According to doctors, about half of women experience nervous tension during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal and physiological changes in the body of the expectant mother. Excessive worry, anxiety, fear worsen the health of the pregnant woman herself and can disrupt the development of the fetus. If before pregnancy it was possible to use popular sedatives without looking back, then when carrying a child, the use of many of them, including Corvalol, is in question.

Composition, release form and principle of action of Corvalol

Despite the fact that Corvalol began to be produced in the Soviet Union more than fifty years ago, it remains one of the most demanded sedative drugs today. More than 70 million packages of Corvalol are bought in Russia every year.

The most potent component of the drug is phenobarbital. The latter is a chemical compound derived from barbituric acid. When phenobarbital enters the human body, it activates gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is located inside the brain tissue, which causes inhibition of all processes in the central nervous system. Therefore, this substance is used in numerous anti-anxiety and antiepileptic medicines. Corvalol contains several times less of it than is required for the treatment of epilepsy.

In addition to phenobarbital, the drug contains:

ethyl bromisovalerianate is a derivative of valerian oil;
peppermint oil.

Both ingredients have a calming and relaxing effect. Due to this composition, Corvalol belongs to hypnotics and sedatives, it is prescribed in the following cases:

neurotic disorders;
sleep disorders;
anxiety, restlessness;
overexcitation;
increased heart rate for unknown reasons.

The medicine comes in two forms:

drops for oral administration;
pills.

Corvalol is available in the form of tablets and drops for oral administration.

The drops contain ethyl alcohol. On the territory of Russia, you can purchase Corvalol from a number of domestic manufacturers:

Pharmstandard;
Pharma Start;
Tver Pharmaceutical Factory;
Yaroslavl Pharmaceutical Factory;
Ecolab;
"Permpharmacy";
Murom Instrument-Making Plant;
"Tatkhimpharmpreparaty";
"Hippocrates".

Admissibility of using the drug Corvalol during pregnancy

The instructions for Corvalol in the form of drops indicate that the medication can be taken during gestation only for strict indications. At the same time, taking pills during this period is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer. It is explained that phenobarbital easily crosses the placental barrier and causes abnormalities in the development of the central nervous system of the unborn child.

In Russia, this substance is on the list of narcotic and psychotropic drugs. In a number of countries (USA, UAE, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Sweden) it is prohibited for import. With prolonged use, addiction occurs. There is evidence that newborns whose mothers were treated with drugs with phenobarbital during pregnancy may become physically dependent on it and delay the development of mental capabilities.

Opinions of doctors

Most doctors are negative about the use of Corvalol by pregnant women. For example, Simon Matskeplishvili, who is a member of the European Society of Cardiology, says that even in a minimal dosage, Corvalol can cause severe pathologies in the fetus. However, you can still find another opinion. So, in the article by obstetrician-gynecologist Mark Mayorov "Pregnancy without problems" Corvalol is on the list of drugs that can be used in complex therapy in the gestational period. But in the same article it is indicated that barbiturates are contraindicated for expectant mothers.

These are completely useless and unnecessary drugs containing phenobarbital. The problem is that, firstly, it is not useful, and secondly, it is possible that, acting with the placebo method, they reduce compliance to cardiac treatment and thereby increase mortality from myocardial infarction and other "joys" of life.

Pavel Brand
https://medvestnik.ru/content/articles/Strasti-po-Korvalolu.html

How to replace Corvalol

Valocordin is a full-fledged and no less popular analogue of Corvalol. It began to be produced back in the 30s of the last century in Germany. The formulations of both drugs are almost identical. Valocordin additionally contains hop oil. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy.

Recovery state of mind For expectant mothers, doctors recommend using much safer medicines:

Valerian;
Motherwort;

Tablets with active substanceobtained from valerian rhizomes can be used at any stage of pregnancy. The only contraindication is hypersensitivity to this plant. Valerian reduces the excitability of the nervous system, slows down the heart rate, promotes the expansion of the coronary vessels.

Motherwort also has a sedative effect. But doctors' opinions about his safety are not as clear as they are about Valerian. In some instructions for medicines based on motherwort, pregnancy is on the list of contraindications. But in the "National guidelines" for domestic obstetricians and gynecologists, these drugs are recommended during gestation. And many doctors prescribe them to expectant mothers.

The active ingredients of Novo-Passit are extracts of the following plants with a sedative effect:

valerian;
melissa;
st. John's wort;
hawthorn;
passionflower;
hop;
black elderberry.

A medication may be prescribed if the potential benefit outweighs the potential negative effect.

Table: sedatives relatively allowed during pregnancy

Photo gallery: anti-anxiety medications not prohibited for expectant mothers

Valerian tablets are allowed for use throughout pregnancy. Motherwort tablets have a mild sedative effect
Novo-Passit contains extracts of a variety of medicinal plants

Safe methods for relieving stress in pregnant women

You can try to calm the nerves without using medication. First of all, you should adjust the daily routine:

go to bed and wake up at the same time;
find time for daytime sleep;
spend one to two hours a day in the fresh air;
as far as possible, engage in physical education for pregnant women;
limit activities that provoke anxiety and anxiety.

The most suitable remedies are various relaxation techniques with closed eyes and calm breathing. The contemplation of the sky, changing clouds, the sea, listening to the sound of rain, rustling leaves, watching birds, animals and insects will quickly help to calm down.

I believe that using any sedative medications while carrying a baby should only be used in extreme cases and as directed by a doctor, when other methods do not help. My wife left work during pregnancy so as not to get tired and not worry again. A daily yoga exercise called Shavasana helps to restore mental balance. In the classic version, this asana is performed while lying on your back. But on later dates pregnancy can be done lying on its side. She brings calm and serenity. My mother tried to take Corvalol for insomnia. Mom felt that the drug was indeed addictive and refused to use it.

Video: everything about Corvalol and Valocordin in the program "Life is great!"

Pregnancy is a time of increased anxiety due to hormonal changes and expectation of motherhood. The expectant mother may complain of rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and experience various fears. Often, pregnant women resort to sedatives. One of these drugs is Corvalol.

Corvalol

Corvalol is a combined drug. It includes the following components:

phenobarbital;
peppermint oil;
bromisovaleric acid ester.

Analogs of this drug include Korvaldin, Valokardin, Korvaltab. Corvalol is available in tablets and drops. The main indications for admission are:

insomnia;
irritability;
feelings of fear and anxiety;
tachycardia - heart palpitations;
state of arousal;
intestinal spasms.

There are few contraindications for using this medication. In the instructions, the manufacturer indicates hypersensitivity to its constituent components and impaired liver or kidney function.

There are no specific guidelines for pregnancy. The decision on the appointment of Corvalol during this period remains with the attending physician. Meanwhile, most expectant mothers freely buy this medicine from a pharmacy without a prescription and take it on their own.

But the drug is not nearly as harmless as it seems at first glance. Its components can adversely affect pregnancy.

Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant, although it is currently not used as a first-line drug in the treatment of epilepsy due to side effects.

Since the drug has a psychotropic effect, it affects the central nervous system, it cannot be readily available in pharmacies. However, as part of Corvalol, phenobarbital is sold without a prescription.

It depresses the nervous system, causes drowsiness and lethargy, impaired concentration and attention. An overdose of phenobarbital can lead to serious health consequences and even death.

During pregnancy, the list of side effects of this medication is significantly expanded.

Side effects

On the early dates pregnancy - in the first trimester - this drug is prohibited, as it can have a teratogenic effect, cause fetal disruption. Treatment is not recommended for them in the third trimester for the following reasons:

It leads to depression of the respiratory function of newborns, especially in the case of prematurity.
Causes withdrawal syndrome in a baby after birth due to formed addiction and physical dependence.
It provokes the appearance of seizures and acute excitement in the first hours and days of life, which is also associated with withdrawal syndrome.
Affects blood clotting in a child with prolonged use by the mother in late pregnancy. Canceling it can result in bleeding in the first day.

Peppermint oil

Almost everyone is familiar with peppermint. It grows everywhere and is widely used in medicine and cooking. And mint teas are not only pleasant to the taste, but also have a wonderful property to relieve agitation and irritability, soothe, and facilitate falling asleep.

However, when used during pregnancy, peppermint has another property. It enhances the muscle tone of the uterus, provokes its contractions. In high doses, peppermint can even cause miscarriage or premature birth.

Of course, one should not expect such a complication from tea alone, even if the expectant mother drinks 2-3 cups a day. But if you take mint in the form essential oil and in large quantities, the result of such treatment can become unpredictable.

Bromisovaleric acid ester

This component is the essential oil of Valerian officinalis. It is allowed during pregnancy, as it belongs to safe drugs and practically does not show side effects.

Valerian officinalis gently soothes, relieves agitation, relieves insomnia. Sometimes it is prescribed by doctors for problems with the digestive system and gallbladder. Although many women report the mild sedative effects of valerian, its relative harmlessness makes it popular among pregnant women.

And yet, do not forget other contraindications. In Corvalol, medicinal valerian is found in the form of an essential oil. This means that certain restrictions are imposed on its use.

Contraindications for essential oils

Esters and essential oils can increase the risk of developing allergic reactions, especially in those who are predisposed to them. In addition, they are dangerous for pregnant women with bronchial asthma due to their ability to cause narrowing of the bronchi - bronchospasm. This is a serious complication that manifests itself as a difficult exhalation, a feeling of suffocation.

During pregnancy, there are general contraindications for all essential oils. They are prohibited for the following pathologies:

The threat of miscarriage.
Bleeding.
In the last weeks of pregnancy.
In the presence of concomitant diseases - diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, thyroid pathology.

Given the possible negative effect of Corvalol's components on the course of pregnancy, the need for its appointment during this period remains controversial.

Corvalol treatment

How justified is the appointment of Corvalol during pregnancy? There is no convincing evidence regarding its actual need during the period of gestation.

Many women use this drug because they are used to its effect and do not want to change the medicine. In addition, most of them are confident in the safety of this mild sedative, because it is available in almost every medicine cabinet.

However, expectant mothers should not forget that any medicine during pregnancy is always a risk of complications and side effects aimed at the development of the child. You cannot drink pills or drops without consulting a doctor, even if they previously helped and were well tolerated by the body.

Corvalol in the usual dosage, taken several times during the entire pregnancy, is unlikely to result in serious consequences for the baby, you should not worry about this. But in the future, you should try to avoid any self-medication and always consult with your doctor.

What if the doctor has prescribed Corvalol during pregnancy? This drug is very widespread throughout the entire territory of the former USSR; many elderly people cannot imagine life without it. What is his secret?

Is Corvalol possible during pregnancy?

With the onset of pregnancy, many women notice that they have become irritable, suspicious, begin to almost hate what used to be pleasing. Some people develop incomprehensible pains in the region of the heart, insomnia.

Those who are afraid of everything and all pregnant women immediately take heart pains for a heart attack and immediately questions such as "is it possible to use Corvalol during pregnancy?"

Of course, everyone knows that Corvalol is used for pain in the heart, it calms the nerves, reduces irritability. And if elderly people drink it, it means that you can drink it during pregnancy. Is it so? Let's try to answer this question.

Corvalol is a mixture of three active substances - phenobarbital, ethyl bromisovalerianate and peppermint oil. In addition, the tincture contains ethyl alcohol, caustic soda and water. The composition of the tablets includes some inert substances, whose effect on the body is practically zero (one of them - lactose - will be discussed below).

The mere presence of ethyl alcohol in the preparation makes us doubtful about the alcohol tincture of Corvalol. Indeed, it is known that ethyl alcohol, even in minimal doses, is contraindicated for pregnant women. And don't believe those who say "there are only a few drops." Someone even a bottle of vodka will not harm (although this is rather an exception), and someone from five to ten milliliters of alcohol may have problems.

But alcohol is not so bad. Phenobarbital, also part of the drug, provides the main effect of the entire drug. Its effects are sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant. And although seizures are fought at much higher doses, phenobarbital can be used as a sedative and hypnotic.

However, this substance has two very unpleasant effects.

The first is the development of drug dependence (on the principle of drug addiction). Long-term use of drugs containing phenobarbital can lead to the fact that a person without them becomes irritable, and stronger than it was before the start of treatment. His sleep is disturbed, gradually the usual dose of the drug stops acting (the so-called tolerance or addiction), it is necessary to increase the dose all the time. All these are signs of drug addiction, which is extremely difficult to get rid of.

Because of these effects, drugs that contain phenobarbital are controlled by special authorities around the world, and no one will sell them to you without a prescription. In our country, such drugs are allowed for free sale, their circulation is not controlled by anyone.

It is interesting that when a few years ago the authorities tried to remove corvalol and valocordin from sale (these drugs practically do not differ from each other), pensioners almost staged a revolution! I had to go to meet them and mark the resolution.

The second and much more dangerous effect of taking Corvalol during pregnancy is its depressing effect on the central nervous system. Its use in the second and third third of pregnancy can cause inhibition in the nervous system of the fetus and further delay in the mental development of the child. Is it worth taking such a heart attack medicine (which, incidentally, is extremely rare in young women!), Risking the health of an unborn baby? Probably not.

Corvalol during pregnancy, instructions

Regarding the use of Corvalol during pregnancy, the instruction is expressed very clearly - it is contraindicated. And this is correct, because there are safer sedative drugs (for example, valerian), which do not harm either the mother's body or the body of the unborn baby.

Corvalol, indications and contraindications

In Corvalol, the indications and contraindications are described in detail in the instructions. The drug is used as a sedative, for neuroses, functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, in case of falling asleep.

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, under the age of 18, as well as (for tablets) for people suffering from lactose or galactose intolerance. Thus, it is strictly forbidden to use Corvalol during pregnancy.

Even if your doctor prescribes this medication for you, do not take it. The child is yours, not the doctor's! And it is better to replace such a "competent" specialist with a real professional who knows how to help you get rid of irritability and pain in the region of the heart, and who will not harm you or your child.

While carrying a baby, women often experience anxiety and anxiety. When these symptoms occur, as well as insomnia and pain in the heart, doctors often recommend taking Corvalol.

Corvalol During Pregnancy Use
see a doctor pregnant at the clinic
water at the doctor's

Indications for use

Corvalol during pregnancy is considered a prohibited drug. Its composition contains components that can have a harmful effect on the development of the fetus, as well as the well-being of the mother, therefore it is not recommended to use it.

However, sometimes doctors prescribe this drug to expectant mothers.

In particular, pregnant women quite often complain of heart pain and are interested in whether it is possible to take Corvalol in this case. Its reception in this situation is possible, but only after consultation with a cardiologist, since he can prescribe a safer method of treatment.

In addition, Corvalol is prescribed in case of problems such as:

insomnia;
increased nervous irritability;
anxiety;
depression;
neuroses.

To combat such symptoms, Corvalol can be drunk only with the approval of a doctor, and also in the absence of improvement as a result of more gentle treatment during pregnancy.

Used for pain in the heart, it soothes the nerves, reduces irritability

Another ailment that this remedy is used to combat is herpes in the initial stages. However expectant mother it is very important to know that Corvalol with the herpes virus during pregnancy is an unacceptable method of treatment! This remedy fights only with the external manifestations of the disease, while the virus itself remains in the body, which can be extremely dangerous for the health of the child.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

If you are thinking about treating Corvalol during pregnancy, do not forget to study all the pros and cons of this drug:

Benefits

disadvantages

The tool effectively fights various sleep disorders, feelings of anxiety and anxiety, which are so characteristic of women during the period of bearing a child.

It works fairly quickly and is available at any pharmacy.

Quickly relieves the symptoms of tachycardia that occur during intense excitement, therefore it can be used as an emergency aid.

The medication contains components such as phenobarbital and ethyl alcohol. Both of these substances are not recommended for use during pregnancy due to their negative impact on the embryo.

Plus, it has a number of side effects that can negate all the benefits of the treatment.

Also, the disadvantages of such a drug include the impossibility of its regular use, since it is addictive.

As you can see, the cons of using the drug are more significant than the pros, so if possible, you should replace it with a harmless sedative. Also read and.

Early application

The most dangerous is the use of Corvalol during early pregnancy. The components of the drug are absorbed through the placenta and can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.

During gestation, the drug is used with caution.

The results of this influence can be as follows:

disruption of the central nervous system;
hormonal imbalance;
the risk of developing epilepsy;
congenital anomalies and deformities;
heart defects.

As you can see, health problems in a child can be quite serious, so no matter how you want to calm your nerves with a long-known drug, refrain. Corvalol during pregnancy in the 1st trimester is categorically contraindicated!

According to the instructions, taking pregnant women is contraindicated.

Instructions for using the product

If necessary, you can occasionally drink Corvalol during pregnancy. Despite all the harm of the drug, if you calm your nerves 2-3 times, it will not bring tangible harm.

However, under no circumstances should you take Corvalol before the 2nd trimester of pregnancy - only from this period its use is permissible. If the medicine is used urgently to quickly relieve seizures or tachycardia, you need to take 40-50 drops of the solution at a time. For rare cases when a course of treatment is needed, you should take a sedative before meals, up to 30 drops three times a day.

Some people mistakenly believe that Corvalol tablets are safer during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is just a misconception. The medicine in this form contains all the same harmful components, and also has the same contraindications. If necessary, you can take 2-3 tablets of Corvalol, but their number should not exceed 6 pieces per day.

Contraindications for use

If you experience any nervous disorders or tachycardia, you should consult a doctor

Before deciding whether you can drink Corvalol during pregnancy, any doctor should make sure that there are no contraindications to this drug.
These include:

individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
disturbances in the work of the kidneys and liver;
lactose intolerance;
the main contraindication to taking this medication is pregnancy as such, and if the drug is used uncontrollably, some side effects are quite likely.

Among the adverse reactions, the most dangerous are violations of the intrauterine development of the fetus. This can be expressed in:

improper functioning of the nervous system of the newborn;
sleep problems and depression;
heart defects;
splitting upper lip and the sky.

In addition, Corvalol during pregnancy can harm the health of the mother. When used regularly instead of a sedative, a completely opposite effect can occur:

sleep problems will worsen;
the nervous system will become even more depressed;
addiction will occur, for which reason an increase in the dose may be required to achieve the desired effect;
a more severe form of neurosis may well develop;
irritability and anxiety will only increase.

Women's opinion about the medicine

Elena Ustinova.

At the very beginning of pregnancy, I drank Corvalol a lot, because I did not know about its harmful properties. Now I really regret such irresponsibility. I learned the risks I put my own child at and what dire consequences it could have. We are lucky that everything ended well.

Olga Yusupova.

I was prescribed this medication to improve my sleep. When I asked the doctor if it was safe to take Corvalol during pregnancy, she replied that there were no obstacles to this. Fortunately, I decided to consult with another specialist, and he strictly forbade me to drink such drugs, and also told all about the side effects. After this story, I changed my doctor and was seen by a more competent doctor.

Vera Nikonenko.

I drank Corvalol during pregnancy during the 3rd trimester. It only happened 3 or 4 times. The doctor reassured me, saying that in such tiny amounts in the second half of pregnancy, it is safe. And so it happened - the remedy helped me. There were no consequences from him. As you can see, the potential harm from this sedative while carrying a baby far outweighs its benefits. Corvalol is not the only sedative available. An experienced doctor will select the most optimal treatment regimens for you, excluding potentially dangerous medications from them.

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- a proven sedative drug that is available in almost every home and has been used for several generations since Soviet times for pain in the heart and neurosis. Many women, while waiting for the appearance of the baby, also drink it out of habit to relieve nervous tension, not knowing about its effect on the development of the fetus. According to the instructions for use of the drug, Corvalol is contraindicated during pregnancy. What is the real situation, and what is the effect of this drug on the baby in the womb?

Characteristics of Corvalol and its testimony

Corvalol is a sedative that contains active ingredients such as:

Ethyl bromisovalerianate is one of the main constituents of valerian essential oil. It has sedative, antispasmodic and vasodilating properties.
Phenobarbital is a drug from the group of barbiturates. It has a depressing effect on the central nervous system (CNS), has a hypnotic and anticonvulsant effect, and is addictive.
Peppermint oil is a natural soothing agent.

Corvalol is prescribed as course or one-time doses for the following conditions:

Sleep disturbances
Nervous excitement
Tachycardia
Heartache
Intestinal cramps.

The drug is usually prescribed depending on individual characteristics, but, as a rule, its dosage is 15-30 drops three times a day before meals. Children - 3-15 drops a day. The duration of the course is set by the doctor. With tachycardia, the permissible single dose is 40-50 drops.

Since Corvalol in drops is 75% ethyl alcohol, pregnant women, in order to avoid the undesirable effect of ethanol on the fetus, drink the drug in the form of tablets. Despite the fact that there is no alcohol in tablets, Corvalol in this form is also undesirable during pregnancy.

Contraindications and side effects

Corvalol both in drops and in tablets has a number of contraindications. These include:

Individual intolerance to the components of the drug
Diseases of the liver and kidneys
Hypotension
Diabetes
Acute myocardial infarction
Pregnancy
Lactation period.

It should also be noted that the active component of Corvalol phenobarbital is on the list of psychotropic and narcotic substances, the circulation of which is limited, and in some countries it is completely prohibited. The drug causes physical and psychological dependence after a couple of weeks of continuous use.

A side effect can also manifest itself in the form of skin rash, itching, dizziness, weakness and inhibition of the reaction.

With a single use of Corvalol to relieve suddenly onset symptoms of nervous excitement or tachycardia, and if the instructions are followed, the medicine is well tolerated and has practically no side effects.

Can I drink Corvalol during pregnancy

For a number of reasons, the emotional state of pregnant women is extremely unstable. This arises as a result of hormonal changes, and because of fear for their unborn child. The slightest violation of the comfort state of a pregnant woman can cause a storm of strong emotions, irritability and neuroses.

Such an emotional state is harmful not only for the health of the expectant mother, but also for the baby. To relieve nervous tension, women have to resort to medication. Corvalol is very effective against a nervous state and its action is rapid. However, pregnant women are categorically not recommended to use it.

Below are the consequences of the effect of this medication on fetal development at different periods of pregnancy.

In the early stages

Corvalol during early pregnancy can cause significant and irreparable harm to the baby. It is during this period that the rudiments of the fetal nervous system are formed. Phenobarbital, which is part of Corvalol, has a toxic effect on the embryo and can cause developmental delays and heart abnormalities.

In the 2nd trimester

Taking the drug during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester, contrary to popular belief that this is a safe period for drug exposure, also negatively affects the subsequent development of the fetus. Corvalol and its components can lead to physical abnormalities of the child (cleft palate, cleft lip, far-set eyes, underdevelopment or prolapse of certain organs, etc.).

In the 3rd trimester

In newborns exposed to intrauterine exposure to phenobarbital, which is part of Corvalol, in the third trimester, depression of the respiratory system, decreased hemoglobin level in the blood, and hearing problems were noted. In addition, with prolonged intrauterine exposure to this drug, children developed dependence, manifested in strong excitability and in convulsive seizures for several days after childbirth. Therefore, in the 3rd trimester, the effect of Corvalol on the fetus is no less harmful and toxic.

How to replace Corvalol

Although it was previously believed that Corvalol is contraindicated in early pregnancy only, now, based on the results of scientific research, the drug should be excluded for the entire period of gestation.

More natural herbal medicines are suitable to replace it. For example, valerian or motherwort extract in tablets. Magne B6 is often prescribed during pregnancy. These drugs help to overcome insomnia and cope with nervous excitement.

In addition to taking medications during pregnancy, you can drink decoctions and teas from medicinal herbs. Tea with mint, lemon balm or chamomile gently affects the woman's nervous system, without exposing the child to the toxic effects in the womb.

During pregnancy, the use of any medicines, both synthetic and natural origin (including herbal decoctions), must be coordinated with the observing doctor!

Despite its effective effect on the body, Corvalol is prohibited for use during pregnancy. Some doctors still prescribe it to women. In such cases, it is better to consult with another specialist who will probably prescribe an alternative drug that is less toxic for the baby developing in the womb.

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