Heart pain is one of the most common complaints among patients. There are many reasons for the onset of a symptom: a violation of the trophism of an organ, inflammation or increased activity of the nervous system. One of the most commonly used medicines for relieving an attack of chest pain is Corvalol with its availability, low price and ease of use. The drug has a wide range of pharmacological properties and relative safety, therefore it is popular among cardiologists and therapists.
Instructions for use of Corvalol
Corvalol belongs to a group of drugs with a reflex effect due to a combination of active substances included in the composition.
A feature of the remedy is a combined effect on various links in the regulation of the tone of blood vessels and centers of the brain. Sedation and mild hypnotic effects improve the patient's well-being. However, there are restrictions for admission, the neglect of which leads to the development of toxic effects.
Corvalol is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, women during pregnancy and lactation.
Indications for use
The availability of the drug contributes to the uncontrolled use of the medication, which causes undesirable consequences and signs of an overdose. The main indications for the use of Corvalol:
- insomnia;
- an increased level of anxiety;
- neuroses with irritability;
- panic attacks;
- tachycardia (high heart rate);
- hypertension (increased blood pressure) caused by physical exertion or emotional distress;
- exertional angina.
In addition, conditions that Corvalol helps with include abdominal cramps and stress-related stool disturbances.
Composition of the preparation
A wide range of drug effects is determined by the selection of adequate doses of active molecules. The content of the drug in different forms of release is presented in the table.
| Drops (in 1 ml, 26 drops) | Tablets | |
|---|---|---|
| Ethyl ester of bromisovaleric acid (valerian) | 20 mg | 12.42 mg |
| Phenobarbital | 18.26 mg | 11.34 mg |
| Peppermint oil | 1.42 mg | 0.88 mg |
| Additional substances |
|
|
Phenobarbital belongs to the group of barbiturates (drugs of the tranquilizing series), which have a pronounced sedative, hypnotic or anti-anxiety properties. In high doses, the substance is used to relieve and prevent seizures in patients with epilepsy.
The pharmacology of phenobarbital includes the enhancement (induction) of the activity of liver enzymes, where the drugs are utilized. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the regular intake of drugs containing barbiturates.
The ester of bromisovaleric acid belongs to the group of herbal sedatives. The drug acts primarily through receptors located in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. Inhibition of the pathological activity of the cerebral cortex and structures located below it relieves reflex vasospasm (eliminating pain, symptoms of hypertension). Sedation is realized by inhibition in the central nervous system.
Peppermint oil contains menthol extract, which interacts with receptors in the mouth and stomach, resulting in a pseudo-cold effect. The distracting effect "switches" the closed circles of impulses in the nervous system and causes calming, elimination of pain in the heart and abdomen.
Release form
Corvalol is a domestic remedy that comes in 2 forms:
- drops for oral administration: a vial (bottle) of 25.30 and 50 ml;
- tablets - blisters, 30 pieces per pack.
The patient independently chooses a convenient form for use: at home, they prefer drops, to stop an attack at work or on the street - pills.
How to use?
Frequency rate, duration of the course and dosage of the drug depends on the goals pursued.
The recommended methods of taking Covalol are presented in the table.
| Pathology | Single dose | Multiplicity | Duration of the course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest pain attack | 30-40 drops (2 tablets) | Of necessity | — |
| Insomnia | 15-30 drops (1 tablet) | Once before bed | 1-1.5 months |
| Unstable mental disorders | 15-30 drops (1 tablet) | 2-3 times a day | Up to 3 months |
Corvalol tablets and drops are prescribed for sublingual administration (under the tongue).
Instructions for the use of Corvalol in drops requires careful use of the drug in patients with impaired renal or hepatic functions: the slowed down metabolism of the drug contributes to an increase in concentration and the development of toxic effects.
Drops are recommended to be consumed, having previously applied sugar to the breast.
What are the symptoms of an overdose?
The consequence of exceeding the frequency of admission and the duration of treatment is acute or chronic poisoning (due to the accumulation of funds in the tissues of the body).
The main signs of intoxication:
- drowsiness (to coma);
- headache;
- decreased diuresis - the daily amount of urine;
- respiratory failure (frequent and superficial, in the final stage - rare);
- decreased body temperature;
- drop in blood pressure indicators;
- tachycardia, at the final stage - bradycardia (low heart rate), the development of arrhythmias.
In some cases, dependence on the drug develops, the treatment of which requires a transition to a safer substitute without an addictive effect.
There is no specific treatment for acute intoxication - it is necessary to withdraw the drug as soon as possible: rinse the stomach, prescribe diuretics (diuretics). To improve the condition, you can drink strong coffee.
Corvalol for hypertension: increases blood pressure or lowers?
The use of the drug for the correction of blood pressure is due to the presence of an ester of bromisovaleric acid and phenobarbital in the drug. The combination of active substances promotes a reflex decrease in arterial tone, expansion of the lumen and a drop in indicators.
In addition, the effectiveness of Corvalol in hypertension (especially in women) is due to the calming effect of the drug, since strong experiences contribute to an increase in pressure.
Abuse of the drug contributes to the drop in values to a collaptoid (unconscious) state.
Taking the drug with alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease, which is accompanied by chest pain and the need to stop an attack.
The choice of medication is carried out depending on the sensitivity of the drug and compatibility with alcohol. It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages while taking Corvalol.
The influence is due to:
- The effect of ethanol on the state of the vascular wall is the relaxation of the latter with the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Depressing effect on the cerebral cortex and trunk. Impairment of consciousness, dizziness, blurred vision, low heart rate and respiration are the consequences of the inhibitory effect on the vasomotor and respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata.
- Chronic alcoholism has a toxic effect on liver cells and drug conversion processes.Metabolic disorders contribute to an increase in the concentration of the drug to the maximum tolerated doses with the manifestation of signs of an overdose.
Instructions for the use of Corvalol in tablets defines a list of substances that are prohibited from taking during treatment: indirect anticoagulants (Syncumar), glucocorticoids, Griseofulvin, oral contraceptives.
Is the medication harmful and how long can you take it?
Corvalol is a drug that belongs to the over-the-counter pharmacy category due to its relative safety, however, the dosage and route of administration determine the possible undesirable effects.
The active metabolites of the drug are insufficiently concentrated for toxic effects when taken in standard courses. Longer use is accompanied by the accumulation of metabolic products in the tissues and the appearance of signs of chronic overdose.
The withdrawal of the drug from the intake is carried out gradually due to the possible development of a withdrawal syndrome (high blood pressure, tachycardia, facial flushing, irritability).
The main contraindications for taking Corvalol:
- hypersensitivity to the constituents of the drug (most often to bromine);
- pregnancy: in the first 16 weeks, the drug is absolutely contraindicated, in the third trimester - in the absence of other drugs, a single use is allowed;
- lactation period: phenobarbital passes through breast milk to the baby during feeding, which has a depressing effect on the formation of the nervous system;
- heart failure with signs of blood stasis;
- renal and / or hepatic impairment.
Most often, the drug is prescribed for adults; clinical studies of the effectiveness in childhood have not been conducted.
Is there a lethal dose?
The active substances of Corvalol are of plant origin, therefore they are safe, however, the use of high doses of the drug is accompanied by the risk of complications.
It is believed that the lethal dose of the drug is 120-150 drops in one dose (respectively - 240 tablets). The maximum permissible concentration of the drug differs in each individual case, depending on age, the state of the enzyme systems of the liver and kidneys (in alcoholics, the toxic dose is higher, up to 200 drops).
Death occurs due to cardiac and respiratory arrest. Intensive therapy requires the introduction of detoxification drugs and cardiotonic drugs.
What are the analogues of the drug?
The modern pharmaceutical market offers several substitutes with the same composition of active substances:
- Valoserdin (drops);
- Valocordin (drops);
- Corvalment (capsules);
- Barboval (drops).
The choice of an analogue is provided to the patient depending on personal preferences and material condition.
Side effects
Adverse effects from the use of Corvalol occur in less than 10% of patients. The most common reactions are:
nausea, abdominal discomfort, stomach and intestinal cramps;- allergic reactions in the form of a rash, edema;
- drowsiness, decreased concentration of attention, therefore, it is not advised to use the drug for patients whose profession requires care: drivers, doctors and others;
- decrease in heart rate;
- dizziness.
nausea, abdominal discomfort, stomach and intestinal cramps;These phenomena are eliminated by taking tonics (strong tea or coffee) and reducing the dose of the drug.
Conclusions
Corvalol is a drug that has a combined effect on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Appointment of the drug in therapeutic doses, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, is accompanied by a pronounced effect in neurotic disorders, anxiety and stress-induced pain in the heart. The use of the drug with alcohol, during a hangover, in case of contraindications, leads to the development of undesirable consequences.
