Author: A. Olesya Valerievna, candidate of medical sciences, practicing physician, teacher at a medical university
The modern pharmacological market offers dozens of sedatives, sleeping pills and antidepressants, but many people, especially the elderly, still trust proven drugs - Corvalol and Valocordin.
Corvalol has gained popularity due to its availability and low cost, and its effectiveness as a sedative cannot be denied. At the same time, many adherents of treatment with these drops forget about the potential danger that can be fraught with the use of excessive amounts of even the most natural herbal preparation. Corvalol, by the way, is not so “natural”, because it contains synthetic psychotropic components, and an impressive concentration of alcohol can make the drug dangerous for certain categories of patients.
Valocordin, an analogue of Corvalol, was created in pre-war Germany. In the post-war years, the miraculous remedy for nervous disorders and insomnia became extremely popular, which served as an impetus for its industrial production in Western Europe and the Soviet Union. In Kyiv, since 1960, they began to produce a drug called “Corvalol”, excluding hop cone oil from the recipe for the classic Valocordin. Thus, from the second half of the last century to the present day, Corvalol began to occupy an honorable place in the first-aid kits of millions of Russians and residents of other countries of the post-Soviet space.
Nowadays, Corvalol is allowed for free sale in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and some Asian countries, and in Europe itself its production has long been abandoned in favor of more modern and effective sedatives. Moreover, phenobarbital, which is part of Corvalol, makes the drug prohibited for import into the USA, Lithuania and many other European countries. This is worth knowing and remembering for those who like to calm their nerves with Corvalol drops and are used to taking it with them on trips.
In addition to the sedative effect, Corvalol has a number of side effects and can cause addiction, neurological disorders and even withdrawal symptoms. Before using it, you should carefully read the instructions for use, which indicate the permissible dose per dose and the conditions when the drug can really help.
Prices, composition, in what form they sell
Although the drop form of the drug is more popular, tableted Corvalol is no worse, and it is even more convenient to use. The blisters contain round, flat, almost white tablets. Inside, each dose of the drug contains a combination of the following substances:
- 580 mcg of oil derived from peppermint. This substance has a pronounced antispasmodic, antimicrobial and choleretic effect. Once in the oral cavity, it begins to irritate the receptors, which ultimately expands the blood lines of the heart or brain. In addition, natural peppermint oil is used to treat flatulence, since the product increases gastrointestinal motility.
- 7.5 mg phenobarbital. This is one of the most famous sedative components. It is used here to enhance the calming effect of all other substances. The drug reduces excessive overexcitation of the nervous system and causes the patient’s natural desire to fall asleep.
- 8.3 mg alpha-bromoisovaleric acid derivatives. This is another effective sedative that also has an antispasmodic effect.
Thus, taking into account the individual actions of the components of the tablets, the drug acts sedatively, having an additional moderate antispasmodic effect. In addition to the main substances, the tablet also contains auxiliary components that fill the dosage form.
In what form is the drug Corvalol produced? Consumer reviews report that this product can be purchased in two forms:
- Clear drops with a characteristic odor for oral administration. They contain alpha-bromisiovaleric acid ethyl ester, phenobarbital and peppermint oil. This product is available in dark glass bottles.
- "Corvalol" tablets. Reviews say that the active ingredients of this form are peppermint oil, ethyl ester of α-bromoisovaleric acid and phenobarbital. Beta-cyclodextrin, potato starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate are used as additional substances. The tablets have a round and flat shape, beveled edges, and are white with inclusions. They go on sale in cell packaging.
The price of the drug "Corvalol" is the lowest among drugs with a similar effect. You can buy a bottle of drops or tablets for 15-20 rubles. It is the low cost of the drug that contributes to its particular popularity among patients.
What can replace this remedy if there are contraindications? According to information from experts, this drug has many analogues. The closest properties include the following: “Cardiolin”, “Pumpan”, “Aspirin Cardio”, “Neocardil”, “Captopres”, “Nicotinic acid”, “Inosine”, “Sotalex” and others.
It should immediately be noted that the effectiveness of these drugs and their method of administration may differ significantly from the same indicators of the drug Corvalol. Therefore, only an experienced specialist should replace the mentioned medication with the listed medications. Moreover, most of them are prohibited from being given to young children.
The price for Corvalol is quite affordable: tablets can be bought for about 130 rubles, drops for an average of 30 rubles. You can purchase the medicine without a prescription.
If the conditions are met (storing the medicine out of the reach of the sun, children and animals), the manufacturer guarantees the shelf life of the drug for two years for tablets and one and a half years for the liquid form of the medicine. Temperature range for drops is up to 15 ºС, for tablets – 15-25 ºС.
The manufacturer offers the drug in the form of:
- Round tablets with a beveled edge, white (blotches are allowed). The medicine is packaged in 10 pcs. into contour plates with cells. A box can contain from two to one hundred such blisters. There are packs of 10, 30 or 50 outline media.
- Drops - a glass bottle with a dispenser with a capacity of 10 to 50 ml, as well as a jar (100 ml). In the box you can find one such jar or bottle.
The combined medication contains both natural and synthetic ingredients in its formulation. In liquid form it is phenobarbital, ethyl ester of α-bromoisovaleric acid (basic ingredients). The additional ingredients of the formula are: peppermint oil, 95% ethanol, prepared water and other components. The alcohol content in the liquid is about 47%.
In Corvalol, the composition of the tablets is not fundamentally different: phenobarbital, ethyl ester of α-bromoisovaleric acid and mint oil. Cellulose, starch, lactose and other ingredients are used as fillers.
Regardless of the reason for refusing Corvalol, a replacement analogue is selected only by a doctor who takes into account all contraindications and undesirable effects. In terms of therapeutic effects, Corvalol can be replaced with any drug with the root “shaft” and not only:
- Corvalment;
- Barboval;
- Adonis - bromine;
- Korvaltab;
- Novo-Passit;
- Valocordin.
You can add hawthorn, valerian or motherwort to this list. They have a similar sedative effect, and there are no artificial components in the recipe.
The absence of synthetic psychotropic ingredients distinguishes these analogs from synthetic ones, especially in mild forms of neurotic disorders.
Composition and principle of action
Corvalol is a combination product that contains both herbal and synthetic components - alpha-bromoisovaleric acid ester, phenobarbital, sodium hydroxide to dissolve phenobarbital, peppermint oil, ethanol 96% and water. (The alcohol content in the solution is at least 47%).
The ester of alpha-bromoisovaleric acid and ethyl alcohol act on the receptors of the oral cavity and pharynx, reducing the excitability of the nervous system, causing an inhibitory effect on the cerebral cortex and subcortex, and having an antispasmodic and sedative effect like the usual “valerian”. Large concentrations of Corvalol have a hypnotic effect.
Phenobarbital is a sedative component that inhibits the transmission of excitation impulses to the cerebral cortex and subcortical nerve centers. It causes drowsiness and a decrease in the speed of reactions, has a sedative and hypnotic effect. The degree of inhibition of excitatory signals in the brain is determined by the number of drops taken: if the recommended dosage is observed, they will calm you down; if it is exceeded, you can feel a strong hypnotic effect.
Thanks to the inhibitory effect of the components of Corvalol on the vasomotor center, the antispasmodic effect on the blood vessels of the heart and other organs, a weak hypotensive effect of the drug is achieved, which, however, should not be relied upon for arterial hypertension, which requires treatment with completely different drugs. Corvalol reduces blood pressure, but does not stop a hypertensive crisis, nor does it maintain normotension in a hypertensive patient.
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol and its esters, dilates blood vessels, acts as an antispasmodic, enhances contractility of the intestines and stomach, helping to fight bloating. In the oral cavity, peppermint creates a minty taste and an antiseptic effect.
Corvalol is produced in the form of an alcohol solution and tablets. It is recommended to take the drops before meals, dissolving them in water or dripping them onto a piece of sugar. The action begins approximately a quarter of an hour from the moment of administration under the tongue and the beginning of absorption in the oral cavity, where, by the way, more than half of the medicine taken is absorbed.
Analogues of Corvalol for their sedative effect are valocordin, valoserdin, adonis-bromine, barboval, novo-passit, tinctures of hawthorn and motherwort, etc. These drugs may differ in the components they contain, but are endowed with a similar sedative effect, many of them are exclusively herbal, do not contain synthetic psychotropic components, which can distinguish them favorably from Corvalol.
The components of Corvalol are able to penetrate the placenta, causing an adverse effect on the developing fetus, so it is better for pregnant women to avoid taking it at any stage of gestation. Bromine, released during the metabolism of the drug in the body, can accumulate, causing toxic effects.
Pharmacological characteristics
Valocordin, an analogue of today's drug, was created in Germany in the 30s of the last century. After the war, this medicine gained extreme popularity. This was the reason for its mass production in both the USSR and Europe. Since 1960, we have had our own Corvalol. The hop extract was removed from the Valocordin formula.
Since then, the medicine has been confidently prescribed in our first-aid kits, and also in Belarus, Ukraine, and some Asian countries. It has already been abandoned in the USA and European countries. This must be taken into account when choosing a first aid kit for travel, since the import of Corvalol into these countries (and also into Lithuania) is prohibited. In addition to the calming effect, the medication has a whole list of contraindications and undesirable consequences - from neuroses to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, before taking it, you should carefully study the package insert.
The sedative and antispasmodic capabilities of Corvalol are provided by its basic ingredients:
- Phenobarbital. This is a substance with sedative properties, an inhibitor of nerve impulses spreading to the neurons of the cerebral cortex. It is this element of the formula that reduces the severity of reactions, drowsiness, and eliminates irritability. For hyperactive people with a weakened nervous system, it will be indispensable.
- Peppermint oil. Menthol esters, which this component is so rich in, dilate blood vessels and enhance the contractile functions of the intestines. Mint is an excellent antispasmodic and not only for the intestines. The mint taste of the medicine additionally ensures the sanitation of the oral cavity.
- Ethyl ester of α-bromoisovaleric acid. The presence of alcohol enhances the effect on the sensory receptors of the pharynx and mouth and reduces the activity of the central nervous system. The developing inhibition provides the calming result characteristic of Corvalol.
At large doses, the medication works like sleeping pills.
The drug reduces the excitability of the cardiovascular system, helps control blood pressure, and prevents seizures.
What is the drug "Corvalol"? Reviews from experts indicate that this is a combined remedy, the effect of which is determined by the properties of the ingredients included in its composition.
This medicine has an antispasmodic and sedative effect. In addition, it facilitates the onset of sleep.
Composition of Corvalol
The main components included in Corvalol are menthol, phenobarbital and ethyl alcohol. Each of these substances has special properties, so the drug is considered universal in use, but you should not drink it for a long time. Ethyl alcohol has an antispasmodic effect on the body, calms the nervous system and relieves psychological stress. Menthol has the property of rapidly dilating blood vessels. Phenobarbital has a sedative effect on the internal organs of a person, while relieving the body of pain.
Phenobarbital is included in Corvalol in small quantities. It is a mistake to consider the drug a narcotic drug, but it must be used with great caution.
Medical studies of the drug show that Corvalol can be not only useful, but also harmful to the body. There are several serious negative properties of Corvalol associated with the side effects of its components. Ethyl alcohol, for example, causes the body to quickly become addictive. According to doctors, if you abuse this drug and drink it for a long time, then it will affect a person like a synthetic drug. In addition, ethyl alcohol can only be consumed in minimal dosages. Otherwise, instead of fighting insomnia, the opposite effect of drowsiness and physical weakness will occur.
Peppermint oil, which is part of Corvalol, is also not always useful. If the dosage is exceeded, it can cause disruption of some systems in the body and cause constipation. People with individual intolerance to this component may experience allergic reactions. In rare cases, doctors categorically prohibit patients from taking Corvalol, recommending that they replace it with similar drugs. For example, valocordin copes with nervous system disorders no worse than its competitor, but it does not contain phenobarbital. This drug can be taken instead of Corvalol, but under no circumstances should they be combined.
Corvalol has only a temporary effect on the body. The drug is able to calm the nervous system, but cannot eliminate heart disease. Stabilization of well-being should not be a reason for refusing the examination.
Properties of the drug
The drug is most popular in liquid form, so many people do not even know that it is also available in tablet form. Users usually know the number of drops of Corvalol for various situations. But what about the pills?
If we recalculate the concentration of substances contained in both dosage forms, then there are as many active molecules in one tablet as in 20 drops of the liquid form.
Tablets are taken orally, but a more effective method of administration is sublingual. To do this, the medicine is placed under the tongue and expected to be completely dissolved.
Each patient may have his own dosage, which is determined by the doctor. As a rule, the drug is taken as one tablet three times a day. If vasospasm occurs suddenly and the heart rate increases, the number of tablets can be increased even to three.
You can take pills regardless of your diet. The maximum permissible dose is 6 tablets per day, no more. Only a doctor can prescribe Corvalol as a permanent treatment. If you use it for self-medication, a one-time use is enough.
There is a special warning for drivers. The drug depresses the nervous system and causes an inhibitory effect. It is contraindicated for anyone who needs increased concentration.
Due to the fact that Corvalol contains barbiturates and other sedatives, an overdose is possible. The symptoms of this phenomenon are as follows:
- the patient’s central nervous system is sharply depressed;
- blood pressure figures decrease sharply;
- the patient's overall coordination deteriorates;
- the whole body feels weak and dizzy;
- apathy and depression are possible.
First aid for overdose is to lavage the stomach and intestines. After this, they fight the symptoms of the emerging pathology, eliminating subsequent negative effects.
But usually the drug is mildly tolerated by patients, and they do not even experience side effects. If negative reactions do occur, they may be as follows:
- allergic reaction, individual intolerance;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness, weakness;
- deterioration of attention, depression of cognitive functions;
- decrease in the number of heart contractions per minute.
In addition, side effects include addiction and dependence on the drug. After discontinuation of the drug, new side effects appear. This means that Corvalol cannot be abused and should be taken only when necessary.
An individual treatment regimen is drawn up by the attending physician, taking into account all the characteristics of the patient: age, stage of the disease, concomitant pathologies, general well-being. The doctor understands that the heart disorder is associated with simple neurosis, and not pathological changes in the functioning of the heart. If the patient does not receive adequate treatment for hypertension or coronary artery disease, Corvalol will not save the situation.
It is not prohibited to treat yourself with Corvalol; it is only important to strictly follow the instructions. If incomprehensible symptoms arise: increased anxiety, discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, nervousness, you need to stop self-medication and undergo at least an examination.
The package insert recommends taking the drops before meals.
- For adults, 15-30 drops diluted with half a glass of clean water 2-3 times a day are enough. In case of heart rate disturbances and other unfavorable symptoms, it is permissible to increase the norm to 40-50 drops.
- Drops are prescribed for children taking into account their symptoms, age and weight. In general – 3-15 drops/day.
The duration of the course is also determined by the doctor, focusing on the planned result and the patient’s condition. Usually, without danger of addiction, the medicine can be taken for up to two weeks.
Tablets are also taken before meals, orally, with water. The dosage is determined individually. The instructions recommend that adults take no more than two tablets 2 times a day. In case of tachycardia, the norm is adjusted to 3 pcs. Maximum dose – 6 pcs./day. The duration of the course is also at the discretion of the doctor.
What properties are inherent in Corvalol drops and tablets? Reviews from doctors claim that the effectiveness of this remedy has been confirmed by many years of experience.
Ethyl bromoisovalerianate, or the so-called ethyl ester of alpha-bromoisovaleric acid, has a sedative (similar to valerian) and antispasmodic effect, which is caused by irritation of receptors in the nasopharynx and oral cavity, as well as a decrease in reflex excitability in the central nervous system and increased inhibition in neurons of the subcortical structures and cerebral cortex .
A component of the drug, phenobarbital, enhances the sedative effect of other substances, facilitates the onset of sleep and reduces excitation of the central nervous system.
As for peppermint oil, it has antispasmodic, vasodilating (reflex), antiseptic and choleretic effects. It is capable of irritating cold receptors in the oral mucosa and reflexively dilating the blood vessels of the brain and heart. In addition, this component eliminates signs of flatulence (due to irritation of receptors in the gastrointestinal mucosa) and enhances intestinal motility.
Reviews from experts report that you can take this medication without a doctor’s prescription. The dosage of the medicine is selected individually.
The medication is taken orally before meals with water. For adults, the drug is prescribed 1-2 tablets twice a day. For tachycardia, the single dosage can be increased to three tablets per day. The maximum permissible dose is 6 tablets.
The duration of medication is determined individually, depending on the patient’s condition.
Using the drug with alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease, which is accompanied by chest pain and the need to stop the attack.
The choice of medication is made depending on the sensitivity of the drug and compatibility with alcohol. It is prohibited to drink alcohol while taking Corvalol.
The influence is due to:
- The effect of ethanol on the condition of the vascular wall is its relaxation with the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Inhibitory effect on the cerebral cortex and brainstem. Impaired consciousness, dizziness, blurred vision, low heart rate and breathing are the consequences of the inhibitory effect on the vasomotor and respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata.
- Chronic alcoholism has a toxic effect on liver cells and drug conversion processes. Metabolic disorders contribute to an increase in the concentration of the drug to the maximum tolerated dose with the manifestation of signs of overdose.
Instructions for use of Corvalol in tablets define a list of substances that are prohibited from being taken during treatment: indirect anticoagulants (Sincumar), glucocorticoids, Griseofulvin, oral contraceptives.
Corvalol tablets: what helps
The scope of use of a drug is determined by its therapeutic capabilities. Corvalol is indicated for:
- Insomnia associated with frequent awakenings;
- Neurosis, hypochondria;
- Deviations in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels (cardialgia, problems with blood pressure - hypertension, VSD, tachycardia);
- Severe overexcitation with vegetative symptoms (fever, increased sweating, hyperemia, increased heart rate);
- Spasms of the gastrointestinal tract such as intestinal, renal or biliary colic.
Is Corvalol useful for everyone? The medicine, popular in Russia and neighboring countries, is prohibited in many civilized countries. The ban is due to the presence of the psychotropic phenobarbital and an element with toxic properties (bromine) in the drug. The question is that phenobarbital can cause rapid addiction: after 2-3 weeks of regular use of the drug, both physical and mental dependence is formed.
Abrupt cessation of use is dangerous due to withdrawal syndrome - a depressed state accompanied by severe headache and dyspeptic disorders.
The medication also has a clear advantage - a quick and long-lasting effect. If not abused, it quickly relieves anxiety, nervousness, and normalizes blood pressure. Unfortunately, regular use also requires regular titration of the dose, because the previous dose no longer relieves the symptoms of depression, dizziness and does not provide the expected euphoric effect.
Due to the fact that the drug has a combined composition, it can be used in various cases. The most relevant use of Corvalol is for the following indications:
- pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- sleep problems;
- tachycardia;
- frequent neuroses, psychological breakdowns;
- increased irritability of the patient;
- agitation of the patient with strong vegetative manifestations;
- severe intestinal cramps;
- slight spasms of the coronary vessels.
The drug acts quite mildly and has a more symptomatic effect. That is why it is used for self-treatment before consulting a doctor. The remedy will calm the nerves, dilate blood vessels, and improve the functioning of the heart.
The sedative, antispasmodic and vasodilating effect allows the drug to be used for various problems. Indications for use of Corvalol:
- Neuroses
- Cardialgia
- Irritability
- Sleep and sleep disorders
- Hypochondria syndrome
- Vegetative lability
- Spasms of the digestive tract, etc.
Does Corvalol increase or decrease blood pressure? According to the instructions, it helps reduce blood pressure at the initial stage of the disease. According to the instructions, it is recommended to take it in combination with a stronger drug at high levels.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use of Corvalol, contraindications apply to certain conditions and circumstances. We're talking about:
- intolerance to the components of the drug,
- severe dysfunction of the kidneys, liver,
- lactation (if there is a question about taking medication, breastfeeding is stopped),
- pregnancy,
- children under 18 years of age,
- lactose deficiency or intolerance,
- glucose-galactose malabsorption.
During therapy, according to the instructions, it is important to be careful in work related to concentration and reaction speed (driving a vehicle, operating machinery, etc.).
Compound
Round-shaped flat tablets contain:
- Peppermint oil,
- Phenobarbital
- Ethyl alcohol α-bromoisovaleric acid.
- Among the excipients:
- beta-cyclodextrin,
- potato starch,
- lactose monohydrate,
- microcrystalline cellulose,
- magnesium stearate.
- Corvalol instructions for use in drops
You should take the drops 2-3 times a day, 15-30 drops at a time before meals, dropping them in 30-50 ml of water. For tachycardia, it is allowed to increase the dose to 40-50 drops.
Each person is given his own dose. According to the instructions, it is recommended to take the product orally before meals with water. Adults drink 1-2 tablets twice a day. The single dose for tachycardia is increased (up to 3 tablets). You can take 6 tablets per day. Recommendations on the duration of use of drops or pills are given by the doctor.
Is it possible for children?
There are no indications for the use of Corvalol tablets or drops by children. Experience with its use in children under 18 years of age has not been described.
The instructions prescribe not to take Corvalol during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Corvalol and alcohol
Many people are interested in how Corvalol and alcohol combine with each other. Based on numerous studies, experts do not recommend using them together. One of the contraindications for taking Corvalol is chronic alcoholism. Valocordin and alcohol drunk at the same time can cause irreparable harm to health.
Phenobarbital, which is part of the product, has zero compatibility with alcohol. This is a psychotropic substance. Experts compare the side effects of its excessive use to delirium tremens (delirium tremens) with all the unpleasant consequences, including painful body aches, impaired brain function, coma, and increased hangover. The lethal dose has not yet been determined.
Alcohol increases the toxicity of Phenobarbital several times. Taking Corvalol with alcohol causes a heavy blow to the liver, where alcohol accumulates. Both substances significantly reduce the speed of the body's reaction to external stimuli. This means that after taking them together, coordination of movement may be disrupted and spatial disorientation may occur. All this is fraught with injuries and falls, especially on the street and in public places.
Taking Corvalol with alcohol can cause a severe blow to the liver
Experienced people often claim that Corvalol with a hangover helps to quickly return to normal. But this is a very controversial method of treating this condition. The drug is prohibited for use by persons suffering from severe liver and kidney failure; these are the diseases that occur in those who abuse alcohol.
If you still need to relieve tachycardia, anxiety, neurotic manifestations, or hand tremors after binge drinking, you can take Valocordin or Corvalol for a hangover. However, this should be done no earlier than 8 hours after the last drink, when the concentration of alcohol in the blood has decreased significantly.
Valocordin and Corvalol should not be taken by those who are diagnosed with alcoholism, because These medications contain 95% alcohol.
If you have a hangover, taking Corvalol and Valocordin is prohibited. It is better to choose other medications.
Contraindications
First of all, you need to understand whether Corvalol can be taken by pregnant and lactating women. Experts do not recommend that they use it due to the presence of barbiturates in the composition. In addition, there are other contraindications:
- allergy to the components of Corvalol;
- individual intolerance and hypersensitivity;
- lactose intolerance in the body;
- liver or kidney diseases.
The instructions for use include contraindications for people under 18 years of age, since clinical trials have not been conducted for this age.
Corvalol is strictly contraindicated along with alcohol, since alcohol affects the liver and changes the pharmacokinetics of the drug. The use of the drug in combination with other sedatives is also contraindicated.
What is the medication Corvalol prescribed for? Reviews report that this remedy is used as a vasodilator and sedative for diseases such as:
- insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep);
- disorders of the cardiovascular system (for example, sinus tachycardia, increased blood pressure and cardialgia);
- vegetative lability;
- neurotic conditions;
- hypochondriacal syndrome;
- irritability.
It should also be said that Corvalol is used as an antispasmodic for spasms of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, with biliary or intestinal colic).
Like any medicine, Corvalol also has contraindications. These include:
- hypersensitivity to drug substances;
- severe impairment of the kidneys and liver;
- breastfeeding (if it is necessary to use medication during breastfeeding, it is necessary to decide on cessation of lactation);
- lactase deficiency;
- pregnancy period;
- minor age (safety and effectiveness have not been established);
- lactose intolerance;
- glucose-galactose malabsorption (since the drug contains lactose).
Indications and contraindications for use
Corvalol cannot be considered a medicine that can cure a specific disease. This remedy only eliminates individual symptoms of nervous disorders, so you should not think that taking it will help get rid of heart disease, renal colic, or insomnia. Many will object, because Corvalol really eliminates heart pain. This is true, but only the pain that is caused by stress or a nervous breakdown. Unfortunately, simple and cheap Corvalol drops do not treat pain due to angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
Corvalol is able to calm the nerves and help with falling asleep, but it probably won’t take away developed depression, severe neurosis, and anxiety syndrome. Doctors should talk about this and patients themselves, who place their hopes on the miraculous power of the drops, should know.
It happens that the patient is so accustomed to taking Corvalol on every occasion that he simply ignores other medications, and it is not so easy to convince him of the need to take them. What is important here is the strength of the specialist’s conviction and the consciousness of the patient, who may well continue to “indulge” in nerve drops within reasonable limits, but at the same time taking other medications according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor.
Indications for the use of Corvalol are clearly defined and indicated in the instructions for the drug, which, however, does not prevent a large number of cardiology patients from taking it as a medicine for the “heart”. It is worth recalling here that Corvalol can relieve some unpleasant sensations from the heart and even pain, but caused more by nervous experiences than by changes in the coronary vessels and myocardium.
If there are structural lesions in the heart associated with atherosclerosis and other causes, taking Corvalol is a waste of not only money, albeit small, but also time, since heart diseases require more serious treatment with drugs from other groups.
Corvalol is not prescribed as the main medicine for any disease; this remedy is symptomatic, designed only to relieve some negative symptoms of neurosis, stress, and nervous tension, so the doctor usually only recommends taking it to a certain category of patients.
Corvalol helps with:
- Neurosis-like disorders;
- Insomnia caused by stress, anxiety (no more than two weeks);
- Functional disorders of the heart (tachycardia, pain due to nervous tension and without connection with damage to the coronary arteries and myocardium);
- Severe agitation with vegetative manifestations (sweating, feeling hot, redness of the face, increased heart rate, etc.);
- Spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications
Corvalol is sold without a prescription and is taken uncontrollably by a large number of people, especially the elderly, who can increase the dose to the maximum and even exceed it, but this drug is not as harmless as it might seem. There are also contraindications to Corvalol and they are associated mainly with the phenobarbital, bromine and ethanol included in the drug. These include:
- Individual sensitivity or allergy to individual components of Corvalol;
- Severe disorders of the liver and kidneys;
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- Children's age (the drug is contraindicated under 18 years of age);
- Lactase deficiency;
- Alcoholism;
- Epilepsy and convulsive syndrome of other etiologies;
- Traumatic brain injury or its consequences.
Corvalol during pregnancy
Phenobarbital crosses the placental barrier, inhibiting fetal formation, so taking the pills is not recommended during any period of gestation. Preparations with bromine tend to accumulate in tissues, creating a toxic effect. Drops are prescribed with caution, since this active component depresses the central nervous system of both mother and child. Blood clotting processes are also affected - this is dangerous for bleeding in newborns.
Abuse of the drug in the last trimester provokes an addictive effect with inevitable withdrawal syndrome. In a baby, this is expressed in the form of spasms and overexcitation both during labor and in the first weeks after birth. During lactation, the restrictions are similar. Even if the benefit to the mother’s health is higher than the risk to the child, the baby should be switched to artificial feeding.
Corvalol - analogues
Corvalol drops and tablets have numerous analogues. Despite the different compositions and component inconsistencies with each other, the sedative effect of all these drugs is pronounced:
- Valocordin is a synonym for Corvalol. This drug was invented in Germany in pre-war times and is still produced by only one company.
- Novo-passit has a completely natural composition - herbs infused with alcohol, which together show a powerful sedative effect.
- Barboval.
- Motherwort tincture.
- Adonis-bromine.
Who is the antispasmodic contraindicated for?
The medication is not prescribed for:
- Gestation and lactation (it is recommended to transfer the child to artificial nutrition);
- Dysfunctions of the liver and kidneys;
- Chronic alcoholism;
- Epileptic seizures and convulsions of other etiologies;
- Individual intolerance to the ingredients of the formula;
- Lactase deficiency, lactose sensitivity.
Tablets are also not prescribed for children, since studies have not been conducted for this category of people. Hypotensive patients should take the medicine with caution, as it lowers blood pressure.
Corvalol - contraindications
Corvalol contains Luminal, as a result of which patients taking this drug are advised to refrain from potentially dangerous activities that require a high level of attention and concentration, and quick reaction. For example, when driving vehicles or other complex mechanisms, or when working at height.
Is Corvalol safe for pregnant women? The absence of alcohol in the component composition of the tablets allows it to be taken by some groups of patients. However, pregnant women are not included in this list due to the presence of phenobarbital in the drug, be it tablets or in the form of an alcohol solution. In general, Corvalol has many contraindications, which are largely associated with phenobarbital, ethanol and bromine, which can accumulate in the body:
- individual intolerance to the ingredients of the drug;
- severe liver and kidney dysfunction;
- perinatal period and lactation period;
- lactase deficiency;
- epileptic syndrome and seizures;
- alcohol addiction;
- consequences of traumatic brain injury.
Persons under 18 years of age should take the drug with caution.
How are Corvalol drops (tincture) taken?
Reviews say that the drug in the form of drops must be taken orally before meals. The medication is prescribed in an amount of 15-30 drops. They are dissolved in a small volume of drinking water (about 30-50 ml) twice or thrice a day.
If necessary, a single dosage of the medicine (for example, for tachycardia) can be increased to 40-50 drops.
As for children, depending on the clinical picture of the disease and age, they are prescribed 3-15 drops per day.
The duration of medication use in children is determined individually.
Many people are so used to the drops that they do not see the benefits of other dosage forms. In fact, the therapeutic effect of liquid and tablet Corvalol is the same. But the tablets are better because they do not have an alcohol smell. In other respects (speed of absorption, strength of action, duration of effect, etc.) the drugs are identical, and the choice of one form or another depends on the patient’s habits.
Instructions for use of Corvalol
Internal use of Corvalol before meals is indicated, 15-30 drops, two to three times a day. Before taking, the drops are dissolved in 30-50 ml of water.
According to the instructions for Corvalol, a single dose for tachycardia and vascular spasms can be increased to 30-40 drops.
Children are prescribed to take 3-15 drops.
The duration of treatment with Corvalol according to indications is determined individually in each case.
Corvalol tablets are taken one or two tablets before meals, two to three times a day. For tachycardia, you can take up to three tablets at a time.
The use of Corvalol can cause dizziness, decreased heart rate, ability to concentrate, drowsiness, and allergies.
Long-term drug therapy can lead to addiction, dependence, bromism, and withdrawal syndrome.
An overdose of Corvalol manifests itself in depression of the nervous system, decreased blood pressure, ataxia, nystagmus, chronic bromine poisoning (rhinitis, hemorrhagic diathesis, depression, impaired motor coordination, apathy, conjunctivitis).
An overdose of Corvalol is treated with symptomatic therapy. Niketamide and caffeine are indicated for depression of the nervous system.
Corvalol drops 25ml
Corvalol drops 25 ml
Corvalol drops 25ml
Corvalol 25ml drops
Corvalol drops 25ml
Corvalol drops 50 ml
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes and does not replace official instructions. Self-medication is dangerous to health!
The highest body temperature was recorded in Willie Jones (USA), who was admitted to the hospital with a temperature of 46.5°C.
Dentists appeared relatively recently. Back in the 19th century, pulling out diseased teeth was the responsibility of an ordinary hairdresser.
Most women are able to derive more pleasure from contemplating their beautiful body in the mirror than from sex. So, women, strive to be slim.
Our kidneys are capable of purifying three liters of blood in one minute.
A job that a person doesn’t like is much more harmful to his psyche than no job at all.
Scientists from Oxford University conducted a series of studies in which they came to the conclusion that vegetarianism can be harmful to the human brain, as it leads to a decrease in its mass. Therefore, scientists recommend not completely excluding fish and meat from your diet.
The first vibrator was invented in the 19th century. It was powered by a steam engine and was intended to treat female hysteria.
According to WHO research, talking on a mobile phone for half an hour every day increases the likelihood of developing a brain tumor by 40%.
In an effort to get the patient out, doctors often go too far. For example, a certain Charles Jensen in the period from 1954 to 1994. survived more than 900 operations to remove tumors.
Research shows that women who drink several glasses of beer or wine per week have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
The rarest disease is Kuru disease. Only members of the For tribe in New Guinea suffer from it. The patient dies of laughter. The disease is believed to be caused by eating human brains.
The human stomach copes well with foreign objects without medical intervention. It is known that gastric juice can even dissolve coins.
The human brain weighs about 2% of the total body weight, but it consumes about 20% of the oxygen entering the blood. This fact makes the human brain extremely susceptible to damage caused by a lack of oxygen.
The liver is the heaviest organ in our body. Its average weight is 1.5 kg.
A person taking antidepressants will, in most cases, become depressed again. If a person has coped with depression on his own, he has every chance to forget about this condition forever.
Remember "Bad Advice", an anti-guide for naughty children and their parents? It turns out that not only young creatures like to act on the contrary. Quite.
According to the instructions for use, Corvalol drops are taken by mixing the drug with 50 ml of water or on a piece of sugar. The optimal time to take it is half an hour to an hour before meals.
How many drops of Corvalol you need to drip depends on the indications. The standard single dose is from 15 to 30 drops. In case of spasm of coronary vessels or severe tachycardia, it is allowed to increase the single dose to 40-50 drops.
Recommendations on how to drink Corvalol for insomnia are as follows: add 30 drops of the drug to warm water (50 ml) and take half an hour before bedtime.
Corvalol tablets are taken orally or sublingually. Sublingual administration is preferable when you need to achieve the fastest possible effect.
The instructions for use of Corvalol in tablets indicate that the standard daily dose of the drug is 2-3 tablets. Single dose - 1 tablet.
If necessary (for example, to relieve spasm of coronary vessels), the dose is increased to 3 tablets per dose. The permissible upper limit of the daily dose is 6 tablets.
When asked how often you can take Corvalol, doctors answer that the frequency of use depends on the indications. In some cases, a single dose of medication is sufficient; in some cases, tablets/drops should be taken up to 3 times a day.
The duration of the course is determined depending on the tolerability and therapeutic effectiveness of the drug.
Overdose is a consequence of uncontrolled (frequent or too long) use of the drug. Permanent/long-term treatment can lead to drug dependence, psychomotor agitation, and withdrawal syndrome.
In severe cases, the following are observed: arrhythmia, tachycardia, breathing disorders, drop in blood pressure. The most serious consequences of an overdose: collapse, coma, death.
Death occurs when taking 0.1-0.3 mg/kg of the drug. Intoxication results from taking more than 150 drops of an oral solution. It should be noted that for children and the elderly the toxicity threshold of Corvalol is much lower.
The effect of Corvalol is enhanced by simultaneous use with drugs of a central inhibitory type, alcohol, and valproic acid preparations.
Phenobarbital, by inducing liver enzymes, thereby accelerates the metabolism of drugs that are biotransformed in the liver, including: cardiac glycosides, indirect anticoagulants; antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiepileptic, psychotropic, anticonvulsant, hormonal, oral hypoglycemic, cytostatic, immunosuppressive, antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic drugs.
Prolongation of the effects of Phenobarbital is facilitated by the simultaneous use of MAOIs. To reduce their severity - take Rifampicin.
When using Phenobarbital in combination with gold drugs, the risk of kidney damage increases, with NSAIDs (with long-term use) - the risk of ulceration of the gastric mucosa and the development of bleeding, with Zidovudine - the toxicity of both drugs increases.
Corvalol enhances the toxic effects of Methotrexate.
Tablets and oral drops in bottles of 15 ml and 25 ml belong to the group of over-the-counter products. 50 ml bottles are available with a prescription.
DETAILS: Levomekol for hemorrhoids instructions
The drug should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
Tablets are suitable for use for 2 years, drops for 2.5 years from the date of issue.
The presence of phenobarbital in Corvalol can cause the development of Lyell's syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is most likely in the first weeks of using the drug.
The drops contain phenobarbital and ethanol (56 vol.%). The alcohol concentration in the minimum dose of the drug (15 drops) is 254 mg, which corresponds to 2.7 ml of wine or 6.4 ml of beer.
When taking these substances, the following are possible:
- coordination problems;
- impaired speed of psychomotor reactions;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness.
In this regard, the answer to the question whether you can drink Corvalol while driving is unequivocal - you can’t. During treatment with the drug (in any dosage form), you should also avoid working with mechanisms and activities that require increased attention and high speed of motor and mental reactions.
Everyone knows what Corvalol is needed for. The effectiveness of the drug is evidenced by a fairly large number of reviews left by patients. However, recently more and more information has appeared that the drug can not only treat, but also cause harm to the body.
So, why is Corvalol harmful? Contained in tablets and drops, ethyl bromoisovalerate is an antispasmodic that, depending on the dose taken, can have a sedative or hypnotic effect. The dose required to develop a hypnotic effect depends on the individual characteristics of the body.
Phenobarbital entering the body when taking a standard dose of Corvalol (15-20 drops) provokes vasodilation and causes a mild sedative effect, without having a hypnotic effect.
Peppermint oil causes a reflex vasodilation and an antispasmodic effect, however, when consumed in a dose exceeding 25 mg, it inhibits intestinal motility and causes constipation.
In most countries, substances that provide the therapeutic effect of Corvalol are considered controlled substances (in the Russian Federation included in List III, which is the basis for restricting its circulation) and are prohibited for import. In particular, the drug is prohibited for import and sale in the United States and Lithuania.
According to some narcologists, phenobarbital is a drug, and its use should be avoided if possible due to the risk of developing addiction and dependence on the drug.
When used regularly in high doses, phenobarbital causes cognitive impairment (speech impairment, short-term memory impairment, unsteadiness of gait), serious neurological disorders and withdrawal symptoms, and suppresses sexual function.
Long-term use of Corvalol is also dangerous due to the risk of possible accumulation of bromine in the body and the development of bromine poisoning.
Symptoms of poisoning can be mild, moderate or severe. The lungs manifest themselves in the form of: general weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, decreased muscle strength, absent-mindedness, blurred speech, confusion, apathy, ataxia, conjunctivitis, depressive mood, the appearance of purpura and acne, runny nose.
Consequences of moderate poisoning: pathological increase in sleep duration, drooling, increase in muscle weakness up to the development of paresis, decrease in blood pressure, decrease in the volume of urine excreted, dilated pupils.
Undesirable consequences
If you follow the dosage and other medical recommendations, the medicine is tolerated normally. In case of overdose or hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, unforeseen consequences may occur:
- Hand tremors;
- Dyspeptic disorders;
- Decreased performance, slow reactions, loss of strength;
- Drops in blood pressure to critical levels, changes in heart rate.
In most cases, all symptoms disappear spontaneously after stopping the medication.
First aid and treatment
Since treatment with sedative drops is considered practically harmless, it is useful to know what to do in case of Corvalol poisoning before the doctors arrive. If symptoms of acute drug poisoning are detected, it is necessary to remove the remaining drug from the body as quickly as possible. For this, a proven method is used - gastric lavage. This procedure is easy to do at home; it should be done at least 3-4 times. The patient should be placed on a flat surface with his head turned to the side. It is necessary to open the vents and windows in the room to ensure the flow of oxygen.
After induced vomiting, the victim should be given any pharmaceutical adsorbent - Enterosgel, Filtrum or activated carbon. This is done to absorb the ingredients of Corvalol from the digestive tract and prevent them from entering the bloodstream. Activated carbon is given to the patient in a standard dosage - 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight, and Filtrum, Smecta or Enterosgel - according to the instructions on the package.
Throughout the day, the patient should be given plenty of fluids to speed up the elimination of residual amounts of Corvalol in the urine. If, after repeated vomiting and taking adsorbents, the patient still feels unwell, then it is necessary to call an ambulance, since even a mild stage of drug poisoning can cause a sharp deterioration (critical drop in pressure, heart rhythm disturbance). If a person has signs of a chronic overdose of drops or tablets, then to relieve the painful condition it is enough to completely stop taking Corvalol.
Know! When providing first aid for an overdose of Corvalol, blood pressure and pulse should be regularly measured. To maintain cardiac activity, the patient should be given sweet tea.
Does herpes and acne cure?
Does Corvalol help with herpes? Reviews from supporters of traditional medicine say that when the first signs of this disease appear (for example, discomfort, twitching of the lips and itching), a cotton swab is soaked in the medicine and then pressed against the sore spot for a few seconds. If this procedure is carried out in a timely manner, herpetic rashes do not appear.
It should also be noted that the medicine in question also treats blisters that have already appeared. They are lubricated with the drug until the wounds disappear.
Does Corvalol help with acne? Consumer reviews say that this medication also effectively treats acne. They are treated in exactly the same way as herpes.
Is an affair with Corvalol dangerous?
Can a common medicine become an enemy?
There are a lot of medicines that have been in pharmacies and home medicine cabinets for decades. We have known all about them since childhood and are not at all afraid of them. They are quiet, familiar and always at hand, like your favorite slippers: I used them and immediately felt light and calm.
But no matter what we are dealing with, no matter how harmless and familiar it may seem to us, we should always handle objects with caution. Even thanks to slippers, no matter how cozy and warm they are, you can fall and slip on a wet floor. And what about medications! Moreover, they may not be such friendly inhabitants of our home.
For example, the widely known and dear “Corvalol”, which can show its needles to those who treat it too carelessly.
Unclear diagnosis
I want to tell you a story. One day, a young woman, 27 years old, was admitted to the neurology department. According to her mother, she found her lying in the hallway of her apartment. The daughter's speech was incomprehensible and incoherent. The woman staggered and could hardly stand on her feet. The arriving ambulance team did not decide on the diagnosis and took the woman to the hospital, where she was hospitalized with a suspected ruptured brain aneurysm.
A computed tomography (CT) scan did not reveal any problems in the brain. And in the morning the girl became cheerful and cheerful. All her balance and speech problems disappeared. Relatives and doctors exhaled: “Well, thank God.” We decided to wait another week, conduct additional research and discharge the lady. However, the very next day the patient was found lying on the floor in her room, in the same condition as when she was hospitalized. Again fuss and research, again CT scan, and again after 2 days the woman is as fresh as a cucumber.
This went on several times. The doctors were perplexed, the relatives were angry. until someone discovered a bag of empty Corvalol bottles in the patient’s nightstand. The patient admitted that she took all of this “Corvalol” orally during her stay in the hospital.
Why didn't anyone guess?
Yes, no one guessed right away, even despite the persistent smell of Corvalol in the room. Why didn't the doctors guess? The saga with the abuse of Corvalol was just beginning. This medicine was on the market a long time ago, but all the intricacies of drug addiction were mainly known to narcologists. And narcologists are people who also tell few people their professional secrets, because there are always people who will accept this information as a guide to action.
Previously, people in Russia had a rather rigid attitude that medicine is medicine, and it should be taken as it should be. It was only during perestroika that the opinion began to spread widely that “doctors don’t know anything, you have to get treatment yourself.”
And a considerable part of cases of self-medication is expressed in the fact that patients change the doses of their medications according to their own ideas about the safety and danger of the drug. "Corvalol" has always been considered "harmless". Many people thought that if they dripped a little of it into a glass, there would be no harm. Who will be harmed by some 10–20 extra drops? And for this reason, cases of abuse began to appear more and more often.
Narcotic bottle
So is Corvalol dangerous? The perception of Corvalol as a faithful friend standing by in the face of life's ups and downs played a bad joke with this drug. Now they want to present it everywhere as 50 ml of evil in a dark bottle, but it is really good when used correctly.
That is, in recommended doses. When it was added to the list of narcotic substances in 2013, many people were extremely unhappy with it.
Everyone knew that there was phenobarbital, which has long been a “registered drug” (that is, issued by prescription and its consumption is strictly controlled in hospitals). But for people it was a convenient drug to “calm the nerves” that helped. And the ban on free sale was perceived by them as the government’s malice. After all, how much phenobarbital is in that Corvalol? The cat cried. As a result, Corvalol is still sold in Russia without a prescription, but the problem with the possibility of developing dependence on it still remains.
Let's figure out how it turns out that people become dependent on the drug. It's really low in phenobarbital. Only 7.5 mg per 20 drops. This is 6.7 times less than in one tablet of phenobarbital. Those. even if you drink Corvalol 3 times a day, 15–20 drops, as recommended, no harm will happen. And many people can actually drink Corvalol at this dose for years without fear of physical dependence.
Heartfelt care
However, it should be noted that psychological dependence on the drug may occur. “Corvalol” can become a symbol of the depth of mental suffering in some people prone to demonstrative behavior. If someone starts drinking "heart drops", it means that he is very upset and shows this to others. In other cases, especially in the elderly, Corvalol is simply part of the daily routine. The man got up in the morning, took his morning pills and dropped some drops “for nerves” just in case. Naturally, if Corvalol suddenly disappears from reach, this causes some panic, because something in life begins to be seriously lacking.
Tenacious paws "Corvalola"
But real addiction is characterized not so much by the regularity of administration, but by the size of the dose and its gradual increase from day to day. If you start taking 1 bottle of Corvalol per day, the dose will be more than 3 tablets of phenobarbital. Accordingly, if you drink a bottle 3 times a day, you will get a much larger dose. And if the dose of phenobarbital is increased by 3–4 times, dependence on the substance develops in 75% of people.
In addition, in the case of Corvalol, everything is even more complicated. 96% of the drug is ethyl alcohol. And alcohol and phenobarbital enhance each other’s effects, and therefore addiction develops much faster, without reaching high doses.
But addiction is one side of the coin of Corvalol abuse. Both phenobarbital and alcohol cause damage to the nervous system. In this case, they strike the brain together, causing damage.
How can this happen?
Why do people start abusing the drug? Basically, a person falls into the Corvalol network by accident. Those. he has no specific desire to put himself in a state of intoxication. Such people have various mental and psychological problems, such as depression or chronic anxiety. In these cases, Corvalol does not provide any significant and lasting improvement in the condition. At first, the symptoms seem to subside, and then everything starts again. People begin to gradually add a dose, wanting to calm down, but peace does not come.
How to avoid getting addicted?
1. Do not exceed recommended doses. 2. Do not mix Corvalol with alcohol and other sedatives. 3. If the recommended dose of Corvalol is no longer enough, you should consult a doctor to prescribe other sedatives. 4. If your daily dose is higher than the recommended dose, reduce your dose gradually.
After this, it is advisable to completely abandon Corvalol. It is unlikely to have any effect.
Possible drug overdose and side effects
If you take Crovalol frequently and for a long time, there may be an accumulation of toxins that provoke drug dependence. Refusal of medication is dangerous due to withdrawal syndrome. An overdose of Corvalol is manifested by the following symptoms:
- CNS depression;
- Changes in the state of consciousness;
- Ataxia;
- Loss of coordination;
- Drowsiness and falling asleep.
In the most severe situations, a change in heart rhythm, shortness of breath, a decrease in blood pressure to a critical level, collapse and coma are possible. After discontinuation of the drug and gastric lavage, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. The depressed nervous system is restored with caffeine and nicetamide. Since the drug affects the central nervous system, you should not drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other potentially dangerous activities.
Who should use Corvalol?
What does Corvalol tablets help with? This form of the drug is used among patients with the following conditions:
- neuroses of various origins. In this case, Corvalol is prescribed as one of the components of complex therapy;
- in conditions characterized by increased excitability of the central nervous system;
- during insomnia;
- for pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
- with coronary heart disease, tachycardia, spasms of the coronary arteries;
- in the early stages of hypertension;
- for the treatment of patients with spasms in the digestive system;
- to relieve the tone of the autonomic nervous system.
Corvalol is prescribed for insomnia, stress, and cardiovascular diseases.
Corvalol tablets are indicated for calming severe emotional stress and stress. Corvalol also helps to cope with fatigue after heavy mental stress.
Side effects
Corvalol tablets and drops often cause drowsiness, decreased concentration, slow heart rate, dizziness and allergic reactions. Also, while taking this drug, patients may experience disorders of the digestive tract.
Typically, all of these side effects go away on their own when the dosage of the medication is reduced or you stop taking it.
With prolonged use of the medication, drug dependence, addiction, withdrawal syndrome, as well as bromism and the accumulation of bromine in the body may develop.
Overdose of Corvalol - symptoms
Systematic abuse of a drug to treat insomnia, relieve nervous tension, or slow the pulse may lead to the patient needing the help of a toxicologist. Depending on the degree of poisoning of the body with barbiturates, a person may experience mild, moderate or severe intoxication.
Mild degree
With a mild overdose of Corvalol, the following symptoms are observed:
- the patient constantly feels sleepy;
- speech and physical activity are inhibited;
- general lethargy, inability to think clearly and specifically.
Typically, this condition goes away without medical intervention if you reduce the amount of medication you take or stop taking it completely.
Average degree
In the middle stage of poisoning, the signs of overdose worsen:
- blood pressure readings become low;
- long and deep sleep, during which the patient is almost impossible to wake up;
- spontaneous salivation;
- urine passes with difficulty, in small quantities;
- the muscles become sluggish and lifeless.
In such a condition, you should urgently call doctors and transport the patient to the toxicology department.
Severe stage
The most severe degree of Corvalol overdose is characterized by life-threatening symptoms:
- severe tachycardia, accompanied by frequent shallow breathing;
- the heart works intermittently, with rhythm disturbances;
- Blood pressure drops sharply, the state approaches collaptoid;
- spontaneous muscle contraction that turns into cramps.
Due to a catastrophic drop in blood pressure, internal organs do not receive enough oxygen and blood. Due to severe hypoxia, a person's condition worsens and he may fall into a coma. If urgent medical assistance is not provided at this stage, the victim may die.
Chronic stage
With long-term and systematic use of Corvalol in large doses, intoxication becomes chronic. In this case, the patient exhibits symptoms:
- depressed mood;
- constant fatigue;
- confusion;
- runny nose, skin rashes;
- conjunctivitis.
The habit of phenobarbital in the case of constant use of Corvalol turns into drug dependence. A kind of “Corvalol hangover” can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms:
- inability to concentrate;
- depressed state;
- lack of self-confidence;
- tired dull look;
- unjustified aggression towards loved ones.
As soon as the patient takes the next portion of Corvalol, his condition returns to normal.
Attention! When combining the drug with alcoholic beverages, symptoms of Corvalol poisoning may appear even when taking the recommended amount of the drug. In addition, intoxication will last longer, making the poisoning more severe.
Results of drug interactions
Corvalol can be safely combined with antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, hypoglycemic medications that are constantly in the medicine cabinet of older people, but there are medications that are absolutely incompatible with it. Corvalol does not combine with steroid hormones, sleeping pills, anticonvulsants, contraceptives, or certain classes of antibiotics.
CNS inhibitor medications increase the capabilities of Corvalol. A similar result is observed after the parallel use of valproic acid derivatives.
Phenobarbital impairs the performance of medications whose metabolic processes occur in the liver. In this case, it is not combined with coumarin derivatives, glucocorticosteroids, griseofulvin, or birth control pills.
Strengthens the base component of Corvalol the activity of anesthetic and hypnotic medications, and also increases the toxic properties of methotrexate.
Corvalol and alcohol are incompatible. Ethanol increases the side effects of phenobarbital. The drops are developed on an alcohol basis, but such volumes do not affect the effectiveness of one dose of the medicine. Alcohol abuse increases the toxicity of the drug.
Treatment in a hospital setting
Moderate or severe degrees of phenobarbital poisoning require mandatory medical attention. The following procedures are usually performed in a hospital setting:
- gastric lavage using a tube;
- inducing forced urination using special drugs (Lasix, Hypothiazide, Veroshpiron);
- alkalization of blood and its purification (hemosorption);
- symptomatic therapy aimed at restoring impaired functions of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
User rating of Corvalol
Dmitry, Odessa. My work is nervous, I took Corvalol tablets for stress (drops on the road are inconvenient). It helped, but it was hard to drive. I replaced it with valoserdin - the effect is the same, but there is no absent-mindedness and drowsiness after it.
Vadim, Smolensk. Pain in the heart has been bothering me since my student years: sometimes it presses so hard that it’s hard to breathe and there’s aching under the shoulder blade. I bought 2 records, 10 pieces each, for 170 rubles. I took 2 tablets at once - my heart calmed down, and I myself became less irritable. They say you can’t drink it for a long time, but I’ll try to drink at least this package.
Nina. Small children often get sick, constant lack of sleep and everyday problems completely frayed my nerves. Corvalol is cheap and accessible and can be bought without a prescription. They write that breastfeeding is not allowed, but my children are already confidently holding a spoon in their hands. The medicine saves me from depression, the effect comes quickly, fears and anxieties go away, I can fall asleep better.
But doctors warn that you should not place high hopes on this medicine.
Anna Ilyinichna, therapist. Corvalol is not classified as a medicine that can cure a specific disease. It is more suitable for symptomatic therapy. Of course, it will ease the discomfort of heart disorders, renal colic, and insomnia, but it will not be able to get rid of the causes that provoked such symptoms.
It can improve the quality of sleep and relieve anxiety, but it is impossible to cure severe depression with Corvalol. Yes, and “from the heart” it helps if the problem is neurotic in nature. Changes in the myocardium and coronary vessels must be treated with more serious drugs. This should be taken into account by those who hope to get rid of a serious illness without examination, at home, with the help of cheap medicine.
Despite the emergence of new technologies and modern drugs, good old Corvalol, time-tested, has not lost its relevance. Both old people and young people treat insomnia, anxiety, and discomfort due to renal colic. It is important to consider that Corvalol cannot act as a basic medicine; its mission is symptomatic therapy. If your health problems are serious, it is better to undergo an examination without wasting time and without blurring the clinical picture with painkillers.
When replenishing your first aid kit with new packages of Corvalol, do not forget about its undesirable properties. After all, this is a psychotropic drug with a significant concentration of alcohol. Therefore, you need to start by studying the instructions and consulting a doctor.
Can Corvalol be taken by pregnant women?
Many expectant mothers have difficulty falling asleep, are overly nervous and worried, and can become extremely emotionally labile due to hormonal fluctuations. In this regard, sedative drops may seem like a rather attractive method of treatment, however, in most instructions, pregnancy and lactation are among the contraindications. Corvalol is no exception; it is contraindicated during pregnancy, since phenobarbital can have a very adverse effect on the development of the baby.
Phenobarbital has a depressant effect on the nervous system of both mother and child, impairs blood clotting, causing bleeding in the first days of life in a newborn. Abuse of Corvalol in the third trimester of gestation causes addiction and subsequent withdrawal syndrome, which can be observed in the child in the development of seizures and severe excitability after childbirth or in the first two weeks of life.
Many will notice that phenobarbital is still prescribed to pregnant women suffering from convulsive syndrome or epilepsy, and Corvalol contains very little of it. This is true, but the need for anticonvulsant treatment is a much more compelling reason to use phenobarbital than to drink Corvalol containing it to calm the nerves. In addition, there are much safer and more effective sedatives that are not contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
***
Corvalol is one of the most accessible and cheapest sedatives, which does not lose popularity even with the emergence of a large number of other, more modern, medications for insomnia or anxiety. It is loved by both elderly patients with combined pathologies of internal organs, and young people suffering from panic attacks and various manifestations of neurosis.
When stocking up for future use and regularly replenishing your first aid kit with fresh vials of Corvalol, do not forget that this drug has a number of serious side effects and contraindications, so reading the instructions and consulting a doctor are integral steps when using Corvalol and any other medicine.
sosudinfo.ru
Reviews
Positive reviews are given by doctors who advise taking tablets or drops, and by people who have undergone treatment with Corvalol. They note:
- efficiency,
- inexpensive price,
- absence of alcohol in the composition and smell, like drops,
- fast action,
- ease of use, etc.
Negative reviews are rare. They are often based on individual intolerance to some component of the tablets.
Method of administration and dose
How to take Corvalol tablets? The dose of the drug should be selected by the attending physician based on a study of the patient’s medical history and diagnosis. Typically, adults are prescribed 3 tablets per day. The method of administration depends on the patient's preference. The tablet can be placed under the tongue, dissolved slowly, or swallowed with plenty of water.
Important! During an attack of tachycardia, accompanied by rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, a single dose of the medicine can be increased to 3 tablets.
DETAILS: How many beats per minute should your pulse be?
Is it possible to drink Corvalol with a hangover?
When drinking alcohol, the symptoms that are characteristic of an overdose of Corvalol worsen, side effects: weakness, inability to think, apathy. In addition, there is also an increase in the calming effect, which in turn leads to a pronounced hangover.
If you have a hangover, using Corvalol is not only wrong, but also dangerous. By accelerating the course of all metabolic processes in the body due to the active release of biologically active substances from the liver, the medicine thereby helps faster absorption of alcohol in the blood and enhances its destructive effects.
Corvalol harm or benefit
The favorite medicine of older people actually has many beneficial properties. It can relieve pain and relax the nervous system because during its use, blood vessels begin to dilate and act on smooth muscles, which gives a calming effect.
This medicine should be used if you need to quickly suppress severe shock or anxiety, or relieve pain in the heart caused by anxiety and excitement. Corvalol can also help overcome insomnia if taken in a large dose. Doctors recommend temporarily using this drug for hypertension and tachycardia.
Every time your heart suddenly hurts or you get very worried, someone is sure to take out magic drops called “Corvalol” from your bag. They are recommended as a sedative and as a sleeping pill.
Many people think that there will be benefits and harm from taking Corvalol, but let’s make a reservation right away: there will be much more harm. Perhaps, such a statement will provoke an explosion of indignation among people of the older generation, who are accustomed to treating all “heart ailments” with this affordable drug, but in fact the drug does not cure: its action is based on self-hypnosis and a sedative effect.
Prevention
Phenobarbital-based drugs are not as safe as is commonly believed. The ability to accumulate and possible dependence, heart rhythm disturbances and the development of kidney and liver diseases are negative manifestations of excessive use of Corvalol.
To prevent overdose, the medicine is used strictly according to the instructions, having previously received the approval of the attending physician. The task of each patient is to study the possible side effects of Corvalol and correlate the existing contraindications with their state of health. If you need to take sedative drops or tablets, you should first measure your blood pressure and pulse.
In European countries and the USA, Corvalol is a prescription drug and is used much less frequently than in Russia. Pharmacologists have developed new medications to relieve anxiety and normalize sleep, which your doctor can help you choose. Then the risk of phenobarbital poisoning will be reduced to zero.
Interaction with other drugs
The drug should not be taken by women during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding.
Terms of sale
The most useful remedy is made from home-ground grains. It’s better to brew coffee, and what’s left is for scrub. If you make a coffee peeling for the face with freshly ground natural powder without heat treatment, you can scratch microcracks in the skin - a future gateway to infection.
Wash the skin well and steam a little.
Apply the thickener (or a mixture with other ingredients) to areas of the face with gentle massaging movements for one minute along a circle of small diameters. Do not touch the area near the eyes.
READ Is it possible to drink Corvalol with a hangover?
It is better to rinse off with purified filtered (mineral) water at body temperature, rinse with cool water or a decoction of herbs (calendula, celandine, chamomile).
The frequency of application of the procedure is once every 4–6 days.
Tablets and oral drops in bottles of 15 ml and 25 ml belong to the group of over-the-counter products. 50 ml bottles are available with a prescription.
The drug should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
When is Corvalol prescribed?
The drops are recommended for use by patients over twelve years of age to neutralize the following conditions:
- Failure in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels.
- Tachycardia (a type of arrhythmia characterized by a heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute).
- Neurosis (a set of psychogenic, functional, reversible disorders that tend to have a long course).
- Neurasthenia (a pathological disease of the human nervous system, which occurs after its depletion due to prolonged mental or physical overload).
- Hypochondria (a human condition manifested in constant worry about the possibility of contracting one or more somatic diseases).
- Flatulence (a pathological condition of the body that occurs as a result of excessive gas formation and accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract).
- Spasmodic pain in the abdomen.
- Panic attacks (an attack of sudden onset of severe anxiety, fear, accompanied by vegetative manifestations, changes in the functioning of the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs).
How dangerous is an overdose?
An overdose of Corvalol is intoxication of the body with this drug and its constituent components. And if most patients can tolerate such poisoning relatively easily, some may experience serious complications (including death). In general, an overdose of Corvalol is dangerous only for those people who are allergic to this substance and the accompanying components of the drug.
And most often, an overdose is caused not by accident, but by the patient’s purposeful intake of a high dose of medication to enhance its effect. In this article, we will talk in detail about why an overdose of Corvalol is dangerous and what to do if its first signs appear. We will also talk about what is the normal dosage of this drug.
Poisoning with this drug due to an overdose is fraught with both serious health consequences and, in more rare cases, death. An overdose is especially dangerous in cases where alcohol was taken the day before. Alcohol is a catalyst for the components of Corvalol, which only aggravates the situation in case of an overdose.
An excessive dose of Corvalol and drunk alcohol often cause collapse, severe coma and death. Poisoning with this drug is also insidious because the patient is in deep sedation, similar to complete apathy and stupor. As a result, the patient does not even realize that he is in critical condition, so he cannot orient himself in time and call an ambulance.
The symptoms of acute intoxication with Corvalol are quite expressive, so many doctors, even without clinical blood tests, will be able to accurately diagnose. The signs of such intoxication in the mildest form are as follows:
- drowsiness;
- general weakness;
- lethargy and absent-mindedness;
- slight decrease in muscle strength;
- difficulty pronouncing complex sentences.
Symptoms of moderate intoxication:
- prolonged pathological sleep (it is very difficult to wake the patient);
- salivation;
- severe muscle weakness;
- convulsions;
- lack of urge to urinate;
- pupil dilation.
Symptoms of severe poisoning:
- lack of consciousness;
- coma;
- breathing disorders (the patient breathes shallowly, often);
- drop in blood pressure;
- wheezing in the lungs;
- tachycardia with a heart rate exceeding 130 beats;
- cyanosis of the skin.
Overdose is possible in case of frequent and long-term use of the drug, which is associated with the process of cumulation of its components. Quite a long and constant use can provoke dependence, psychomotor agitation and withdrawal symptoms. Abrupt refusal to take Corvalol can provoke withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms of overdose include:
- depression of the central nervous system;
- confusion;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- ataxia;
- falling asleep.
In particularly severe cases of drug poisoning, respiratory failure, tachycardia, arrhythmia, low blood pressure, collapse and coma are possible. An overdose of Corvalol is treated with symptomatic therapy. Niketamide and caffeine are indicated for depression of the nervous system.
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, and insomnia.
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.
Interaction
According to the instructions for use, phenobarbital included in the structure of the drops can reduce the effectiveness of coumarin, glucocorticosteroids, and contraceptives.
When the drug is combined with drugs from the group of sedatives, tranquilizers, as well as sleeping pills and antihistamines, an increased suppressive effect on the central nervous system is observed - this is another serious side effect of Corvalol in drops and tablets.
Under the influence of the substances included in Corvalol, the pharmacological effect of local anesthetics and painkillers for oral use may increase. The medication is capable of increasing the toxicity of Methotrexate when they interact.
Complications and consequences of Corvalol poisoning
An irresponsible attitude towards the use of medications, self-medication and excessive use of Corvalol, even for a practically healthy person, can lead to serious complications:
- bradycardia (decreased heart rate);
- a drop in blood pressure to less than 100/70 mmHg;
- lethargy, decreased overall body tone;
- weakening of concentration;
- allergic reactions (itching, pimples);
- disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, flatulence, constipation).
If a person has a history of kidney or heart disease or diagnosed hypotension, then the consequences of phenobarbital abuse and Corvalol overdose will be more serious:
- with hypotension (low “working” blood pressure) – angina pectoris, acute cerebrovascular accidents, heart failure;
- in case of kidney diseases – development and progression of renal failure;
- with hepatitis - liver failure.
Attention! Elderly people should especially strictly adhere to the recommended dosage of Corvalol, since due to excessive use of the drug they may develop neurological disorders, weakened memory, decreased thinking and motor coordination.
Alcohol compatibility
Alcohol enhances the effects of Corvalol. The medication is contraindicated for alcohol dependent people. Their interaction primarily provokes damage to hepatocytes and the occurrence of a disulfiram-ethanol reaction. Alcohol is a contraindication! Side effects of Corvalol drops and tablets can be fatal.
Penetrating into the blood, alcohol increases heart rate, increases blood pressure and excites the central nervous system. Corvalol is used to lower high blood pressure and calm the heart. This combination causes disruption and overload of the body.
Peppermint oil has a vasodilating effect and reduces blood viscosity. Since alcoholic drinks enhance the effect of the medicine, taking it in large quantities after consuming the drug can cause side effects from Corvalol, such as internal bleeding and cerebral hemorrhage.
Another possible result of the combination is cardiac arrest. Frequently mixing Corvalol with alcoholic beverages can cause addiction that is stronger than just alcohol.
This is due to the fact that one of the substances in the drug is phenobarbital, which, with prolonged use, causes addiction and drug dependence.
Pregnancy and lactation
In the first three months of pregnancy, the medication is prohibited for use by expectant mothers. Phenobarbital passes through the placenta to the fetus, so use of the drug can lead to intrauterine growth retardation of the unborn child.
Whether it is possible to take Corvalol in subsequent trimesters, a woman should decide with her doctor, carefully weighing all the pros and cons.
Since phenobarbital and alpha-bromoisovaleric acid ester can be excreted in breast milk, the use of Corvalol is strictly contraindicated for young mothers during lactation. If treatment with this drug is necessary, you should consider stopping breastfeeding.
Drug danger
Many people know about the beneficial properties of 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 an 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.
Side effects and first aid
Side effects of Corvalol most often occur in people who have individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as in patients who do not follow the instructions for use and doctor’s recommendations.
Side effects include:
You can also read:Can pregnant women take Corvalol drops?
- dizziness;
- weakness, apathy;
- decrease in pressure, sometimes to critical levels;
- drowsiness, fatigue;
- decreased heart rate;
- deterioration of memory and concentration.
Signs of allergies include skin rashes, less commonly nasal congestion, itching, redness of the face and neck, and conjunctivitis.
Patients who have drunk a large dose of the drug should take actions aimed at eliminating signs of intoxication and cleansing the body. To do this, you need to drink plenty of clean water and stop taking Corvalol.
Harm from taking Corvalol
In addition to the previously described disadvantage of addiction, Corvalol has other significant disadvantages. Thus, the combination of phenobarbital with an alcohol solution inhibits the functions of the central nervous system and impairs coordination of movements. Intoxication with these components of Corvalol, which occurs during an overdose, can even cause death.
The critical dose that can already cause death is half a standard bottle of Corvalol. Complications can also arise when interacting with tranquilizers and other sedatives. Thus, phenobarbital, which is a component of Corvalol, when in contact with the listed drugs, significantly enhances their effect.
What is obvious is that all of the listed complications of taking Corvalol are in one way or another associated with its improper use. A moderately increased dosage or combination of the drug with its analogues can lead to serious consequences, sometimes even causing death (especially in elderly patients).
In some cases, the dose can be slightly increased, but only after mandatory consultation with a doctor. Ignoring this rule will result in serious consequences (including death).
The consequences of long-term use of Corvalol have been studied quite well and are currently considered harmless. The main consequences of long-term use are only dry mouth and psychological dependence on the drug. The drug does not have a toxic effect on all internal organs in general, and on the kidneys and liver in particular. Only elderly patients can experience chronic intoxication with bromine (it is contained in phenobarbital, a component of Corvalol).
This condition rarely develops into a serious independent disease. Typically, bromine intoxication is characterized by drowsiness, depression and apathy. If these symptoms appear, the drug should be temporarily discontinued and consult your doctor.
The maximum dose of medicine at which the body can cope with the load and remove excess is 150 drops. However, in those patients who have chronic renal or liver failure, this dose can become lethal. The consequences of taking a dose exceeding 150 drops are severe poisoning and with a high probability of death (even in healthy people). It is estimated that the lethal dosage is 0.1-0.3 grams per 1 kilogram of the patient’s weight. On average this is 20 grams of medicine.
The causes of mild and severe Corvalol poisoning are not as simple as it seems at first glance. The main component contained in the medicine is absolutely safe in recommended doses, but in high doses it is fatal. To be more precise, we are talking about phenobarbital. In high doses, it greatly inhibits psychomotor reactions and causes coordination problems. In ultra-high doses, it disrupts the conduction of the nerves of the heart, causing it to stop.
Moreover, this component can be dangerous in normal doses, but only in some cases. Namely:
- with concomitant use of alcoholic beverages;
- when combined with pure alcohol;
- when used with tranquilizers;
- when used with sedative medications;
- when used with antiemetic medications.
Not everyone knows how to drink Corvalol with maximum health benefits. This product is in every home medicine cabinet. Despite the fact that the drops have a wide range of uses, there are certain contraindications. An overdose of Corvalol can lead to serious negative consequences.
Corvalol for tachycardia: can I drink it and how many drops should I take? Contraindications and analogues
Corvalol is an excellent sedative that helps relieve irritation and stress. It stops heart attacks well, so it is also taken for tachycardia. At the same time, it also helps to cope with insomnia, as it relieves tension in the cardiovascular system.
What kind of drug is this?
For tachycardia, Corvalol is indicated to relieve painful symptoms. This is mainly due to the fact that the drug affects the heart vessels - relaxes, dilates and prevents their spasms. At the same time, the drug calms the nervous system and has a sedative effect.
Corvalol is available in two forms:
- tablets - sold in plastic in packs of 10 pieces, while one package can contain 10, 30 or 50 tablets, and the average cost is 150 rubles;
- tincture of drops - sold in glass bottles of 15, 25 or 50 ml, and the average cost ranges from 20 to 50 rubles.
Regardless of the form, the drug is prescribed for oral administration. It is important to understand that it does not cure the disease, but helps relieve symptoms provoked by a stressful situation or neurosis.
The exact composition of the components of the product depends on the form of its release, although its action is due to the main active substances, which remain unchanged. This can be seen from the following table:
Components | Concentration in tablets (mg) | Concentration in drops (%) | Action |
Phenobarbital | 12,42 | 2 | Reduces the excitement of the cerebral cortex and central nervous system, as it has a calming, hypnotic and psychotropic effect. |
Ethyl ester of valeric acid | 11,34 | 1,82 | It has antispasmodic and sedative properties, calms reflexes and helps reduce the excitability of the nervous system. In this case, inhibition of brain actions leads to a decrease in the activity of movement centers. |
Essential oil with menthol | 0,88 | 0,14 | Promotes the expansion of coronary and reflex vessels, therefore relieves spasms. |
Auxiliary components of the tablets are presented in the form of potato starch, lactose, magnesium salt and betadex, and drops - ethyl alcohol, caustic soda and purified water.
The exact dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor, based on the patient’s condition and the course of the disease. In this case, general recommendations for use depend on the form of Corvalol and are as follows:
- For tachycardia, take 15-20 drops of the tincture before meals, after dissolving it in 1/5 glass of warm water. For acute attacks, the dosage can be increased to 40-50 drops. Drops can be taken up to 2-3 times a day.
- Take the tablets before meals 2-3 times a day, and you should take only 1 capsule at a time.
Corvalol acts 15-45 minutes after administration for 3-6 hours.
Side effects
Conventionally, adverse reactions from taking Corvalol can be divided into three groups:
- Actions that occur in case of overdose. In case of tachycardia, it is dangerous to abuse the drug, since this will cause blood pressure to decrease and the work of the cerebral stomach will be inhibited. To relieve symptoms, you need to rinse your stomach. In severe cases of overdose, the following actions are possible:
- the heart rate will increase;
- the patient will lose consciousness;
- blood pressure will decrease;
- ataxia will occur - a neuromuscular motor disorder.
- Actions caused by internal organs. May cause vomiting and nausea, decreased heart rate, as well as dizziness, drowsiness and loss of space. These are reactions from the digestive organs, cardiovascular and nervous systems.
- Habituation due to long-term use. As a rule, such an adverse reaction manifests itself at the psychological level, when a person, even in the slightest stressful situation, can calm down only after taking the drug. At the same time, frequent use of Corvalol promotes the accumulation of bromine contained in ethyl ether. This causes inhibition of the nervous system, depression and loss of coordination.
Contraindications
Any form of Corvalol is prohibited for the following indications:
- individual intolerance to substances in the composition of the drug;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- age under 18 years;
- consumption of alcohol-containing drugs;
- epilepsy;
- brain injury;
- renal, liver or lactase insufficiency.
Analogs
Pharmaceuticals offers a number of drugs that are analogues of Corvalol and can be taken for tachycardia:
- Valemidin. Helps improve cardiac function, relax vascular walls and expand the lumen. At the same time, its use allows you to calm the central nervous system. The advantage of the drug is that it is not addictive even with long-term use, does not reduce concentration and does not cause problems with vision and memory.
- Barboval. Has a sedative effect and calms the nervous system. It is important to note that the solution and tablets of the drug cause inhibited reactions, so after taking it you should not drive vehicles or perform work that requires increased concentration.
- Valocordin. Helps relieve irritability and promotes restful sleep. Effective against depression and nervous disorders.
- Korvaltab. It is often prescribed for tachycardia because it dilates blood vessels, has a sedative effect, stabilizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system, and relieves spasms of blood vessels. The drug is not addictive even with long-term use.
Corvalol helps cope with the symptoms of heart ailments. It has a sedative and antispasmodic effect, reduces blood pressure, calms the central nervous system and relieves anxiety attacks. The drug can be used both in the form of drops and tablets, but it should not be abused so as not to cause an overdose and addiction.
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Opinions
Reviews of Corvalol in tablets and drops are usually good, since the effectiveness of the drug has been tested by time. But along with positive responses, you can also find negative ones. In most situations, they note that the medication really calms, but at the same time dulls reactions and provokes lethargy. According to reviews, side effects of Corvalol occur quite often with long-term use.
Many people know about Corvalol as a drug to calm the heart and eliminate neuroses, but it turns out that it can also be used as a remedy for acne and herpes.
If acne occurs, cosmetologists recommend a “talk” based on “Corvalol” in drops. Shake the solution well before use. Then they wipe their face after washing, usually before going to bed. If you believe the responses, in order to eliminate the inflammatory process, four days of using the “talker” is enough.
Some patients apply the solution to the acne pointwise. Within three to four procedures, the acne rash noticeably dries out, and inflammation decreases.
From patient reviews, it became known that for herpes on the lips, the drug is best used as soon as unpleasant symptoms arise. The only negative aspect of this therapy is that Corvalol significantly dries out the skin, so when using the solution it is necessary to take additional care.
Overdose
Overdose occurs when the rules of use specified in the instructions are not followed, or the treatment time is exceeded for more than two weeks.
Decay products begin to accumulate in the body, which can provoke addiction, or serious damage to the body by toxins - suppression of the central nervous system, low blood pressure, disruption of the pulse and respiratory system. The maximum dose taken over a long period of time, or a one-time severe overdose, can lead to severe condition, when treatment in intensive care and therapy aimed at resisting damage from toxins will be required.
Particular caution should be exercised by people who have low blood pressure, since the active components in Corvalol help lower blood pressure, which can lead to harmful consequences.
According to some narcologists, phenobarbital is a narcotic drug. The use of which should be avoided if possible. Regular use of this component can lead to cognitive impairment (impaired memory, speech and gait), serious neurological disorders, sexual dysfunction and withdrawal symptoms.
Obvious symptoms of an overdose are:
- General state of weakness;
- Drowsiness;
- Lethargy;
- Loss of body weight;
- Lethargy;
- Inability to concentrate on one thing;
- Speech disorders;
- Impaired consciousness;
- Indifference to what is happening around;
- Signs of toxic damage;
- Runny nose;
- Depressive states;
- Partial paralysis;
- Loss of pressure;
- Dilated pupils.
Signs of a severe overdose of Corvalol are barbituric coma. With this complication, breathing impairment, loss of sensitivity, consciousness, an increase in the number of heart contractions and progressive cyanosis of the skin are noted.
Heart failure may progress, the mechanism of which often ends in pulmonary edema.
Intoxication can occur with a single dose of 150 drops of the drug. For children and elderly patients, the dosage will be different. If signs of overdose and intoxication appear, the patient should immediately consult a doctor who will provide appropriate therapeutic assistance.
Fatal dose of the drug
Death due to too much medication can occur due to acute heart failure, when blood pressure and pulse drop sharply. In this case, the heart simply stops functioning. People who are in a state of acute stress, when they no longer control their actions, can “overdrink” Corvalol. After consuming the recommended dose of 15-30 drops, a person tends to get a more pronounced calming effect, and then the amount of the drug can reach a lethal dose.
The fatal amount of phenobarbital, the main component of Corvalol, which can cause instant death, is 100 mg/1 kg of human body weight. However, there are factors in which the lethal dose of Corvalol will be less:
- combined use of Corvalol and alcohol - depression of the central nervous system and decrease in motor activity occurs;
- a combination of a barbiturate and another hypnotic drug;
- long-term use of Corvalol, as a result of which phenobarbital accumulated in the body.
If you take the medicine occasionally and in the recommended quantity, then it is possible to die from Corvalol after consuming 200-250 ml of the liquid drug (9-10 standard bottles of 25 ml each) or 35-50 tablets.
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.
Features of application
During treatment with the drug, it is not recommended to engage in activities that require increased attention, rapid mental and motor reactions.
The simultaneous consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
The presence of phenobarbital in the drug may cause the development of Stevens-Johnson and Lyell syndrome, which is most likely in the first weeks of treatment.
Patients should be warned of the signs and symptoms and closely monitored for skin reactions. If symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are observed (eg, progressive skin rashes, often with blisters, and mucosal lesions), treatment should be discontinued.
The best results in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been observed with early diagnosis and immediate discontinuation of any drug suspected of causing these symptoms. The best prognosis for treatment is associated with early cessation of use of the suspected drug.
If a patient has developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis while using Corvalol®, under no circumstances should the drug be used in these patients in the future.
Long-term use of the drug is not recommended due to the risk of developing drug dependence, possible accumulation of bromine in the body and the development of bromine poisoning.
If pain in the heart area does not go away after taking the drug, you should consult a doctor to rule out acute coronary syndrome. Prescribe with caution in severe arterial hypotension, hyperkinesis, hyperthyroidism, adrenal hypofunction, decompensated heart failure, acute and chronic pain syndrome, acute drug intoxication.
This medicine contains 56 vol. % ethanol (alcohol).
The minimum dose of the drug (15 drops) contains 254 mg of ethanol, which is equivalent to 6.4 ml of beer or 2.7 ml of wine. Harmful for patients with alcoholism. It should be used with caution in patients with liver disease and patients with epilepsy.
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or other mechanisms.
Corvalol® contains phenobarbital and ethanol, and therefore can cause problems with coordination, speed of psychomotor reactions, drowsiness and dizziness during the treatment period. In this regard, it is not recommended to engage in activities that require increased attention, including driving vehicles and working with other mechanisms.