Vinpocetin

Drug name:  Vinpocetin

Active Ingredients:

• Vinpocetine

Therapeutic actions: Several mechanisms have been proposed for the possible actions of vinpocetine. Vinpocetine has been reported to have calcium-channel blocking activity, as well as voltage-gated sodium channel blocking activity. It has also been reported to inhibit the acetylcholine release evoked by excitatory amino acids and to protect neurons against excitotoxicity. In addition, vinpocetine has been shown to inhibit a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase, and it is speculated that this inhibition enhances cyclic GMP levels in the vascular smooth muscle, leading to reduced resistance of cerebral vessels and increase of cerebral flow. In some studies, vinpocetine has demonstrated antioxidant activity equivalent to that of vitamin E.

Indications: The primary claim made for vinpocetine is that it decreases fatality and dependency in ischemic stroke. Research results are mixed. Vinpocetine has not been helpful in Alzheimer's disease, but there is some suggestion that it might help some with other dementias and cerebral dysfunction. Very preliminary research additionally suggests that vinpocetine may help protect the eye and ear from injuries caused by trauma (and, in the case of the eye, from infection) and that it might be gastroprotective, ameliorate symptoms of motion sickness and help prevent atherosclerosis.

Contraindications and cautions:
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid vinpocetine supplements. Those with a history of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity reactions during treatment with other vinca alkaloids, such as vinblastine and vincristine, should avoid vinpocetine. Those on warfarin are advised to have their INRs (international normalized ratios) regularly monitored when using vinpocetine supplements (see Interactions). Those with hypotension or orthostatic hypotension should be cautioned that prolonged use of vinpocetine may lead to slight reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
nausea, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, transient hypotension, transient tachycardia, pressure-type headache and facial flushing. Slight reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with prolonged use of vinpocetine have been reported, as well as slight reductions in blood glucose.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Warfarin-Slight changes in prothrombin time have been noted in those adding vinpocetine to warfarin dosing. The changes appear minimal. However, regular monitoring of INR is advised in those using warfarin and vinpocetine concomitantly. There are no other known drug or nutritional supplement, herb or food interactions.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.