Arterial hypertension is often accompanied by such unpleasant symptoms as panic attacks, neurosis, cardialgia. For several decades now, the generally available and effective drug "Validol" has been used to eliminate such manifestations of pathology. Indications for use with high blood pressure of this drug in many hypertensive patients raise a question. How exactly does the tool affect and what other qualities does it have?
Composition and form of release
The main active ingredients in the preparation are menthol, extracted from peppermint leaves, and isovalerianic acid - a concentrate of extract from valerian root. The use of "Validol" helps the body to produce substances that can eliminate the pain syndrome and thus have a sedative effect. This occurs due to the reaction of the nerve endings of the mucous membranes. The active ingredients of the drug do not accumulate in the tissues of the body, so cases of drug overdose are recorded extremely rarely.
"Validol" is indicated for use at elevated pressure due to the ability to dilate blood vessels. After using the drug, their clearance increases, and the onslaught in them decreases. But hypertensive patients should know that the use of Validol as a medicine that lowers blood pressure in the form of self-treatment is not recommended. It can be used exclusively as part of complex treatment, as an auxiliary medication.
In pharmacies, you can find several forms of Validol.
- Pills are the most popular type. They include 60 mg of the active ingredient and additional ingredients: sugar and calcium stearate.
- Capsules are a less common option. Produced without added sugar using a gelatin shell. Capsules contain 50 and 100 mg of active ingredient.
- Drops - a form used for many years. Such "Validol" is an oily alcoholic solution with a strong menthol flavor.
Pharmacological properties
The instructions for use of "Validol" say that the drug has a moderate hypotensive property, that is, it helps lower blood pressure. But patients should be aware that the drug is not able to help with a resistant form of hypertension.
Doctors warn that the tool helps lower blood pressure by no more than 10 units. That is why cardiologists say that the use of Validol is advisable only as an auxiliary medication.
How does the drug work? Menthol provokes reflex expansion of blood vessels. This process is carried out due to the fact that it stimulates the functioning of the central nervous system, releases lipids and histamine mediators. Thus, the drug has a soothing and calming effect. In addition, the indication for the use of Validol is a deterioration in peripheral blood flow.
The absorption of the active substances of the drug occurs quite quickly. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is observed after only a few minutes. The breakdown of the active ingredients is carried out in the tissues of the liver. The metabolic products of the drug are excreted through the kidneys along with bile and urethra, and part of the gluconurides comes out with the exhaled air.
Indications for the use of Validol
With pressure, this drug is not used as often as in the treatment of a variety of heart pathologies. But it is worth noting that this drug does not relieve the patient of the initial causes of the disease, but only eliminates unpleasant symptoms. As already mentioned, most often the drug is prescribed for cardialgia - pain in the heart. Indications for the use of Validol are also:
- neurosis is a prolonged overstrain of the human psyche against the background of emotional or intellectual factors;
- hysteria - manifests itself in the form of fits of involuntary crying, laughter or screaming;
- angina pectoris - in this condition, the drug is usually combined with nitroglycerin, since it does not solve the problem on its own, but only eliminates the pain;
- motion sickness, motion sickness and nausea in transport;
- high blood pressure as part of complex therapy.
In some cases, the drug is recommended for disorders of the central nervous system and vegetative-vascular dystonia. In addition, the indications for the use of Validol tablets may be non-specific:
- relief of itching after insect bites;
- elimination of spasms of the respiratory apparatus;
- dry cough treatment;
- elimination of toothache in the form of emergency care;
- relief of respiratory function and relieving congestion with a runny nose.
Despite such a wide spectrum of action, it should be borne in mind that this drug is forbidden to take without the appointment of a specialist. Indeed, the use of medication can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the patient and disorders in the work of the heart, if the patient has certain contraindications.
Instruction for use
According to doctors, the use of "Validol" at a pressure is advisable in the case when its indicators exceed the level of 150 per 100 mm Hg. According to the instructions, tablets should be placed under the tongue. A maximum of 60 mg of the drug is allowed at a time. The daily dosage may be 120-240 mg, depending on the problem. Validol capsules are also used in the same way. As for the drops, it is customary to drip them on a piece of refined sugar and dissolve it. You can apply 3-6 drops at a time. The daily dosage should not exceed 24 drops.
Prescribe long-term therapy should only be a specialist. The duration of treatment is recommended to be limited to one week. You can carry out therapy courses at intervals of 14-21 days.
special instructions
"Validol" and similar drugs increase the effectiveness of sedative medications, neurotropic and antihypertensive drugs. But before combining them, you should consult with a specialist.
During treatment with the help of Validol, drowsiness, carelessness, distraction may occur, so it is advisable to refuse to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms.
Another advantage of this medicine is the fact that it is allowed to be used at any time during pregnancy. For women in position, the drug is recommended for:
- angina attacks;
- high blood pressure;
- headaches;
- toxicosis.
But patients should know that only a specialist should deal with the appointment of medication during pregnancy. After all, menthol in a large dosage can cause a reduction in the smooth uterine muscles, which can provoke a threat of miscarriage.
Contraindications and side effects
The instructions for the medicine also indicate cases in which the use of the drug is prohibited. These include:
- intolerance to the ingredients of the drug;
- low blood pressure;
- age is less than 18 years;
- initial stage of a heart attack.
In addition, the tool can not be used for people suffering from diabetes, since it contains sweeteners. The only exceptions are capsules that are made without added sugar.
Side effects when taking Validol occur only in cases of overdose and ignoring contraindications. The instructions describe the likely negative reactions of the body to this medicine. These include:
- nausea;
- increased lacrimation;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness.
But side effects usually go away on their own, without additional treatment.
Analogs
The following properties have similar properties and indications for use:
- “Corvalment” - tablets based on isovalerianic acid and menthol, have a vasodilating and calming effect;
- "Corvalol" and "Valocordin" - contain peppermint oil, have a calming effect;
- "Valoserdin" - is made in the form of drops, the active ingredient is phenobarbital, and the additional - peppermint oil, has a calming and hypnotic effect.
Reviews
For many years now, Validol has been very popular: doctors often prescribe it, and many hypertensive patients use it even without expert advice. You can find a huge number of positive responses about this medication from both patients and cardiologists, which indicates its high effectiveness. Practitioners talk about the good healing properties of the drug in the fight against manifestations of cardiovascular pathologies.
Hypertensive opinions about Validol vary slightly. However, most patients note its positive effect. Patients say that the medicine helps eliminate too high nervous excitability and get rid of migraines with high blood pressure.
There are practically no negative reviews about this drug. Only some patients mention that dizziness periodically appears when taking the pills. Patients call drowsiness another negative effect of the medicine.
Conclusion
Numerous reviews indicate the reliability of this affordable medicine, tested for decades. People suffering from pathologies of the cardiovascular system, autonomic disorders and mental disorders should get Validol tablets for first aid if necessary.