Actovegin

Actovegin promotes activation of metabolic processes within the body tissues, and in addition, healing processes. It also helps improve trophism.

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Indications Actovegin

The tablets are used for the following disorders:

• combination therapy of metabolic and vascular disorders affecting the cerebral region ( dementia or ischemic stroke, TBI, and, along with this, cerebral circulatory insufficiency);
• diabetic polyneuropathy;
• disorders affecting the functioning of venous and arterial vessels, and along with them complications that develop as a result of such disorders (angiopathy or ulcers of a trophic nature).

Injections, and also IV drips with the use of drugs, are used for similar conditions and diseases.

Using the medicine in the form of an ointment:

• inflammations developing on the mucous membranes and epidermis, as well as wounds (due to cuts, burns, cracks, abrasions, etc.);
• weeping ulcers of varicose etiology, etc.;
• activation of tissue healing associated with burns;
• prevention of the development of bedsores or their treatment;
• prevention of the appearance of symptoms on the epidermis caused by radiation exposure.

In such conditions, cream is also used.

The gel, in addition to the above-mentioned disorders, is also prescribed for the treatment of the epidermis before skin grafting processes during therapy for burn pathology.

Actovegin can be prescribed to athletes to increase performance.

Release form

The drug is produced in the form of an injection liquid - in glass ampoules with a capacity of 2 or 10 ml. There are 5 ampoules inside the pack. It is also produced in the form of an intravenous infusion liquid - in 0.25 l vials.

The tablets are contained in glass bottles, in quantities of 50 pieces.

The cream is available in 20 g tubes.

20% eye gel is contained in tubes with a volume of 5 g.

5% ointment is sold in 20 g tubes.

Pharmacodynamics

The active element of the drug, a hemoderivative, is formed using ultrafiltration and dialysis.

The effect of the drug increases tissue resistance to hypoxia, because it stimulates the consumption and utilization of oxygen. At the same time, the drug helps to activate energy exchange processes and glucose consumption. As a result, the cellular energy resource increases.

Due to the increase in the amount of oxygen consumed, stabilization of plasma cell walls occurs in individuals with ischemia, and along with this, the volume of lactates formed decreases.

The effect of Actovegin increases cellular glucose levels, and in addition stimulates oxidative metabolic processes. As a result, the energy supply of the cell is activated. This process is confirmed by an increase in the levels of free energy transporters: amino acids with ADP and ATP, as well as phosphocreatine.

The drug demonstrates a similar effect in the development of peripheral blood flow disorders, as well as in the occurrence of complications arising from these disorders. Its effectiveness in accelerating wound regeneration processes is noted.

In people with burns, trophic disorders and ulcers of various origins, under the influence of drugs, there is an improvement in the biochemical and morphological properties of granulation.

Due to the fact that the drug affects the processes of utilization and absorption of oxygen carried out within the body, and also demonstrates an insulin-like effect, promoting the oxidation and movement of glucose, it is a significant participant in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy.

In diabetics, during therapy with Actovegin, impaired sensitivity is restored and the severity of symptoms caused by mental disorders is reduced.

Pharmacokinetics

With parenteral injections, the effect of the drug develops approximately after 0.5 hours or earlier. The maximum effect is recorded on average after 3 hours.

Dosing and administration

Schemes for using the drug in the form of injections.

The injection fluid can be administered intra-arterially, intravenously or intramuscularly.

Taking into account the severity of the pathology, injections are performed in portions of 10-20 ml (intravenously), and later 5 ml of the substance are administered intravenously at a low speed. The medicine in ampoules must be used daily or in quantities several times a week.

Ampoules are used for disorders of cerebral blood supply and metabolism. At first, 10 ml of the substance should be administered intravenously for 14 days. Later, over a period of 4 weeks, injections of 5-10 ml of the drug are administered several times a week.

People with ischemic stroke require intravenous administration of 20-50 ml of the drug, which is preliminarily dissolved in infusion fluid (0.2-0.3 l). Within 2-3 weeks, the medication is used daily or several times a week. The same scheme is used for therapy in people with arterial angiopathy.

People with trophic ulcers or other sluggish ulcerative lesions, as well as burns, should be administered 10 ml of the drug intravenously (or 5 ml intramuscularly). This portion, taking into account the severity of the lesion, is used once or several times a day. In addition to this, local treatment with Actovegin is performed.

To treat or prevent the development of epidermal lesions under radiation exposure, the substance is used daily in a dosage of 5 ml (intravenously), during intervals between stays in the radiation zone.

Methods of using infusion fluid.

Infusions are performed intra-arterially or intravenously. The dosage is determined by the patient's condition and diagnosis. Often, 0.25 liters of the substance is used per day. Sometimes the initial portion of a 10% solution increases to 0.5 liters. The treatment cycle may include 10-20 infusions.

Before performing the infusion, it is necessary to ensure that the vial with the medicine is completely intact. The introduction should be performed at a rate of about 2 ml/minute. During the procedure, it is necessary to control that the substance does not penetrate into extravascular tissues.

Mode of administration of the tablet form of the drug.

Tablets are taken before meals, without chewing, but swallowed and washed down with plain water. Often 1-2 tablets are taken per day, 3 times. The therapeutic cycle usually lasts 1-1.5 months.

For people with diabetic polyneuropathy, the medication is first administered intravenously in a dose of 2000 mg for 21 days, and then it is used in tablet form - 2-3 tablets per day for 4-5 months.

Methods of using the gel.

The gel is applied locally to cleanse ulcers and wounds, and at the same time to treat them further. If there is radiation damage or a burn on the epidermis, the preparation is applied in a thin layer. In the case of an ulcer, a thick layer of the substance should be applied, after which the treated area should be covered with a compress soaked in medicinal ointment.

The dressing should be changed once a day, but if the ulcer is very wet, the frequency of this procedure should be increased. For people with radiation injuries, the medication is used in the form of applications. For therapy and prevention of bedsores, dressings are changed 3-4 times a day.

Mode of application of medicinal cream.

It is used to activate regenerative processes in case of weeping ulcers and wounds. After the completion of therapy with the gel, it is used to prevent the occurrence of bedsores. During therapy and prevention of radiation injuries, the cream should be used 2-3 times a day.

Schemes for using the ointment.

The ointment is prescribed for long-term treatment of ulcers and wound lesions - after the end of therapy using gel and cream. Treatment of epidermal lesions is performed using dressings soaked in the preparation, which are changed up to 4 times a day. When using the ointment to prevent bedsores or radiation injuries, the dressing must be changed 2-3 times a day.

When treating burns, the ointment is applied very carefully - so as not to damage the epidermis. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the substance to a bandage, and then apply it to the affected area.

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Use Actovegin during pregnancy

Actovegin can be used during pregnancy. The medication is often used to prevent fetal developmental disorders associated with placental insufficiency.

Along with this, the drug is sometimes used at the stage of conception planning. During this period, it is required to activate the processes of uteroplacental blood flow, stabilize the metabolic activity of the placenta and gas exchange.

Because the therapeutic agent contains natural elements, it does not cause negative reactions in the fetus.

During pregnancy, a portion of the drug solution is administered intravenously (it is within 5-20 ml). The drug should be used daily or every other day. Intramuscular use is carried out with the selection of individual portions (taking into account the reason for using Actovegin). Therapy usually lasts within 1-1.5 months.

Contraindications

Main contraindications:

• pulmonary edema;
• anuria or oliguria;
• fluid retention;
• if there is a need to use an IV drip – decompensated cardiac insufficiency;
• intolerance to the drug.

Side effects Actovegin

The drug is often tolerated without any complications when used in any of its therapeutic forms.

The administration of the drug may lead to the development of the following side effects:

• signs of allergy: swelling, hot flashes, urticaria and hyperhidrosis may occasionally appear, and the temperature may also increase;
• gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, nausea and symptoms of dyspepsia;
• manifestations affecting the function of the cardiovascular system: paleness of the epidermis, tachycardia, dyspnea, pain in the heart, and also a decrease or increase in blood pressure;
• disorders of the nervous system: headaches, paresthesia, feeling of excitement or weakness, dizziness, as well as tremors and loss of consciousness;
• problems with the respiratory system: pain in the throat, a feeling of suffocation or compression inside the chest, problems with swallowing and increased breathing;
• Musculoskeletal disorders: pain affecting bones and joints or the lower back.

If the patient experiences the above-described negative symptoms, it is necessary to stop using the medication and carry out symptomatic procedures.

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Overdose

When using Actovegin in extremely high doses, negative manifestations associated with the gastrointestinal tract may develop. Symptomatic measures are taken to eliminate them.

Storage conditions

Actovegin should be kept in a place protected from sunlight. Temperature values are within 25°C.

Shelf life

Actovegin can be used within 5 years from the date of release of the therapeutic agent; the infusion fluid has a shelf life of 36 months. If after an intravenous injection there are any residues of the substance in the vial, they must be disposed of.

Application for children

The therapeutic agent is prescribed to children for therapy of pathologies of a neurological nature (they arise due to complications during pregnancy or problems during childbirth). Injections can be used for infants under 12 months, but during therapy it is necessary to strictly follow all instructions.

When using intramuscular injections of drugs, the dose size is selected depending on the child’s condition.

For mild lesions, you need to take tablets - 1 piece per day.

Newborns are usually given the medicine in a dose of 0.4-0.5 ml/kg, once a day. The substance is administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Solcoseryl, Cortexin, Curantil-25 with Cerebrolysin, and Vero-Trimetazidine.

Reviews

Actovegin in the form of injections is considered to be quite an effective means for therapy in various pathologies. There are many reviews left by parents who gave injections to their infants. Sometimes there was a clear improvement in the patient's condition in pathologies of a neurological nature.

But there are also reports from parents that children have a hard time tolerating intramuscular injections of the drug, because they are extremely painful. Sometimes, severe allergic symptoms were observed.

Pregnant women also leave mostly positive reviews about the drug.

Often, patients who have used the tablet form of the drug also leave their comments. Both doctors and patients generally respond positively to this form of release.

The reports regarding the gel, cream and ointment are also positive – the medicine accelerates regeneration of wounds, burns and ulcers, and is also convenient to use.