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Pharmacology · Drugs and Prescriptions

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetinum

Vinpocetine is a semi-synthetic derivative of the vincamine alkaloid obtained from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor L.). The drug belongs to the class of cerebral blood flow improvers and exhibits prominent myotropic antispasmodic and neuroprotective effects.

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Pharmacological groupAgents affecting the cardiovascular system (periwinkle alkaloid derivatives).
Mechanism of actionInhibition of phosphodiesterase, accumulation of cAMP in vascular smooth muscle.
Formulation0.005 g tablets; 0.5% concentrate for solution preparation (2 ml ampoules).
HemodynamicsImprovement of blood rheology, increased erythrocyte deformability, absence of the "steal" phenomenon.
How to write a prescription
Rp.: Tab. Vinpocetini 0,005
D.t.d. N 50
S. Внутрь по 1 таблетке 3 раза в сутки после еды

Alternative notation: Tabulettas Vinpocetini 0.005; Sol. Vinpocetini 0.5% - 2 ml

Dosage form
Tab. 0.005 g; 0.5% sol. in amp. 2 ml (concentrate for solution preparation)
Administration
1-2 tab. 3 times daily after meals. Dilute 4 ml of 0.5% (20 mg) concentrate solution in 500 ml of 0.9% NaCl, administer IV drip at 80 drops/min
Group
Agents acting on the cardiovascular system
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 09/24/2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Mechanism of action

The drug's action is based on a myotropic antispasmodic effect. Vinpocetine inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase, leading to the accumulation of cAMP in smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall. This causes their relaxation and dilation of the vascular lumen, predominantly in the cerebral circulation.

Pharmacological effects

The drug has a complex effect on cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism:

  1. Vascular effect: selective dilation of cerebral blood vessels without the "steal" phenomenon (blood flow increases specifically in ischemic areas).
  2. Rheological effect: reduction of blood viscosity, decrease in platelet aggregation, and increase in erythrocyte deformability.
  3. Neuroprotection: increased neuronal resistance to hypoxia, improved glucose uptake and metabolism, shifting metabolism to the aerobic pathway.
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Indications

Vinpocetine is used for chronic cerebral circulation insufficiency, during the rehabilitation period after a stroke, and for neuropsychiatric disorders associated with cerebrovascular insufficiency. It is also used in ophthalmology (vascular eye diseases) and otorhinolaryngology (hearing loss of vascular or toxic origin).

Side effects

Common side effects include decreased blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness. Rapid intravenous administration may cause cardiac arrhythmias (tachycardia, extrasystoles) and slowing of intraventricular conduction.

Prescription details

The drug is taken orally in long courses (1–2 tablets of 0.005 g 3 times daily after meals). If necessary, it is administered intravenously via drip infusion: 4 ml of 0.5% concentrate (20 mg) is diluted in 500 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution. The infusion rate should be 80 drops per minute.

Briefly: answers to topical questions

What are the absolute contraindications to prescribing vinpocetine?

The provided materials do not list absolute contraindications to prescribing vinpocetine. It is noted that steno-occlusive lesions of extra- and intracranial vessels require special caution due to the risk of the steal syndrome. The criteria for prescribing in the early and late recovery periods of ischemic stroke or TIA are provided: absence of hemodynamically significant steno-occlusive lesions of precerebral and cerebral arteries, low risk of hemorrhagic complications, and no need for heparin and anticoagulant therapy.

How to memorize

Vinpocetine — "Vin" (periwinkle) + "Po" (increases) + "Cet" (cAMP) + "In" (inhibits PDE).

Class and exam questions

Why doesn't vinpocetine cause the "steal" phenomenon?

The drug does not affect blood flow in intact (healthy) vessels, acting selectively on vessels in ischemic areas of the brain.

What biochemical process underlies the myotropic action of vinpocetine?

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase, which leads to cAMP accumulation and vascular smooth muscle relaxation.

What complications can occur with intravenous administration that is too rapid?

Tachycardia, extrasystoles, and slowing of intraventricular conduction are possible.

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What else to study on this topic

  • Comparative profile of vinpocetine and nicergoline.
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  • The role of calcium channel blockers (nimodipine) in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhages.
  • Effect of ergot alkaloid derivatives on peripheral circulation.

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