We all need protection to one degree or another. External and internal. The body and mind are quite fragile and can be strengthened and supported in different ways. Even with medication.
If a person experiences negative effects (stress, shock, ischemia, intoxication, cerebrovascular accident, etc.), then the doctor may prescribe Mexidol.
Mexidol is a good helper in the fight against stress
Operating principle
The drug belongs to the group of heteroaromatic antioxidants and basically contains ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate, which in turn protects cell membrane lipids and reduces the level of free radicals in the body. This significantly expands the spectrum of pharmacological action. Mexidol has an antihypoxic (saturates the blood with oxygen), anti-stress, anticonvulsant effect. It also has nootropic properties, prevents and reduces memory impairment, increases concentration and performance, and reduces the manifestation of alcohol intoxication. Restores the sleep-wake cycle, improves the metabolism of brain tissue and their blood supply, improves microcirculation and rheological properties of blood (its fluidity), reduces the rate of dystrophic and morphological changes in the brain. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mexidol improves the functional state of ischemic myocardium and the adaptive capabilities of the human body when exposed to various stress factors.
Mexidol also increases the content of dopamine, the so-called “hormone of joy”, in the brain.
Mexidol tablets: description of the drug
The drug is available in the form of tablets that are taken orally and a solution for injection (injections are given both intramuscularly and into a vein). The active substance in both cases is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine in the form of succinate (125 mg in 1 tablet).
The product is a synthetic antioxidant that destroys free radicals - dangerous molecules that destroy cells. Due to this, a number of positive effects are observed:
- saturation of cells with oxygen;
- improvement of circadian rhythm;
- improved sleep;
- protection of lipid complexes;
- reduction of oxidative reactions;
- increased performance;
- improvement of metabolic processes;
- reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
The drug can only be purchased with a prescription. Store it in normal room conditions at a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. The place should be dark, without direct sunlight. The shelf life is 3 years from the date of production.
Indications
In neurology, Mexidol is used in the following cases:
- acute cerebral circulatory disorders and discirculatory encephalopathy (otherwise – cerebral atherosclerosis);
- after transient ischemic attacks, in the subcompensation phase as preventive courses;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- cognitive problems of atherosclerotic origin (impaired speech, memory, attention, intelligence and other symptoms associated with the development of atherosclerosis).
In psychiatry Mexidol is prescribed:
- to relieve withdrawal symptoms (otherwise known as withdrawal) due to alcohol and drug addiction;
- in case of intoxication with neuroleptics (drugs intended for the treatment of psychosis);
- to alleviate the impact of extreme (stress) factors;
- for anxiety disorders and neurotic and neurosis-like conditions.
Mexidol is also used for acute purulent-inflammatory processes of the peritoneum (necrotizing pancreatitis and peritonitis) as part of a complex of therapeutic treatments.
Side effects
One of the side effects after taking Mexidol may be nausea
Despite the body’s positive reaction to taking Mexidol and its low toxicity, the medicine still has side effects.
- from the cardiovascular system: increased blood pressure, decreased blood pressure;
- from the nervous system: drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, emotional reactivity, headache, loss of coordination;
- from the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, dry mouth;
- from the immune system: allergic reactions, including hyperemia, skin rash, itching;
- others: distal hyperhidrosis.
Features of application at low pressure
The decrease in blood pressure when taking Mexidol is due to increased synthesis and accumulation of natriuretic peptide, which promotes the removal of sodium salts and water from the body (diuretic effect).
The moderate hypotensive effect of the drug requires careful use in patients with low levels of:
- at values of 110/70-90/60 – it is allowed to take a standard dose of Mexidol;
- less than 90/60 – consultation with a specialist is required about the advisability of prescribing the drug and the need for pressure correction.
For mild hypotension, Mexidol is recommended due to its ability to normalize the autonomic innervation of the vascular wall and increase indicators to optimal values.
Drug interactions: the drug enhances the effect of antihypertensive drugs (beta-blockers, diuretics), therefore it is prescribed with caution to patients with mild hypertension.
How to take Mexidol?
Mexidol in tablet form is taken orally. The tablet is not chewed or divided in half. You should drink it with plenty of water. Eating does not have any effect on the activity of the medication, so you can take Mexidol before, during or after meals.
The injection form is used for intramuscular injections or intravenous infusions (stream or drip). Before giving the injection, the drug is diluted in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. It is injected slowly in a stream over 5 - 7 minutes, drip - at a rate of 40 - 60 drops per minute. The maximum daily dose for tablets is 800 mg, for injections - 1200 mg. Course therapy is canceled gradually, after achieving a stable clinical and laboratory effect.
Mexidol solution for intravenous administration
Please note that drowsiness may occur after taking Mexidol, so you should be careful while driving, as well as when engaging in other potentially dangerous activities.
| Disease | Course duration | Dosage* |
| Acute cerebrovascular accident (ACVA) | Initially within 10-14 days | 200-500 mg (i.v. drip) 2 to 4 times/day, then for another 14 days 200-250 mg (i.m.) several times/day |
| Encephalopathy | Initially within 2 weeks | See ONMK |
| Mild cognitive impairment | Course from 2 weeks to a month | 100-300 mg/day (i.m.) |
| Withdrawal syndrome | 5 to 7 days | 200-250 mg/day (iv drip or intramuscular injection) 2 - 3 times/day |
| Antipsychotic drug poisoning | Course in 7-14 days | From 200 to 500 mg/day (iv) |
| Acute edematous (interstitial) pancreatitis | 200-500 mg (iv drip and intramuscular injection) 3 times a day | |
| Necrotizing pancreatitis (mild) | 100-300 mg/day (iv drip and intramuscular injection 3 times/day | |
| Necrotizing pancreatitis (moderate) | 200 mg (iv) 3 times/day | |
| Necrotizing pancreatitis (severe) | In a pulse dosage of 800 mg on the first day, with a double dose regimen. Then 200 - 500 mg 2 times a day with a gradual reduction in the daily dose. | |
| Necrotizing pancreatitis (extremely severe) | From 800 mg/day to relieve shock. Next, 300 - 500 mg (iv drip) 2 times a day with a gradual reduction in the daily dosage. | |
| Open-angle glaucoma of various stages | Course 14 days | IM 100 - 300 mg/day, 1 - 3 times/day |
| Traumatic brain injury and consequences of traumatic brain injury | Within 10 -15 days | IV drip 200 - 500 mg 2 - 4 times / day |
*When taking pills. The method of administering the Mexidol injection in the same dosage is indicated in parentheses.
The duration of therapy for patients with coronary heart disease is at least 1.5-2 months. It is advisable to carry out repeated courses (on the recommendation of a doctor) in the spring and autumn.
In case of acute myocardial infarction, as part of complex therapy, it is administered intravenously (the first 5 days) and intramuscularly (the next 9 days) for 14 days against the background of traditional therapy for myocardial infarction, including nitrates, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, thrombolytics, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, as well as symptomatic agents according to indications.
Instructions for use "Mexidol"
Tablets are taken 1 pc. 2 times a day. This is the minimum dose with which to start treatment. If there are no allergic reactions or other side effects, the dosage can be increased to 4-6 tablets per day. Those. in the future you can take 1-2 tablets maximum 3 times a day.
The total duration of therapy is determined by the disease:
- hangover – 5-7 days;
- drug addiction – 5-7 days;
- ischemia – up to 60 days.
Mexidol during pregnancy and lactation
Often, medications for pregnant women and nursing mothers are prescribed with caution, and also in cases where the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus and newborn. It’s the same story with Mexidol. There are no statistically reliable studies of the use of the drug in pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. That is, there are no clinical studies on which to rely, alas. Therefore, the drug is either prescribed as a last resort or is not recommended for use.
Mexidol is prescribed with caution during pregnancy
As for children, the use of Mexidol in pediatrics is indicated in the treatment of purulent neuroinfections, traumatic brain injuries, as well as for emergency care in case of childhood traumatic brain injuries (100 mg once).
How often can the course of treatment be repeated?
Mexidol is a drug that is used to systemically improve cellular metabolic processes. Experts recommend taking the product regularly, in short or medium-duration courses:
- 10-14 days - every 2 months;
- 6 weeks - once every 6-12 months.
It is always prohibited to use Mexidol due to addiction and reduced effectiveness of the drug. For long-term correction of oxidative processes in the body, the use of other means is recommended during the pause.
Interaction with other drugs
Mexidol has proven itself to be a drug that is highly compatible with other medications, including those used to treat somatic diseases. But it is worth noting that Mexidol can enhance the effect of benzodiazepines, carbamazepine and drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, analgesics, tranquilizers, neuroleptics and antidepressants, as well as substances with hypnotics and anticonvulsants. This allows you to reduce their doses and remove most side effects.
Mexidol reduces the toxicity of ethyl alcohol. This beneficial property is used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Mexidol and alcohol
As mentioned above, Mexidol is used as therapy for getting rid of alcohol addiction. The drug reduces the toxic effect of alcohol and removes it from the body. But this does not mean that you can drink alcohol while taking Mexidol. The active substance Mexidol, penetrating into the tissues of the liver and brain, only stops the signs of intoxication, but does not protect the cells themselves. That is, the effect of alcohol consumed by Mexidol is not neutralized and causes harm to the body.
conclusions
Mexidol is a drug from the group of antioxidant nootropic drugs, which is widely used in medical practice for the complex treatment of acute and chronic disorders. A competent approach to prescribing and checking for compatibility with other medications is the key to the effectiveness of treatment. There is no evidence base for monotherapy with Mexidol, so independent use of the drug for diagnosed neurological diseases is accompanied by the risk of progression of the pathology and a worsening prognosis for the patient’s life.
Analogs
The pharmaceutical market offers not only Mexidol, but also its analogues. The drugs differ in the main substance (although the synonyms of Mexidol still contain the same ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate), auxiliary components, manufacturers, and the quality of purification of the raw materials used. That is why, after consulting a doctor, you can select medications in pharmacies that are similar in their therapeutic effect to Mexidol tablets, but are suitable for a specific clinical picture.
Replacement of the drug with an analogue must be agreed with the attending physician
Mexidol analogue tablets include:
- Medomexy;
- Mexiprim;
- Mexidant;
- Mexipridol;
- Mexicofin;
- Neurox;
- Cerecard.
Analogues of Mexidol injections
In terms of therapeutic effect, the following drugs are similar to the solution:
- Medomexy;
- Armadin;
- Mexico;
- Astrox;
- Mexipridol;
- Mexiprim.
The therapeutic effect can be achieved by other active substances. But not always analogues in effect can ideally replace the drug chosen by the doctor, so replacement is possible only after consultation.
Thus, the following medications are considered analogous in effect:
- Kaviton (active ingredient - vinpocetine) improves metabolism in brain cells, helps improve blood circulation;
- Nootropil (active ingredient - piracetam) stimulates brain activity;
- Glycine (active ingredient - glycine) improves processes in the brain;
- Cytoflavin (active ingredient - succinic acid) stimulates brain activity, improves thought processes, etc.
Mexidol or Actovegin?
Often those who take Mexidol are faced with a choice between it and Actovegin. What's better? The drugs have similar uses and are often prescribed together. Both act on the central nervous system, eliminate hypoxia, restore metabolism and affect the circulatory system. But Mexidol has broader pharmacological properties, and it is used in most cases. Allergic reactions to Actovegin are more common, but it can be taken by pregnant women. Also, unlike Mexidol, Actovegin is used for disorders in peripheral vessels, and to treat the consequences of such disorders - trophic ulcers and angiopathy. As a result, the decision to prefer one of the drugs or take them together falls on the shoulders of the doctor.
Where to buy Mexidol: price, reviews
The product can be bought in pharmacies at a price of 250 rubles for a package of 30 tablets or 450 rubles for 10 ampoules with a solution of 50 mg/ml. If you study customer reviews, you can see that the drug is very popular - the drug is recommended by more than 80% of patients.
Among the advantages are efficiency, reasonable price, and completely reliable information in the instructions. Many buyers write that their headaches, dizziness and other unpleasant sensations have gone away. In some cases, they talk about the lack of treatment results and the occurrence of side effects.
