Sensational as a result of the recent Olympic Games, the drug that contains meldonium is now known to almost everyone. Despite the fact that he was assigned to the category of drugs related to doping, he helps many athletes to cope with heavy loads. This also applies to ordinary citizens who, due to their professional activities, are subjected to strong physical and mental stress. Moreover, with heart diseases, deterioration of cerebral circulation, a drug based on meldonium can simply save a life.
The composition of the drug and manufactured forms
A drug that helps increase metabolic processes in the human body. Has the main component of meldonium dihydrate. Available in the form of:
- Hard gelatin capsules, white. Inside is a white crystalline hygroscopic powder. The drug has a slight smell.
- Injection in glass ampoules.
- Syrup.
How does it work
The synthetic analogue of gamma-butyrobetaine, which is meldonium, is originally found in the cells of the body of every person. This drug has a wide spectrum of action: it reduces the signs of physical and mental stress, improves performance, stimulates humoral and tissue immunity, acts as a cardioprotector.
In conditions of deterioration in blood supply, the drug helps to restore the balance between consumption and delivery of oxygen to cells. However, it starts glycolysis, which does not require the consumption of additional oxygen. Enhanced synthesis of gamma-butyrobetaine, which has a vasodilating property, is achieved by reducing the level of carnitine.
In medical practice, there are often positive reviews about the drug "Mildronate", since it improves myocardial metabolism due to cardioprotective action. When it is damaged due to an acute lack of oxygen, the drug helps to slow down the appearance of dead cells, accelerates the rehabilitation process.
If the patient has had attacks of angina pectoris, then this drug helps to reduce the frequency of occurrence of such cases. During intense physical exertion, the use of Mildronate is quite justified. Feedback on its effectiveness can be heard not only from doctors and athletes, but also from those who, due to their professional activities, need to increase their efficiency.
The drug has a positive effect on areas of the brain that suffer from a lack of oxygen. In this case, we are talking about chronic, acute ischemia. Meldonium redistributes blood to those cells that are currently in urgent need of oxygen.
Among other things, when a dystrophic or vascular pathology of the fundus occurs, ophthalmologists often prescribe the drug Mildronate in combination with the main therapy.
Among patients with a craving for alcohol, who are currently at the stage of abstinence, the use of this drug can eliminate disorders of the autonomic and somatic nervous system. He tones it, thereby improving the well-being of the patient.
The process of absorption and excretion
According to the instructions to Mildronate, the period of absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is quite fast. After 1-2 hours, the maximum concentration of meldonium can be detected in the blood. The drug is metabolized in the liver, the process of excretion through the kidneys.
Indications for use
To understand why Mildronate is prescribed, you need to know the main indications for use:
- In combination with other drugs in the treatment of chronic and subacute cerebrovascular accident, for example, after a stroke or cerebrovascular insufficiency;
- Increased physical, mental stress;
- In a period of declining performance;
- Retinopathy (hypertensive, diabetic), various retinal hemorrhages, hemophthalmos;
- Together with special drugs during the treatment of alcoholism;
- During chronic heart failure, after myocardial infarction, with angina pectoris, dishormonal cardiomyopathy.
Contraindications
As indicated in the instructions to "Mildronate", he has his own list of contraindications, which should be paid attention to before taking the drug. These include:
- Children under 18 years old.
- Breastfeeding and pregnancy.
- The presence of intracranial tumors, impaired blood flow in the veins, increased intracranial pressure.
- Hypersensitivity to meldonium.
Method of use, dosage in capsules
Due to what is indicated in the instructions, and in reviews of Mildronate, increased irritability is noted during treatment, the drug must be taken before lunch. If, as prescribed by a doctor, it is necessary to take the drug several times a day, then it is advisable to carry out the last dose before 17-00.
To increase efficiency, reduce stress during physical and mental activities, it is recommended to take the drug twice a day at 500 mg. The course of treatment usually takes 4-6 weeks, in agreement with the doctor, you can undergo re-treatment, but not more than 3 times a year.
If a patient with dishormonal cardiomyopathy is prescribed Mildronate, then the attending physician will explain how to take it. If you follow the instructions, then it indicates - 1 tablet of the drug in a dosage of 500 mg, lasting 12 days.
In case of heart disease, strictly after consulting a doctor, the medicine should be taken 1-2 times a day, 500 to 1000 mg, up to 6 weeks. The same duration of treatment and with continued therapy, in case of acute cerebrovascular accident.
Athletes should take the drug during training twice a day for 500 - 100 mg, up to 21 days, in the case when it comes to competitions, then no more than 2 weeks.
Injection, dosage
To increase vitality, during periods of intense mental stress, Mildronate injections are prescribed intravenously, with a course of 10-14 days. If necessary, the treatment is repeated after 2-3 weeks. In the case of dystrophic diseases, vascular pathologies, the duration of therapy is 10 days.
For diseases of the cardiovascular system, therapy is selected in a comprehensive manner, it is possible to prescribe Mildronate in injections, 1-2 times a day, for up to 6 weeks.
In order to normalize cerebral circulation, doctors recommend meldonium to be administered intravenously, once, up to 10 days. Then continue to take "Mildronate" in capsules. Patients suffering from alcoholism are advised to administer the drug in the form of intravenous injections, twice a day, for a period of 7 to 10 days.
Side effects and cases of overdose
An insignificant list of side effects to Mildronate is noted. If we talk about allergic reactions, then it is extremely rare for burning, itching, urticaria, skin rash, angioedema. Also, sometimes there are cases of tachycardia, an increase or increase in blood pressure, increased irritability, general weakness, eosinophilia.
If a dose was suddenly taken in excess of the dose prescribed by the doctor, then tachycardia, headaches, and a decrease in blood pressure may be noted. Most likely, symptomatic treatment is required.
Interaction with other medicines
To achieve maximum effect during the treatment of heart diseases in combination with coronary dilating drugs, cardiac glycosides and some antihypertensive dosage forms, Mildronate is prescribed, for which it is first necessary to obtain the consent of a doctor. This tool is compatible with antianginal, antiarrhythmic, bronchodilator, diuretic drugs, anticoagulants, as well as forms of prolonged action nitrates.
Particularly noteworthy are preparations containing nitroglycerin (in particular, those that must be used when laying under the tongue) and antihypertensive dosage forms. This is due to the fact that arterial hypotension or tachycardia may develop. When studying reviews of Mildronate, it is worth paying attention to the need to inform the attending physician about the medications currently being taken in order to avoid a deterioration in overall well-being and a decrease in the effect of other drugs.
Special conditions of use
There are no strict instructions on how to take Mildronate for patients under the age of 18, therefore it is indicated in the contraindication column. In fact, not enough research has been conducted on children and adolescents so that they can safely be prescribed this drug.
During the administration of the drug, among patients there was no adverse effect on the ability to drive a vehicle.
Taking the drug for impaired kidney and liver
With prolonged use of meldonium among those people who suffer from chronic diseases of the kidneys and liver, additional consultation and specialist supervision was required. You must be careful and control your well-being during the entire course of use.
Studying reviews of Mildronate, one has to face the fact that some women during pregnancy or breastfeeding, experiencing strong physical exertion, are interested in the possibility of using the drug in order to maintain the body. In this regard, there is a clear statement from the manufacturer that it is not recommended to appoint meldonium for women at this time.
Analogues of the drug
In the pharmacy network, you can find analogues of Mildronate, some have the same main component in the composition as meldonium, others are aimed at solving the same problems as the original tool.
If we talk about dosage forms having the same component, then it is worth highlighting "Angiocardyl", produced in the form of a solution in ampoules. In tablet form (capsules) and in ampoules for intravenous injection, a good Russian analogue of Mildronate is produced - Cardionate. It positively affects the work of the cardiovascular system. Especially effective for ischemia.
Another drug that has the same component is Idrinol. Positive reviews are noted about its use, low cost and availability in terms of acquisition through the pharmacy network.
As for those to whom meldonium is contraindicated, there are other analogues that stimulate metabolic processes in the human body. These include:
- "Methyldronate", which is effective in supporting the work of the heart;
- "Metamax" based on propionate dihydrate, also refers to cardiological drugs, improves metabolism;
- "Mildonium Farmland" - one of the most popular and similar in composition, scope of application of the drug. Available in the form of a solution for injection, and in capsules.
There are also many other medicines that are similar in indications for use. The possibility of replacement must be consulted with a doctor.
Product Reviews
Among those who are prescribed the drug, there are patients who are recommended either only Mildronate capsules or intravenous injections. This is due to indications for use and the specifics of treatment. If the patient is in the hospital, then judging by the reviews, do intravenous injections, or intramuscular analogues. At home, take capsules.
The reviews of some users contain recommendations on the need to look at the date of manufacture when buying Mildronate in ampoules, as it happened that negligent sellers sold drugs with an expired shelf life.
During the period of treatment for alcohol dependence, both relatives and the patient himself noted an improvement in their condition and an increase in vitality. This suggests that you can cope with a craving for alcohol with the help of complex treatment, which includes Mildronate.
Regardless of the form in which to take the drug, improvement in well-being is noted in all patients who underwent treatment. Increased efficiency, an influx of vital energy, a retreat of symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia - this can be achieved by taking Mildronate throughout the course, according to the doctor’s recommendations. Since this drug is quite specific, it is necessary to obtain the permission of a specialist for its use.