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Vinpocetine chemical structure
Vinpocetine

(3α,16α)-Eburnamenine-14-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
IUPAC name
CAS number
42971-09-5
ATC code

N06BX18

PubChem
5673
DrugBank
[1]
Chemical formula {{{chemical_formula}}}
Molecular weight 350.454 g/mol
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life 2.54 +/- 0.48 hours
Excretion
Pregnancy category
Legal status OTC
Routes of administration

Vinpocetine (brand names: Cavinton, Intelectol; chemical name: ethyl apovincaminate) is a semisynthetic derivative of vincamine, which is extracted from the Periwinkle plant. It increases cerebral blood flow and is said to improve memory.

It is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterases I and IV, with an IC50|IC50 of approximately 10-5 M.

The substance is widely sold as a supplement; however, there appears to be some controversy over the possibility of adverse reaction, and low initial dose is recommended by some retailers. Vinpocetin is included in many performance-enhancing supplements to help with delivery of nutrients to muscles after workout. There is one isolated claim of agranulocytosis.

Health and physiological applications of vinpocetine[]

Side effects[]

Overall, Vinpocetine side effects reported in the literature are rare, usually minor, frequently disappear with prolonged use, and rarely require discontinuance of the drug.

Stomach/ GI upset; dry mouth, rapid heart beat, low blood pressure, and rash/ hives are the main (rarely occurring) reported side effects. There have been no real adverse effects to this drug during human trials.

Not recommended for pregnant women (at doses higher than 2-5 mg).

Care should be taken when it is taken with other nootropics. It is always recommended that a physician be consulted before use.

Dosage[]

It is recommended that the first-time user ingests only 2- 5 mg of vinpocetine to make sure they are not hypersensitive to it. The user may then increase the dosage to 10-30 mg a day (which may, although very rarely, cause some side effects).

External links[]

References[]


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