Indications
Acute Cerebro-Vascular Accidents (Strokes): Ischaemic strokes due to cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, acute circulatory disorder, hypertensive crisis; acute cardiovascular disorders, ischaemic neurological deficit, complete stroke (CS), multi-infarct dementia, cerebral arteriosclerosis, hypertensive encephalopathy, and post-apoplectic conditions with a background of haemorrhagic strokes, among others. Senile Disorder: For relief of psychosomatic symptoms in the elderly caused by cerebral insufficiency, such as forgetfulness, memory disturbances, slow thinking, poor concentration, dizziness, mood instability, aphasia, sleep disturbances, and vasovegetative symptoms of menopausal syndrome. Visual Disorder: Vascular disorders of the choroid and retina due to arteriosclerosis, vasospasm, macular degeneration, arterial or venous thrombosis or embolism, and glaucoma secondary to the above disorders. Hearing Disorder: For the treatment of impaired hearing of vascular or toxic (iatrogenic) origin, including presbyacusis, Meniere's disease, cochleovestibular neuritis, tinnitus, and dizziness of labyrinth origin.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Vinpocetine increases cerebral metabolism, boosting glucose and O2 consumption; it improves the brain's tolerance to hypoxia and shifts glucose metabolism toward the more energetically favourable aerobic pathway, though the anaerobic pathway is increased as well. It raises ATP concentration and the ATP to AMP ratio in the brain and elevates cerebral levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.
The drug considerably improves cerebral microcirculation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering pathologically increased blood viscosity, and increasing erythrocyte deformability. It also helps carry O2 into the tissues by reducing the O2 affinity of erythrocytes.
Vinpocetine selectively and markedly increases cerebral blood flow and the brain's share of cardiac output, and it lowers cerebral vascular resistance without affecting systemic circulation, including blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance. It does not produce a steal phenomenon; instead, it mainly improves blood supply to injured and ischaemic areas while leaving blood flow in healthy areas unchanged, an effect known as inverse steal. It also further increases blood flow that is already raised as a result of hypoxia.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
In Pregnancy and Lactation the drug is contraindicated.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.