Cortexin is a medicine that is used for diseases of the nervous system.
The drug is obtained from the cerebral cortex of cattle. For this purpose, the lyophilization method is used. Lyophilization is a method of obtaining peptides by freezing and drying. With this method of drug production, the biological effects of the resulting substances are well preserved. Allergic reactions to the resulting mixtures develop much less frequently than with conventional grinding of the original substrate.
A child is not a small adult. The child's body is much more complex. Many processes in it occur not linearly, but in waves. For example, height accelerates significantly during adolescence and then declines again.
Children's metabolic rate is higher. This is due to the fact that the body needs to constantly create new tissues and improve the structure of internal organs. These processes require a huge amount of energy.
Children need special medications created taking into account their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
Release form
The drug is available in the form of a sterile lyophilized powder for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration.
The cardboard packaging is completed with two blister packs, each containing 5 bottles of lyophilisate, and instructions for use.
In pharmacies you can buy Cortexin 10 mg No. 10 and Cortexin 5 mg No. 10.
Cortexin 10 mg is available in 22 mg doses in 5 ml bottles. The product is intended for the treatment of adult patients.
Cortexin 5 mg was created specifically for use in pediatrics. It is available in 11 g bottles with a capacity of 3 ml.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Cortexin is a bioregulator with a polypeptide structure, which is a complex of water-soluble neuropeptides. The molecular weight of these polypeptide fractions does not exceed 10 thousand daltons, which allows them to penetrate the physiological barrier separating the central nervous and circulatory systems.
The mechanism of action of the drug is realized through:
- activation of regulatory peptides, neurons and brain neurotrophic factors;
- normalization of the ratio of amino acids that perform mediator functions of excitatory and inhibitory types of action, as well as important brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin ;
- moderately expressed GABA-ergic effects;
- reducing the level of paroxysmal (attack-like) convulsive activity of the brain and the ability to normalize indicators of its bioelectrical activity;
- preventing the formation of products of oxidative degradation of lipids (free radicals).
The nootropic effect of Cortexin is accompanied by an improvement in higher brain functions, improved memory, increased learning ability and stress resistance.
The neuroprotective effect is manifested in the ability of the drug to increase the resistance of brain tissue to the damaging effects of various endogenous neurotoxic factors and reduce the toxic effects of neurotropic substances.
The antioxidant effect is manifested in the drug’s ability to influence oxidative stress (cell damage provoked by oxidative processes) and increase the survival rates of neurons under conditions of oxygen starvation.
The mechanism of this action is associated with the suppression of free radical processes and lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, as well as with the correction of oxygen-dependent pathological conditions.
of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood is normalized .
The tissue-specific effect of the drug is associated with an increase in the intensity of metabolism of neurons in the central nervous system and PNS, stimulation of reparative processes in the central nervous system, improvement of the functional state of the cerebral cortex and the general tone of the somatic and autonomic nervous system.
Pharmacokinetic characteristics cannot be determined, since the disintegration time of the L-series amino acids and neuropeptide fractions included in the active substance Cortexin is no more than 3 minutes.
This makes it impossible to establish the rate and extent of absorption of peptide residues, their distribution among various organs and tissues, as well as the rate and routes of their excretion from the body.
Indications for use of Cortexin: what is the medicine prescribed for?
Indications for use of the drug are:
- infectious diseases of the nervous system caused by bacteria or viruses;
- conditions accompanied by circulatory disorders in the brain;
- TBI and its consequences;
- syndrome of diffuse brain damage of various origins;
- cerebral (suprasegmental) autonomic disorders.
In combination with other drugs, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy , as well as for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the brain and/or spinal cord of various etiologies.
For children, indications for the use of Cortexin are reduced learning ability, memory and thinking disorders, psychomotor and speech development delay syndrome in children (CPRD), various forms of cerebral palsy.
Indications for use
In children, Cortexin is used in the complex treatment of the following diseases:
- Cerebral palsy.
- Developmental disorders of learning skills, speech and language.
- Inflammatory diseases of the brain.
- Perinatal damage to the nervous system.
- Cognitive disorders.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Encephalopathy.
Due to its universal action, the product can be used in all periods of the disease: from acute to restorative.
To develop a therapeutic effect, you must take Cortexin for at least 2 weeks.
More details about these diseases can be found in separate articles.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cortexin and/or glycine.
Clinical studies to establish the effect of the drug on the body of a pregnant woman and the developing fetus have not been conducted. For this reason, the drug is not recommended for use at any stage of pregnancy.
Since there are no data from clinical studies regarding the use of the drug during breastfeeding, if it is necessary to prescribe Cortexin, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding.
Instructions for use
Cortexin is a dry whitish-yellow powder. It must be diluted before use. To do this, use saline solution, water for injection or local anesthetic. After receiving the finished mixture, it is drawn into a syringe and injected. The injection is given intramuscularly in the buttock or thigh area.
The procedure should be carried out once a day, preferably in the morning. The course of taking the drug is 10 days. If necessary, can be repeated after 3-6 months.
You can read the instructions for use of the drug in more detail in a separate article.
Cortexin injections, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
The drug is intended for injection into the muscle.
How to dilute Cortexin?
Before injection, the powder contained in the bottle should be diluted with one or two milliliters of a 0.5% solution of procaine ( Novocaine ), physiological solution (isotonic sodium chloride solution (0.9%)) or water for injection.
To prevent the formation of foam, they try to direct the needle towards the wall of the bottle.
How to inject a child with Cortexin?
Cortexin can be prescribed from the first days of life. In some situations, parents have to give their child injections themselves. And here questions arise about how to properly inject Cortexin and what is the best way to dilute the powder.
Before making an injection, water for injection, Novocaine or saline solution is drawn into the syringe, then the cap of the bottle is pierced and the collected liquid is poured into it.
The syringe should be removed (the needle remains in the cap) and the contents of the bottle should be thoroughly shaken until the powder is completely dissolved. After this, the syringe is reattached and the required amount of solution is drawn into it.
For an injection, it is better to take a new needle, since the needle with which the solvent for the lyophilisate was injected may already be fairly dull.
The medicine is administered slowly, as rapid administration can cause very severe pain.
For babies up to six months old, an intramuscular injection is given into the anterior surface of the thigh (so as not to accidentally damage the sciatic nerve).
For children, especially very young children, all injections are given with saline or water for injection. Injections with Novocaine are less painful than injections with saline solution, however, diluting the drug with Novocaine is allowed only if there is firm confidence that this will not cause an allergic reaction in the child (Novocaine can cause severe allergies and convulsions ).
Like other neurometabolic drugs, Cortexin is recommended to be injected before 12 noon, given its activating effect and ability to provoke psychomotor agitation.
Instructions for use of Cortexin for adults
Adult patients are given Cortexin injections once a day, daily for ten days, at a dose of 10 mg.
In case of massive ischemic stroke (MIS) in the acute phase, as well as in the early recovery period, the indicated dose is recommended to be administered to the patient twice a day (morning and evening) for ten days. After ten days, the course should be repeated.
Instructions for use of Cortexin for children
In pediatric practice, the medicine is used to treat children from the first days of their life.
For patients whose weight does not exceed 20 kg, the drug is prescribed at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight. For patients weighing more than 20 kg, a dose of 10 mg is indicated.
The duration of treatment is ten days. If necessary, after three to six months the patient may be prescribed a second course.
The drug extremely rarely causes side effects, has almost no contraindications and can be used to treat even newborn babies. Its main disadvantage is considered to be its release form: Cortexin is not available in tablets, and this partly complicates its use in children, if the latter require several courses.
Cortexin: application
Cortexin, the instructions provide for this, is used in the treatment of severe brain diseases that are caused by circulatory problems in combination with other medications. In particular, it is prescribed after hemorrhagic strokes. The drug is also indicated for traumatic brain injuries, as it can accelerate recovery processes.
The drug is effective in combination with other drugs in the following cases:
- Diseases of the nervous system caused by infection with harmful microorganisms.
- Diffuse brain damage, the mildest form of which is concussion.
- Autonomic disorders, manifested by various symptoms: dizziness, panic attacks, migraines, etc.
- Epilepsy, which is a chronic neurological disease characterized by sudden seizures.
As a single drug, Cortexin injections, the instructions for use provide for this, can be used in case of absent-mindedness, decreased concentration, or difficulties in perceiving new information. The drug helps restore brain function during the development of senile dementia and after a stroke.
In pediatrics, Cortexin injections, the instructions indicate this, are used for birth damage to the brain in newborns. The medicine is also indicated for children with motor and speech dysfunction. In complex therapy, the drug is considered effective in the treatment of cerebral palsy.
The solution is prepared directly in the bottle. It is diluted in accordance with the instructions with a 0.5% solution of novocaine, water for injection or saline. In this case, the liquid is added very carefully to avoid foaming.
Adult patients receive Cortexin injections once a day into the gluteal muscle. It is advisable to carry out the manipulation in the first half of the day to eliminate the possibility of sleep disturbance. The duration of the course of treatment is 10 days. This means that one package is enough. Repeated treatment is possible no earlier than after 3 months.
In case of acute massive stroke and in the initial period of recovery of brain function, the dosage is increased by 2 times. Injections are given in the morning and evening for 10 days. In this case, the course can also be repeated after 10 days.
The drug should be administered to children with extreme caution. The dosage for children weighing less than 20 kg is 0.5 mg/kg body weight; for children weighing less than 20 kg, a dose of 10 mg is allowed.
Analogues of Cortexin
Level 4 ATX code matches:
Bravinton
Acefen
Carnicetine
Pyracesin
Nooclerin
Semax
Piracetam
Olatropil
Fezam
Vinpocetine
Cerebrocurin
Cavinton Forte
Calcium hopantenate
Glutamic acid
Cephabol
Olanzapine
Cerebrolysate
Pramistar
Sidnocarb
Vinpotropil
Cortexin analogues in tablets:
- Armadin and Armadin Long
- Huato Boluses
- Borizol
- Glitsed
- Mexidol
- Mexiprim
- Glutamic acid
- Rilutek
- Cytoflavin
Analogues of Cortexin in ampoules:
- Armadin
- Mexiprim
- Neurotropin
- Nikomex
- Nucleo CMF Forte
- Cytoflavin
Cortexin or Cerebrolysiin - which is better?
Studies conducted on laboratory rats have shown that Cerebrolysin and Cortexin, when administered intraperitoneally and administered into the lateral ventricle of the brain, have a similar effect.
A comparative analysis of the central effects of the drugs led to the conclusion that, despite all their similarities, Cortexin is more active.
At the same time, it provokes a much smaller number of adverse reactions and can be used from birth (whereas Cerebrolysin is used in pediatric practice if there are justified indications).
According to some patients, Cerebrolysin are less painful compared to Cortexin injections.
What side effects can occur in pregnant women?
Pregnancy is the greatest physiological stress for a woman's body. Inside the mother's body, the development of the fetus occurs, which has a different set of antigens. Normally, when something foreign enters the internal environment of a person, the immune system makes active attempts to expel the foreign object. However, during pregnancy, the fetus must remain inside the mother's body for about 9 months. To prevent the immune system from interfering with this process, during pregnancy the amount of hormones and substances that suppress the immune system (progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, human chorionic gonadotropin, etc.) increases.
Thanks to this mechanism, allergic reactions in pregnant women occur less frequently.
There is no information about the occurrence of side effects of Cortexin when administered to pregnant women. However, due to the small number of clinical studies on the effect of Cortexin during pregnancy, this drug is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Cortexin for children
The instructions for use of Cortexin for children permit the use of this drug from the first days of a child’s life.
Doctors' reviews of Cortexin for children confirm the manufacturer's statements that the drug practically does not cause adverse reactions, allergies , does not have a teratogenic or carcinogenic effect and is well tolerated by patients.
Its use in neurology, neonatology and pediatrics can improve the child’s behavior and his general condition with various types of tones, normalize memory function and speech, and relieve headaches.
What side effects may occur in children?
The child’s body is immature in many respects, including the state of the immune system. The development of the following allergic reactions is typical for children:
- Atopic dermatitis (the skin turns red, becomes moist, and cracks may appear);
- Allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes) and allergic rhinitis (runny nose);
- Food allergies (nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, bowel problems such as constipation or diarrhea);
Allergic reactions develop faster in children than in adults. The severity of these reactions varies - from minor peeling of the skin to generalized swelling of the entire body. Often, the risk of side effects depends on the child’s pre-existing condition and the presence or absence of diseases.
When Cortexin was administered to children, no adverse reactions were observed.
Reviews about Cortexin
Cortexin is a drug widely used in neurological practice. Reviews of Cortexin for adults, which can be found on numerous thematic forums, indicate the effectiveness of this drug for treating patients of all ages (both infants and the elderly).
Taking the drug allows you to speed up the recovery process after injuries and strokes , and in older people it stimulates brain function, increases the ability to remember and concentrate, and also prevents a decrease in intellectual abilities.
Reviews of Cortexin for children allow us to conclude that the drug is most often prescribed to children who have certain deviations in neuropsychic development. In particular, indications for the use of the drug are cerebral palsy and brain lesions that occurred in the prenatal period (close to the date of birth) or directly during childbirth.
Injections for children - and reviews of Cortexin confirm this - can achieve significant improvements: after a course of treatment with the drug, the child becomes calmer, he has an improvement in brain activity, an increased interest in learning, and improved memory and speech.
The use of the drug for infants (in particular, for newborns born ahead of schedule) allows you to notice obvious improvements in a fairly short time, which are manifested in the child’s calmer behavior or the emergence of new skills (for example, the ability to independently roll over from his back to his tummy and back).
Mothers whose children were prescribed Cortexin note that after the course of treatment the child literally “came to life before our eyes.” Many consider the advantages of the drug to be the absence of side effects and low toxicity of the drug. The disadvantages most often cited are the rather high price of the product and the pain of the injections.
As for doctors' reviews of Cortexin, they, despite the rather high rating of the drug on forums (an average of 4.1-4.3 on a 5-point scale), are quite contradictory: some doctors consider it a panacea, others - a dummy with unproven effectiveness .
Cortexin price, where to buy
The average price of Cortexin in ampoules of 5 ml of 10 mg each in Russia is 1200-1300 rubles, the average cost of ampoules of 5 mg is 700-900 rubles.
The price of Cortexin 10 mg in Ukraine is 800 UAH, the price of Cortexin injections for children varies within 500 UAH. In Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye and other large cities, you can buy the drug both in a network of retail pharmacies and through online pharmacies with delivery directly to your home.
The drug is not available in tablets.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
ZdravCity
- Cortexin lyof.
d/prig. solution for intramuscular injection. 10mg vial. No. 10 Geropharm LLC 1244 rub. order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Cortexin (vial 5 mg No. 10) Geropharm
RUR 891 order
- Cortexin (vial 10 mg No. 10) Geropharm
RUB 1,501 order
- Cortexin (vial 10 mg No. 10) Geropharm
RUB 1,367 order
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Pharmacy24
- Cortexin 5 mg No. 10 powder TOV "Geropharm", Russian Federation
479 UAH. order
PaniPharmacy
- Cortexin bottle Cortexin lyophilized powder for the preparation of solution 5 mg No. 10 Russia, Geropharm
471 UAH. order
- Cortexin bottle Cortexin lyophilized powder for the preparation of solution for injection 10 mg No. 10 Russia, Geropharm
849 UAH. order
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