Description
Mexidol Pharmacodynamics
Mexidol® is an inhibitor of free radical processes, membranoprotector, which has antihypoxic, stress-protective, nootropic, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects. The drug increases resistance to the effects of various damaging factors (shock, hypoxia and ischemia, cerebral circulation disorders, intoxication with alcohol and antipsychotic agents (neuroleptics)).
The mechanism of action of Mexidol® is due to its antioxidant, antihypoxant and membrane-protective effects. It inhibits lipid peroxidation, increases superoxide dismutase activity, increases lipid-protein ratio, reduces membrane viscosity and increases membrane fluidity. Mexidol® modulates the activity of membrane-bound enzymes (calcium independent phosphodiesterase, adenylate cyclase, acetylcholinesterase), receptor complexes (benzodiazepine, GABA, acetylcholine), which increases their ability to bind to ligands, helps maintain the structural and functional organization of biomembranes, transport neurotransmitters and improve synaptic transmission. Mexidol® increases the content of dopamine in the brain. It causes enhancement of compensatory activation of aerobic glycolysis and reduction of inhibition of oxidative processes in the Krebs cycle under hypoxia with increase of ATP and creatine phosphate content, activation of energy-synthesizing functions of mitochondria, stabilization of cell membranes.
The drug improves metabolism and blood supply to the brain, improves microcirculation and blood rheological properties, reduces platelet aggregation. Stabilizes membrane structures of blood cells (erythrocytes and platelets) during hemolysis. It has a hypolipidemic effect, reduces the content of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins.
Anti-stressor effect is manifested in normalization of post-stress behavior, somato-vegetative disorders, restoration of sleep-wake cycles, disturbed learning and memory processes, reduction of dystrophic and morphological changes in various brain structures.
Mexidol® has a pronounced anti-toxic effect in withdrawal syndrome. It eliminates neurological and neurotoxic symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication, restores behavioral disorders, autonomic functions, as well as is able to relieve cognitive disorders caused by prolonged use of ethanol and its withdrawal. Under the influence of Mexidol® the effect of tranquilizing drugs, neuroleptics, antidepressants, hypnotics and anticonvulsants is increased, which allows to decrease their doses and reduce their side effects. Mexidol® improves functional state of ischemic myocardium. In conditions of coronary insufficiency it increases collateral blood supply of ischemic myocardium, promotes preservation of integrity of cardiomyocytes and maintenance of their functional activity. Effectively restores myocardial contractility in reversible cardiac dysfunction.
Indications
-sequences of acute cerebral circulatory disorders, including after transient ischemic attacks, in the phase of subcompensation as a preventive course;
-light craniocerebral trauma, consequences of craniocerebral injuries;
Encephalopathies of different genesis (dyscirculatory, dysmetabolic, post-traumatic, mixed);
-vegetative dystonia syndrome;
-Mild cognitive disorders of atherosclerotic genesis;
-anxiety disorders in neurotic and neurosis-like conditions;
-Coronary heart disease as part of complex therapy;
-withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism with a predominance of neurosis and vegetative vascular disorders, postabstinence disorders;
-states after acute intoxication with antipsychotic drugs;
-Asthenic conditions, as well as for the prevention of the development of somatic diseases under the influence of extreme factors and stress;
-Exposure to extreme (stressor) factors.
Contraindications .
Acute hepatic and/or renal failure, hypersensitivity to the drug.
Because of the insufficient study of the drug – childhood, pregnancy, breast-feeding.
Dosage and administration method
- The drug is prescribed orally in doses of 125-250 mg 3 The initial dose is 125-250 mg (1-2 tablets) 1-2 with a gradual increase until the therapeutic effect is achieved. Maximum daily dose is 800 mg (6 tablets).
- Duration of treatment – 2-6 weeks, for stopping alcohol withdrawal – 5-7 days.
- Treatment is stopped gradually, reducing the dose within 2-3 days.
