Medicine is developing more and more rapidly every day, but what usually remains unchanged is a home first-aid kit, namely its composition. Indeed, since Soviet times, Valokordin and Corvalol have been indispensable helpers of the "cores". And although the first is prohibited in most civilized countries, and they have no direct connection with the heart at all, these are still the most popular drugs "from the heart" in the CIS.
What is the difference between Validol and Valocordin?
The history of Valocordin begins in the middle of the twentieth century, when the German drug Corvalol appeared, the chemical composition of which was adapted for production in the USSR. Perhaps this is the main difference between Corvalol and Valocordin. By the way, in Europe it is no longer appointed, and it is produced "exclusively" for the countries of the post-Soviet space.
The action of Corvalol has something in common with the action of some components of Valocordin, but Valocordin is a complex medicine, and Corvalol is a monopreparation (with one active substance).
The composition of Valocordin and Corvalol
The difference between Valocordin and Corvalol is not significant, as they are two phenobarbital-based drugs that are used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, relieve anxiety, tension and fear, and for the treatment of seizures.
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that has sedative and hypnotic effects. It is used to control seizures that occur with epilepsy and can be used to calm down when the psychoemotional state is disturbed. Briefly, phenobarbital may be used for insomnia. All indications of phenobarbital are based on its effect on the nervous system, GABA receptors, or certain enzymes that increase bilirubin levels. And they have no direct effect on the work of the heart. Therefore, the indications for use mainly indicate a condition such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, which, in fact, is not an organic pathology of the heart and, most often, is associated with disturbances in the psychological state of the patient and the presence of panic attacks.
But, like any medicine, phenobarbital has contraindications and side effects. First, it can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, stop taking phenobarbital and call emergency medical help if you have any of the signs of an allergic reaction:
- allergic rashes;
- difficulty breathing;
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Also, pay attention to the side effects:
- tremors in the eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
- slow heartbeat, shallow breathing;
- a feeling of turbidity, fainting;
- fever or sore throat;
- mouth ulcers;
- easy bruising or bleeding;
Phenobarbital can be habit-forming if taken over an extended period of time. When prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, the drug should not be used for more than two weeks. In addition, phenobarbital should not be taken in excess of the prescribed dose. Overdose can lead to impaired consciousness, slurred speech, and confusion. More serious consequences of overdose include respiratory and heart rate disturbances.
Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, resulting in higher dosages to achieve the desired effect. A symptom of phenobarbital withdrawal may also appear 8-12 hours after discontinuation. Initial symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. Symptoms can sometimes become life-threatening, with seizures, delirium, or coma.
The remaining components of Valocordin are aimed at potentiating the action of phenobarbital or reflex vasodilation of the brain and heart by acting on the "cold" receptors, which causes their use in tachycardia and high blood pressure.
Also, these drugs have a moderate antiseptic, antispasmodic and choleretic effect. Corvalol differs from Valocordin by the presence of caustic soda oil in the composition, and the absence of hop and mint oils.
Validol's composition is even simpler. This is isovaleric acid methyl ester. Its main effects are also associated with a reflex effect on the central nervous system, due to which it has a mild sedative effect.
What to look for when choosing between these drugs?
First of all, you need to pay attention to the need to take the drug with phenobarbital in general. If you expect only a sedative effect from the drug, it is better to replace it with something safer, for example, motherwort tincture.
The difference between Corvalol and Valocordin is obvious: these are two drugs that are different in their complex composition, which must be taken if there is an indication. But they, in any case, cannot act as first-line drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and their use as symptomatic therapy sometimes also raises questions about the appropriateness, since in 2007 these drugs were declared obsolete, with unproven efficacy, although in 2009 Validol was given back the title of drug.
Conclusions
In the countries of the former Soviet Union, Valocordin and Corvalol have gained popularity for the treatment of vegetative vascular dystonia and heart disease in general. But their main effect is associated with the suppression of the functions of the central nervous system. Which predetermines contraindications and side effects. Because of this, you should consult your doctor before using or when discontinuing any of these drugs.
