Vinpocetine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 30, 2021.

What are other common names?

• 'Creeping Myrtle'
• Vinca minor
• Apovincaminic Acid
• AY-27255
• Cavinton
• Cavinton Forte
• Eburnamenine-14-Carboxylic Acid
• Ethyl Apovincaminate
• Ethyl Ester
• Ethylapovincaminoate
• Intelectol
• Kavinton
• Lesser Periwinkle
• RGH-4405
• Small, Common, Dwarf, or Lesser Periwinkle
• TCV-3b
• Vinpocetin
• Vinpocetina
• Vinpocétine

What is this product used for?

Vinpocetine may help protect the brain from strokes or dementia. It may also help people with ringing in the ears.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Liver problems

  • Bleeding problems

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Hard stools or difficulty having a bowel movement

  • Seizures

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Dry mouth

• Heartburn

• Flushed face

• Feeling anxious

• Trouble sleeping

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood pressure like feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Very bad headache

• Bruising or bleeding that is not normal

• Blood in your stools or dark, tarry-colored stools

• Changes in your menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Where can I learn more?