Actovegin is a purified calf blood hemodialysate. Its composition consists of over 200 different substances naturally occurring in the body such as amino acids, oligopeptides, and electrolytes.
Actovegin is used in medicine since 1960’s to treat a variety of conditions. The drug has undergone clinical trials in post-stroke cognitive impairments, diabetic polyneuropathy, and organic brain syndrome. It is often used by athletes to speed up the recovery process from training and has been involved in several doping scandals.
Because of its multicomponent composition, it is hard to determine the exact mechanism of action of Actovegin. It is suggested that Actovegin does increase oxygen and glucose uptake in tissue and has antioxidant activity.
The drug is available in a variety of administration forms, all of which has slightly different uses:
Actovegin injection
- Metabolic and vascular diseases of the brain, such as ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injuries
- Peripheral vascular diseases (such as arterial angiopathy and trophic ulcers) and diabetic polyneuropathy
- Wounds healing
- Treatment of skin lesions during radiation
Actovegin tablets
- Treatment of cerebrovascular disorders
- Peripheral vascular diseases
Actovegin cream
Topical gel form is used to promote healing of skin and mucosal burns, cuts, scratches, and grazes.
There is also an alternative for Actovegin with the same active ingredient, indications for use and dosage forms – Solcoseryl.