In our turbulent times, every second person suffers from nervous system disorders: irritability, anxiety, insomnia, stress. It is for this reason that sedatives, sleeping pills and antidepressants are so popular. On the modern pharmacological market you can find dozens of medicines that normalize the functioning of the nervous system, but many patients still prefer the long-known Corvalol.
The drug is based on menthol, ethyl bromoisovalerate and phenobarbital and has a calming, antispasmodic effect. It is extremely popular due to its ease of use, low cost and effectiveness. However, this drug is potentially dangerous if taken incorrectly, as it contains artificial psychotropic substances and a high concentration of ethanol.
Corvalol - description of the pharmaceutical form
Corvalol is a combination drug based on herbal and artificial components. It is a structural analogue of Valocordin, which was released for sale in Germany before the war. IN modern times the drug is quite popular in Russia and other countries of the former USSR, as well as Asia. In Europe and the USA it was banned long ago due to the phenobarbital it contains.
The main components of Corvalol are ethyl bromizovalerianate, phenobarbital and menthol oil.
Corvalol is available in two pharmaceutical forms - tablets and drops. Drops are considered the most popular due to their ease of use and rapid therapeutic effect.
Corvalol drops contain the following substances:
- α-bromoisovaleric acid ethyl ester (ethyl bromoisovalerianate);
- phenobarbital;
- menthol oil;
- ethanol (96%);
- distilled water;
- sodium isovalerate.
The solution contains about 50% ethanol. In appearance, it is a colorless liquid with a menthol aroma.
The composition of Corvalol drops may vary slightly. For example, Corvalol N tincture, in addition to the active substances described above, contains hop oil. As additional components: sodium acetate trihydrate, solution acetic acid, water, ethanol (96%).
The drug provides a sedative, vasodilator and antispasmodic effect.
Component Properties
Corvalol eliminates spasm of smooth muscles, has a sedative effect and can help with mild sleep disorders. The therapeutic effect of the drug is determined by its components.
Ethylbromoisovalerate and alcohol affect the receptors of the inner lining of the mouth and pharynx, reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, and provoke an inhibitory effect on the cerebral cortex and subcortical nerve centers. Thanks to these substances, the drug has an antispasmodic and sedative effect similar to Valerian tincture. In large dosages, the sedative exhibits a pronounced hypnotic effect.
Phenobarbital has a sedative effect; this substance inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the cortex and subcortex of the brain. This component helps relieve irritation, under its influence the patient feels drowsiness, and the reaction rate decreases. The degree of suppression of excitatory impulses depends on the portion of drops: the recommended dose will have a calming effect, and in case of an overdose, a pronounced hypnotic effect will appear.
Corvalol has a sedative, antispasmodic, vasodilator effect
The components of Corvalol inhibit the activity of the vasomotor (vasomotor) center. Phenobarbital relaxes vascular smooth muscle, resulting in a moderate hypotensive effect of the drug. However, when blood pressure increases, it is recommended to take other medications; Corvalol is not suitable for this purpose. The drops slightly reduce blood pressure, but they are not able to eliminate the excessive increase in blood pressure during a hypertensive crisis.
Menthol oil is an antispasmodic, promotes vasodilation, enhances intestinal motility, eliminating excess gas formation. Thanks to peppermint oil, the drops have a pleasant refreshing taste and a disinfecting effect.
The tincture is taken before meals, first dissolved in a small dose of filtered water or by dropping the required portion onto refined sugar.
Many patients are interested in the question of how long it takes for Corvalol to work. The therapeutic effect appears 20 minutes after administration and lasts for 3–6 hours. Most of the medicine begins to be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
In patients who have previously taken medications with barbituric acid, the therapeutic effect is reduced due to the rapid metabolism of phenobarbital in the liver.
Purpose of Corvalol
Patients are interested in the question of what the drug helps with. Corvalol drops are not a medicine, it is a symptomatic drug that is used to relieve certain signs of mental disorders. That is, the remedy is not able to cure heart disease, renal colic, or insomnia. Some will disagree, because after taking the drops, the pain in the heart really disappears. However, the medicine can relieve pain as a result of stress or a nervous breakdown. But if we are talking about pain due to angina or heart attack, then Corvalol will not help.
Corvalol is prescribed to eliminate symptoms of neurotic disorders
The tincture is taken to calm the nerves and fall asleep easier, but they will not help if you have developed stress or anxiety disorder. Every patient who takes drops for a long time knows about this.
Some patients take the drug for so long that they become dependent on it and use it on every occasion. However, Corvalol is recommended to be taken as prescribed by a doctor, since many symptoms (pain in the left side of the chest, kidneys, insomnia) require clarification of the cause and adequate treatment.
Indications for use of Corvalol:
- Neurotic disorders.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia, arterial hypertension (complex treatment).
- Insomnia.
- Tachycardia, spasm of the coronary arteries (if the symptoms are mild).
- Intestinal spasm due to neurovegetative disorders.
Thus, Corvalol drops are able to eliminate pain due to nervous experiences, and not against the background of structural changes in the coronary vessels or heart muscle.
Precautionary measures
As indicated in the instructions for use of Corvalol in drops, the drug is prohibited in the following cases:
- Intolerance to the ingredients of the drug.
- Allergy to bromine.
- Chronic heart failure (severe).
- Hepatic porphyria.
Corvalol is contraindicated in case of allergies not to its components
In addition, drugs containing phenobarbital are prohibited from being taken by patients with heart attack (acute form), low blood pressure, stress, diabetes. The use of Corvalol is contraindicated in patients with dependence on drugs, medications, or alcoholic beverages. This restriction applies to patients with impaired air flow through the bronchi due to narrowing or blocking of the air ducts, as well as for diseases of the respiratory organs with shortness of breath.
Patients with epileptic seizures take a sedative under the supervision of a doctor, serious illnesses liver. The tincture is allowed to be given to children only for medical reasons, and it is important to constantly monitor their condition.
Negative effects of tincture on humans:
- epigastric discomfort, difficulty defecating, nausea, vomiting, impaired liver function;
- neuromuscular disorders, involuntary eye movements of high frequency, slow reaction speed, dizziness, hallucinations, etc.;
- allergic reactions (including angioedema);
- disturbance of blood composition (decrease in the concentration of granulocytes, platelets, anemia);
- difficulty breathing;
- hypertension, bradycardia.
Long-term use of Corvalol is harmful to health, in which case the likelihood of osteogenesis imperfecta (impaired bone formation) and the manifestation of symptoms of bromism (chronic bromine poisoning) increases: inhibition of the nervous system, stress, ataxia, disorientation, etc. If such signs appear, you should stop taking it drops and consult a doctor.
Dosage of Corvalol
Many patients are interested in the question of how to take Corvalol. As indicated in the instructions, the medicine should be taken by first mixing it with 50 ml of filtered water or dropping it on a piece of sugar. The correct time to take drops is 30–60 minutes before meals.
Drops are diluted with water and taken before meals
The dosage of the medicine depends on the symptoms, as well as the age of the patient. The usual dose of Corvalol is from 15 to 30 drops. For slight spasm of the heart vessels or tachycardia, take 40 to 50 drops. To make it easier to fall asleep, drink 30 drops of the tincture, after mixing it with water, half an hour before bed.
The second pressing question: “How often can you take Corvalol?” The frequency of taking the medicine depends on the clinical picture and age of the patient. Sometimes the drug is used once, and in other cases the recommended dose is 3 times a day.
Drug danger
ABOUT beneficial properties Many people know the sedative, but not everyone realizes how harmful Corvalol is if the rules for its use are violated. For example, ethyl ester of α-bromoisovaleric acid is a substance that has an antispasmodic effect. Depending on the portion of drops, the drug exhibits a sedative or hypnotic effect. This dosage is determined for each patient individually.
If the rules of administration are violated, the drug causes dangerous complications.
Phenobarbital, which enters the body after consuming the usual dose of the drug (15 to 20 drops), causes a vasodilator and moderate sedative effect. The hypnotic effect does not appear after taking such a portion of drops.
Menthol oil also dilates blood vessels and relaxes smooth muscles. But when using a dose of 25 mg drops or more, intestinal motility decreases and constipation occurs.
In many European countries and the USA, the active ingredients of Corvalol are prohibited. For example, phenobarbital is dangerous for people, as it is considered a narcotic substance that provokes addiction. With systematic use of Corvalol, this component provokes a decrease in cognitive functions: speech disorders, loss of short-term memory, unsteadiness when walking. In addition, the likelihood of neurological disorders, withdrawal symptoms, and sexual disorders increases.
With prolonged use of drops, the risk of bromine accumulation in the body and the development of intoxication increases.
Degrees of poisoning:
- Mild – general weakness, desire to sleep, muscle weakness, absent-mindedness, speech impairment, apathy, purpura (accumulation of blood under the skin, mucous membranes), etc.
- Average – pathologically prolonged sleep, involuntary secretion of saliva, increased, decreased muscle strength up to paralysis, hypotension, decreased amount of urine, dilated pupils.
- Severe - coma due to barbiturate intoxication, which is accompanied by respiratory failure, decreased reflexes, and loss of consciousness. In addition, blood pressure decreases, pathological noises occur during breathing, tachycardia, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a blue tint.
Functional heart failure continues to develop, after which the lungs often swell.
The lethal dose of drops is from 0.1 to 0.3 g/kg; the patient dies after taking 100 mg/kg of phenobarbital.
In case of mild intoxication, the stomach is washed and the victim is given enterosorbent drugs. In case of severe poisoning, cardiac massage and artificial respiration cannot be avoided. It is imperative to call ambulance.
Complications of intoxication, even with timely assistance, are quite dangerous - severe forms of dermatitis, functional failure of the heart, respiratory organs or kidneys in acute form. Therefore, the dosage of drops must be correct.
Effect of the drug on blood pressure
The effect of active substances on blood pressure can also be quite dangerous. This applies to patients who have hypotension, because Corvalol provokes a decrease in blood pressure (BP). It is for this reason that it is sometimes used for hypertension. However, it is recommended to use specially designed medications for this purpose.
Corvalol lowers blood pressure
Doctors allow taking drops in emergency cases, when blood pressure rises sharply and there are no means at hand to lower it. Recommended dose – 45 drops per 100 ml hot boiled water. The medicine must be taken quickly. The therapeutic effect appears after half an hour. Thus, Corvalol will help not only calm the nerves, but also save a person from a hypertensive crisis.
Compatibility of Corvalol with alcohol
Many people know that Corvalol drops and alcoholic drinks are a dangerous mixture. After all, ethyl alcohol enhances the effect of the sedative drug. For this reason, the tincture is contraindicated in patients with alcohol dependence.
Corvalol should not be combined with alcoholic beverages.
When taken together, hepatocytes (liver cells) are damaged and a disulfram-alcohol reaction develops.
After ethanol penetrates into the bloodstream, the heartbeat quickens, blood pressure rises, and the nervous system is excited. But the drops act the opposite, that is, they reduce blood pressure and calm the heart. As a result, an imbalance occurs and the body is overloaded.
Menthol oil dilates blood vessels and thins the blood. In this case, alcoholic drinks enhance the effect of the component, which threatens internal hemorrhages.
The most dangerous consequence of combining Corvalol with alcohol is cardiac arrest.
If a person often mixes the drug with alcoholic drinks, the likelihood of persistent drug dependence increases. This is explained by the presence of phenobarbital in the tincture.
It is strictly forbidden to drink Corvalol during a hangover, since after such a “cocktail” liver enzymes are released faster and metabolic processes are accelerated. As a result, ethanol is absorbed into the bloodstream faster and exhibits its negative effect.
Corvalol for pregnant and lactating women
According to the instructions, expectant mothers are prohibited from taking Corvalol. This is explained by the presence of phenobarbital, ethanol and other aggressive substances in the medication. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the drug can cause pathologies in the development of the fetus. And after taking the drug before childbirth, the likelihood of respiratory failure in infants increases.
Drops are not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation
Menthol oil increases the tone of the uterine muscles. That is why drinking Corvalol during pregnancy is prohibited, otherwise there is a risk of placental abruption and fetal death.
Thus, the components of the tincture are extremely harmful to the fetus, and therefore taking it during pregnancy is strongly not recommended. In case of emergency, you can take the minimum dose, but only after your doctor's approval.
The use of Corvalol during lactation is also prohibited, since the active substances are quickly absorbed into the blood and enter the baby’s body along with milk.
Similar means
There are a lot of drugs with a similar effect that can replace Corvalol:
- Valerian
- Doppelhertz Melissa
- Corvaldin
- Novo-Passit
- Persen
- Bromized
- Notta, etc.
The closest in composition and principle of action are Corvalol and Valocordin
The most important analogue of Corvalol is Valocordin. The only difference between them is that Valocordin contains hop oil, which is absent in Corvalol drops. Otherwise, they are absolutely similar, this also applies to their actions.
Based on the foregoing, Corvalol drops are a fairly popular drug with a sedative, vasodilator, local anesthetic, antispasmodic, and also mild hypnotic effect. The symptomatic remedy is used to eliminate signs of neuroses. The medication contains quite dangerous components that cause addiction and negatively affect various organs (if the rules of administration are violated). To avoid adverse reactions, the drops are recommended to be used only for medical reasons, and the dosage should be strictly adhered to.
Corvalol in the form of release - tablets and drops - has a sedative, antiseptic, choleretic, vasodilating effect. The active component is phenobarbital, which irritates the cold receptors of the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract, dilates the blood vessels of the heart and brain, eliminates signs of flatulence, and enhances intestinal peristalsis.
Like any medicine, Corvalol has side effects, despite being sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. Before using the tincture, it is important to read the instructions, take into account the indications, contraindications and side effects. It is best to consult your doctor first.
Side effects of Corvalol
The composition (drops, tablets) of Corvalol contains phenobarbital, which forms mental dependence if taken constantly and in large doses.
- In particular, the active ingredient is bromine, which in case of overdose leads to:
- confusion;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- tendency to depression, panic attacks;
- inhibition of central nervous system function;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- bradycardia;
- nausea, vomiting;
- stomach pain;
- slowing heart rate;
- allergies, skin rashes;
bowel disorder.
It is phenobarbital that is addictive due to constant, long-term use, so the effect as a sleeping pill will gradually decrease. But withdrawal syndrome in case of abrupt cessation of taking the drug may well lead to overexcitation, hallucinations, and excessive anxiety.
Long-term treatment with Corvalol leads not only to addiction, but also to the accumulation of metabolites in the body, the development of hypotension, and pulse disturbances, when in severe cases resuscitation and disinfection intoxication therapy are no longer necessary.
REFERENCE! Corvalol can sharply lower blood pressure, which is dangerous for hypertensive patients suffering from high blood pressure. It is not recommended to take the medicine together with other antiarrhythmic, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, or steroid drugs. The effect may be unexpected and unfortunate.
Taking Corvalol with alcohol is incompatible, which will lead to toxic effects on the body, accumulation of ethanol in the blood, and side effects.
Side effects in children According to the instructions, the use of the drug by children under 18 years of age is prohibited.
Only in extreme cases is it possible for the attending physician to prescribe no more than 15 drops once a day, taking into account the weight and age of the child. In this case, the treatment process must be carried out under full control in order to avoid the negative impact of the alcohol-containing composition on the fragile child’s body. It is forbidden for pregnant women to take Corvalol during lactation. The active component can have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and lead to congenital anomalies in the structure of infants at birth. internal organs
, deformity of anatomical structures. The medicine can provide Negative influence
If a pregnant mother abuses this drug in the 3rd trimester, then convulsions and excessive excitability in infants may occur in the first weeks of life. Women in an interesting situation are not recommended to take Corvalol in order to calm their nerves and it is better to give preference to other, safer and more effective sedatives.
Main side effects in children:
- excessive excitability;
- convulsions;
- bleeding;
- worsening blood clotting due to phenobarbital suppression of the nervous system.
Indications for use
Corvalol is a vasodilator, sedative and sedative. However, it cannot be considered a medicine, because it is impossible to cure any internal disease with just one drug.
- Corvalol helps to minimize nervous disorders, but will not relieve renal colic, insomnia, and heart disease (myocardial infarction, angina). These are cheap drops indicated for use to minimize unpleasant symptoms or as an adjuvant in addition to the main treatment. Main indications for use:
- increased heart rate;
- signs of tachycardia;
- insomnia;
- spasms of coronary vessels;
- irritability;
- hypertension at the initial stage;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia for the purpose of complex therapy;
spasms in the intestines.
The drug will help you quickly calm down and fall asleep, but will not relieve severe neuroses or progressive depression.
IMPORTANT! Corvalol is not a cure for heart disease and will not help hypertensive patients normalize their blood pressure. The remedy can have only a temporary effect when discomfort appears in the heart area. This medicine is not prescribed as a drug for the treatment of diseases, therefore abuse of dosages and frequency of use is not recommended.
Contraindications to the use of Corvalol
- The drug is contraindicated if:
- low blood pressure;
- heart failure;
- heart disease;
- impaired renal and liver function;
- individual intolerance;
- allergy to lactose;
- epilepsy;
- traumatic brain injury;
- convulsive syndrome;
- alcohol addiction;
diabetes.
It is not advisable to take the medicine for children under 18 years of age and for pregnant women in the 1st trimester up to 12-14 weeks and in later stages. Also during lactation.
IMPORTANT! In case of heart failure, the medicine can cause myocardial infarction, so for hypertensive patients it is better to choose other drugs for treatment on the recommendation of a doctor.
If you still cannot avoid an overdose of Corvalol, then it is important to be able to provide timely first aid and eliminate signs of intoxication and remove toxic substances from the body.
This means that you need to rinse your stomach, drink 2-3 glasses of clean water, take a sorbent (Smecta, Enterosgel, Filtrum, activated carbon). You can press on the root of the tongue, thereby causing a gag reflex.
The main thing is to quickly remove excess Corvalol from the body. If lethargic sleep, coma, or convulsions occur, you should call an ambulance immediately.
Doctors evaluate cases of overdose as mild, moderate, or severe. If mild signs of poisoning appear: drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, apathy, headache and lethargy, then it is important to stop taking the drug in time. If the patient continues to take Corvalol in increased doses, the condition may transition to moderate severity with the appearance of muscle spasms, convulsions, and vascular collapse. If poisoning reaches a severe stage, the patient may fall into a coma, when there is a threat of death and if timely emergency assistance is not provided, then everything can end badly.
Corvalol is a popular drug with a sedative effect. The medicine has a wide range of indications, but contains phenobarbital, which is why it requires careful use. The drug inhibits the activity of the nervous system, thereby providing a sedative and hypnotic effect.
Everyone faces neuroses, insomnia and irritability from time to time. There are many medications available to treat such conditions, and the most accessible of them is Corvalol. The drug has been used for more than half a century as a sedative. However, not everyone knows that the usual and accessible remedy is unsafe.
- phenobarbital;
- The drug contains:
- ethyl ester of bromoisovaleric acid;
mint oil.
The drug is available in tablets and drops.
Release forms of Corvalol
Kovralol drops contain alcohol and purified water as formative components. The medicine is available in small dark glass bottles equipped with a dispenser. Corvalol, which contains mint oil and valerian extract, has a specific odor and an easily recognizable bitter taste. The drug is a pale yellow oily liquid.
Corvalol tablets are supplied in cardboard packages. Each package contains from 2 to 10 blisters, 10 tablets each. The composition is the same - phenobarbital, ethyl ester of valerian extract and natural mint oil. Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and calcium acesulfame are used as formative components in the manufacture of tablets.
Some interesting facts about Corvalol:
- the drug has been produced since 1960;
- the medicine is practically unknown outside the former USSR;
- the active substance is a potent narcotic drug;
- The import of Corvalol is prohibited into some European countries and the United States.
In Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, this drug is one of the five best-selling medicines.
Phenobarbital is a dangerous ingredient
What does Corvalol treat?
The drug has a sedative and hypnotic effect. Taking Corvalol allows you to get rid of feelings of anxiety, fear, and insomnia. The effect of Corvalol is manifested in inhibition of the nervous system.
The drug is widely taken by heart patients and hypertensive patients. A fairly common question among older people is how Corvalol works, whether it increases or decreases blood pressure. Hypertensive patients drink 20-30 drops of Corvalol, which lowers blood pressure. Hypotonic patients take the drug to normalize sleep and improve well-being. Moreover, both groups of patients are confident that the medicine helps them. The truth is that Corvalol does not cure any diseases. Improvement in well-being when taking drops is due to the sedative effect of the drug.
The list of indications given in the instructions for use is quite large. It is suggested to take drops or tablets in the following cases:
- neurosis;
- increased irritability;
- signs of tachycardia;
- cardiopsychoneurosis;
- hypertension;
- tachycardia;
- vascular spasms.
The drug does not treat these conditions, but relieves symptoms due to sedative, antispasmodic and hypnotic effects. Simply put, taking Corvalol changes the patient’s attitude towards the disease by inhibiting the activity of the nervous system.
The remedy allows you to get rid of hypochondria syndrome, reducing nervous excitability. In hypertension, increased pressure is always associated with stress and psycho-emotional stress. Corvalol inhibits the activity of the nervous system, thereby eliminating the cause of the increase in blood pressure, but does not directly affect the disease.
So what Corvalol helps with will depend on the exact symptoms. The drug will eliminate the symptoms of any ailments caused by heavy stress on the body. nervous system. Drops can be taken even during a migraine - due to the calming effect, the intensity of pain perception changes and the impression of the analgesic effect of the drug taken is created.
How should you take Corvalol?
When using the drug, it is important to remember that an overdose of Corvalol can lead to dangerous complications and severe side effects. The fact is that this medicine contains bromine (ester of bromoisovaleric acid). Accumulating in the body, this substance can cause severe disruption of the functioning of internal organs.
When taking Corvalol, instructions for use depend on the form of release. How many drops of Corvalol you can take will depend on your symptoms. For neuroses, irritability and anxiety, the recommended dose of Corvalol is from 15 to 30 drops. The product is diluted in a small amount of water and taken three times a day.
For tachycardia and severe conditions caused by vasospasm, you can take 40 drops of Corvalol. This is the maximum allowable dosage for one dose. To make the medicine work faster, it is dripped onto a piece of refined sugar, which is then absorbed. In addition, how you drink Corvalol also depends on the sensitivity of your taste buds. Some people can take the drops sublingually without water, noting a rapid onset of therapeutic effect. For most patients, the optimal method of taking medication is using sugar.
For insomnia, you need to take 30 drops of the product half an hour before going to bed. Short-term use of Corvalol in drops is allowed. The drug is eliminated from the body within 20 hours after taking a therapeutic dose. The longer a person takes Corvalol, the more difficult it is for the body to cope with it.
How to take Corvalol tablets? The instructions suggest taking 1 tablet 2 or 3 times a day. The drug works faster if you do not swallow the tablet with water, but put it under the tongue and wait until it is completely dissolved. For tachycardia, a single dose of three tablets is allowed. For insomnia, take 1-2 tablets half an hour before bedtime.
Having figured out how much and in what quantities you can drink Corvalol, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor, since the drug is addictive and addictive.
Tablets are convenient to take with you
Is it possible to take Corvalol drops for hypertension?
Corvalol tincture is often taken by hypertensive patients, noting the hypotensive effect of the drug. Moreover, hypertension is also included in the indications for use given in the instructions for the drug. However, Corvalol should be taken with caution for the treatment of hypertension. The drug is addictive and can cause deterioration in the functioning of the cardiovascular system if the drops are abused.
You can take Corvalol with high blood pressure, as it lowers blood pressure due to its antispasmodic effect. However, this remedy should act as an auxiliary medicine. Drops do not treat hypertension. You can take them to quickly normalize your psycho-emotional state in order to avoid a sudden jump in pressure. Hypertensive patients can also occasionally take drops to relieve headaches caused by increased blood pressure.
In hypertensive patients, blood pressure often rises due to anxiety - soothing drops will help to avoid this
What happens if you take Corvalol with low blood pressure?
Corvalol does not increase blood pressure, but lowers it, as it has an antispasmodic effect and relaxes blood vessels. If you have hypotension, taking medication may make you feel worse.
In the case of a slight decrease in blood pressure, taking Corvalol is justified only to normalize sleep. The product relieves tension and irritability and helps normalize sleep. As practice shows, taking drops or tablets with phenobarbital at low blood pressure can induce sleep lasting up to 15 hours.
Hypotonic patients often report loss of strength and apathy. This is due to impaired blood circulation and oxygen transport to brain cells. With very low blood pressure, Corvalol can only aggravate the condition. Severe weakness, dizziness appears, and the patient may faint.
Pressure below 100 to 60 mmHg. – an absolute contraindication to taking these sedative drops.
Contraindications
The drug should not be taken in the following cases:
- severe hypotension;
- severe disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
- impaired renal and liver function;
- hypersensitivity to bromine;
- low blood pressure;
- myocardial infarction;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- alcoholism or drug addiction;
- dependence on medications;
- severe shortness of breath.
Phenobarbital interferes with the action of glucose-lowering drugs and insulin, and is therefore prohibited for diabetics. Taking Corvalol in this case can lead to the development of hypoglycemia.
Side effects
If the recommended dosage is observed, Corvalol is quite well tolerated by the body. At the same time, Corvalol lowers blood pressure, so taking the medicine with low and low blood pressure in patients with hypotension can lead to serious consequences, including coma.
The most common side effects:
- dyspnea;
- stomach ache;
- decreased blood pressure;
- bradycardia;
- slow reaction;
- apathy;
- prostration;
- nausea and vomiting.
Valerian extract in Corvalol tincture can cause allergies. If intolerance occurs, severe symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur, including angioedema. In this case, you need to urgently call an ambulance.
In case of severe side effects or overdose, you need to call an ambulance.
Overdose symptoms
An overdose of Corvalol is observed when taking large doses of the drug simultaneously. This is manifested by a decrease in pressure to critical values, confusion, and disorientation. Fainting may develop. In severe cases, an overdose of Corvalol can cause respiratory arrest.
Long-term use of the drug causes bromine poisoning. Corvalol is addictive. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug during long-term use causes withdrawal syndrome. During drug withdrawal, psychomotor agitation is often observed.
An overdose of Corvalol requires immediate symptomatic treatment. In severe cases, resuscitation is necessary.
Use for pregnant women and children
Corvalol is not used during pregnancy. The medicine contains a narcotic substance that can cause the development of various disorders in the fetus. Corvalol during pregnancy can also cause miscarriage.
The drug passes into breast milk, so its use during lactation is prohibited. The effect of Corvalol on newborns is severe. This medicine may cause your baby to stop breathing and become comatose. Corvalol should not be taken by children, regardless of age.
Drug interactions and precautions
Corvalol's action is based on its effect on the nervous system, so the drug should not be taken with other sedatives and tonics, including caffeine. The drug enhances the effect of painkillers and anesthetics. Corvalol should not be taken simultaneously with medications for epilepsy.
Many people are interested in what will happen if they drink Corvalol and alcohol. This combination may cause symptoms alcohol intoxication and severe liver dysfunction, so alcohol is prohibited while taking drops or tablets.
During treatment with the drug, you should stop driving vehicles, as the drug affects the reaction rate.
Corvalol is a sedative, popular in the countries of the former USSR, but prohibited in Poland, Germany, the USA, Norway, and Lithuania. Prohibitive measures were taken due to the presence in Corvalol of the psychoactive compound phenobarbital, as well as a toxic bromine-containing component.
What makes the drug popular among Russians, who drink an average of 40 train tanks of medicine a year? And today we will talk in more detail about the indications and instructions for using Corvalol drops and tablets, its price, reviews, composition, analogues.
Features of the drug
The combined medicine Corvalol exhibits a sedative, vasodilating effect and is used against insomnia, as a sedative for stress and emotional tension. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation recognized Corvalol as a drug with a low content of psychoactive substances and allowed it to be sold without a prescription, planning in the future to refuse to prescribe this drug to patients, replacing it with more modern medicines.
When using Corvalol, you must remember that this remedy does not treat diseases of the heart or nervous system, but only eliminates the manifestations of the disease.
This video will tell you about the dangers and benefits of Corvalol:
Composition of Corvalol
Active ingredients of the drug Corvalol:
- ethyl ester of alpha-bromovaleric acid (ethyl bromoisovalerate);
- phenobarbital;
- peppermint leaf oil.
Excipients of Corvalol drops are:
- ethanol;
- sodium hydroxide;
- purified water.
Auxiliary components in tablets are betadex, lactose, potato starch, magnesium salts.
Dosage forms
Corvalol is produced in alcohol drops and tablets for lozenges sublingually (under the tongue). The tablets are packaged in blisters of 10, 30 and 50 pieces.
Alcohol drops are packaged in dark glass bottles with a capacity of 15 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml. The alcohol tincture has a strong, specific aroma. The average price of Corvalol tincture is:
- for a container of 15 ml - 16 rubles;
- 25 ml – 23 rub.;
- 50 ml – 33 rub.
Prices for Corvalol may vary from 9 to 120 rubles. The cost of 10 tablets of Corvalol is 18 rubles.
pharmachologic effect
Corvalol belongs to the group sedatives, is a combined drug that exhibits a calming, antispasmodic, vasodilator effect that helps normalize sleep.
The video below will talk about both the composition and properties of Corvalol:
Pharmacodynamics
The properties of Corvalol are determined by the total effect of its active components.
- The main active ingredient is ethyl bromizovalerianate. This compound eliminates spasm of the smooth muscles of internal organs, calms and relaxes the nervous system.
- Phenobarbital has the ability to act on the central nervous system, directly removing the excitation of the nerve centers of the brain. The calming effect of phenobarbital is less pronounced.
- Peppermint oil, irritating the “cold” sensitive nerve endings of the oral cavity, selectively dilates the blood vessels of the brain and the coronary vessels that feed the heart muscle. The oil exhibits choleretic and antiseptic activity and helps eliminate flatulence.
Pharmacokinetics
The action of the drug in tablets begins in the oral cavity. The positive effect of the medicine on the patient’s well-being when the tablet is dissolved under the tongue appears almost instantly.
The effect of Corvalol when taken in the form of drops is noticeable within 10-30 minutes. The duration of action of the medicine when taken in tablets and drops is 6 hours.
Of the active ingredients of Corvalol, the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital have been studied the most. This compound is well absorbed and has the ability to accumulate in the body. The half-life of phenobarbital is 2-4 days. The compound decomposes into simple components in the liver and is excreted by the kidneys in the form of a glucuronide, partially (25%) unchanged.
In old age, with impaired liver function, the half-life of the drug from the body is prolonged. This requires adjustment of the dosage of the drug towards reduction, increasing the intervals between doses of the medication.
We will tell you further what Corvalol helps with and how to take it.
Indications
- Functional disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- sleep disorders;
- neurosis-like conditions;
- , spasms of heart vessels;
- intestinal spasms.
Instructions for use
- For adults, Corvalol tablets are prescribed 1 tablet for an attack of tachycardia or spasms of blood vessels. If necessary, the dosage of the drug can be increased to 3 tablets.
- Alcohol tincture of Corvalol is taken with water, 10-30 drops or on a piece of sugar. The maximum single dose of tincture should not exceed 50 drops.
The doctor chooses the treatment regimen individually. The drug is taken no more than 3 times a day, the duration of treatment depends on the patient’s condition and the dynamics of the disease.
According to the instructions, Corvalol is not allowed to be used for treatment under 18 years of age. In acute situations, the doctor may prescribe the child to take the drug at the rate of 1 drop for each year of age.
Children can be given medicine no more than once a day, in the amount of 3-15 drops. Treatment should be supervised by a doctor due to the lack of data on the effect of Corvalol on the children's body.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- age under 18 years;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- lactose intolerance;
- heart disease;
- renal, liver failure.
Corvalol is not approved during pregnancy due to the ability of its phenobarbital component to penetrate the placental barrier and have a teratogenic effect on the fetus. Taking medication during pregnancy can provoke the appearance of congenital anatomical deformities and disruption of the formation of internal organs.
Side effects
The most dangerous side effect of Corvalol is psychological addiction to phenobarbital. And, if physical dependence on phenobarbital is weakly expressed, then mental dependence forms quickly.
Mental dependence forces you to take the treasured bottle with you everywhere, in all difficult situations to resort to its magical calming effect, simultaneously increasing the concentration of bromine contained in ethyl bromoisovalerate in the body.
Signs of bromine poisoning include:
- inhibition of central nervous system functions;
- tendency to depression;
- confusion;
- lack of coordination.
Taking Corvalol can cause side effects from:
- nervous system - inability to concentrate;
- of cardio-vascular system - ;
- digestive system - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.
special instructions
The drug, mainly due to the presence of phenobarbital in its composition. This component is destroyed in the liver, like alcohol, which leads to increased stress on it.
Phenobarbital, which is part of Corvalol, has the property of enhancing the effect of sedatives. Use caution when combining Corvalol with sleeping pills and analgesic drugs; it is not recommended to take the drug with drugs that metabolize in the liver - hormonal drugs, antibiotics, contraceptives.
Overdose
Exceeding the dose of Corvalol is accompanied by dizziness and inhibition of brain activity. If the symptoms of an overdose of Corvalol do not go away after stopping the drug, the patient’s stomach is washed and an ambulance is called.
In severe conditions, the following are possible:
- neuromuscular disorder of muscle coordination -;
- , increased heart rate;
- a sharp drop in blood pressure;
- , coma.
Long-term use of the drug can cause dependence, and if treatment with Corvalol is discontinued, it can cause withdrawal syndrome.
Corvalol drops are one of the most popular drugs in cardiology. But now manufacturers have begun to produce this product in an even more convenient form for administration - in tablets.
Corvalol tablets - description
Corvalol ( tincture or tablets) for oral administration contains a number of active components that provide sedative and antispasmodic effects. The tablet form of release is 0.2 g pills, produced in 10, 20, 50 pieces per package (blisters of 10 pieces).
The active composition of the drug is represented by the following components:
- phenobarbital- antiepileptic drug, barbiturate;
- peppermint oil- antispasmodic, antiseptic, substance of natural origin;
- alpha-bromoisovaleric acid ethyl ester- a substance obtained from valerian root, an antispasmodic, a sedative.
To ensure the necessary properties, form and storage conditions, tablets contain a number of additional substances - talc, magnesium stearate, magnesium aluminum metasilicate, lactose monohydrate, starch, betadex. The drug in drops is distinguished by the presence of ethanol and water, as well as a stabilizer. The active composition is similar. Price for 20 tablets usually no more than 130 rubles.
Effect of the drug
Phenobarbital- a derivative of barbituric acid, has a non-selective inhibitory effect on the central nervous system (CNS). After administration, it increases the sensitivity of specific GABA receptors to gamma-aminobutyric acid. As a result, the excitability of nerve cells decreases, providing a sedative effect.
Phenobarbital is often used as a sleeping pill - it not only helps to calm down, but also eliminates sleep disorders.
The valerian derivative also has a sedative effect (similar to the plant), reduces reflex excitation in the nervous system, increases the power of inhibition various processes in the cortex and subcortex of the brain.
Due to the impact on smooth muscle fibers the substance has an antispasmodic effect and relaxes blood vessels.
Peppermint oil has the following properties:
- moderate bile-thinning;
- disinfectant;
- vasodilating;
- antispasmodic.
The oil activates special cold receptors in the oral cavity, which causes the coronary and cerebral vessels to expand and relax. In addition to its positive effect on the cardiovascular system, the oil enhances intestinal function and improves the production and movement of bile.
Indications for use
The main indication for use is participation in complex therapy of various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The tablets can be taken as a symptomatic remedy for any conditions that are combined with increased irritability. The drug lowers blood pressure, so many patients prefer to take it in conjunction with antihypertensive drugs.
The medicine Corvalol in tablets helps against various functional disorders of the nervous system, heart, blood vessels:< /p>
The drug will also be useful for intestinal spasms - it reduces the manifestations of flatulence, spastic colitis, dyspepsia, and neurovegetative disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is often recommended for use during a hangover, headache, especially of vascular origin (for example, hypertension). In most cases, Corvalol is a component of combination therapy, as an independent remedy it is rarely used.
Instructions for use
When treating with Corvalol, it is important to avoid overdose. It is better to play it safe, because the phenobarbilal in the medicine can cause harm if it enters the body in excess. The tablets are taken sublingually (placed under the tongue). You can also drink them with water (100-150 ml).
A single dosage of the medicine is 1 tablet, but in in some cases Your doctor may recommend taking 2-3 tablets/meal.
Standard daily dosage - up to 3 tablets. This dose is indicated for cases that do not involve acute disorders of the heart or blood vessels. The instructions clearly indicate how much of this product can be taken per day. The upper limit of daily dosage for an adult is 6 Corvalol tablets. The duration of the course is selected by the doctor, it depends on the type of disease and the tolerability of Corvalol.
Individual admission standards are as follows:
Children are prescribed medicine only in emergency cases; the dosage is selected individually (more often it is ? - ? from an adult). For the treatment of nervous disorders it is preferable to use special remedy Corvalol Kids.
Pills and traditional medicine
Often, traditional healers advise using the drug for herpes on the lips. It is better to start treatment at the first symptoms - itching, twitching, irritation. The easiest way to use Corvalol for this purpose is in the form of a tincture. The recipe is as follows:
- moisten a cotton ball in the preparation;
- apply to the problem area on the skin;
- hold for 10-20 seconds, if herpes has already appeared, then stick the cotton wool with a band-aid for 5 minutes;
- repeat therapy up to 6 times/day.
If you keep the application on the skin for too long, it can cause a burn. There is no point in taking drops or tablets orally for herpes - they do not have an antiviral effect. Another option for external treatment, according to folk medicine- getting rid of acne. The alcohol product effectively treats purulent and inflamed rashes; they need to be lubricated with a cotton swab up to 5 times a day.
Another recipe involving tincture is a medicinal mixture with a calming effect. To make it, you need to pour tinctures of peony, motherwort, valerian, and Corvalol into one bottle. Store the product in the refrigerator. Drink 30 drops with 50 ml of water three times a day, half an hour before meals. Course - 14 days.
Side effects and contraindications
It is extremely undesirable to take pills during pregnancy; treatment is excluded in the 1st trimester. Phenobarbital can have negative effects on the fetus, especially on its nervous system. Without a doctor’s recommendation, even a one-time appointment is not allowed!
Lactation is also a contraindication to therapy - during treatment you will have to stop breastfeeding.
It is also prohibited to use the drug in the presence of hypersensitivity, intolerance to components, or severe impairment of the kidneys and liver. For people under 18 years of age, complete safety for the body after taking Corvalol has not been established; a one-time dose is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Other contraindications:
- impaired absorption of glucose, galactose;
- lactase deficiency.
Side effects include various disorders of the central nervous system - decreased alertness, bradycardia, dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness. Some people experience hypersensitivity reactions and allergies. Diarrhea and abdominal pain are possible, which disappear when the dosage is reduced or after Corvalol is discontinued. Long-term treatment is addictive with the appearance of apathy, rash, and rhinitis.
Analogues and special instructions
There are a number of drugs with similar effects. Most of them are prescribed by doctor's prescription.
During treatment you can't drink alcohol! This can provoke various complications.
Alcohol increases the heart rate, and the drug stabilizes it. The resulting imbalance interferes with the normal activity of the heart muscle.
When taking a large dose of alcohol and pills at the same time, there is a high risk of heart damage and even myocardial rupture.
When taking tablets, you should be careful when working with machinery and when driving - phenobarbital has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. Simultaneous treatment reduces the effectiveness of certain drugs (corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, coumarin) and enhances the work of sleeping pills and analgesics.