CHOLERGOL TABLETS

Indications

• Cognitive dysfunction
• Vascular disorders
• Peripheral vascular insufficiency

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information.

Mechanism of action

Nicergoline acts by inhibiting the postsynaptic alpha(1)-adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle. This inhibition reduces the vasoconstrictor effect of catecholamines, leading to peripheral vasodilation. Consequently, nicergoline enhances vascular circulation in the brain, promoting the transmission of nerve signals across nerve fibers that release acetylcholine.

Pharmacodynamics

Nicergoline is a potent vasodilator that improves blood flow to the brain, reducing vascular resistance and increasing arterial flow. It also stimulates the utilization of oxygen and glucose in cerebral tissues. Additionally, nicergoline enhances blood circulation in the lungs and limbs and has demonstrated the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of nicergoline include its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, although specific parameters such as half-life and clearance rates are not detailed in the provided sources. It is important to refer to specific pharmacokinetic studies for detailed information.

Adverse effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Hypotension

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of hypotension.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh risks.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether nicergoline is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing women.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Tablets

Mechanism of action

Nicergoline acts by inhibiting the postsynaptic alpha(1)-adrenoceptors on vascular smooth muscle. This inhibits the vasoconstrictor effect of circulating and locally released catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine), resulting in peripheral vasodilation. Therefore the mechanism of Nicergoline is to increase vascular circulation in the brain, thereby enhancing the transmission of nerve signals across the nerve fibres, which secrete acetylcholine as a neural transmitter.

Pharmacodynamics

Nicergoline is a potent vasodilator (improves brain blood flow). On the cerebral level it prompts a lowering of vascular resistance, an increase in arterial flow and stimulates the use of oxygen and glucose. Nicergoline also improves blood circulation in the lungs and limbs and has been shown to inhibit blood platelet aggregation.