The nervous system is one of the most sensitive structures of the human body, which reacts to changing metabolic conditions. Complex treatment of such pathologies requires the appointment of funds to normalize metabolism at the cellular level. The instructions for the use of "Mexidol" (a domestic drug) define a wide range of pharmacological effects, which determines the use of the drug for the treatment of diseases in neurology, cardiology, ophthalmology and other medical fields.
Instructions for the use of "Mexidol"
"Mexidol" is a drug that belongs to the pharmacological group of antihypoxants, antioxidants. The active ingredient of the agent, 2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate, belongs to the derivatives of aromatic polyhydric alcohols and is represented by a white powder that dissolves in water.
Instructions for the use of "Mesquidol" highlight the main pharmacological properties of the drug, presented in the table.
| the effect | Development mechanism |
|---|---|
| Antihypoxic | In conditions of a reduced concentration of oxygen in the blood, it inhibits the processes of incomplete oxidation. The lack of synthesis of under-oxidized products reduces the signs of hypoxia, increases the body's resistance to oxygen starvation. |
| Membrane stabilizing | By acting on the phospholipid structures of the cell wall: increases the activity of enzymes, the sensitivity of surface receptors and the transport system (channels for the passage of nutrients and ions). |
| Antioxidant | It inhibits lipid peroxidation under anaerobic conditions, activates the peroxide utilization system (mainly due to glutathione). |
| Neuroprotective ("nerve tissue protection") | Selective activity of the drug on brain cells in the process of regeneration after ischemic or traumatic injuries is noted. |
| Nootropic | Increases human cognitive abilities (memory, attention, speech) after traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological diseases due to:
|
| Hypolipidimic | Due to the adequate utilization of fats in cells when using Mexidol, the total concentration of lipids and cholesterol in the blood decreases (antiatherogenic effect); |
| Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety): | The effect is due to the effect on the GABA-ergic system with the activation of the main inhibitory mediator - gamma-aminobutyric acid |
"Mexidol" is used in cardiology to improve the rheological properties of blood: stabilize the membranes of erythrocytes, platelets, reduce platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Composition and form of release
"Meksidol" is a domestic drug of the "Farmasoft" company, which is prescribed for oral and parenteral use, therefore, it exists in two forms:
- 125 mg tablets (in packs of 30 and 50 pieces);
- solution in ampoules for intravenous or intramuscular injections (5% - 5 ml; 2% -3 ml).
Comparative characteristics of the composition of the drug are shown in the table.
| Tablets | Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient (Mexidol) | 125 mg | 5 ml ampoules - 50 mg / ml. Ampoules of 3 ml - 20 mg / ml. |
| Excipients |
|
|
| Organoleptic properties | White round tablets without bar | Transparent colorless solution, no impurities |
Features of the appointment of a separate form and dosage of the drug depend on the specific pathology and the severity of the patient's condition.
Indications: what does it help from?
A wide range of the effects of "Mexidol" determines the list of indications for prescribing the drug in practice:
- the recovery period of an acute disturbance of cerebral circulation, craniocerebral or spinal injury;
- hemorrhagic stroke and cerebral infarction;
- post-traumatic epilepsy;
- complex therapy of multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism;
- senile dementia (to slow the progression);
- mild to moderate cognitive impairment;
- acute intoxication with neuroleptic drugs ("Aminazin", "Haloperidol" and others);
- polyneuropathy (diabetic, traumatic genesis);
- ophthalmopathy and corneal pathology after laser intervention;
- open-angle glaucoma;
- rehabilitation for opium addiction, alcoholism;
- discirculatory encephalopathy - metabolic disorders in neurons against the background of a general somatic disease (for example, diabetes mellitus);
- acute withdrawal symptoms;
- vibration disease is an occupational pathology characterized by a generalized dysregulation of vascular tone.
In cardiology "Mexidol" is prescribed for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and arterial hypertension. The drug increases the therapeutic effect of antihypertensive drugs and improves the subjective well-being of patients: reduction of dizziness, pain in the back of the head, heart palpitations with arrhythmias.
Oral intake
The official instruction to "Mexidol" in tablet form identifies a list of conditions in which the use of the drug is justified:
- complex treatment of ischemic heart disease II-III functional class;
- hypertonic disease;
- migraine attacks in adults;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD) according to the hypertensive variant;
- cognitive impairment in patients who take alcohol for a long time;
- outpatient stage of rehabilitation of neurological patients;
- prevention of panic attacks in patients with phobias, anxiety conditions;
- insomnia.
The selection of an effective dose is determined by the individual characteristics of the patient and averages 250-500 mg / day. The duration of the course of therapy with oral forms of "Mexidol" is at least 2 months.
Intramuscular and intravenous administration
Parenteral administration of the drug is prescribed in a neuropsychiatric hospital, department of therapy or cardiology. The dose and frequency of intramuscular and intravenous use of "Mexidol" for various pathologies are presented in the table.
| Disease | Dose, frequency of administration | Duration of the course |
|---|---|---|
| Acute alcohol or neuroleptic intoxication (the agent accelerates the elimination of toxic metabolites from the body) | 50-300 mg / day | 7-14 days |
| Dyscirculatory, post-traumatic encephalopathy | 100 mg 2-3 times a day | 14 days |
| Acute pancreatitis | 100 mg 3 times / day | 7-10 days |
| Pancreatic necrosis |
| 10-14 days |
| The early period after a stroke, brain or spinal cord injury with cognitive, anxiety impairments |
| 10-14 days |
| Acute withdrawal symptoms in alcoholism | 100-200 mg 2 times a day | 5-7 days |
| Open angle glaucoma | Intramuscularly, 100 mg 3 times / day | 14 days |
Parenteral use of "Mexidol" is limited to short courses up to 2 weeks (with encephalopathy - up to 4).
Instructions for the use of "Meksiprim" (analogue) require discontinuation of the drug within 2-3 days with a gradual dose reduction.The consequence of abrupt cessation of admission - "rebound syndrome" with an increase in the manifestations of the underlying disease.
Rules for the administration and administration of the medicinal product
The effectiveness of a medicinal product is determined by the adequacy of the dose and the method of administration. According to the annotation, the oral form is prescribed 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, washed down with a sufficient amount of clean water, regardless of food intake.
Rules for parenteral administration of "Mexidol":
- intramuscular injections: 2-3 times a day in the upper-outer part of the buttocks;
- intravenous administration: bolus (slowly the entire dose without dilution in 5-7 minutes), drip (speed 40-60 drops / minute).
When consumed on an empty stomach, nausea, discomfort in the stomach, a decrease in blood sugar levels may occur, so doctors recommend taking Mexidol 30 minutes after eating.
Do I need to dilute the drug before administration?
Drip intravenous (infusion) administration of "Mexidol" is used to create a stable concentration of active metabolites in the blood plasma (for the period of infusion - 2-3 hours).
The most commonly used standard solvents in the clinic are:
- 0.9% sodium chloride solution (physiological);
- 5% glucose solution in bottles of 200 and 400 ml.
For drip administration, the drug is dissolved in the ratio: 100 mg (2 ml of 5% Mexidol) - 200 ml of solution.
Maintaining a constant concentration of the drug in the blood contributes to a longer effect with the possibility of gradual adaptation of the body to new metabolic conditions.
Side effects and symptoms of overdose
Mexidol belongs to a group of prescription metabolic antioxidants.
The initiation of treatment in 10-15% of patients is accompanied by the development of side effects:
- allergic reactions (itchy rash, swelling, redness in the injection area);
- dry mouth;
- nausea;
- discomfort in the upper abdomen (stomach, duodenum);
- sweating of the palm and feet;
- drowsiness;
- impaired coordination (the drug is not recommended for patients whose profession requires constant concentration of attention);
- increased heart rate;
- lability of blood pressure.
If you experience adverse reactions from taking the drug, you must stop using and inform your doctor.
Contraindications for taking "Mexidol":
- allergic reactions to any of the components of the product;
- acute hepatic and renal failure (the drug is excreted mainly in the urine);
- children under 18 years of age, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding (there are no clinical data on safety).
In case of an overdose, there is marked drowsiness, inhibition of the reaction, high or low blood pressure, dizziness. Treatment of intoxication "Mexidol" - infusion therapy in the intensive care unit.
Use of "Mexidol" for parkinsonism
Parkinsonism (Parkinson's disease) is a neurological pathology characterized by a progressive decrease in the amplitude and accuracy of movements, against the background of which tremors (tremors) of the extremities develop. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in elderly people (over 55 years old).
The morphological basis of the disease is associated with a violation of the synthesis of dopamine in the substantia nigra of the brain, a mediator of nerve impulses. Standard treatment for pathology involves the use of substitution therapy with active precursors of the substance.
Long-term use of such drugs promotes metabolic disorders in neurons, which is manifested by the synthesis of free radicals and damage to the cell membrane. An integrated approach using antihypoxants additionally affects peripheral structures and improves metabolism in the brain.
Clinical studies using "Mexidol" in the treatment of Parkinson's disease noted:
- an increase in the speed of the impulse along the nerve (during the study on an electroneuromyograph);
- a decrease in the manifestations of tremor (oscillations) and an increase in the range of motion;
- increase in efficiency and the possibility of reducing the dose of basic antiparkinsonian drugs (illustrated by the example of "Cyclodol");
- a decrease in the severity of symptoms (unsteadiness of gait, trembling in the hands, stiffness of movements) on the Hen-Yar scale;
- an increase in the concentration of dopamine metabolic products in the blood (results of an experimental study by the Center for Extrapyramidal Diseases).
As part of complex therapy, "Mexidol" is recommended for patients with Parkinson's disease at a dose of 200-400 mg / day in the form of a dropper (4-8 ml of a 5% solution of the drug for 250-300 ml of saline).
Features of application at low pressure
A decrease in blood pressure while taking "Mexidol" is due to increased synthesis and accumulation of natriuretic peptide, which promotes the excretion of sodium salts and water from the body (diuretic effect).
Moderate hypotensive effect of the drug requires careful use in patients with low rates:
- at values of 110 / 70-90 / 60 - it is allowed to take a standard dose of "Mexidol";
- less than 90/60 - specialist advice is required on the advisability of prescribing the agent, the need for pressure correction.
In case of mild hypotension, "Mexidol" is recommended due to its ability to normalize the vegetative innervation of the vascular wall and increase the indicators to optimal values.
Drug interaction: the drug enhances the effect of antihypertensive drugs (beta-blockers, diuretics), therefore, it is prescribed with caution in patients with mild hypertension.
How often can the course of treatment be repeated?
"Mexidol" is a drug that is used to improve the systemic processes of cellular metabolism. Experts recommend taking the remedy regularly, in short or medium duration courses:
- 10-14 days - every 2 months;
- 6 weeks - every 6-12 months.
The use of "Mexidol" is constantly prohibited due to addiction and a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug. For long-term correction of oxide processes in the body during the pause, it is recommended to use other means.
Analogues and domestic substitutes
The domestic manufacturer offers patients a variety of analogues - products that differ in name and cost: "Mexiprim", "Neurox", "Astrox", "Mexifin", "Neurocard", "Proinin".
Complex therapy in the hospital of the clinic of neurological and cardiovascular diseases is accompanied by the use of antioxidant and other means that improve metabolism.
The drugs most used in clinical practice:
- nootropics (to improve cognitive abilities, accelerate metabolic processes in the brain): Piracetam, Pantogam, Bifren, Noofen, Cerebrolysin;
- "Actovegin" is a dry extract of calves' blood, which increases tissue resistance to hypoxia, improves metabolic processes, accelerates the healing of ulcers and wounds;
- "Mydocalm" - a drug used in neurology for the treatment of diseases with increased muscle tone (multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism), postoperative and traumatic contractures;
- "Meldonium" ("Mildronate") is a universal metabolic agent that is used in cardiology to restore the myocardium after a heart attack;
- vitamin preparations with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects: Milgamma (group B complex), Aevit (A + E).
Vegetative disorders caused by compression of the nerve roots in osteochondrosis require complex therapy:
- diuretics ("Furosemide");
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Voltaren, Diclofenac);
- muscle relaxants - to relax the spasmodic muscles of the back ("Midocalm", "Baclofen").
For relief of headaches, doctors recommend drugs with proven effectiveness - "Spazmalgon", "Ibuprofen".
Conclusions
"Mexidol" is a drug from the group of antioxidant nootropic drugs, which is widely used in the practice of doctors for the complex therapy of acute and chronic disorders. A competent approach to prescribing, checking for compatibility with other drugs is the key to the effectiveness of treatment. There is no evidence base for monotherapy with "Mexidol", therefore, independent use of the drug for diagnosed neurological diseases is accompanied by the risk of progression of the pathology, worsening prognosis for the patient's life.
