool called "Cavinton", while someone trusts "Actovegin" more. So, let's figure out together which of these drugs is the best.
pharmachologic effect
Means "Actovegin" activates the metabolism in tissues, improves trophism, and also stimulates the regeneration process. This drug is a deproteinized extract of calf blood with the addition of low molecular weight peptides and nucleic acid derivatives. It activates cellular metabolism by increasing the transport and accumulation of oxygen and glucose.
It should be especially noted that such a tool can be used both orally or intravenously, and externally.
Dosage and route of administration
If you need a drug that improves the regeneration and trophism of tissues for external use, it is better to purchase Actovegin. By the way, it can be used even by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
In case of ulcerative lesions, a preliminary cleaning treatment should be carried out using a gel, which must be applied with a thick layer and covered with a compress with 5% Actovegin ointment. Bandage change is required to be made 1 time per day. In the future, therapy is recommended to continue with 5% cream, which must be applied to the affected area with a thin layer. For the prevention of pressure sores, only cream or ointment is used.
Cavinton or Mexidol: which is better?
The active substance of the drug "Mexidol" is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate. This is a domestic drug, which refers to a new generation of antioxidants. Mexidol injection solution contains sodium metabisulfite (about 1 g) and injection water (up to 1 liter) as excipients. As for the tablets, they include sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate and the components that make up the shell (talc,
polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol and titanium dioxide).
The active ingredient of Cavinton is a semi-synthetic vincamine derivative - vinpocetine. This is a vasodilator, which is often used to improve blood circulation. It slightly reduces blood pressure, and also improves the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain. In addition, Cavinton is used in ophthalmology and for the treatment of age-related diseases of ENT organs.
Both of these drugs complement each other. Quite often, they are used together to treat cerebrovascular problems. It should be noted that it is undesirable to mix these medicines in one dropper. It is better to enter them separately.
Means "Cinnarizine"
It often happens that patients are observed by different doctors, who often prescribe different drugs. Let's discuss which is better: Cinnarizine or Cavinton? These medicines are analogues. The medicine “Cinnarizine”, as well as “Cavinton”, is prescribed orally or intravenously for cerebrovascular accidents, including residual effects after a stroke. Which one is better is difficult to say, because each has its own characteristics and properties. It should be noted that the drug “Cinnarizine” is cheaper, but the low cost does not affect its quality and effectiveness. The drug is actively used for labyrinthine disorders, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting and nystagmus. In addition, this medication is prescribed for the prevention of migraine attacks,
Meniere's disease and for the treatment of peripheral circulatory disorders (Raynaud’s disease, arteriosclerosis obliterans, diabetic angiopathy, thromboangiitis obliterans, and acrocyanosis).
Cost and method of application
Cinnarizine is the cheapest analogue of Cavinton. In pharmacy chains, you can buy such a drug (50 tablets) for only 15-25 Russian rubles.
The medication should be taken orally at 1, 2 or 3 tablets (25 mg) three times a day after meals. If necessary, therapy is allowed to start with 1/2 dose, and then gradually increase. To achieve the best effect, the drug “Cinnarizine” is preferably taken continuously for 1-2 (sometimes more) months.
The drug "Fezam"
Doctors prescribe this remedy no less often. And, as in previous cases, patients cannot decide what they should choose: “Fezam” or “Cavinton”. Which is better, more efficient, cheaper? Presents drugs have the following effects:
- nootropic;
- antihypoxic;
- vasodilator.
But unlike Cavinton, the active ingredient of which is vinpocetine, the composition of the drug “Fezam” includes piracetam (about 400 mg) and cinnarizine (about 25 mg).
Dosage and side effects
For adults, Fezam is prescribed 1-2 capsules three times a day for 1-3 months (depending on the severity of the disease). Children over 5 years of age are prescribed 1-2 capsules once or twice a day for 1.5-3 months.
It should be noted that, unlike Cavinton, the drug Fezam has quite a few side effects. For example, on the part of the central nervous system, a patient may experience hyperkinesia, drowsiness, nervousness, and depression. As well as dizziness, ataxia, headaches, insomnia, imbalance, anxiety, confusion, agitation and hallucinations. From the gastrointestinal tract - increased salivation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition, allergic reactions (dermatitis, skin rash, edema, itching, photosensitivity, etc.) may occur in people taking Fezam medication.
So we examined what Cavinton analogues are today, compared their characteristics. Which of the above medicines to buy - you choose. Someone adheres to the recommendations of a doctor when buying this or that remedy, someone is more concerned about the financial component. Therefore, advising something specific in this situation is quite difficult, and wrong. To do this, there are qualified specialists, and they need to seek help. Be healthy!