Validol or Corvalol - which is better? Compatibility, differences, indications

Due to the fast pace of modern life, many people today are prone to nervous disorders and worries. To maintain their health, people often need to use medications.

There are two widespread and effective medications that can cope with nervous disorders: Corvalol and Validol, which have long established themselves as inexpensive and effective medications. Further in the article we will look at both drugs in detail and figure out which is better in practice - Corvalol or Validol.

General information about Corvalol

Corvalol is a soothing combination medicine that contains menthol, a mixture of ethyl alcohol (96%) and phenobarbital (1.82%). The medicine also consists of sodium hydroxide, water and peppermint oil. Ethyl alcohol promotes vasodilation and has antispasmodic properties when taken at the usual dose (20 drops), and when taken at the maximum dose it provides a hypnotic effect.

Composition of Corvalol

The drug is taken orally. It is produced in the form of drops and sold in glass vials. Considering the components included in its composition and the effect it has on the body, Corvalol can be considered an analogue of the foreign medicine Valocordin.

General information about Validol

Validol is a medication that is also a sedative and has a moderate reflex vasodilator effect, stabilizes the central nervous system, and also helps relieve attacks of nausea and headaches.

General information about Validol

Taking the drug helps increase the level of enkephalins and endorphins - peptides that regulate vascular permeability. The effect can be observed after an average of five minutes. The components of the drug are menthol solution and methyl ether. Validol is produced in the form of white tablets, less often in the form of capsules.

Safe dose of validol

For mild chest pain (angina), heart rhythm disturbances, neuroses, motion sickness, manifested by nausea and vomiting, take 5 drops of validol applied to a small hard piece of sugar. It should not be washed down with water, but should be dissolved slowly.

A validol tablet (60 mg) is equivalent to 3 drops of a 25% solution of validol in menthyl ether; validol capsules contain 0.05 g or 0.1 g of the drug, which corresponds to 2-3 and 5 drops of solution, respectively.

A single dose for an adult is up to 0.1 g of the drug. The optimal daily dose is up to 0.2 g.

To eliminate itching of the skin, it is better to use a 5-10% alcohol solution of the drug.

Operating principle

Due to the fact that the action of both drugs is aimed at relieving nervous tension, their principle of action is similar. Both medications dilate blood vessels and stimulate the production of hormones that regulate pain and the functioning of the central nervous system. Thus, both medications relieve pain syndromes, relieve heart spasms and normalize the pulse.

But each drug has its own characteristics. Corvalol has a sedative effect and at the same time is a mild tranquilizer. The action of this medication is aimed at:

Stabilization of the digestive system (reduction of stomach cramps).
Reducing the effect on blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Reducing spasm of arteries and muscles.
Activation of the cerebral cortex.

Validol works as follows:

Menthol is quickly absorbed through the walls of the oral cavity and stimulates the synthesis of endorphins.
The medicine changes vascular permeability and dilates the coronary arteries, reducing their spasm.
It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and relieves anxiety disorders.

Characteristics of Corvalol

Validol has a gentle effect on the cardiovascular system. The substances included in the composition give the medicine the following properties:

moderate vasodilator;
sedative;
calming.

But it also copes well with pain and improves blood circulation, helping to get rid of headaches.

Validol helps get rid of headaches.

The active substances that make up Wobenzym restore the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Validol has a calming effect.

Validol is sometimes unable to eliminate pain. Often the pain occurs due to angina and is localized in the heart muscle. In this case, it is not advisable to take the drug, because He can't handle this kind of pain. It can be treated comprehensively using Validol together with Nitroglycerin.

Validol calms the nervous system, and Nitroglycerin restores the size of the coronary arteries. This interaction normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle.

Corvalol has a vasodilator, antispasmodic and sedative effect. The active components of the drug act on the receptors of the oral cavity. As a result, the work of nerve cells in the cortex and subcortical regions of the brain is inhibited. Thus, an antispasmodic effect is achieved.

A drug:

lowers blood pressure;
calms the nervous system;
normalizes the tone of the heart muscles;
dilates blood vessels in the brain and heart;
eliminates spasms of smooth muscles;
improves the functioning of the digestive system.

Corvalol improves the functioning of the digestive system.

Corvalol lowers blood pressure.

Corvalol calms the nervous system.

The medication is produced in the form of tablets and drops.

Indications and contraindications

Both sedatives should not be considered drugs whose actions are aimed at treating specific diseases. They only relieve symptoms of nervous disorders, which can be caused by stress or a nervous breakdown. Therefore, both drugs are symptomatic remedies. However, both medications have both different and similar indications for use (Table 1).

A drug	Indications for use	Getting used to the drug
Validol	Mild angina	Habituation does not develop
	Neurosis
	Hysterical states
	Motion sickness
	Migraine attacks
Corvalol	Mild hypertension	May become addictive
	Neurosis
	Spasms of the intestines and coronary vessels

And although both medications are safe, there are contraindications, which include:

idiosyncrasy of drugs caused by an allergic reaction to one of the constituent components;
severe diseases or disorders of the liver and kidneys;
alcoholism;
epilepsy;
severe hypotension (a condition characterized by low blood pressure).

Pediatric practice excludes the use of Validol and Corvalol. It is possible to use these medications in children in small dosages, but such treatment must be agreed with a doctor who takes into account the patient’s age, the general picture of the disease and prescribes a dose.

Composition and scope

There are 3 forms of release of validol: tablets, capsules, drops.

1 tablet contains 60 mg of menthol solution in isovaleric acid menthyl ester.

Menthol, which is part of the drug, excites cold receptors and triggers a chain of reflex-interconnected mechanisms in the body. This process causes a change in the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle, dilation of the coronary vessels, and has a calming effect on the central nervous system.

It is important to note that this effect is observed in people under 45 years of age, but then the reflex weakens, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Thanks to the action of menthol, the body produces enkephalins and endorphins - compounds that act like opiates: they relieve pain, reduce the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, cause a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, and regulate the functioning of the endocrine glands of the human body.

The reasons for using the drug are:

Heart pain, the causes of which are angina pectoris, cardialgia.
Nervous disorders manifested by hysteria, neurosis, neurasthenia.
Pain in the heart area in women during menopause.
Seasickness.
Local allergic reactions to insect bites.

Despite the availability of the drug, it must be used with caution, since in addition to its beneficial effects on the body, it can cause an overdose and worsen the patient’s condition.

Drug compatibility

The compatibility of drugs largely depends on the dose taken. The higher the dose of each medicine you take, the higher your risk of side effects or negative reactions. Due to the fact that both medications have a sedative effect, abuse of both drugs can lead to coma or syncope - a short-term loss of consciousness, which is caused by reduced blood supply to the brain.

Based on this, the common belief that Corvalol and Validol can be taken together is erroneous. Treatment with two different medications not agreed with a doctor can be harmful to health.

Drug overdose

The maximum permissible daily dose of the drug is 300 mg (5 tablets of 60 mg or 15 drops of solution).

Depending on the characteristics of the body (weight, individual tolerance to the components of the drug), symptoms of overdose in adults appear after taking 7 tablets at once.

The danger of using a large dose of the drug lies in the reaction of the body, which perceives validol as an allergen. Histamine, a mediator of allergy manifestations, enters the bloodstream. It affects the development of allergic reactions not only to the components of validol, but also to other substances with which a person comes into contact.

Along with this, the content of kinins in the blood increases - polypeptides that reduce blood pressure and have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of human organs. Therefore, even low doses of the drug are harmful in cases of low blood pressure and hypotension. An additional decrease in pressure can lead to a decrease in blood supply to vital organs and disruption of the functioning of the entire circulatory system.

An overdose of the drug can be suspected by the following signs:

Feeling of nausea, vomiting.
Increased salivation and lacrimation.
A sharp decrease in blood pressure, which is usually accompanied by pallor, coldness of the extremities, blue lips, and the appearance of cold perspiration.
Dizziness.
Headache.
Darkening in the eyes, fainting with a sudden change in body position (orthostatic collapse).
An increase in the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle of more than 90 beats/min at rest.

In case of overdose, immediate allergic reactions may occur: nettle fever, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema.

Knowing the symptoms of allergies will help you avoid the most negative consequences. In particular, anaphylactic shock without immediate treatment can lead to coma or death.

Signs of an allergy to validol:

A rash that covers large areas of the body and is maculopapular in nature.
Swelling of the face, larynx or certain parts of the body.
The development of allergic conjunctivitis, manifested by increased tearing of the eyes, burning and itching under the eyelids, and the appearance of small follicles on the mucous membrane.
Nasal congestion and runny nose of an allergic nature.
Difficulty breathing.
Malaise, dizziness, weakness.
Cold sweat on the forehead.
Decreased blood pressure.

Elderly people, as well as people with weakened immune systems, neurotic disorders and cardiovascular diseases are most prone to drug overdose.

After one or more symptoms of overdose appear, measures must be taken to prevent negative consequences.

Video: Validol and Corvalol - real help or dummies?

Instructions for use

Each drug has its own application characteristics:

The drug Corvalol is intended for internal use. The instructions for using Corvalol in drops are as follows: before eating, the medicine (15-30 drops) must be dissolved in a small volume of water (no more than 50 ml). It is recommended to take Corvalol twice a day.

If a person suffers from tachycardia, the doctor may increase the dose of a single dose of medication to 50 drops. If the medicine is in tablet form, you need to take 1-2 tablets twice a day. In any case, the dose and duration of medication should be discussed with your doctor.
1-2 tablets of Validol are dissolved under the tongue. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets. The course of treatment should not exceed 7 days.

Stroke prevention: how to avoid and what remedies

Have you been struggling with HYPERTENSION for many years without success?

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For whom is stroke prevention important?

Doctors have compiled a list of conditions (risk group) for which prevention is mandatory:

women over 50, men over 45;
hypertension (high blood pressure);
heart failure;
heart disease with rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias);
high blood pressure (hypertension);
diseases accompanied by the formation of blood clots;
diabetes;
experienced smokers.

A special place among these conditions is occupied by the prevention of stroke in old age. People over 50 years old experience normal age-related changes in blood vessels - a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall, which may not withstand a sharp increase in pressure, for example, due to stress or strong emotions.

Stroke Prevention Measures

Since the causes of the development of circulatory disorders in the brain completely coincide with those in acute disorders of the blood supply to the heart muscle, therefore, the prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction can be carried out according to a single scheme.

For the convenience of patients, a “Stroke Prevention Memo” has been compiled. It includes 7 points.

Point 1. Blood pressure - under control

In 99% of cases, hypertension is responsible for the development of cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, it is necessary to keep your blood pressure levels under control. Its normal values are: systolic (“upper”) – no higher than 140 mm Hg. Art., diastolic (“lower”) – not higher than 90 mm Hg. Art.

How to avoid stroke in patients with hypertension? To do this, you must have a personal device for measuring blood pressure. Elderly patients should choose automatic or semi-automatic models, because they do not require special skills when using them. The results must be recorded in a diary: in the morning after waking up, at lunch, in the evening before going to bed, noting the date and the values obtained.

If you notice high blood pressure values for the first time, you should immediately consult a doctor. If a diagnosis of hypertension has already been made, blood pressure monitoring will help evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed medications and change the treatment regimen if necessary.

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Point 2. Combating cardiac arrhythmia

Blood clots that form in the cavity of the heart and on its valves in some diseases can enter the general bloodstream and block the lumen of the cerebral vessels. The risk of this increases if there is an abnormal heart rhythm - arrhythmia. Patients at risk must undergo an ECG (electrocardiography) once every six months. If heart rhythm disturbances are detected, take prescribed antiarrhythmic medications to prevent stroke.

Point 3. Bad habits - stop!

Stroke occurs in smokers twice as often as in people without bad habits. This happens because nicotine narrows the cerebral arteries and reduces the elasticity of the vascular wall. Under unfavorable conditions, the vessels may not withstand a sharp rise in blood pressure and rupture.

It has been proven that if you stop smoking, then after 5 years the likelihood of developing a stroke decreases to the average level in patients of this age.

Point 4. No cholesterol

Prevention of ischemic stroke involves preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. All patients who are at risk should have their blood checked for lipid levels at least once every six months.

You need to start lowering your cholesterol levels by changing your eating habits and exercising.

The menu for those who want to prevent the development of a stroke should include: steamed, boiled and stewed meat products, greens, low-fat fermented milk products, lean meat, fish, olive oil.

Physical exercises should be selected taking into account age and existing diseases. The main thing is that physical activity is daily. Walking at a leisurely pace for 30 to 60 minutes every day is appropriate for most patients.

If non-drug methods are insufficient, the doctor should prescribe anti-lipid (anti-cholesterol) drugs to prevent stroke.

Point 5. Attention, diabetes!

Changes in the vascular wall in diabetes mellitus are an important factor in increasing the risk of developing circulatory disorders in the brain. Therefore, it is so important to regularly examine your blood glucose levels: once every six months if there are no complaints, and strictly according to the scheme suggested by the doctor if the diagnosis has already been made.

Point 6. Preventing blood clots

Drugs for the prevention of stroke and heart attack, acting on the ability of blood to clot, help prevent the formation of microthrombi. They are vital for patients who have undergone various types of operations and have venous disease (varicose veins).

Point 7. Don’t waste time

Cerebral infarction, unlike hemorrhage, rarely develops suddenly. Most often, it is possible to identify the precursors of a stroke, which, if recognized in time, can prevent the development of serious neurological disorders.

You should call an ambulance immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

sudden weakness, dizziness;
numbness in the arms, legs, or any side of the face;
difficulty speaking;
sudden visual impairment;
acutely developed severe headache.

For the convenience of the patient and a reminder of the main directions of preventing cerebrovascular accidents, you can print out and hang in prominent places pictures “stroke prevention”.

The power of nature for vascular health

Stroke prevention with folk remedies can be carried out exclusively as an addition to the drugs prescribed by the doctor for this purpose.

Traditional medicine can prevent the development of stroke, mainly by strengthening the vascular wall and cleansing the body of excess cholesterol.

Tincture of Sophora japonica

Sophora japonica will help give blood vessels strength and restore elasticity. Take its dried buds and pour a 70% solution of medical alcohol at the rate of 1 spoon of raw material per 5 spoons of liquid. Infuse for 2-3 days, do not allow storage in the light. Take 20 drops after each meal (3-4 times a day).

Lemon-honey paste

This recipe will help lower cholesterol and cleanse blood vessels. Wash 1 lemon, 1 orange thoroughly with a brush and grind in a meat grinder along with the peel. Drain off excess juice. The mass should be thick. Add 1 tablespoon of natural thick honey into the resulting slurry and mix. The effect can be achieved by taking 1 tsp. pasta after every meal.

Common cress

The herb crease will help strengthen blood vessels and prevent cholesterol from settling on them. Infuse the dried raw materials in boiling water in a glass container for 1 hour. For infusion, take 1 part herb and 20 parts water. Drink half a glass 4 times a day.

To maintain health and joy of movement until old age, it is necessary to remember that the prevention and treatment of stroke will be effective only when they are carried out jointly by the doctor and the patient.

Video about stroke prevention:

Coffee composition

Considering the benefits and effects on blood pressure, many divide coffee into natural and instant, arguing that the first has many beneficial properties, and the second is absolutely useless or even potentially harmful to health. In fact, this statement is not entirely true.

The preparation process requires mandatory roasting, that is, thermal modification, during which most of the useful components decompose, with the exception of caffeine, which decreases by only 5-7% during heat treatment. That is, all packages on store shelves with whole or ground grains include:

caffeine;
molecules with organoleptic properties responsible for aroma and taste.

However, the specific smell of the drink also has an effect on a person: many people notice that the smell of freshly brewed coffee invigorates and improves their mood.

So the long list of beneficial composition is relevant only for raw grains, which no one eats. A drink brewed from roasted grains contains caffeine and various aromatic compounds that give it a specific aroma and taste.

What are the beneficial properties

Many people associate the hypertensive effects of caffeine with its stimulating effect. But it is important to dispel this myth: it acts not as an energy booster, but as an “anti-brake.”

The fact is that in the human nervous system there are mediators that have an exciting and inhibitory effect. Adenosine has an inhibitory effect, but it is similar to the caffeine molecule, so it temporarily takes the place of adenosines (for 45-60 minutes) on the receptors, and inhibition of the nervous system does not occur.

Adenosine continues to be produced at this time, then it will take its place on the receptors, causing drowsiness. Therefore, after drinking coffee, a person may experience a short-term surge of energy, and then the decreased tone will return. This raises the overall tone for a short time, but the stimulating effect of the drink does not correlate with blood pressure levels.

The following properties of coffee that are not related to blood pressure should be mentioned:

reduces the risk of developing liver cirrhosis;
can reduce the frequency of constipation;
reduces swelling;
may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer;
There is a study that coffee reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer.

Previously, coffee was considered a carcinogen and a provocateur of cancer, but since 2020, scientists have refuted this myth.

Note: all of the above applies only to natural grain composition. Soluble types of the drink do not have the described properties.

At what pressure can you drink coffee?

When considering how coffee affects blood pressure and whether it can be used for hypertension, one must consider a person's initial blood pressure. Hypertensive, hypotensive and normotensive patients are given different recommendations regarding whether they can drink it or not, and if so, how many cups will be the optimal dose per day. There is no scientifically proven information that coffee significantly increases blood pressure in all people.

Mechanism of action of caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant of the human nervous system, increases vascular tone, increases heart rate, has pronounced diuretic properties, and affects the functioning of the heart.

The combination of these effects provokes an increase in blood pressure. However, this effect is offset by the dilation of blood vessels in certain areas of the body. At the same time, caffeine stimulates the vasomotor center and increases the intensity of contractions of the heart muscle.

As for the diuretic effect, on the one hand, the active removal of fluid from the body is useful for hypertensive patients in terms of unloading the bloodstream, and on the other hand, it thickens the blood and causes intense thirst, triggering compensatory mechanisms.

Soluble or natural?

It is not the drink itself that affects blood pressure, but the caffeine it contains. Natural coffee contains slightly more caffeine than instant coffee - the difference is only 20 mg.

However, it is also healthier because it does not contain artificial additives or flavors. Soluble varieties are made from low-quality raw materials, and the final product often undergoes an additional decaffeination procedure.

Manufacturers of expensive varieties of instant drinks sometimes artificially add caffeine to their products - only not of natural, but of synthetic origin. There is no need to talk about how such “chemistry” affects the body. Think three times whether you can drink this “coffee” - especially if you have hypertension.

Coffee for normotensives

Before determining the effect on blood pressure, you need to consider how caffeine affects the vascular system of a healthy person:

dilates blood vessels;
produces a mild diuretic effect (reduces blood volume in the bloodstream);
slightly speeds up the heart rate.

The described actions do not correspond to the genesis of the increase in pressure. Due to the general tonic effect, pressure sometimes increases by approximately 5-8 mmHg. For comparison, the “white coat effect” (the psychological state of a person when he is examined by a doctor) can provoke a rise in blood pressure up to 30 mmHg. After a few minutes, the pressure drops to normal levels, and the person does not even feel short-term changes in his vascular system.

Coffee for hypertensive patients

With hypertension, the picture will be somewhat different: due to the fact that caffeine increases blood pressure, albeit slightly, you should not start drinking it. It matters how coffee affects the heart: it provokes tachycardia (not extrasystole), so increased stress on the cardiovascular system can cause serious complications: hypertensive crisis, internal hemorrhages.

Those people who have been drinking coffee for many years before they were diagnosed with hypertension should focus on their internal sensations and monitor their blood pressure before and after consumption. If the body reacts normally to the drink, you can allow yourself no more than 2 small cups per day.

Coffee for hypotensive people

You can drink coffee at low blood pressure. We are talking only about symptomatic therapy. Hypotonic people often experience drowsiness and weakness, and if you drink coffee, you can increase vitality by replacing adenosine with caffeine. At the same time, a slight increase in blood pressure will not bring any negative impact. Therefore, drinking coffee at low blood pressure is possible if we are talking about moderate quantities.

Scientific experiments

Having set out to find out exactly what effect natural coffee has on blood pressure levels, scientists set up an experiment. Volunteers with different blood pressure parameters drank 2 cups of the drink in a row.

The results of the experiment for patients suffering from hypertension confirmed the hypothesis about the need to give up coffee: after drinking it, there was a sharp jump in blood pressure; 70% had blood pressure close to the critical level.

In people with normal blood pressure levels, a slight increase in blood pressure was recorded for about half an hour. There was a strong influence on pressure parameters of extraneous factors, for example, emotional state.

The results of the experiment for 10% were rather strange: they experienced a decrease in blood pressure. During the process of clarification, it turned out that the drink reduces blood pressure in those who consume it daily in large quantities. Coffee, when taken for a long time, is addictive, and the cardiovascular system of a person who is in love with this drink stops responding to it.

The more often you drink coffee, the harder it will be to give it up. The side effects of this solution are too pronounced: reaction and perception deteriorate greatly, drowsiness, weakness, and irritability appear. You should give up the drink gradually.

Contraindications

Sometimes coffee should be abandoned for completely objective reasons, even if the drink does not cause a deterioration in well-being.

There is a relationship between drinking black coffee and calcium metabolism. Therefore, older people need to reduce their consumption of the drink to avoid decreased bone density and subsequent fractures.
Pregnant women should not drink coffee, as caffeine increases the heart rate of the fetus and causes anemia in the woman.
Heart patients with tachycardia and persistent hypertension should not abuse coffee.
Coffee drinks may be contraindicated for people who are forced to follow a strict diet due to renal failure, an acute stage of inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Glaucoma can be a good reason to give up coffee.

Another factor that is important to consider is individual intolerance. If a person tolerates coffee well, he has no reason not to drink it unless there are obvious contraindications. If a healthy person experiences physical discomfort after drinking coffee, he has a reason to consult a doctor and get examined, and not drink coffee at all, replacing it with other drinks.

Alternative to coffee - chicory

In order not to decide for yourself whether tea or coffee increases blood pressure, or whether drinks containing caffeine can cause pathologies, it is better to choose a safe alternative such as chicory.

You can normalize blood pressure using the following properties of chicory:

restoration of vascular elasticity;
normalization of the heart muscle;
reduction in blood volume;
normalizing effect on the nervous system.

Chicory can lower blood pressure levels while providing an overall strengthening effect on the body.

Coffee is a fairly safe drink, the harm of which has been exaggerated many times and refuted by numerous scientific studies. It has numerous beneficial properties, but if you have hypertension, it is better to avoid drinking coffee in order to minimize the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

Main differences

Both drugs have characteristic differences. The difference between Corvalol and Validol can be determined in the following areas:

Compound. The basis of Validol is menthol in the methyl ester of valeric acid. Corvalol, in turn, is a combination drug. It consists of menthol, ethyl ether and phenobarbital. The latter is an antiepileptic drug of the barbiturate group.
Different effects on the body. The two drugs have different effects on the body, not only because of their composition, but also because each drug is prescribed for different diseases.
Indications for use. Corvalol is used for spasms, and Validol is used for hysterical conditions or migraines.

Description of the drug Validol

Validol is produced in tablets, capsules and solution by Minskintercaps in Belarus and Farmak in Ukraine. Its main active ingredient is menthol in methyl ether. Additional substances – glucose, calcium stearate.

The action of Validol is aimed at calming the nervous system and normalizing blood pressure. It is a sedative drug, the effect of which develops due to reflex irritation of the receptors of the mucous membrane.

During receptor stimulation, endorphin, dynorphin, enkephalin and other peptides are released, which restore the functioning of the cardiovascular system, reduce sensitivity and normalize vascular patency.

Research and effectiveness

Most of the therapeutic effects of Validol are due to irritation of oral receptors and other local actions. The drug has a calming effect, changes the heart rate, and dilates blood vessels. The use of Validol simultaneously with Nitroglycerin helps prevent many of the latter's adverse reactions.

Validol can be used to relieve angina pectoris, asthenia, neuroses, and as an antiemetic. It also has an antipruritic effect due to its menthol content. The latter is also a local anesthetic and antiseptic.

Sources:

Gritsyuk A.I. Medicines in cardiological practice.
Mashkovsky M.D. Medicines.

Contraindications

Validol will have to be abandoned if intolerance to the components in the composition has previously been observed. The drug is also not used in pediatrics, since there is not enough information about its effect on the children's body. In case of decompensated diabetes mellitus, the tablet form of the sedative is prescribed with caution.

Validol enhances the effect of drugs that have a depressing effect on the nervous system. It is necessary to take into account drug interactions and consult a doctor first. The drug does not affect concentration, so it can be used when driving and operating machinery.

It is not recommended to take Validol during pregnancy. However, it can be prescribed by a doctor during pregnancy and lactation, when the potential benefit outweighs the risk.

Side effects

In a moderate dose, Validol is well tolerated by patients.

Rare side effects include:

slight dizziness;
nausea;
lacrimation.

Undesirable symptoms go away on their own without consequences. There is no need to cancel the medication. However, if alarming symptoms occur, you should inform your doctor, who will consider the possibility of further use of the medicine.

Dosage

The medicine Validol is not taken orally. It is intended for absorption in the oral cavity and sublingual use. Adults can take 4-5 drops under the tongue or on sugar, which is then kept in the mouth until completely dissolved.

The tablets are placed under the tongue and kept there until completely absorbed. Patients take 1-2 pieces up to 3 times. The frequency of administration depends on the condition and recommendations of the doctor. If after taking Validol there is no result, you need to use another medicine after 5-15 minutes.

Who is it suitable for?

Validol is used as an adjuvant for cardiovascular diseases.

It has the following indications for use:

violations on the part of the central nervous system;
neurasthenia, neuroses;
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
tachycardia, sharp pain in the chest;
urge to vomit due to air and sea sickness;
headaches as a result of intoxication of the body.

Which remedy is more effective?

It would not be entirely correct to give a definite answer to such a question. Although the two medications are sometimes used interchangeably, they are intended to treat different diseases and relieve their symptoms. For frequent headaches and feelings of anxiety, Validol will help better. In addition, it is able to stabilize the heart rhythm.

Its undoubted advantage is that it does not accumulate in the body.

Corvalol, in turn, will have a greater effect on neuroses and vascular spasms. It would also be appropriate to use it for hypertension. However, a significant disadvantage of this medicine is its accumulation in the body during treatment. The drug may cause psychological addiction.

Thus, the definite answer to the question of the effectiveness of drugs depends on the disease and the specific clinical picture.

Corvalol and Validol - the difference

Compound

Validol is a sedative containing peppermint in the form of menthol and isovaleric acid menthyl ester.
It is used sublingually (tablets are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve). Validol is available in the form of mint-flavored tablets. The composition of Corvalol is slightly more complex: menthol, ethyl ester of alpha-bromoisovaleric acid and phenobarbital.

As you can see, the difference between the drugs validol and corvalol lies in the presence of phenobarbital in the latter.

Impact

Validol

Validol has a mild sedative effect; it slightly dilates the coronary arteries, and thanks to its sedative effect, it can calm the human nervous system. Validol causes reflex reactions and at the same time excites nerve endings, generally acting like menthol.

When the mucous membranes of the mouth are excited, the synthesis of endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins and peptides is activated, which play a significant role in changing vascular permeability, pain regulation and other processes. When exposed to irritant substances, endogenous compounds are released.

The most effective sublingual use of validol gives effect no later than 5 minutes.

Due to this, validol is advisable to take for:

Elimination of mild pain felt in the heart area. Many patients who have long suffered from chronic heart diseases keep validol in their medicine cabinet as an emergency drug.
Calming the nervous system during hysterics and neuroses.
Validol in the form of tablets or drops is often used for symptoms of seasickness; they relieve the passenger’s anxiety well.

But it should be borne in mind that in case of severe heart pain, validol, unlike nitroglycerin, turns out to be useless, as in the case of severe neurotic disorders. And after its use, the diagnosis of many severe pathologies becomes more complicated.

Therefore, if you have severe pressing, squeezing or stabbing pain behind the sternum, you should not rely on it, but it is better to immediately call an ambulance. Only with the help of the latter, in the event of the development of severe cardiac pathology, can the patient’s life be saved.

Corvalol

The phenobarbital present in it has both a sedative, hypnotic and tranquilizing effect.

Essential oils and menthol irritate the receptors in the mouth with a feeling of cold, which reflexively dilates the blood vessels of the heart and brain, relieves spasms of smooth muscles, they also provide a slight choleretic and calming effect.

Mint gives an antispasmodic and antiseptic effect, eliminates flatulence. Corvalol and validol can be used simultaneously if a reflex action is required.

Corvalol also has the following effects:

Antispasmodic effect, due to which spasms of smooth muscles located in internal organs and blood vessels are quickly eliminated. Corvalol is especially effective when affecting coronary and peripheral vessels, as well as the intestines. After using Corvalol, a decrease in heart rate may occur.
It has a pronounced calming effect provided by phenobarbital. But overdose or prolonged use can be addictive and cause some complications.
Hypnotic effect thanks to the same phenobarbital.

Corvalol is widely used to eliminate mild heart pain, lower blood pressure, and is also useful for neuralgic disorders. It is dosed in drops in quantities not exceeding the therapeutic norm, since an overdose can lead to severe hypotension, respiratory and cardiac dysfunction.

You also cannot rely on Corvalol in case of severe heart pain - then you need to use nitroglycerin and call an ambulance.

addictive

Validol does not cause addiction, while Corvalol has this property because it contains phenobarbital.

As for the effect on the central nervous system, validol can have only a weak calming effect on it, while an overdose of Corvalol leads to its inhibition. This is the significant difference between validol and corvalol.

Contraindications

If the patient is allergic to the components of the drugs, their use will have to be abandoned. Thus, validol is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus who are particularly sensitive to carbohydrates. Corvalol is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as for people with kidney and liver disease.

Validol is indicated for mild forms of angina, so people suffering from this pathology should definitely have it in their first aid kit.

It is very useful for psychosis, hysterical states and neurosis, it can relieve feelings of fear, relieve insomnia, and normalize heart rhythm.

This drug is effective for eliminating headaches and in cases where a person experiences motion sickness. It is a good sedative, has no allergic reaction and does not accumulate in the body.

But for spasms of the coronary vessels, intestines, early stage of development of hypertension and neuroses, you should resort to the help of Corvalol.
As you can see, the answer to the question of which is better – validol or corvalol – cannot have a clear answer; it all depends on the specific situation.

If heart pain is caused by emotional experiences, for example, heart pain after stress, then take validol. And if heart problems are more serious, it’s time to take Corvalol. Both of these drugs are effective if used correctly.

However, it should be borne in mind that in case of a serious heart attack, both of these drugs will be ineffective, since they can only lower the heart rate and calm the patient.

At one time, attempts were made to recognize validol and corvalol as “outdated” and even dangerous drugs. But they were caused by the desire to offer the population, instead of cheap and proven drugs, new and much more expensive ones. Fortunately, this number did not pass, so you can continue to keep Corvalol and Validol in your first aid kit.

Almost every home medicine cabinet contains both validol and corvalol, and possibly other medications for heart pain. Therefore, people often have a question: can Corvalol and Validol be taken together? The question arises especially acutely in emergency situations, when, not knowing what to choose, people take validol and corvalol at the same time.

As already mentioned, both drugs contain menthol and valeric acid ester, so Corvalol and validol have good compatibility, but to a large extent they simply complement each other without enhancing the effect. Therefore, the answer is yes, it is possible, but is it necessary? Remember that Corvalol has a greater effect with minor pain in the heart, high blood pressure, and severe nervous shock.

These drugs act quickly enough, so if after 15-30 minutes the positive effect does not appear, then you should call a doctor. You should not resort to higher doses of these drugs instead, as this may only make the situation worse.

Each of these drugs has many analogues produced in different countries. Their effectiveness is approximately at the same level, which cannot be said about the price.

Corvalol analogues:

Valocordin.
Valecard.
Corvaldin.
Korvaltab.
Darvilol.
Barboval.
Carditab.

Validol analogues:

Pechaevsky validol.
Cormenthol.
Corvalment.

Similar imported combination drugs from Spain, Germany, and Slovenia have a prolonged effect, so they are often used in courses.

What do you take most often – validol or corvalol, and why? Tell us about your experience in the comments, help other readers choose.

Validol and Corvalol are medicines well known to older people.

And this is not surprising, because they are firmly entrenched in the minds of many people as the most effective means of providing first aid for heart pain.

You may come across the opinion that Validol or Corvalol is not important. They differ little in their effect on the human body and in their area of application. Is it so?

In fact, it would be wrong to talk about the interchangeability of these drugs. The difference between Validol and Corvalol can be determined in the following areas:

Compound. Validol is a solution of menthol in the methyl ester of isovaleric acid. In fact, it is just a mint tablet. Corvalol is a combination drug. Its base is menthol, alpha-bromoisovaleric acid ethyl ester and phenobarbital.

The drug "Validol" - 16 tablets

The drug "Validol" - 16 tablets The drug "Corvalol" - 20 tablets
Impact. Due to differences in the composition of the drugs, their effects on the body are somewhat different. Validol has a mild calming effect. It is believed that it may contribute to a slight dilation of the coronary vessels. Corvalol is positioned as a substance that can have an antispasmodic effect and reduce excitation of the central nervous system. Due to the presence of phenobarbital, it has a hypnotic and sedative effect. After taking Corvalol, your heart rate may decrease slightly. Both Validol and Corvalol have a reflex effect.
Indications. If you refer to the instructions for use of medicines, you can find out that Validol is indicated during an attack of angina in a mild form, neuroses, and hysterical states. It can be used for seasickness and headaches. Corvalol is recommended for spasm of coronary vessels, intestinal spasms, neuroses and hypertension at an early stage.

A person’s life often depends on how to act in critical health situations.

Therefore, many people have repeatedly asked the question: Corvalol or Validol, which is better? From the comparative analysis of these drugs it is clear that posing such a question is not correct.

These are different drugs that have different compositions and have different effects on the human body. Therefore, when choosing, you should be guided by the instructions for use of the drugs and the recommendations of doctors.

It is also impossible not to emphasize that the attitude towards Validol and Corvalol in medical circles is ambiguous. They are considered outdated and may pose a health hazard.

Cardiologists note that neither Corvalol nor Validol can help with a heart attack. Therefore, they should be taken only as mild sedatives. But in this case, there is another bad difference between Corvalol and Validol. If you use it for a long time, addiction may occur (due to the presence of phenobarbital in the composition). In many countries it is prohibited for use.

Who are they contraindicated for? Validol Corvalol

[For both:] Hypersensitivity to components or allergy to components.
carbohydrate intolerance, diabetes mellitus	severe dysfunction of the liver and/or kidneys. During pregnancy and breastfeeding - strictly under medical supervision and discontinuation of breastfeeding.

Impact

Side effects

A product such as Validol is easily tolerated. In rare cases, symptoms such as:

feeling of nausea;
dizziness;
tearfulness of the eyes.

Compared to its analogue, Corvalol has more serious side effects. The most dangerous of them is the occurrence of dependence on one of the components of the drug - phenobarbital. And although the amount of this substance in the medicine is insignificant, Corvalol should be used with great caution to prevent the development of psychological dependence.

Existing side effects of the drug also include:

general weakness;
speech disorder and coordination problems;
minor memory disorder;
disruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system;
stomach pain;
development of liver and kidney dysfunction;
deterioration of concentration.

Due to the possibility of such effects, you should be careful when taking the drug, and if the above symptoms occur, you should stop taking the medicine and go to see a doctor for advice.

Contraindications, side effects and pregnancy

The use of drugs with menthol (both Corvalol and Validol) is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity, heart failure and severe hypotension. Adverse drug reactions may include headache, vertigo, red eyes, and mild nausea. Typically, these side effects go away on their own and do not require specific treatment.

Validol can be taken during pregnancy only after consultation with your doctor. During lactation, the drug should be taken only under the guidance of a physician and should not exceed the recommended daily dose. As recent randomized studies have shown, taking validol does not have a harmful effect on the child during pregnancy or lactation.

Validol tablets with glucose are prescribed with caution to patients with diabetes mellitus. Children under 6 years of age are not recommended to take the drug. Validol is slightly toxic, so if temporary side effects (nausea, migraine) are present, they do not require emergency medical attention.

Corvalol during pregnancy is prescribed only according to strict indications; during lactation it is contraindicated due to the content of phenobarbital and ethyl alcohol.

Interaction with other tools

When undergoing treatment with a sedative such as Corvalol, you must be careful, as combining other drugs with it can increase the side effects. It is strictly forbidden to take Corvalol in combination with other drugs with a similar composition, painkillers, allergy medications and sleeping pills. In addition to the occurrence and intensification of side effects, the risk of overdose cannot be excluded.

In addition, you should refrain from drinking alcohol while undergoing treatment with Corvalol. Life-threatening allergic reactions may occur.

In comparison with its analogue, Validol does not complicate therapy with other means. The combination of this drug with neurotropic drugs promotes rapid falling asleep and sound sleep. And taking nitrates simultaneously with Validol relieves headaches. However, you should refrain from taking sedatives to avoid the risk of overdose.

If the permissible dose of Validol is exceeded, the following are possible:

migraine;
dysfunction of the central nervous system;
intolerance to individual components of the drug;
dizziness.

If an overdose occurs, you should immediately cancel the course of treatment with the drug, rinse your stomach and consult a doctor.

Specifics of use

"Validol" is a suitable option for starting the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension, and functional heart rhythm disorders. Its use is advisable for motion sickness in transport as a distraction. Since Validol reduces pain while taking nitroglycerin, it goes well with the constant use of nitrates as an auxiliary medicine.

Corvalol should be taken by patients for whom Validol no longer helps. It is more suitable for people with increased excitability of the nervous system and emotional people. This remedy is effective after stress, against the background of insomnia, and with severe tachycardia.

It is important to know! "Validol" is suitable for long-term use, since the risk of drug interactions is minimal. No addiction develops, no withdrawal syndrome occurs. The safety profile of this drug is higher than that of Corvalol.

Corvalol is recommended for a single or short-term use, but not as an option for basic therapy. Given the limited safety profile, the presence of ethyl alcohol and phenobarbital, this drug can only be prescribed for short-term treatment to persons without serious somatic pathology.

Both drugs should not be used together. The likelihood of enhancing the main therapeutic effects is negligible, and the risk of adverse reactions increases. When prescribing combination therapy for any disease, preference is given to drugs with different mechanisms of action rather than those with the same ones.

Analogs

There are several analogues of Validol, which have a similar set of components and principle of action on the body. The most famous of them are:

Corvalment. It is a combined cardiological drug. Indications for use coincide with the indications for taking Validol; it is also often used for insomnia and has a mild hypnotic effect. The medicine is produced in the form of yellow soft gelatin capsules.
Alvisan. It is often used as part of a complex treatment of various disorders of the cardiovascular system, which are accompanied by a periodic decrease in blood pressure. In addition, Alvisan is often prescribed by doctors as a sedative.
Advocard. Normalizes myocardial metabolism and is used to prevent angina attacks.

Corvalol has no less effective analogues, which have similar components in their complex and have a calming effect and a vasodilator effect. The most well-known means that lead to the desired results are:

Barboval. It has antispasmodic and hypotensive properties. Compared to Corvalol, the effect of Barboval lasts longer and has fewer side effects.
Valocordin. Acts as a mild sleeping pill and has a sedative effect.
Corvaldin. Facilitates the onset of natural sleep and has a hypotensive effect.