Piracetam and Cortexin, which is better for neuroses. Let's compare Cortexin and its analogues: which is more effective, safer and cheaper? Use of Cortexin in critical conditions in newborns

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The drug Cortexin is actively used in adult and pediatric neurology for disorders of blood circulation and metabolism in the brain. But, despite its effectiveness, many people are looking for a replacement for this remedy, and the reasons may be different: someone is looking for cheap analogues, someone is allergic to the active component of Cortexin, or they need treatment with more powerful drugs.

Analogs of Cortexin are available in tablets and solutions for injections and droppers. If the question arises: what can replace Cortexin, you should consult a doctor, since replacing the medication yourself can be harmful to your health. You should consider what Cortexin analogues are, what they are prescribed for, and whether they have contraindications.

Mexidol

Mexidol is a synthetic analogue of Cortexin, which has pronounced antioxidant properties. According to the instructions, Mexidol also has other properties, which allows it to be used for the treatment of neurological and mental diseases, as well as as part of complex therapy for purulent inflammation of internal organs and intoxications of various origins. The prices for Mexidol and Cortexin are almost the same, so when choosing, you need to rely on the presence of the disease.

Mexidol is produced in two forms: tablets and injections for intravenous and intramuscular administration by several companies, but the Russian manufacturer offers cheaper drugs. Injection ampoules contain 2 or 5 ml. solution, in this form the analogue is used to relieve acute conditions: intoxication, circulatory disorders, myocardial infarction. Tablets are prescribed after relief of acute conditions and to prevent the development of consequences after TBI, strokes, and severe stressful situations.

Indications for use:

1. Encephalopathy.
2. Cardiac ischemia.
3. Myocardial infarction.
4. Intoxication.
5. Open angle glaucoma.
6. Purulent processes in the abdominal cavity.
7. Cognitive disorders.
8. Neuroses.
9. Atherosclerosis.
10. Parkinson's disease.

Mexidol has a number of contraindications: childhood, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is prescribed with caution to patients with liver and kidney problems. During treatment, patients should be careful when driving, as the drug tends to reduce concentration.

Cerebrolysin

Cerebrolysin is a drug of natural origin, so it is most often prescribed when the question arises: what to replace Cortexin with. The analogue contains a complex of peptides and amino acids obtained from the brain of pigs. The composition does not make it possible to produce the drug in tablets, so the manufacturer offers only injections or droppers of 1, 2, 5 or 10 ml for treatment.

Reaching brain tissue and nerve cells, Cerebrolysin normalizes intercellular metabolism, increases the brain's resistance to negative factors and restores lost cognitive functions. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of adults and children with neurological, mental and intellectual-mnestic disorders. Long-term treatment with an analog allows normalization of the process of mental development in children with memory impairment, speech problems and attention deficit.

Indications for use:

1. Dementia.
2. Alzheimer's disease.
3. Senile dementia.
4. Brain and spinal cord injuries.
5. Cerebrovascular insufficiency.
6. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
7. Ischemic stroke.
8. Delayed speech and mental development in children.
9. Endogenous depression.

Cerebrolysin can be prescribed even to a newborn child, in the absence of contraindications to treatment. During pregnancy and lactation, it is necessary to assess the potential threat and possible positive effect of treatment, so only a doctor can prescribe the medicine. Use is completely contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, severe renal failure and epilepsy.

Armadin

Armadin is an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent, available in ampoules for injection and tablets for internal use. The analogue is prescribed for acute and chronic circulatory disorders, hypoxia, intoxication and myocardial diseases.

List of indications for use:

1. Myocardial infarction.
2. Stroke.
3. Encephalopathy.
4. Open angle glaucoma.
5. Anxious and neurotic conditions.
6. Drug, medication and alcohol intoxication.
7. Purulent inflammation of the abdominal cavity.

The active component of the drug is. That is why we can say that Armadin is a structural analogue of Mexidol. But, unlike Mexidol, Armadin is not advisable to use for the treatment of children, since the required number of studies have not been conducted. In addition, patients treated with Armadin more often complained of adverse reactions in the form of gastrointestinal upset and the development of allergies. Therefore, despite the fact that Armadin is cheaper, it is better to choose Mexidol to avoid negative reactions, especially when it comes to a child.

Actovegin

Actovegin is a natural drug, the main active ingredient of which is calf blood extract purified from protein. The main purposes of the drug are to eliminate the effects of hypoxia, normalize metabolism and improve the absorption of glucose by brain cells.

Actovegin improves cerebral circulation, accelerates the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues and their restoration. Thus, the drug protects neurons from damage caused by oxygen and energy starvation and restores the activity of the central nervous system.

Release form: tablets, solutions and external agents, but only tablets and injections are used as a substitute for Cortexin.

Indications for use:

1. Encephalopathy.
2. Brain hypoxia.
3. Neurasthenia.
4. Myocardial infarction.
5. Delayed psycho-speech development in children.

“For a child, drugs such as Cortexin, Cerebrolysin and Actovegin are prescribed to normalize learning and memory processes. Feedback from parents shows that regular treatment with these analogues helps children with delayed speech and mental development achieve positive results and catch up with their peers by 6-7 years.”

Absolute contraindications:

1. Oliguria, anuria.
2. Heart failure.
3. Pulmonary edema.
4. Allergy to medication components.

Actovegin can be prescribed to pregnant and lactating women if indicated. The instructions for use show that the drug is contraindicated for children under 18 years of age, but in practice, for severe neurological disorders, it is used even for newborns, in a hospital setting.

Cytoflavin

Cytoflavin is a drug actively used in the complex therapy of diseases of the nervous system. The active ingredients of the analogue are: succinic acid, riboflavin, inosine and nicotinamide, which, when combined, normalize tissue nutrition processes, restore cognitive functions and help improve cerebral circulation. It has a particularly good effect when used together with drugs of the nootropic and neuroleptic groups.

Main indications for use:

1. Encephalopathy.
2. Endotoxicosis.
3. Rehabilitation after stroke and TBI.
4. Acute circulatory disorders.

Cytoflavin is available in the form of tablets and solution for intravenous administration. In case of acute disorders and intoxication, the drug is administered by drip, but during the recovery period, patients are prescribed to take tablets, and the dosage is calculated based on the patient’s age.

Cytoflavin can be prescribed to newborns and premature babies, as well as pregnant and lactating women, after a preliminary test for an allergic reaction, since the main contraindication to the drug is an allergy to the active ingredients. Cytoflavin is prescribed with caution to patients with kidney disease, so consultation with a specialist is necessary before treatment.

Cerebrolysate

Some people think that Cerebrolysate and Cerebrolysin are synonyms, but this is not so. These drugs belong to the same pharmacological group and can replace Cortexin, being analogues, but having an original composition. Cerebrolysate is available in the form of an injection solution and includes more than 10 active ingredients that restore brain function after injury, hypoxia and intoxication.

Main indications:

1. Encephalopathy.
2. Radiculopathy.
3. Consequences of a stroke.
4. Myelopathy.
5. Decreased memory and concentration.

Cerebrolysate is contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with sensitivity to the active ingredients of the drug, status epilepticus, and renal failure. An analogue can be prescribed during the 2nd and 3rd trimester, as well as during lactation, if there are serious indications for this.

Conclusion

Only the attending physician can prescribe an effective analogue of Cortexin, based on the patient’s medical history. In childhood, preference is given to drugs such as Cerebrolysin, Actovegin, and for more serious indications Cytoflavin or Mexidol may be prescribed.

For adults, an analogue is selected based on the testimony. Any of these drugs helps normalize blood circulation, and depending on the degree of the disorder and the reasons that caused this condition, a specific treatment regimen is prescribed.

Cortexin and its analogues are very often prescribed together with other drugs, for example, Glycine, Piracetam and B vitamins. In case of acute circulatory disorders, doctors recommend undergoing a course of massage or physiotherapy to speed up recovery.

Cortexin is a new generation neuroprotector and belongs to the group of nootropics. It consists of low molecular weight peptides that are highly soluble in water. This allows it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and have a positive effect on the restoration and regeneration of brain tissue.

The drug also has neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic (suspends the processes of programmed cell self-destruction), neurotrophic (stimulates metabolic reactions and gene expression) ability.

What is it prescribed for?

In many diseases of the central nervous system, its functions are disrupted. The most common example is patients after a stroke, when they suffer from sensory disturbances or have paresis (limited motor abilities) of half the body. In such cases, a medication is needed that could speed up the process of restoring the patient’s lost functions.

It is then that drugs from the group of nootropics are prescribed. They allow you to turn on the processes of internal restoration of neuronal cells. This leads to an improvement in overall well-being, regression of the clinical and neurological picture of the disease. In addition, the neuroprotector allows you to reduce the volume of the lesion and provides protection (protection) from new episodes of possible negative symptoms of the disease.

Indications for use

Cortexin is used in conditions where there is a restriction in the activity of the brain or its individual zones:

• Intracranial trauma
• Micro-strokes (transient disturbances of cerebral blood supply)
• Stroke or
• Cerebral infarction or its consequences
• Encephalopathies
• Encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, encephalomeningitis, myelitis of infectious or toxic origins
• Epilepsy
• Post-traumatic seizures
• Cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy)
• Child development disorder
• Aphonia, impairment of language and learning skills
• Amnesia
• Problems with intellectual development
• Disorders of the autonomic system, asthenia
• Learning difficulties in children
• Difficulties with psychomotor development

Brief instructions for use

As with any drug, you should consult your doctor before using it.

Available in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration. One bottle contains 10 (adult dose) or 5 mg (child dose) of the active substance.

Side effects: individual hypersensitivity to the drug is possible. Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Mode of application

The powder, which is in the bottle, must first be dissolved in 1-2 ml of water for injection, 0.9% sodium chloride, procaine or novocaine. The drug is administered intramuscularly once a day every day. Dosage for adults - 10 mg for 10 days, for children weighing more than 20 kilograms - an adult dose, for children weighing less than 20 kilograms - at the rate of 0.5 mg / kg.

If necessary, treatment can be repeated after 6 months. If the patient has an extensive ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, then Cortexin can be re-given within a week.

Cortexin analogues

• Piracetam– the main representative of nootropics. It is widely used in practice to treat the consequences of impaired cerebral blood supply, Down syndrome, dyslexia, cerebral atherosclerosis, and subcomatose states. The drug also enhances the effect of antidepressants.
• Phenotropil– a new generation psychostimulant. Used to improve motor reactions and increase physical performance.
• Aminalon– suppresses the excitation of the nervous system. The drug is also effective for epilepsy and.
• Noopept– a pronounced antioxidant, improves memory, attention and other human cognitive functions, has anti-inflammatory activity, and is also promising in .
• Vinpocetine– significantly dilates the vessels of the head, increases blood flow, which leads to improved perfusion of damaged areas of the cerebral cortex.
• Cerebramin– takes part in the restoration of neurons after traumatic or ischemic damage, has antitoxic and anticonvulsant effects.
• – a complex drug that improves metabolic processes in cells, tissue neurotrophism, which leads to a decrease in the formation of lactate (a substance with toxic characteristics).
• Cinnarizine– a once common drug for the treatment of systemic dizziness and vestibular disorders. However, modern research has shown that it can provoke parkinsonism, which has significantly limited its use.

– a polypeptide drug based on brain tissue, synthesized from cattle. This medication belongs to the group of nootropics or neurometabolic stimulants. This group of drugs is widely used to restore certain functions of the central nervous system, during the period of rehabilitation after previous traumatic brain injuries, as well as to combat dementia of various types. Nootropic drugs are recognized as relatively safe substances; they rarely cause side effects. They can be used during periods of strong mental or physical stress, to prevent stress arising from nervous exhaustion. Some types of nootropic drugs even help suppress hunger, promote weight loss, and fight mild symptoms of depressive disorder. Corexin belongs to the same group of drugs, but it has the most basic analogues. Among the nootropics, the following analogues can be noted: piracetam, Cerebrolysin, Ceraxon and Actovegin. Their main characteristics, pharmacological properties for detailed comparison, as well as in what cases they are prescribed should be considered.

Cortexin or – which is better?

Cortexin, like piracetam, has an injectable release form. In terms of variety of release forms, the analogue will be more diverse. Depending on the manufacturer, you can find capsules, tablets, and injection solutions for intravenous or intramuscular administration on sale. Piracetam can be administered intravenously either as a bolus or as an infusion drip. The active substance, piracetam, is used for its intended purpose for the treatment of cortical myoclonus, in the complex treatment of Alzheimer's, to eliminate the consequences of encephalopathy, along with other drugs it can be prescribed to combat neurocircular dystonia or organic brain lesions.

If we compare these drugs together, we can note that piracetam has a cumulative effect, it can be used in short and long courses, it has mild activating pharmacological properties, and it helps not only with memory loss, but also with asthenia. Cortexin is more noticeable through its positive effect on nerve tissue, making a person less susceptible to the negative effects of stress factors. What is more effective, Cortexin or Piracetam? Cortexin is considered stronger, but it has a different nature of origin. To enhance the effect, Cortexin and its analogue can be taken simultaneously. By the way, piracetam, unlike its analogue, can be used during pregnancy.

Which is better - or Cortexin

It should be noted that both medications have a common origin. Cortexin is a polypeptide compound isolated from the cerebral cortex of cattle, and Cerebrolysin is a deproteinized hydrolysate isolated from the gray matter of pigs. In general, both drugs are nootropic peptide compounds. Cerebrolysin is available in the form of a solution for injection use. The product improves microcirculation, helps fight the manifestations of a heart attack, normalizes cognitive processes, and stimulates the functionality of the nervous system. If we compare both drugs, they practically do not differ in their effectiveness and pharmacological properties. The only thing worth noting is that Cortexin is slightly stronger than Cerebrolysin, it can be safely used in pediatric practice, and Cerebrolysin injections are also slightly more painful.

or Cortexin - which is better?

Ceraxon is a nootropic medication based on citicoline. The substance is capable of stabilizing neuronal membranes, due to which brain swelling subsides, resulting in improved cognitive abilities, memory and attention in people with brain damage. The main feature of the Ceraxon injection solution is that it is much more effective and stronger among similar drugs in severe and emergency situations associated with brain damage.

The medication is good for use in combating both acute conditions and during the rehabilitation period after an injury or illness. It has been proven that citicoline produces a faster effect, but it cannot be used in pediatric practice, with the exception of acute conditions. Ceraxon is slightly more expensive than Corexin. The doctor should not prescribe the medication for too long a period of use. Ceraxon, like Cortexin, can only be used as prescribed by a neurologist.

Cortexin and - what's the difference

Actovegin is a hemoderivative made from the blood of dairy calves and devoid of protein structures. Among all Cortexin analogues, Actovegin is the most affordable. For example, if all other medications cost between 600 and 800 rubles per package, then Actovegin can be found for an average of 500 rubles. Actovegin also has several forms of release, there are many more of them than Cortexin - capsules, dragees, injection solution and even eye gel. The drug is prescribed primarily for diabetic polyneuropathy, vascular disorders, trophic ulcers and circulatory disorders in the vessels of the brain.

The external release form is used for healing ulcers, wounds and cracks. Both drugs belong to the group of nootropics and have a similar origin. Cortexin is considered more effective; it can be prescribed as monotherapy, while Actovegin is often prescribed in combination. Also, Actovegin should not be prescribed in childhood. In this regard, Cortexin remains the only available remedy. Both medications can potentiate the occurrence of allergic reactions. Cortexin cannot be prescribed to pregnant women, which cannot be said about Actovegin.

Cortexin - instructions for use (how to dilute, how to give injections), analogues, reviews

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Cortexin represents nootropic drug, also a peptide (protein) bioregulator. Cortexin improves the metabolic process in the structures of the brain, and due to this it has a cerebroprotective, nootropic, anticonvulsant and antioxidant effect on the central nervous system.

The drug is used in the complex treatment of traumatic brain injuries, cerebral circulatory disorders, neuroinfections, encephalopathies, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, epilepsy, vegetative-vascular dystonia, cerebral palsy, delayed psychomotor and speech development in children, as well as memory, thinking and ability disorders. training.

Composition and release forms

Currently, Cortexin is produced in a single dosage form - it is a lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular injection. The lyophilisate is placed in 5 ml glass bottles, which are packaged in cardboard boxes of 2, 5 or 10 pieces.

The lyophilisate is a special dried extract of protein fractions obtained from the cerebral cortex of cattle and pigs. It is this peptide extract that is the active component of the Cortexin drug. Each glass bottle contains 10 mg of extract of protein fractions of the cerebral cortex of cattle and pigs.

In addition, on the pharmaceutical market of the CIS countries there was children's Cortexin, the bottles of which contained only 5 mg of lyophilisate of protein fractions of the cerebral cortex of cows and pigs. Apart from the dosage, Cortexin for children and adults are no different.

The lyophilisate contains only the amino acid glycine as an auxiliary component. Externally, the lyophilisate is a powder or a homogeneous porous mass of white or white-yellowish color.

Therapeutic effect

Cortexin contains low-molecular-weight (small molecules in weight and length) proteins of the cerebral cortex of pigs and cows, which, when administered intramuscularly, are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter the human brain, exerting their positive therapeutic effect.

Cortexin has the following therapeutic effects:

• Neuroprotective (cerebroprotective);
• Nootropic;
• Anticonvulsant;
• Antioxidant.

Neuroprotective effect is to protect brain neurons from damage by various unfavorable factors, such as calcium ions, free radicals, oxygen deficiency, etc. Thanks to this, the nerve cells of the brain become resistant to adverse environmental factors, which allows them to function more efficiently. In addition, due to its neuroprotective effect, Cortexin effectively reduces the degree of toxic effects on brain structures of various psychotropic substances (for example, antipsychotics, drugs, etc.).

Nootropic effect Cortexina is to improve the cognitive function of the brain. That is, it becomes easier for a person to study, work, learn new things, etc., since memory, concentration and resistance to stress improve.

Anticonvulsant action lies in the ability to suppress the activity of the pathological focus in the brain and, thereby, prevent the development of seizures.

Antioxidant action is to slow down the process of lipid peroxidation and, thereby, prevent damage to cells of various brain structures by free radicals. In addition, Cortexin increases the survival of brain cells under hypoxic conditions.

In addition to the above effects, Cortexin has tissue-specific action, which consists in activating metabolic and reparation processes in the structures of the brain, thereby improving the functional state and general tone of the central nervous system.

The mechanism of action of Cortexin is ensured by the activation of neurons and neurotrophic factors of the brain, due to which the transfer of information between brain structures occurs much faster and more efficiently. In addition, Cortexin optimizes the balance of inhibitory and excitatory amino acids, dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which reduces seizure activity and improves bioelectric potential.

Indications for use

Cortexin is indicated for use as part of complex therapy for the following conditions and diseases:

• Cerebrovascular accidents;
• Traumatic brain injuries and their consequences;
• Encephalopathy of any origin;
• Cognitive disorders (memory, attention, thinking disorders);
• Acute or chronic encephalitis or encephalomyelitis;
• Vegetovascular dystonia;
• Reduced ability to learn and assimilate new things;
• Delayed psychomotor development of children;
• Delayed speech development in children;
• Critical conditions of newborns with perinatal damage to the central nervous system.

Cortexin - instructions for use

How to dilute Cortexin

Since the rules for using and breeding Cortexin for children and adults are the same, we will consider them together.

The bottle with lyophilisate (for both children and adults) contains one dose of Cortexin, which is dissolved immediately before the injection, and the resulting ready-made solution is administered intramuscularly. The contents of the bottle can be diluted with the following solvents:

• 0.5% solution of novocaine;
• Water for injection is sterile;
• Saline solution, sterile for injection.

Any of the above solutions can be used to dilute the lyophilisate, but it is best to use water for injection or saline. Novocaine is convenient for diluting Cortexin lyophilisate, since it is an anesthetic and somewhat reduces the pain of injections, but, at the same time, increases the risk of allergic reactions and weakens the therapeutic effect of the drug. Therefore, it is recommended to use novocaine for diluting the lyophilisate only if Cortexin injections are too painful and difficult to tolerate for a particular person. If a person can endure a painful injection, then it is better to use saline or water for injection to dilute the lyophilisate, since they do not affect the severity of the therapeutic effect and the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. These solutions must be purchased separately from pharmacies, since they are not included in Cortexin packages.

To dilute the lyophilisate, it is recommended to purchase solutions of novocaine, physiological or water for injection, bottled in small containers, for example, vials or ampoules. It is optimal to purchase ampoules or bottles of 2 ml or 5 ml in order to use the entire available solution at one time. This requirement is due to the fact that solutions for diluting Cortexin lyophilisate must be sterile, and it is impossible to maintain the sterility of an ampoule or bottle of relatively large volume once opened at home. Therefore, it is better to use a sterile solution for each dilution, previously stored in a hermetically sealed container.

To dilute an adult or children's lyophilisate, 1 - 2 ml of any specified solution is required. Dilution is carried out as follows:
1. Take a sterile syringe of the required volume and place the needle on the needle holder.
2. Open the ampoule with the solvent.
3. Place the needle into the bottle or ampoule and draw out the required amount of solution (1 - 2 ml).
4. Remove the aluminum foil from the stopper on the bottle with Cortexin lyophilisate (if any).
5. Pierce the rubber stopper on the bottle with the lyophilisate with the needle of the syringe containing the solvent.
6. Lower the needle approximately to the middle of the bottle with lyophilisate.
7. Slowly pressing the syringe plunger release the solvent into the lyophilisate. To prevent the lyophilisate from foaming, it is recommended to point the needle from the syringe at the wall of the bottle, since in this case the liquid will flow evenly down the glass and fall on the powder without blowing it up.
8. When the entire volume of the solvent has been released into the lyophilisate, it is necessary, without removing the syringe needle, to gently rock the bottle from side to side to achieve complete dissolution of the powder. When the vial contains a homogeneous solution without flakes, this means that the lyophilisate has completely dissolved and can be used for injection.

After complete dissolution of the lyophilisate, it is drawn into a syringe. You can draw up the lyophilisate with the same needle that was used to dissolve the drug, provided that it was not removed from the stopper while the solution was mixed. If the needle was removed from the stopper of the bottle with the lyophilisate, then to draw the finished solution into the syringe you should take another sterile needle, since it is this one that will be used for the subsequent injection.

Cortexin lyophilisate should be diluted immediately before making the injection and used immediately after obtaining the solution, since the latter cannot be stored. If for some reason the Cortexin solution was not administered immediately after preparation and stood for more than 20 minutes, then it should be thrown away and the re-diluted lyophilisate from another bottle should be used.

The finished solution of Cortexin cannot be mixed with other medications; it must be administered separately.

Dosage of the drug

Adults and children weighing more than 20 kg , Cortexin is administered 10 mg (one bottle of lyophilisate) once a day for 10 days. These dosages and course of treatment are the same for various conditions and diseases, with the exception of ischemic stroke. If necessary, Cortexin therapy courses can be repeated, maintaining intervals of at least 3 to 6 months between them.

During a stroke and in the rehabilitation period after it It is recommended to administer 10 mg of Cortexin intramuscularly (1 bottle) twice a day for 10 days. Then they take a break for 10 days, and again administer one bottle of Cortexin 2 times a day for another 10 days. Two such courses of treatment with a 10-day break between them are sufficient and complete for treating ischemic stroke and improving rehabilitation after its completion. It is preferable to give injections in the morning and during the day, since administration of the drug in the evening can provoke excessive agitation and difficulty falling asleep. If necessary, the course of Cortexin can be repeated, maintaining an interval of 3 to 6 months between the two subsequent courses.

Children weighing less than 20 kg , the dosage of Cortexin is calculated individually, based on the ratio of 0.5 mg per 1 kg of weight. The calculated dose is administered to the child once a day for 10 days. If necessary, courses of therapy are repeated every 3 to 6 months until the desired result is obtained.

If for any reason an injection of Cortexin was missed, then the next day you should not administer a double dose. It is necessary to administer the usual single dosage of the drug and lengthen the course of therapy so that it consists of 10 injections.

Rules for injections with Cortexin

Cortexin injections (injections) are given only intramuscularly. Before the injection, you should choose the optimal place on the body, which includes areas where the muscles come closest to the surface of the skin, such as:

• The anterolateral surface of the thigh in the upper third;
• Outer upper third of the shoulder;
• The anterior wall of the abdomen (in non-obese people).

The buttocks, contrary to popular belief, are not the optimal place for intramuscular injections, since this part of the body has a rather thick layer of subcutaneous fat, into which the drug often gets trapped, which leads to the formation of a lump and slow absorption of the drug into the blood.

Having selected the injection area, you need to treat it with a cotton swab soaked in an antiseptic, for example, 70% alcohol, chlorhexidine, Belasept, etc. Then you should insert the needle into the thickness of the tissue, holding it perpendicular to the surface of the skin. The needle is inserted so that about 3–4 mm of free space remains between the skin and the needle holder. After this, slowly pressing on the piston, release the solution into the tissue and remove the syringe. After the injection is completed, the injection site is wiped again with a cotton swab moistened with an antiseptic.

For each subsequent injection, 1 cm is removed from the mark of the previous injection. That is, there must be a distance of at least 1 cm between the injection marks. All injections required for a course of therapy can be made in the same area of ​​the body, but keeping between them distance 1 cm.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Cortexin is contraindicated because there is no genuine and convincing data on its safety for the fetus and mother.

Cortexin should also not be used when breastfeeding. If for any reason a nursing woman needs to undergo a course of treatment with Cortexin, then she should stop feeding the child for the period of therapy and transfer him to artificial milk formula. One day after the last injection, you can continue breastfeeding the baby if you managed to maintain lactation.

Impact on the ability to operate machinery

Cortexin does not impair the ability to control mechanisms, but, on the contrary, improves it, therefore, while using the drug, you can engage in any type of activity that requires a high speed of reactions and concentration.

Overdose

An overdose of Cortexin was never recorded during the entire period of observation of the use of the drug.

Interaction with other drugs

Cortexin does not significantly interact with other drugs, so it can be included in complex therapy with any other drugs.

Cortexin for children

Cortexin in practical healthcare is used for children of any age, including babies under 1 year old. For young children, the drug is most often prescribed to eliminate delays in motor, mental or speech development, with PPCNS (perinatal damage to the central nervous system), as well as to correct behavior, namely, eliminate hysterics, nervousness, etc. This drug is even popularly called “talkers”, because after a course of Cortexin injections, children quickly begin to speak, quickly and well remember new material, easily retell texts and poems, and their speech becomes clear and varied. Cortexin also helps accelerate the motor development of children, as a result of which, after a course of its use, children begin to sit down, crawl, stand on their feet, etc.

Cortexin is most often prescribed to school-age children to improve cognitive functions, that is, memory, thinking and attention. As a rule, the drug is given to schoolchildren when it is difficult to master educational material, low learning ability, slurred and monotonous speech, etc. The drug is also prescribed to children of any age to eliminate the consequences of various adverse effects on the brain, such as trauma, hypoxia, stress, etc.

Cortexin - instructions for use in children

For children weighing 20 kg or more, Cortexin is prescribed in an adult dosage, that is, 10 mg once a day for 10 days. And for children weighing less than 20 kg, the dosage of the drug is calculated individually, based on the ratio of 0.5 mg per 1 kg of weight. The calculated dosage is one-time, that is, this amount of the drug is administered to the child once a day for 10 days. Any Cortexin can be administered to a child - both for children and for adults; it is only important to correctly calculate the amount of solution required for the dose.

Let's look at an example of how to correctly calculate the dosage of Cortexin for a child and convert milligrams of lyophilisate into milliliters of the finished solution.

For example, a child has a body weight of 15 kg, which means he needs 0.5 * 15 = 7.5 mg of Cortexin lyophilisate per injection. Next, you need to decide how many milliliters of solution you will use to dilute the Cortexin lyophilisate, since this is important for further calculations. Let’s assume that 1 ml of solution will be used to dilute the lyophilisate. Then 1 ml of the prepared solution of adult Cortexin will contain 10 mg of lyophilisate. But a child does not need all 10 mg of lyophilisate for injection, but only 7.5 mg. This means that it is necessary to calculate how many milliliters of the finished Cortexin solution, obtained by mixing the entire volume of lyophilisate with 1 ml of solvent, contains only 7.5 mg of the active component. To do this, we create a proportion:
1 ml of solution – 10 mg of lyophilisate;
X ml of solution – 7.5 mg of lyophilisate;
Using the proportion, we make up the equation: X = 7.5 mg * 1 ml / 10 mg; X = 0.75 ml.

This means that 7.5 mg of lyophilisate is contained in 0.75 ml of solution obtained by mixing the entire volume of Cortexin powder present in the bottle with 1 ml of solvent. Thus, to produce an injection, the child will have to dilute the entire lyophilisate in the vial and draw only 0.75 ml into the syringe. The remaining solution should be discarded, and for the next injection, dilute the lyophilisate from a new bottle.

The dosage and volume of the finished solution for injection are calculated in a similar way for a child of any body weight. You can use the given diagram, substituting your own numbers into it. When using children's Cortexin, dosages are calculated in exactly the same way, only taking into account the fact that one bottle of lyophilisate contains not 10 mg of the active substance, but 5 mg.

Parents must remember that the lyophilisate in the vial cannot be divided into parts, you should dilute it all. And only then, from the entire solution, select the volume required for a single administration to the child. The remaining solution should be thrown away and not stored, and for each subsequent injection, the entire lyophilisate from one bottle should be diluted again, the required volume should be taken, administered to the child, etc.

The duration of therapy with Cortexin is 10 days, and it is recommended to give injections in the first half of the day (before 14.00 - 15.00), since the drug has a stimulating effect, as a result of which, when administered in the evening, it can cause difficulty falling asleep. Courses of therapy can be repeated, maintaining intervals between them of 3–6 months, and each time recalculating the dosage based on the child’s actual body weight.

To dilute the lyophilisate for the production of Cortexin injections, children are recommended to use saline solution or sterile water for injection, and not novocaine. The fact is that novocaine can provoke allergic reactions and reduce the severity of the therapeutic effect of Cortexin. For children, it is optimal to dilute adult Cortexin (10 mg) with 1 ml of solvent, and for children – 2 ml.

Cortexin injections for children should be performed strictly intramuscularly according to the same rules as for adults. In addition, to reduce the pain of the injection, it is necessary to take thin needles and inject the solution very slowly, and then, according to the children, they practically do not feel pain.

Side effects

Cortexin is generally well tolerated and does not cause any side effects. However, in rare cases, the drug can cause various allergic reactions as a side effect (

If Cortexin and Actovegin are compared before purchasing, it is necessary to compare their properties, composition, indications and contraindications. Both drugs help normalize blood circulation and prevent the development of hypoxia.

Manufacturer - Geropharm (Russia). The release form of the drug is a lyophilisate intended for the preparation of a solution for injection. The drug can only be administered intramuscularly. The active ingredient is the substance of the same name. Cortexin is a complex of polypeptide fractions that are highly soluble in water.

The lyophilisate contains glycine. This substance is used as a stabilizer. You can purchase the drug in packages containing 10 bottles (3 or 5 ml each). The concentration of the active ingredient is 5 and 10 mg. The indicated amount is contained in bottles of different volumes: 3 and 5 ml, respectively.

Cortexin belongs to the nootropic group of drugs. It is a neurometabolic stimulant that affects mental performance. It restores memory. Additionally, the drug stimulates cognitive functions. Thanks to the drug, the ability to learn is enhanced, and the brain’s resistance to the effects of negative factors, for example, oxygen deficiency or excessive stress, increases.

The active substance is obtained from the cerebral cortex of cattle. A drug based on it helps restore brain metabolism. The therapy has a pronounced effect on bioenergetic processes in nerve cells. The nootropic drug interacts with the neurotransmitter systems of the brain.

The active substance also exhibits neuroprotective properties, due to which the level of negative influence of a number of neurotoxic factors on neurons is reduced. Cortexin also exhibits antioxidant properties, due to which the process of lipid oxidation is disrupted. The resistance of neurons to the negative effects of a number of factors provoked by hypoxia increases.

During therapy, the function of neurons in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system is restored. At the same time, there is an improvement in the functioning of the cerebral cortex. The imbalance of amino acids characterized by inhibitory and stimulating properties is eliminated. In addition, the regenerative function of the body is restored.

Indications for use of Cortexin:

• decreased intensity of blood supply to the brain;
• trauma, as well as complications that develop against this background;
• recovery after surgery;
• encephalopathy;
• impaired thinking, information perception, memory and other cognitive disorders;
• encephalitis, encephalomyelitis in any form (acute, chronic);
• epilepsy;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• developmental disorders (psychomotor, speech) in children;
• asthenic disorders;
• cerebral palsy.

The safety and effectiveness of the drug during therapy during pregnancy have not been proven. This means you should refrain from taking Cortexin. The drug is contraindicated for breastfeeding women for the same reason. This product should not be used if a negative individual reaction to the components occurs.

In most cases, the drug does not cause side effects. However, there is a risk of developing hypersensitivity to the active component of the drug.

Properties of the drug Actovegin

Manufacturer - Takeda GmbH (Japan). The drug is available in the form of a solution and tablets. Actovegin concentrate containing deproteinized hemoderivative of calf blood is used as an active component. The solution is available in ampoules of 2, 5 and 10 ml. The concentration of the active substance differs, respectively: 80, 200, 400 mg. 1 tablet contains 200 mg of the active ingredient. The drug is produced in this form in packs of 50 pcs.

The drug belongs to the group of antihypoxic drugs. The mechanism of action is based on the restoration of glucose synthesis. Thanks to Actovegin, this substance is transported more actively, due to which metabolic processes in the body are normalized. During therapy, the membrane-stabilizing effect of the drug is manifested.

Thanks to the restoration of a number of processes (increased insulin-like activity, improved oxygen uptake, normalization of glucose transport), the drug can be used in the treatment of polyneuropathies that have developed against the background of diabetes mellitus. At the same time, sensitivity returns and mental state improves. Actovegin normalizes blood circulation in the affected areas, activates the regeneration process, and restores tissue trophism.

Indications for use:

• disruption of vascular function, which leads to degenerative changes in tissue structure, cerebral circulatory failure;
• pathological condition of peripheral vessels;
• polyneuropathy due to diabetes mellitus;
• trophic disorders of tissue structure.

The product has few contraindications. First of all, hypersensitivity to the deproteinized hemoderivative of calf blood is noted. The solution is contraindicated in case of insufficiency of cardiac function, pulmonary edema, fluid retention and various urinary disorders. The drug can be prescribed to pregnant women, as well as to patients during lactation. It is used in the treatment of newborns. The solution is administered intravenously, intra-arterially. The tablets are intended for oral use.

Allergic reactions sometimes develop during treatment. The compatibility of the drug with other drugs has not been studied. For this reason, you should refrain from simultaneous use with other types of medications. If intolerance to the active component occurs, the drug in question should be replaced with an analogue.

Comparison of Cortexin and Actovegin

Similarities

Both products are obtained from natural raw materials. They almost do not provoke side effects; during therapy, an individual negative reaction rarely develops. Available in the form of an injection solution.

What is the difference?

The mechanism of action of the drugs is different: Cortexin affects nerve cells, bioenergetic and metabolic processes, while Actovegin exhibits antihypoxic properties. The results of therapy vary somewhat. This means that drugs can be replaced with each other only in some cases.

The products also have other differences, for example, Actovegin is available not only in the form of a solution, but also in the form of tablets. The solution is recommended to be administered intravenously. Cortexin is used intramuscularly. The therapeutic dose of this medicine is less than in the case of Actovegin. In addition, Cortexin is not used during pregnancy and lactation.

Which is cheaper?

Actovegin in the form of a solution can be purchased for 1,520 rubles. (25 ampoules with a dosage of 40 mg). The price of Cortexin is 1300 rubles. (pack containing 10 ampoules with a dosage of 10 mg). Thus, the first of the products is cheaper, considering the amount of the drug contained in the packages.

Which is better: Cortexin or Actovegin?

For adults

Cortexin can be used as an independent treatment measure, while Actovegin is often prescribed as part of complex therapy. This means that the effect of the first drug is more pronounced.