In the article, we consider the instructions and reviews for the Cerepro drug. It is a nootropic drug that is used in the treatment of chronic circulatory failure of the brain of a chronic nature and some cognitive disorders caused by defects in memory and mental function. Used for the treatment of organic diseases of the central nervous system. The main active ingredient of this drug is choline alfoscerate.
This article will discuss the features of prescribing Cerepro by doctors, instructions for use, analogues of this drug, as well as real reviews of patients who have already used the drug.
Composition and form of release
The medication “Cerepro” can be purchased in one of two forms: in capsules and in the form of ampoules containing a solution for injection into a vein or muscle.
Cerepro Capsules are soft because they are made of gelatin and have an elongated shape. Regarding the ampoules, it must be said that they have a brownish-reddish color. They contain a clear or slightly colored oily liquid. Capsules are sold in blisters or jars (ten or fourteen each), and capsules are sold in packs (three, five, or ten in a pack).
According to the instructions for Cerepro, one capsule contains 400 milligrams of the active ingredient - glycerylphosphorylcholine hydrate (choline alfoscerate). As auxiliary substances, glycerin (glycerol) and purified water act.
The capsule has a shell consisting of medical gelatin, methyl paraben (methyl parahydroxybenzoate), titanium dioxide, sorbitol (sorbitol), purified water, glycerin (glycerol), dye (red iron oxide) and propyl paraben (propyl parahydroxybenzoate).
Regarding the solution, it should be said that one milliliter of it contains 250 milligrams of glycerylphosphorylcholine hydrate (active component) and water for injection (auxiliary component).
What is the drug prescribed for?
As the instruction indicates, Cerepro positively affects the metabolism in the brain tissue and can optimally regulate blood circulation. Due to these factors, the medication is used as the main tool, as well as as part of a complex treatment in the following situations:
- the recovery period after a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs with hemispheric focal symptoms or signs of damage to the brain stem;
- with chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency of a chronic nature, which entailed involutional and degenerative changes in it;
- if the patient has impaired mental ability, coordination, memory; in addition, the drug is used to reduce the patient's ability to concentrate, which is expressed in the form of confusion;
- recovery and acute stages of severe traumatic brain injury (including coma and impaired consciousness);
- if symptoms of senile pseudomelancholy appear.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use with Cerepro. Analogs will be considered later.
Pharmacological action
The drug is a central cholinostimulator, which consists of 40.5% of metabolically protected choline. When it enters the body, the drug is exposed to enzymes and then broken down into choline and glycerophosphate.
The first is involved in the biosynthesis of such an important mediator of nervous system excitation as acetylcholine. The second is a precursor to neural membrane phospholipids.
The drug normalizes the spatio-temporal characteristics of the bioelectric spontaneous activity of the brain, increases the linear velocity of blood flow in the affected area of the brain, and has a positive effect on cognitive and behavioral reactions of patients who suffer from vascular diseases of the brain. In addition, it provides the synthesis of acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine in neuronal membranes, enhances the metabolic processes in the central nervous system, activates the reticular formation, improves blood flow.
In accordance with the instructions for use, “Cerepro” (400 mg) helps to improve brain functioning, reduces cholinergic activity, changes the phospholipid composition of membrane neurons, stimulates the output of acetylcholine, participates in the synthesis of phosphagidylcholine (membrane phospholipid) and thereby improves the functioning of receptors, synaptic transmission and plasticity of neuronal membranes. It does not have teratogenic and mutagenic effects. It does not affect the reproductive cycle.
After penetration, its absorption is 88%. It easily penetrates the BBB, that is, the blood-brain barrier (when taken orally, the concentration in the brain of the head reaches 45% in the blood plasma). In the body, choline alfoscerate under the enzymatic influence is biotransformed to glycerophosphate and choline (they provide pharmacological effects of the drug). 85% in the form of carbon dioxide is excreted by the lungs. The remainder is excreted in the feces and urine.
Instructions for Cerepro
In the case when the indications for the use of Cerepro are acute conditions, it is advisable to use the drug in liquid form. Injections are administered intramuscularly or intravenously per day, one gram.
The use of the parenteral form of the drug lasts for 10-15 days, then the oral form is prescribed to the patient. The course of capsule use is six months, the daily dose of the drug is 1200 milligrams.
It is advisable to drink capsules in the morning and during lunch (800 and 400 milligrams, respectively). It is recommended that you take the medicine before meals. With good tolerability of the drug, you can drink it three times a day for 400 milligrams. The instructions indicate that taking capsules in the evenings can cause insomnia.
If there are chronic conditions, then treatment begins with the use of capsules. At the same time, the dosage is 1200 milligrams per day.
What else does the instruction for Cerepro tell us (400 mg)?
Contraindications
The drug is not prescribed:
- during pregnancy;
- acute hemorrhagic type brain damage;
- breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to its composition;
- in pediatric practice.
The instruction for Cerepro tablets is very detailed.
Side effects
If the drug “Cerepro” is used in the recommended amounts, then the drug very rarely causes unpleasant side symptoms from the patient’s body. According to reviews of the drug, both it and its analogues can trigger the occurrence of the following reactions from organs and systems:
- local reactions: pain;
- urinary system: urination becomes more frequent;
- nervous system: aggression, hyperkinesia, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, convulsions, dizziness, nervousness;
- digestive system: gastritis, dry oral mucosa, peptic ulcer, nausea, dyspepsia;
- other symptoms: pharyngitis, hypersensitive reactions of various types.
Overdose
According to the instructions to Cerepro, if the recommended therapeutic dosage of the drug (in the form of capsules) was significantly exceeded, dyspeptic symptoms develop (nausea, bloating, vomiting). In this case, gastric lavage is performed, intestinal sorbents (for example, activated charcoal) are prescribed to the patient, and symptomatic treatment is necessary if necessary.
Interaction with various drugs
The interaction of the drug with other drugs has not been studied in detail. With his appearance on the pharmaceutical market, a number of cases of simultaneous use with other medicines have been described. When combined with the following substances, such reactions are capable of manifesting:
- with antidepressants - reduced side effects and increased anxiety;
- with anticoagulants - increased chance of bleeding;
- with thyroid hormones - sleep disturbances, excessive anxiety;
- with antihypertensive agents - increased effect.
It is strictly forbidden to use the drug in conjunction with barbiturates.
What else can you learn from the instructions for use with Cerepro tablets?
special instructions
Beforehand, you should carefully read the instructions. While taking the drug, strictly observe the dosages that are prescribed by the doctor. At the first symptoms of side effects, you should inform your specialist. It is forbidden to combine the drug with alcohol. The active substance of the drug does not affect the reactions of psychomotor.
So it is said in the instructions to "Cerepro."
Analogues of the drug
Medicines from the group of nootropics are available on the pharmaceutical market in a rather extensive assortment. The closest in therapeutic effect and composition are:
- “Cereton” - a drug from the group of nootropics, which improves the activity of brain structures of the head;
- “Fezam” is also a nootropic drug that helps increase concentration, improves memory, and reduces the likelihood of developing pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- “Cerebrolysin” is a rather expensive analogue of the drug, which is often used under stationary conditions for intravenous administration; indications for his appointment are chronic and acute diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
The use of any analogue must be agreed with a specialist. Drugs from the number of nootropics are prescribed by a doctor and as an independent remedy for cerebral circulation defects, and at the same time with other drugs.
Reviews
Patients who took Cerepro on medical advice leave positive feedback about this remedy. They talk about good tolerability of the drug and a rare manifestation of side symptoms.
The drug was also used for severe developmental delays. In this case, “Cerepro” contributed to a good therapeutic effect, after its use, the baby's reactions, pronunciation and speech improved, he began to speak more and form long sentences.
Specialists call this drug effective in the treatment of brain diseases. "Cerepro" in pediatrics is used very rarely, if its purpose is reasonable and confirmed by a doctor.
Among the shortcomings, a rather high cost is indicated, however, you can significantly save if you purchase a large package. In some patients, the capsules caused sleep disturbances and did not show proper effectiveness.
We reviewed the instructions for use and reviews of "Cerepro".