"Mexidol" is a domestic drug of a new generation with an antioxidant effect. Due to the fact that this medicine normalizes metabolic processes in the body and protects cells from the effects of free radicals, it has a wide range of applications. Most often, Mexidol is used in neurology, narcology, and surgery. But this drug is able to normalize the work of almost all organs and systems. Despite these properties, not everyone can use Mexidol in the treatment. Contraindications to its use limit its frequent use. The drug is still little studied, since it has only been widely used since 2003.
Characteristics of the drug
The development of this tool was started back in the 80s, but Mexidol was introduced into medical practice only 20 years later. Scientists received an award for creating such a unique drug. Now"Mexidol" is recognized as the best remedy in neurological practice. Its properties make it possible to alleviate the patient's condition in many diseases, to use it for prevention, as well as for the relief of acute neurological disorders and intoxications. The drug is produced in tablets and solution for injection. In a pharmacy, it can only be purchased with a prescription. After all, when prescribing the drug "Mexidol", its contraindications are necessarily taken into account.
Product properties
The main active ingredient of the drug is ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate. This substance is actively involved in all metabolic processes in the body, normalizing them. Therefore, the drug regulates the work of many organs and systems. The normalization of metabolism in the body occurs due to the fact that the active substance of the drug has the following properties:
- suppresses the activity of free radicals and protects cells from their effects;
- reduces the oxygen demand of cells, which makes it easier for tissues to tolerate hypoxia;
- improves the condition of vessel walls;
- stabilizes the membranes of erythrocytes and platelets, preventing the formation of blood clots and preventing the destruction of blood cells;
- improves the condition of brain cells and mental abilities;
- regulates the action of the autonomic nervous system;
- protects brain cells from damage;
- increases the effect of tranquilizers, hypnotics, antidepressants and neuroleptics, which reduces themdosage.
Features of action
Before prescribing the drug "Mexidol", the doctor must take into account contraindications. But the low toxicity of the drug allows it to be used in many cases. This remedy has become widespread due to the peculiarities of its action on the patient's body:
- normalizes blood circulation;
- improves blood circulation and tissue nutrition;
- increases the degree of concentration;
- improves memory;
- normalizes blood cholesterol levels;
- increases hemoglobin levels;
- stimulates the production of the hormone dopamine;
- relieves headaches;
- restores the work of the heart muscle;
- increases the body's resistance to stress;
- normalizes the composition and properties of blood, improves its fluidity;
- restores normal sleep;
- slows down the aging process.
Indications for use
Despite the fact that the drug appeared recently, the range of its use is quite wide. Doctors of various speci alties prescribe "Mexidol" to patients. Application and contraindications allow it to be used in such cases:
- with vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- after traumatic brain injury;
- in violation of cerebral circulation;
- for epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease;
- in complextreatment of hypertension, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease;
- for frequent headaches;
- with depression, stress, neurosis and other neuro-psychiatric disorders;
- while recovering from a stroke or myocardial infarction;
- during hypoxia, shock;
- with alcohol intoxication and withdrawal symptoms;
- with acute inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity, for example, pancreatitis.
Mexidol drug: contraindications
The side effects of this remedy are rare, making it suitable for many patients. But nevertheless, this medicine also has contraindications. First of all, it is individual intolerance. Therefore, before using it, it is advisable to test for an allergic reaction. In addition, the drug "Mexidol" contraindications are:
- children under 14 due to insufficient knowledge of the remedy;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- kidney dysfunction, inflammatory diseases;
- any liver disease, especially hepatitis;
- high blood pressure;
- caution should be used in patients with asthma.
Features of the use of tablets
After subsiding an acute condition and with a mild course of diseases, "Mexidol" is prescribed orally. The features of the drug include the fact that it can be usedlong time - up to 3 months. At the same time, its effect is not reduced, side effects and withdrawal syndrome do not develop. Often prescribed to elderly patients "Mexidol" (tablets). In this case, contraindications must be taken into account, since the drug is poorly tolerated with high blood pressure and serious disorders in the liver or kidneys. Tablets are usually used 1-2 pieces 3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is from 5 days to 2 months. Moreover, the drug should be canceled with a gradual decrease in dosage. With prolonged use, the risk of side effects does not increase if all contraindications have been taken into account.
"Mexidol": injections
In acute conditions, the drug is used in the form of injections. It is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. The dosage is determined individually. But the maximum per day can not be administered more than 0.8 g. The active substance is rapidly absorbed and distributed in the tissues. Its properties are preserved for 4-5 hours, so the medicine is prescribed 2-3 times a day. Most often, in narcological, neurological and surgical departments of hospitals, Mexidol injections are used. Side effects and contraindications must be taken into account.
In case of purulent processes in the abdominal cavity - pancreatitis, peritonitis, in severe intoxications and acute cerebrovascular accidents, the drug is administered intravenously by drip or jet. With a milder course of the disease, as well as for the treatment of alcoholism, seniledementia or Parkinson's disease, intramuscular injections are used. The course of treatment in this way usually lasts from 3 to 10 days. But sometimes therapy lasts up to a month, and then they switch to oral administration of the drug.
Side effects
The positive properties of the drug include the fact that it is not addictive, it can be canceled at any time without fear of consequences. But since "Mexidol" has been recently used, contraindications, side effects and features of its use in various diseases have not yet been studied. The drug is considered safe and has almost no toxic effect on the body. The only side effects seen were:
- allergic reactions with individual intolerance;
- nausea, dryness and metallic taste in the mouth when administered intravenously;
- severe drowsiness, lack of coordination of movements and decreased activity with an overdose.
All these effects are quickly resolved and usually do not require discontinuation of the drug, except for allergic reactions.
Use of the drug in sports
The property of "Mexidol" to regulate metabolic processes in the body allows it to be used for athletes. But even for these people, the drug is prescribed by a doctor. One should take into account such a feature of this remedy as a decrease in the level of the hormone cortisol. It is formed during physical exertion and promotes the active release of glucose from the liver. This leads to an increaseperformance and endurance, which is necessary during training. Only in some athletes, cortisol levels are constantly elevated, which causes headaches, insomnia, and increased pressure. In this case, the doctor prescribes Mexidol, the dosage and features of which are chosen strictly individually.
Alcoholism treatment
Mexidol is often used in narcology. Its use and contraindications in this area have been studied quite well. And this tool is considered one of the best for the treatment of alcoholism. "Mexidol" not only removes toxins and relieves intoxication. It helps to stop the withdrawal syndrome, restores autonomic functions, and is used for behavioral disorders. The advantages of its use include that it is compatible with ethanol and even reduces its toxic effects, allowing the patient to gradually give up alcohol. Treatment lasts from 2 weeks to 2 months, and the withdrawal of the drug should be gradual.
