Product Information

Hydergine stimulates oxygen flow to the brain, relieving symptoms of deteriorating mental capacity.

Hydergine is an ergoloid mesylate (derived from rye) and it has become one of the world's most useful and popular ‘smart drugs’. It is known to have all the following effects:

• Increase blood supply to the brain.
• Increase oxygen delivered to the brain.
• Enhance metabolism of brain cells.
• Protect the brain from insufficient oxygen supply.
• Slow the deposit of the age pigment lipofuscin in the brain.
• Prevent free radical damage to brain cells.
• Increase intelligence, memory, learning and recall.

Oxygen and the brain

Either too much or too little oxygen can upset the balance and generate the production of free radicals, which in turn can lead to aging. One of the major ways in which oxygen generates free radicals is its reaction with unsaturated fats, a process called peroxidation. Brain cells contain more unsaturated fats than any other part of the body, therefore it is our brains that are most susceptible to peroxidation.

Peroxidation and the formation of massive amounts of potent free radicals can occur during heart attacks, stokes and through the effects of smoking and pollution. Consequently, many countries use Hydergine for emergencies and accidents that involve heart attacks and strokes. Hospitals give Hydergine to patients before an operation in order to gain time in case of any ensuing crises. This is because Hydergine helps to stabilize brain oxygen levels, if they are too high Hydergine lowers them, if they are too low then Hydergine improves them.

This effect was demonstrated when two groups of cats were anaesthetized and their brains electronically monitored. The scientists reduced the brain’s blood supply (and therefore oxygen supply). The cats in the control group (with no Hydergine ) had brain damage within 5 minutes and died within 15 minutes. However, the cats in the pre-Hydergine treated group had strong brain wave patterns up to 45 minutes later. This experiment proved two things. Firstly, that a decrease in the normal oxygen balance results in tremendous free radical damage; and secondly, that Hydergine protects against this free radical damage when the oxygen level is upset.

Rejuvenation properties

There is also evidence that Hydergine stimulates the growth of dendrite nerve fibers. Dendrites can normally be expected to decline with aging and some scientists have associated the number and density of dendrites with intelligence.

A group of Italian scientists have studied the ultra-cellular features of synaptic mitochondria (contains enzymes for respiration and energy production) to see if long-term Hydergine treatment could delay or prevent the loss of synaptic connections. The scientists found that the number of mitochondria are greatest at about 12-months of age in rats (equivalent to a 25-year old in human terms) and then progressively decreases. However, the size of the mitochondria increased progressively after 12 months. Thus in young adult rats, the energy required at synaptic regions is provided by a large number of small, highly efficient mitochondria, whereas in old rats, energy is produced by a smaller number of larger, less efficient mitochondria. After treatment with Hydergine, it was seen that the total mitochondrial volume of old rats was nearly the same as the young rats. Furthermore, the mitochondrial was altered to a size more youthful.

Dosage:
Usual dosages are 2.25mg to 9mg daily, but always build up the doses slowly. We offer hydergine in 4.5mg tablets (which are scored so that half a tablet or 2.25mg can be taken). We also offer a more easily absorbed liquid hydergine, which provides precise titration because dosages of 0.5mg increments can be taken. Liquid hydergine is also less likely to cause any stomach upset.

Side effects:
Side effects even quite high dosages have few side effects as long as the dose is gradually built up. Otherwise side effect of nausea and headaches may occur.

Manufacturer's Insert

HYDERGINE ® LIQUID

Ingredients:
Dihydroergotoxine mesylate. 1 ml of drops in liquid (to be taken by mouth) = 1 mg dihydroergotoxine mesylate, 50 mg ethanol (96%), metansulphonic acid, glycerine, demineralised water.

Properties:
Experimental studies carried out on animals have shown that dihydroergotoxine mesylate modifies cerebral neurotransmission, stimulates dopaminergic and serotoninergic receptors and blocks alpha-adrenoreceptors. It also improves diminished metabolic cerebral function; this effect can be seen in modifications of the brain's electrical activity and particularly in the energy spectrum of the electroencephalogram. This effect has also been confirmed in the course of studies on man. It has furthermore been proven that dihydroergotoxine mesylate reduces the time of cerebral circulation.

Indications:
Controlled clinical assays have revealed that dihydroergotoxine improves symptoms of mental deterioration related to ageing, such as instability, dizziness, headaches, difficulty in concentrating, disorientation, memory loss, lack of initiative, depression, lack of sociability, difficulties in carrying out everyday activities and in personal care.
The role played by this medicine in the treatment of cerebrovascular insufficiency has not been clearly established; it is merely symptomatic.

Dosage:
Administration of this medicine must be determined by a doctor according to the needs and response of each patient.
As a general rule, we recommend the administration of 4.5 mg/day in a single dose or in separate doses to be taken before meals (30 drops, 3 times daily). In certain cases, a 9-mg/day dosage may be needed.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to the product.
Patients with acute or chronic psychoses of any etiology.

Precautions:
Before beginning treatment, a complete diagnosis should be carried out to exclude pathologies for which this type of substance does not provide effective results (delirium, dementia).
This medicine should be used with caution with severe bradycardia.
Since it contains ethanol as an excipient, it may be prove to be a risk if administered to patients with hepatic illnesses, alcoholism, epilepsy, or to pregnant women and children.

Expectant and nursing mothers:
Because of the lack of data available concerning the effect that this pharmaceutical product may have on humans, avoid using it except when absolutely necessary.

Adverse effects:
Although rare, these include nasal congestion, nausea and gastric problems, which may be prevented by taking the pharmaceutical product with food.
Such adverse effects tend to disappear with no need to take specific measures.
It may cause skin irritation of an allergic nature, headaches, reddening or blurred vision.

Incompatibilities:
It may enhance the action of medicines for the treatment of hypertension or those that lower cardiac rhythm (digitalis therapy, beta blockers).

Intoxication and its treatment:
Accidental overdose may cause migraines, facial reddening and nasal congestion and, in more serious cases, nausea and vomiting, muscular weakness and significant hypotension. In extreme cases, it can cause coma.
Symptomatic medication is to be aimed above all at maintaining haemodynamic constants. Should the patient suffer from hypotension, do not administer adrenalin, but rather noradrenaline or angiotensin.
In the event of overdose or accidental swallowing, consult the Toxicology Information Service.

Available in: 40-ml container of drop solution

Keep this and all other medicines safely out of the reach of children.