VALIDOL (capsules)
not everyone knows what it is and why it is needed.
So, “Validol” was invented in Germany quite a long time ago, already in the 19th century. At first it was popular, and then, as other drugs with similar properties were invented, it was forced out of the pharmaceutical market. This drug received its second birth in the USSR, where “Validol” became almost the most popular (along with “Nitroglycerin”) cardiotropic drug. The popularity of “Validol” is due to the very rapid onset of its therapeutic effect (relief of heart pain), which occurs almost at lightning speed (within five minutes maximum), due to the inclusion of a reflex reaction leading to vasodilation. Alas, a number of years ago (about 12-15) the press began to intensively discuss the question of the uselessness of “Validol”, saying that it is not a medicine at all, but a placebo (dummy). Moreover, the RAMS (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences), in a resolution dated March 16, 2007, wrote the following (hereinafter I give an incomplete quotation): “”Immediately remove outdated drugs with unproven effectiveness - ..., validol, ...". Fortunately, common sense prevailed, and 10 years later (in 2022) this drug was returned to the list of essential medicines. Now “Validol” is included in the section “Drugs for the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.” And let those who consider “Validol” a dummy buy expensive cardiological drugs in the hope that they will help them, but I will continue to use a product called “Validol” that costs mere pennies. He always helped me out when my heart was in trouble. And “Validol” can relieve coughing attacks, and also relieves nausea and can act as a mild sedative.
So, here's what I bought at our village pharmacy:
The manufacturer’s logo is clearly visible on this box - a drawing of a tree with the inscription “Meligen”. This name is given to a pharmaceutical company located in the Leningrad region:
Oddly enough, there is no information about this drug on the manufacturer’s website at all. The conclusion is that either they started doing it there recently, or they don’t monitor the site.
On the other sides of the package with “Validol” there is information about the composition and methods of storing the medicine:
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And the production and expiration dates are embossed on one of the end sides of the box (I painted on them, since it was not clearly visible in the photo):
Inside the box there is a blister with 20 capsules:
There are instructions inside the box. In the next photo, where you can see it, I also placed the blister with capsules with the transparent side facing the viewer, and I enlarged one small fragment of the photo and added it to the picture so that you can see the color of the capsules (light yellow):
And in the next photo there is “Validol” in tablets and capsules:
It is very clear that the tablets are much larger. I don’t know whether it’s due to habit or for some other reasons (based on the effect on the body), but I like “Validol” in tablets more, although the one in capsules helped relieve pain. But, dear readers, if you intend to buy “Validol” in capsules, then remember that this product dissolves much faster under the tongue and the sensation from it also disappears faster. I will recommend it, but I will give it a low rating. This is purely my attitude towards the sublingual capsules “Validol” with the brand name “Meligen”. Perhaps I will like capsules from other manufacturers better, but I am unlikely to experiment with buying them. I will continue to use Validol in the form of lozenges under the tongue. They always help me.
Analogs
If the patient cannot take Validol, he may consider taking analogues.
These include:
Kratal. It is considered an expensive drug. It has an antioxidant, cardiotonic and antihypoxic effect.
Tonginal. It is also an expensive analogue. It has a complex homeopathic effect.
Pumpan. Available in the form of solution and tablets. Has metabolic, cardiotonic effects. Helps normalize heart rhythm and maintain normal blood pressure.
Instenon. The action of the drug is aimed at stabilizing blood circulation in the brain and improving brain metabolism.
Pharmacology and pharmacodynamics
As already mentioned, Validol has a sedative and vasodilator effect. Thanks to the influence of the active components, there is an improvement in peripheral blood circulation, pain and discomfort disappear, and a calming effect on the central nervous system is exerted. The drug is actively used for various diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
The active elements are very quickly absorbed in the oral cavity and after 3-5 minutes their highest content is noted in the general bloodstream. The effect of taking it can be observed within 5-7 minutes.
Validol (tablets)
Dosage form
Sublingual tablets
Composition per tablet:
Active substance
:
Levomenthol solution in menthyl isovalerate – 0.06 g
Excipients
:
Sucrose (sugar) – 1.158 g
Calcium stearate monohydrate – 0.05 g
Description
Round tablets of a flat-cylindrical shape, with a score on one side and a chamfer, white with a yellowish tint with grayish inclusions, with a characteristic odor.
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Coronodilating agent of reflex action.
ATX code: C01EX
Pharmacological properties
It has a sedative effect and has a moderate reflex vasodilator effect due to irritation of sensitive nerve endings. Stimulates the production and release of enkephalins, endorphins and a number of other peptides, histamine, kinins (due to irritation of mucosal receptors), which are actively involved in the regulation of vascular permeability and the formation of pain. When administered sublingually, the therapeutic effect occurs on average within 5 minutes, with up to 70% of the drug released within 3 minutes.
Pharmacokinetics
When administered sublingually, levomenthol is absorbed from the oral mucosa, metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in the form of glucuronides.
Indications for use
Functional cardialgia, neuroses, and also as an antiemetic for sea and air sickness.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, sucrase/isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, age under 18 years (there are no data on the effectiveness and safety of the drug in children).
Carefully
Diabetes mellitus (the drug contains sugar).
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Prescription of the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus and child.
Directions for use and doses
Validol is prescribed to adults, 1 tablet under the tongue until it is completely absorbed. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times a day. The frequency and duration of administration is determined depending on the effectiveness of treatment. If the therapeutic effect is absent or insufficiently pronounced within the next 5-10 minutes after taking the drug, you should consult a doctor to prescribe another therapy.
Side effect
Nausea, lacrimation, and dizziness may occur. When the drug is discontinued, these side effects usually go away on their own. Allergic reactions may develop (skin rash, itching, angioedema). If side effects not described in these instructions occur, you should stop taking the drug and inform your doctor.
Overdose
Symptoms
: headache, nausea, agitation, cardiac dysfunction, sharp decrease in blood pressure, depression of the central nervous system.
Treatment
: drug withdrawal, symptomatic therapy.
Interaction with other drugs
When used simultaneously with drugs that depress the central nervous system, it enhances the effect of the latter.
Simultaneous use of the drug with nitrates reduces the headache that occurs when using them.
special instructions
Concomitant use of alcohol is not recommended. Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus (the drug contains sucrose). The amount of sucrose in 1 tablet corresponds to 0.09 XE (bread units).
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery
When taking the drug, care must be taken when performing potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions (driving vehicles, working with moving mechanisms, working as a dispatcher, operator).
Release form
Sublingual tablets 60 mg.
6, 10 tablets in a blister pack made of polyvinyl chloride film and aluminum foil.
2, 3, 4, 5 blister packs together with instructions for use are placed in a pack of boxed cardboard or chrome-ersatz cardboard.
For hospitals: 50, 100, 200 blister packs along with an equal number of instructions for use are placed in corrugated cardboard boxes.
Storage conditions
In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Best before date
3 years.
Do not use after the expiration date.
Vacation conditions
Over the counter.
Adverse reactions and overdose
Due to individual intolerance to the components, an allergic reaction may occur, manifested by a rash, itching or hives.
If you take the medicine in excessive doses over a long period, there may be a deterioration in the condition, accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and watery eyes. Such signs are not dangerous and disappear immediately as soon as the dose is reduced to an acceptable value. Or you can stop taking it for a while.
An overdose may lower blood pressure or increase the likelihood of unwanted reactions.
An overdose can enhance the good and bad effects of taking the drug. There may be deterioration in heart function, severe pain in the head, nausea followed by vomiting, agitation, and suppression of the functions of the central nervous system.
In this case, it is advisable to begin symptomatic therapy.
How to take Validol correctly
Before using the drug, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications and that allergies will not appear.
Capsules and tablets should be placed under the tongue and held until the medicine is completely absorbed. You can take 1 tablet or 1 capsule at a time. 3-4 doses per day are allowed. The maximum permissible dose per day is 12 capsules or 10 tablets. The duration of the treatment course should not exceed 10 days. If no result is observed after taking it, then you should consider taking other medications.
