Use of Nootropics for Kids

June 16, 2019

nootropics used in kids large

Nootropics for kids have a wide usage in Russian pediatric practice. It may sound strange, but such potent nootropics like Cortexin or Cerebrolysin are even used in children below 1 y. o.

Their field of clinical application is quite extensive. Nootropics used as a part of the treatment of:

  • Developmental and speech delays.
  • Intellectual disabilities, including those with behavioral disorders.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • Cerebrovascular disorders.
  • Traumatic brain injuries.
  • Decreased learn-ability.

Some nootropics also have a special dosage form for kids. For example, a Hopantenic acid that is sold under Pantogam brand also comes in a syrup version for children. Geropharm produces children’s version of Cortexin, the difference between the standard versions is in dosage (5mg and 10mg, respectively). Tenoten that sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders also has a children version.

An important thing to note here, that none of the drugs listed below is widely used outside post-soviet countries, just like with many other nootropics.

Here are the nootropics that currently used in Russian pediatrics:

CORTEXIN ® is a mixture of peptides, amino acids, and micronutrients extracted from cattle brains. It is mostly used in the complex treatment of developmental disorders, but that’s not the only indication of its usage. Several clinical trials performed on children with ADHD suggest that Cortexin can be effectively used to alleviate attention deficit symptoms. Also, it is sometimes used in the treatment of epilepsy, and some trials were performed on kids suffering from epilepsy. This is interesting, because Cerebrolysin, which is an analog of Cortexin, is not used in the treatment of epilepsy. In fact, epileptic status is one of its contraindications for use.

CEREBROLYSIN ® is an older version of Cortexin, with different chemical composition, containing fewer peptides, more amino acids, and no vitamins. It is used in children’s neurology in the treatment of perinatal encephalopathy, traumatic brain injuries, developmental disorders, ADHD, autism, and optic nerve atrophy. Cerebrolysin can’t be used in children with Status epilepticus since epilepsy is one of the contraindications for its use.

PANTOGAM ® (D-, L-hopantenic acid) is a brand name for Hopantenic acid. The pharmacological action of Pantogam results from the presence of GABA in its structure. The drug has nootropic and anticonvulsant properties, it increases the resistance of the brain to hypoxia and stimulates neuronal anabolism. Pantogam is a mild sedative with slight stimulating effects. It is used in the treatment of children with adjustment disorders, enuresis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and perinatal encephalopathy. The kid’s version comes in a syrup form. Another similar product is PANTOCALCIN ® (Hopantenic Acid).

Even though these products are frequently used in pediatric practice, we remind our clients that when it comes to the children’s health, you should always consult a doctor and follow the recommendations.

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All statements on this page are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated or approved by the US FDA.
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