Valerian extract

Valerian extract has a calming and antispasmodic effect. It helps to reduce the tone of smooth muscles, as well as the excitability of the central nervous system.

Indications Valerian extract

Among the main indications:

• neurasthenia, and in addition to this, conditions that develop as a result of prolonged neuropsychic excitement;
• sleep disorders due to nervous stress along with overexcitement;
• mild disorders of the cardiovascular and digestive systems (with complex treatment).

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Release form

Available in tablet form. One package may contain 10/40/50 pcs.

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Pharmacodynamics

A herbal preparation with sedative properties, which are due to the fact that the medicine contains essential oil (about 0.2-2.8%), the basis of which is a complex borneol ester, as well as borneol acetate with 3-methylbutanoic acid. In addition, important active substances of the drug are such sesquiterpenes with monoterpenes: valeranone and β-caryophyllene, valerenal with pentanoic acid and valepotriates (0.05-0.67%) - this is valtrate with isovaltrate.

Valepotriates leave such products of their own regression as valtroxal with baldrinal and homobaldrinal. The medicine increases the sensitivity of GABA conductors to the influence of aminalone, thereby increasing the strength of the slowing processes in the cerebral cortex. Along with this, there is an increase in the release and synthesis of GABA in the connections of brain neurons. Such an effect develops exclusively as a result of the influence of the sum of these substances, which are mixed in valerian extract. It cannot be recreated as a result of the isolated introduction of valepotriates with essential oil or sesquiterpenes.

The sedative effect of the drug is quite slow, but very stable. It develops fully only in the case of long-term and systematic therapy. The body's reaction to any external stimuli is slowed down, and the process of natural sleep is simplified.

Valepotriates with pentanoic acid have antispasmodic properties, and in addition, have a weak choleretic effect. In particular, this helps with spasms, as well as hypermotor dysfunction of the gallbladder. The complex of bioactive components of valerian extract, by neurohumoral mechanisms, and also due to the effect on the PSS, helps to regulate the work of the heart - slow down its rhythm and slightly expand the coronary vessels.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of this drug are poorly studied, because there is no way to accurately identify its active ingredient. When using 600 mg of dry extract, the peak concentration of valerenic acid (one of the possible active ingredients) in the body occurs after 1-2 hours and is 0.9-2.3 ng/ml. The half-life is 1.1 ± 0.6 hours. The pharmacokinetic properties of the drug do not change as a result of repeated use.

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Dosing and administration

For adults, the dosage is 40-80 mg (2-4 tablets) 1-5 times a day. If necessary, the daily dosage can be increased to 1000 mg in several (usually 4-5) doses. Patients with kidney or liver problems do not need dosage adjustments. Children aged 12 and over can be prescribed 20 mg of the drug 2-3 times a day. The treatment course lasts a maximum of 1 month.

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Use Valerian extract during pregnancy

The drug is prohibited to use during the first trimester of pregnancy. Since it has side effects, it should be used with caution during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Contraindications include: individual intolerance to the drug, as well as children under 12 years of age.

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Side effects Valerian extract

Side effects may include: depression, drowsiness, and decreased performance. Constipation may occur as a result of prolonged use. In addition, in some rare cases, allergies may develop.

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Overdose

Among the symptoms of overdose (when using doses 20+ times higher than the maximum permissible dose) are non-specific manifestations that are associated with the suppression of the central nervous system function - such as drowsiness and lethargy with inhibition. If the overdose is severe, cardiac arrhythmia or bradycardia is possible.

To eliminate symptoms, stop taking the drug and perform a gastrointestinal lavage procedure using activated carbon. In addition, take magnesium sulfate to prevent intestinal absorption of the drug and to achieve a laxative effect. There is no specific antidote.

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Interactions with other drugs

Valerian extract can enhance the properties of antispasmodics, as well as sedatives and sleeping pills.

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Storage conditions

The medicine should be kept in a place closed to children and moisture. Temperature conditions – maximum 25°C.

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Shelf life

Valerian extract is approved for use for 2 years from the date of manufacture of the medicine.

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