Cavinton

Cavinton: use, side effects and contraindications

Cavinton, also known as vinpocetine, is a drug that is used to improve cerebral circulation. It is manufactured in Hungary by Gedeon Richter and packaged by other pharmaceutical companies such as Sotex PharmFirm and Themis Chemicals Ltd.

Cavinton belongs to the group of drugs that improve cerebral circulation and is used to treat acute and chronic disorders of cerebral circulation. This may include stroke, brain injury, and atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels of the brain. In addition, Cavinton can be used to treat memory impairment, movement disorders, dizziness, headache, cerebral vascular spasms, arteriolosclerosis and vasospasm of the retina and choroid, arterial and venous thrombosis of the eye vessels, age-related, vascular or toxic (drug-induced) hearing disorders, as well as vegetative manifestations of menopausal syndrome.

Although Cavinton may be effective in treating the above conditions, it also has a number of contraindications and side effects that must be taken into account when prescribing the medication. Contraindications for the use of Cavinton include severe cardiac arrhythmias, high functional class angina, pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects of Cavinton may include hypotension, tachycardia, extrasystole and increased duration of ventricular electrical systole. With parenteral administration of Cavinton (i.e., intravenous or intramuscular administration), dizziness, a feeling of heat, redness of the face, and thrombophlebitis at the injection site may occur.

In addition, Cavinton may interact with other medications, increasing the risk of hemorrhagic complications during heparin therapy. In case of an overdose of Cavinton, gastric lavage, taking activated charcoal and symptomatic treatment may be required.

Finally, it is worth noting that vinpocetine cannot be administered intravenously to patients with cardiac pathology due to the risk of developing arrhythmia, including ventricular fibrillation. Cavinton should also be prescribed with caution in case of hemorrhagic stroke, only after the completion of the acute phase.

In general, Cavinton is an effective drug for improving cerebral circulation, however, like any other medicine, it has its contraindications and side effects. Therefore, before using it, you must consult your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations on dosage and duration of treatment.