Emoxypine (Mexidol)
A vitamin B6 derivative with powerful antioxidant and anxiolytic properties, widely prescribed in Russia and Eastern Europe for anxiety, cognitive impairment, and cerebrovascular disease. Emoxypine inhibits lipid peroxidation, modulates GABA-A and benzodiazepine binding sites, and improves cerebral blood flow. It provides anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines without sedation, tolerance, or addiction.
Dosage
Standard: 125-375 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses. Commonly 125 mg twice daily. Take with food. Effects are noticeable within 30-60 minutes. Russian clinical practice uses 4-6 week courses.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-2.6 hours
Administration
Oral (tablets). Also available as IV/IM injection in clinical settings. Mexidol is the brand name.
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Mechanism of Action
Emoxypine (2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate) has a 3-hydroxypyridine structure similar to vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). It is one of the most potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue — it scavenges hydroxyl radicals and peroxyl radicals, inhibits Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation, and may chelate transition metals. It modulates the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex (GABA-A), enhancing GABAergic transmission through positive allosteric modulation — possibly at a site distinct from the classical benzodiazepine binding site, explaining the lack of sedation and tolerance. It improves mitochondrial function (Complex I protection, membrane stabilization), stabilizes cell membranes (reducing fluidity changes during oxidative stress), and enhances cerebral microcirculation (possibly via nitric oxide or prostaglandin modulation). The anxiolytic mechanism may involve partial agonism or different subunit selectivity.
Regulatory Status
Prescription medication in Russia, Ukraine, and several CIS countries. Not approved by FDA or EMA. Available as supplement/research compound elsewhere.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth.
Serious
Limited Western safety data. Allergic reactions reported.
Rare
Elevated blood pressure, emotional lability.
Compare Emoxypine (Mexidol) With
Research Papers
10Published: December 24, 2024
AI Summary
The conjugation of emoxypine with succinate elevates the therapeutic effectiveness of the Mexidol formulation as succinic acid itself has important impacts to consider despite being a common food additive and drug excipient.
Published: August 24, 2023
AI Summary
Several are authorized DS ingredients in the United States resulting in significant global variability as to what qualifies as a legal nootropic. Synergistic combinations, excessive dosing, or recently researched pharmacology may justify listing certain nootropics as doping agents or warrant additional attention in future regulations.
Published: June 3, 2019
AI Summary
It enhances therapeutic effects of a variety of drugs in research and clinical settings, boosts the effectiveness of therapy prescribed in accordance with the applicable federal standards and contributes to reducing the severity of complications.
Published: January 23, 2024
AI Summary
To conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of Mexidol therapy in patients with chronic brain ischemia (CBI) and cognitive disorders (CD).
Published: April 3, 2007
AI Summary
The effects of mexidol and emoxypine on some indexes of endotoxicosis and weighted characteristics of tumor carrier during experimental neoplasia have been studied under the conditions of therapy using antracycline antibiotic rubomycin.
Published: March 21, 2024
AI Summary
The review covers adverse influence oxidative stress at the cerebral ischemia and reperfusion periodes of ischemic stroke. The results of preclinical studies demonstrating the ability of Mexidol to neutralize the effects of free radicals and activate antioxidant protection are presented.
Published: March 4, 2018
AI Summary
The results of the indirect antioxidant activity of mexidol, manifested in the increased expression under the ischemia of the transcription factor Nrf2, responsible for the cell resistance to oxidative stress are presented. The results of preclinical and clinical studies confirming the antioxidant and antihypoxic effects of mexidol are summarized.
Published: June 15, 2023
AI Summary
To evaluate the effectiveness of sequential therapy with Mexidol and Mexidol FORTE 250 in the correction of postcovoid syndrome (PKS) in patients with chronic cerebrovascular diseases (CVD).
Published: November 30, 2018
AI Summary
Antihypoxic, antioxidant and nootropic effects of mexidol contribute to the improvement of patients with cerebrovascular pathology. The results of clinical studies show that the sequential scheme of using mexidol (first i.v. or i.m., then per os) is effective in the complex therapy of ischemic disea
Published: November 9, 2023
AI Summary
Mexidol (ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate) is a modern neurometabolic medication increasingly being used in neuropediatrics. Taking into account the unique multimodal action of Mexidol, it seems promising to expand the range of indications for its application in neuropediatrics, based on the results of new clinical trials organized in accord...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emoxypine (Mexidol) used for?
A vitamin B6 derivative with powerful antioxidant and anxiolytic properties, widely prescribed in Russia and Eastern Europe for anxiety, cognitive impairment, and cerebrovascular disease. Emoxypine inhibits lipid peroxidation, modulates GABA-A and benzodiazepine binding sites, and improves cerebral blood flow. It provides anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepines without sedation, tolerance, or addiction.
What are the side effects of Emoxypine (Mexidol)?
Common: Mild nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth. Serious: Limited Western safety data. Allergic reactions reported. Rare: Elevated blood pressure, emotional lability.
How is Emoxypine (Mexidol) administered?
Emoxypine (Mexidol) is administered via oral (tablets). also available as iv/im injection in clinical settings. mexidol is the brand name..
What is the half-life of Emoxypine (Mexidol)?
The half-life of Emoxypine (Mexidol) is 2-2.6 hours.
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