Review of the best vasodilators for the lower extremities

Symptoms of vascular disorders

To maintain health, it is important that the blood vessels function correctly. This means that their walls must be elastic and permeable. Normally, blood vessels should have the ability to expand and contract. If they lose elasticity, their walls become thick and brittle, leading to a heart attack.

At the initial stage of vascular disease, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

• migraine;

• dizziness;
• sleep disorders;
• depression;
• fatigue;
• numbness of the limbs.

Indications for use

Vasodilators are indicated for people in the following cases:

1. Arterial hypertension.
2. Embolism or venous thrombosis.
3. Cardiac ischemia.
4. Cardiomyopathy of any origin.
5. Peripheral vascular diseases.
6. Raynaud's syndrome.
7. Pulmonary embolism.
8. Atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.
9. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Despite the wide therapeutic effect, absolute contraindications are severe renal and liver dysfunction, acute myocardial infarction, peptic ulcer (if the tablets are taken orally). The drugs are not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women.

Causes of vasoconstriction

Mental overload, poor ecology and stress provoke wear and tear of the capillaries.

The causes of narrow vessels can also be:

Treatment of varicose veins of the legs

Therapy for varicose veins in the legs should be comprehensive. Most often, doctors use medications for the blood vessels of the legs that help normalize the tone of the veins, increase circulation and outflow of lymphoid fluid. To treat varicose veins, doctors focus on the following groups of medications:

• Venotonic. They help strengthen the veins in the legs, prevent the formation of blood clots and thin the blood. The following drugs showed good results: Phlebodia, Detralex, Escusan.
• Medicines to clean blood vessels in the legs and prevent blood clots. Doctors prefer tablets containing aspirin, such as Cardiomagnyl.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve inflammation and are often recommended to patients for varicose veins. This group includes Indomethacin and Diclofenac.
• If swelling is observed with varicose veins, then the doctor may additionally recommend taking Venosmin.

All of the above medications for veins and blood vessels in the legs should be prescribed only by a doctor who will not only conduct an examination, but also find out about all concomitant diseases and monitor the therapy.

Diagnostics

Consulting a cardiologist is the first step to identify narrowed vessels.

After the examination, the doctor will prescribe:

• blood chemistry;
• Dopplerography of the heart;
• ECG;
• Ultrasound;
• antiography.

Also, if necessary, coronography, venography, and lymphography may be prescribed.

Mechanism of action

• The vasodilating effect is a natural physiologically determined reaction of the blood vessels of the human body to various influences.
• Arteries, veins and capillaries can, if necessary, narrow or expand, as a result of which their cross-section increases, and therefore the volume of blood pumped through them increases. In this case, the vessels can expand, both locally, that is, only in one part of the body, as well as throughout the body.
• In the kidneys, as well as the retina , for example, microcirculation is developed. In other words, an extensive network of small arteries, as well as arterioles, and large arteries and veins. The expansion of all this leads to a rapid decrease in blood pressure, as well as nutrient saturation through greater blood flow.
• Completely different mechanisms of action are responsible for regulating vasodilation of the cardiovascular system, as well as the skin, tissues and organs. This especially applies to the limbs.
• Vasodilation also plays an extremely important role in body thermoregulation. When the air temperature rises, the blood vessels dilate. Thus, the body does not overheat and heat stroke does not occur.
• When the temperature drops, the blood vessels constrict, causing the body to lose less heat, which is necessary for normal functioning.

In addition to physical factors such as exposure to sunlight, the vasodilating effect can be obtained in the following ways:

• mechanical influence (such as special massage or rubbing);
• physiologically, during severe physical exertion (that is, during sports), after eating or active mental work;
• with any inflammatory process occurring inside;
• a chemical that enters the body (that is, through drugs).

During treatment, the effect can be caused artificially using a group of special pharmacological drugs or special alternative medicine.

Classification of drugs

Vasodilator drugs for the vessels of the head and neck are selected by the doctor for each pathology separately. The basis of the classification is the localization of the source of the disease.

Neurotropic agents

Drugs in this group activate the transmission of nerve impulses in different parts of the nervous system, and increase or, conversely, reduce the susceptibility of nerve endings.

Nootropics

The drugs have a neurometabolic effect on the brain. Medicines improve blood flow in blood vessels, nourish brain cells and activate memory.

Nitrates

The drugs reduce venous pressure and the load on the heart. The drugs also reduce swelling, blood pressure, and cardiac output.

Calcium channel blockers

CCBs are intended to correct vascular tone and are used as part of the treatment of blood pressure and cardiac pathologies.

Herbal tablets

They relieve vascular spasms, have almost no contraindications, but still require specialist consultation.

Thrombolytics and anticoagulants

These groups of drugs are used during exacerbations of diseases of the lower extremities. In the chronic form of the disease, they are practically powerless. Anticoagulants are medications that can thin the blood and also prevent the formation of clots on the walls of blood vessels.

The most famous representative of the anticoagulant group is Heparin. It is used for treatment and prevention:

• Thrombosis of deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities.
• Thromboembolism.
• Peripheral arterial embolism.

Heparin reduces platelet aggregation, improves blood circulation and affects clotting. The product also helps lower cholesterol. It is produced in the form of a gel and solution for intravenous use. Remember that Heparin therapy should be carried out with caution and under constant medical supervision, since taking it can cause bleeding.

Unlike anticoagulants, thrombolytic drugs do not prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities, but destroy existing ones. This group of drugs is often used for emergency treatment of thrombosis.

Urokinase is a thrombolytic drug. It is used for severe pulmonary embolism, peripheral vascular obstruction and acute deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. Urokinase has the ability to dissolve clots and increase the lumen. The medicine is released only in the form of a solution for droppers. In order to reduce the risk of recurrent blood clots, after taking Urokinase it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment with anticoagulant drugs.

Drugs of the thrombolytic and anticoagulant groups are used during exacerbations of diseases of the lower extremities.

Top 10 products from the pharmacy

Vasodilators for the vessels of the head and neck differ in the direction of work and act on small and medium-sized vessels.

Piracetam

Piracetam is a synthetic nootropic drug and its active ingredient increases concentration and improves memory. Piracetam improves nervous system metabolism, microcirculation, and affects blood viscosity. When using the product, cerebral blood flow improves. The product is available in capsules, tablets and solution for injections.

Indications:

• dizziness;
• psychoorganic syndrome;
• cortical myoclonus.

Contraindications:

• allergic reaction to the substances of the drug;
• stroke;
• time of bearing a child;
• psychomotor agitation;
• heavy bleeding;
• postoperative period.

In the form of capsules, Piracetam is used before meals or during the meal, but no later than 17 hours, so as not to cause sleep pathologies. The product is prescribed from 2-4 capsules per day. The medicine can be bought at a pharmacy as prescribed by a specialist and its price starts from 30 rubles.

Mexidol

Mexidol has an anti-ischemic effect. The drug is available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. The main active ingredient of the drug is Mexidol, as well as several additional components: magnesium stearate, opadry II white. The product protects the body from stress, improves memory, and has an anticonvulsant effect.

Indications:

• impaired cerebral blood flow;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• cognitive problems.

The drug is taken no more than 500 mg per day and divided into several doses throughout the day. The duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor. The product is sold by prescription and costs from 300 rubles.

Pentoxifylline

The vasodilator drug Pentoxifylline serves to enlarge the vessels of the head and neck and has angioprotective and antiaggregation effects. The main substance of the drug Pentoxifylline and auxiliary lactose, titanium dioxide, hypromellose have a positive effect on the relogical properties of blood and improve microcirculation.

Indications:

• Raynaud's disease;
• postthrombotic syndrome;
• otosclerosis;
• atherosclerosis;
• viral neuroinfection.

Contraindications:

• hemorrhagic stroke;
• time of bearing a child;
• massive blood loss;
• arrhythmia;
• postoperative period.

The drug is available in tablets and ampoules for injections. The drug in tablets is used from 800-1200 mg per day. Pentoxifylline can be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription and its price is 400 rubles.

Papaverine

Vasodilators for the vessels of the head and neck from the group of antispasmodics, such as Papaverine, have an antihypertensive and analgesic effect. The active component of the drug is Papaverine, which has an anticonvulsant effect. The medication has a hypotensive effect.

In high dosages, the drug has a sedative effect, slowing down the heartbeat. At an average dosage, the drug has a weak effect on the central nervous system. The medication is produced in a solution for injections, in rectal suppositories, tablets for adults and children.

Indications:

• endarteritis;
• spasm of cerebral vessels;
• heart spasm.

Contraindications:

• age up to 6 months;
• liver diseases;
• glaucoma;
• allergic reaction to the substances of the drug;
• traumatic brain injury.

Papaverine tablets are prescribed 4 times a day. Adults need to use 40-60 mg of the product per day. Children aged 10-14 years from 15-20 mg per day. The solution for injections is used no more than 3 times a day, 2 ml. In the form of suppositories, Papaverine is taken 20-40 mg 3 times a day. The product is sold in a pharmacy with a prescription, price starts from 15 rubles.

Betaserk

The drug is a histamine analogue. Its active ingredient is betahistine dihydrochloride. The drug improves microcirculation of the labyrinth. It is used in pathological processes of the vestibular apparatus to eliminate noise and ringing in the ears and to reduce the amount of dizziness.

The medication is quickly absorbed into the systemic bloodstream and its positive effect is observed after 3 hours. The active component does not bind to blood proteins. The drug is excreted through the kidneys within 24 hours. Betarsec does not have a sedative effect, so it can be taken by older people.

Indications:

• headache;
• Meniere's syndrome;
• atherosclerosis;
• disorders of the vestibular apparatus.

The drug is taken orally, 1 tablet 3 times a day. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

Contraindications:

• bronchial asthma;
• pheochromocytoma;
• first trimester of pregnancy;
• allergic reaction to the substances of the drug;
• stomach ulcer.

The drug is available in pharmacies with a prescription, and its cost is from 400 rubles.

Actovegin

Actovegin is a drug that improves tissue regeneration and improves cerebral blood flow. The product includes a substance isolated from the blood of calves and excipients: talc and magnesium stearate.

Indications:

• brain disorders;
• blood flow disorders in the head;
• diabetic polyneuropathy.

Contraindications:

• heart disease;
• overhydration;
• time of pregnancy.

Actovegin is used according to the instructions 3 times a day, 2 pcs. for 1 month. The tablets are available with a doctor's prescription and cost from 500 rubles.

Cavinton

A remedy that improves blood circulation in the brain and brain metabolism. The drug contains the active substance vinpocetine 5 mg. The product also contains additional substances: silicon dioxide, talc, magnesium stearate. The medication is available in tablets and solution for injection.

Cavinton has a cerebroprotective effect. It also has a potentiating effect on the neuroprotective effect of adenosine. The tablets are absorbed into the systemic circulation within an hour and are not metabolized in the intestine.

Indications:

• transient ischemia;
• progressive stroke;
• vascular atherosclerosis;
• cerebrovascular insufficiency;
• memory impairment.

Contraindications:

• severe forms of arrhythmia;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• pronounced ischemic heart disease.

Cavinton tablets are taken for a course of 3 months. The drug is prescribed after meals 3 times a day, 1 tablet. If discontinued, the dosage is gradually reduced over three days. The product is available at the pharmacy with a prescription, price starts from 200 rubles.

Vasobral

Vasodilators for the vessels of the head and neck from the group of vasodilators, such as Vasobral, reduce the threshold for fatigue and improve mental and physical abilities.

The product is available in tablets and drops and includes:

• caffeine;
• alphadihydroergocriptine mesylate;
• magnesium stearate;
• silica.

After several doses of the drug, platelet and erythrocyte aggregation decreases. Metabolic processes in the brain improve, their tissues become resistant to hypoxia. Stimulation of the central nervous system is achieved through caffeine, which acts on the vasomotor center and the cerebral cortex. As a result, the feeling of fatigue becomes less and performance is higher.

Indications:

• low concentration;
• Meniere's disease;
• migraine attacks;
• venous insufficiency;
• vestibular disorders.

Contraindications:

• breastfeeding period;
• pregnancy;
• allergic reaction to the substances of the drug.

The drug is prescribed 1 tablet 2 times a day or 4 ml of solution 2 times a day. If necessary, the course of treatment can be extended in consultation with the doctor. The medication is available with a doctor's prescription, price starts from 900 rubles.

Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole is an antithrombotic, antiplatelet and vasodilator drug. It is available in tablets and solution for injection. The drug improves microcirculation of cerebral blood flow and has an angioprotective effect.

The medication normalizes venous outflow, and therefore reduces the risk of thrombosis. It also reduces cerebral vascular tone, which is why it is used for ischemic attacks.

Indications:

• angina attacks;
• ischemic stroke;
• placental insufficiency;
• atherosclerosis;
• encephalopathy.

Contraindications:

• hypotension;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• arrhythmia;
• stomach ulcer;
• angina pectoris.

The drug is prescribed to adults 75 mg up to 6 times a day. Dipyridamole is available at the pharmacy with a prescription and its price starts from 450 rubles.

Nimotop

Nimotop has anti-ischemic and cerebrovasodilating effects.

The composition of the medicine includes:

• nimodipine;
• corn starch;
• povidone;
• magnesium stearate;
• crospovidone.

The product is available in tablets and solution for injection. Nimodipine is used to treat cerebrovascular accidents. The drug is also used for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The medication stabilizes the nervous system, has a positive effect on memory, and improves behavioral reactions.

Indications:

• ischemic attacks;
• hemorrhage;
• aneurysm ruptures;
• memory loss;
• emotional instability.

Contraindications:

• liver diseases;
• pregnancy;
• age under 18 years;
• allergic reaction to the substances of the drug.

Tablets are prescribed to adults at 60 mg up to 6 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. The drug is sold by prescription and its price starts from 600 rubles.

Antiplatelet agents

Such drugs reduce blood viscosity and prevent the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities. The action is similar to anticoagulants, but unlike them, antiplatelet agents act directly on platelets, and not on proteins.

The most famous representative of antiplatelet drugs is Aspirin. In small doses it acts as a thinning agent, and in large doses it helps stop the inflammatory process. To obtain a pronounced effect, it is necessary to take Aspirin for a sufficiently long time. The duration of treatment can only be determined by a doctor.

Contacting a specialist regarding the use of any medications, including vasodilators, is a prerequisite for successful treatment. Self-medication can only weaken health already undermined by the disease.

Traditional methods

Treatment of blood vessels in the head and neck with folk remedies is an effective method of combating unpleasant symptoms that help restore vigor and get rid of annoying headaches.

Pine decoction

You will need to boil one and a half liters of water and place 20 young pine shoots in it. Leave to steep under the lid for several hours. If the shoots do not become soft, then you need to boil them until they become softer. Add 1 kg of sugar and lemon juice (4 pcs.) to the broth. Before meals you should consume 1 tbsp. l decoction.

Garlic infusion

250 g of garlic should be made smaller, put in a glass container, add 300 g of alcohol and put in a dark place for 2 weeks.

Vasodilators for the vessels of the head and neck can be replaced with folk remedies, such as garlic infusion.

Next you need to use the infusion according to this scheme:

1. On the first day - add one drop of infusion to 0.5 tbsp. Take milk on an empty stomach and do not have breakfast for 40 minutes. In 30 min. before lunch, 2 drops for the same amount of milk, before dinner, 3 drops.
2. On the second day, use the infusion with milk 3 times, increasing the dosage by 1 drop each time. So you should use the infusion until the end of the 6th day and take 15 drops for the last time.
3. Next, you need to take the garlic tincture as well, but reduce it by one drop at each dose.
4. Having reached 1 drop, you need to use the infusion of 25 drops until it runs out.

Valerian with dill

The recipe for valerian with dill can improve blood flow in the head. You need to take 1 tbsp. dill seeds and 2 tbsp. valerian root. Grind all the substances, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave overnight. In the morning, strain and use 1 tbsp. l before meals every day.

Hawthorn

This is an excellent vasodilator. It relieves spasms and has strengthening properties. You will need to take 15 pcs. fruits and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes. Next, strain the product and put it in the refrigerator. Use 1 tbsp before meals. l.

Hazel

Hazel tincture eliminates brain spasms. To prepare, you need to take 1 tbsp. l. herbs and pour 100 ml of boiling water. Leave for 1 hour. This tincture should be used 1 tbsp. l. 4 times a day. If you constantly use the product, it will strengthen the vascular walls.

Herbal collection

You need to mix 100 g:

• birch buds;
• chamomile;
• St. John's wort;
• immortelle;
• yarrow.

One tbsp. l of herbal collection, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. Drink the infusion in the morning and evening before meals. The duration of the course is until the collection ends.

Correctly selected vasodilator drugs for blood vessels are selected by a specialist based on an examination of the head and neck. You cannot use such drugs on your own.

Article design: Oleg Lozinsky

Angioprotectors

Angioprotectors have vasodilating properties. They can improve blood circulation, reduce wall permeability and viscosity. As a result, clots are not deposited on the inner lining of the wall.

A fairly popular drug is Trental. It is based on the substance pentoxifylline. Trental helps reduce tone, dilate the arteries of the lower extremities, and also improve blood composition. It is produced in tablets, in the form of a solution for intravenous or intramuscular injection. Trental can be used to treat vascular diseases of the legs in diabetes mellitus. The dosage and duration of taking the medicine are prescribed by the doctor individually.

Another effective drug is Curantil. This is a vasodilator based on the substance dipyridamole. Chime helps achieve the following goals:

• Normalization of microcirculation.
• Interfering with the process of platelet adhesion, which, in turn, leads to a reduction in the risk of blood clots.
• It is effective in the treatment and prevention of thrombosis, thromboembolism, and general circulatory disorders not only of the lower extremities, but also of the arms.

The maximum daily dose of medication for an adult is 600 mg.

Medicines based on Ginkgo Biloba

This plant is widely used in Chinese medicine. Today, medications with this extract are popular among patients with neurological pathologies.

Cerebral vessels are enlarged, thanks to Ginkgo Bilboa extract, blood flow is stabilized, blood clot aggregation is reduced, neurocytes are strengthened, and damage caused by lack of oxygen is prevented.

Medicines can be used to treat diseases not related to the blood vessels of the head. It should not be used by pregnant women or people with allergies if they have an individual intolerance to such a drug.

Vascular diseases cause serious disorders. Often, problems with blood supply to the head occur in elderly patients; the walls of their blood vessels are not elastic, so they are often clogged with cholesterol and other substances. Violations are being recorded more and more often in young patients. Vascular remedies can eliminate unpleasant diseases.

"Diclofenac"

This drug is available in several forms: tablets, injections and ointments. For problems with leg veins, it is always used as part of complex therapy. Diclofenac helps relieve pain and inflammation, and also prevents blood clots. The tablets are taken after meals, 1 pill twice a day, and the ointment is applied to the legs.

This medicine has many contraindications, so before taking it, it is better to consult with your doctor. The drug is not suitable for long-term therapy.

What is prescribed for atherosclerosis?

If you use drugs for cerebral vessels for a long time, you can improve protection against atherosclerotic lesions and achieve regression of formed plaques in the arteries. The lumen expands, metabolism stabilizes.

For this purpose, the following subcategories of drugs are used:

Statins are prescribed for several years or for life and must be taken every day. The dosage is determined by the doctor individually, taking into account cholesterol levels and the dynamics of its decrease. Medicines from this group, in addition to reducing the amount of atherogenic cholesterol, improve the concentration of high-density lipoproteins, loosen atherosclerotic plaques, and protect against ischemic stroke.

Certain medications can reduce deposits on the inner walls of arteries.

Fibrates stabilize triglycerides in the blood and affect the amount of cholesterol. Medicines are used according to prescriptions from specialists in accordance with the specified courses and preliminary control for 1-2 months.

Sequestrants refer to ion-exchange mops that are not absorbed from the intestines, but bind cholesterol and triglycerides that enter the digestive system with foods. Common side effects include diarrhea and flatulence.

Biogenic stimulants

This is the name for drugs whose active ingredient is an extract of animal origin. Medicines are often used to treat any problems with blood flow.

Their use allows you to achieve the following positive changes:

• vasodilation;
• improvement of blood supply;
• change in the metabolic process.

Examples of drugs in this group are the following.

Solcoseryl

The medication accelerates the processes responsible for restoring metabolism in tissues. Calf blood extract is the main active ingredient and is administered by injection or applied topically as an ointment.

If the therapy is carried out correctly, the tissues will receive a larger volume of oxygen, and the clearance between the walls will gradually be restored in the veins affected by the blockage.

Actovegin

Another natural remedy with a composition similar to Solcoseryl. Its intake leads to an increase in the level of oxygen and glucose in cells. In addition, damaged vessel walls are healed, and the normal clearance between them is restored.

Important! Biogenic stimulants can be safely recommended even to people with a history of intolerance to animal proteins. This happens due to the fact that all the protein is removed from the calf blood used. Thus, the likelihood of an allergic reaction is reduced to zero.