Corvalol

Corvalol (Корвалол, Corvalolum, Korvalol)® is a mild tranquilizer based on valerian (herb) root and phenobarbital, popular in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union as a heart medication. It is available as a transparent liquid with a characteristic strong aroma, and as white bi-concave scored tablets. While not available for sale in the Western countries, Corvalol is sometimes brought over from Eastern Europe for self-administration to other countries of residence. Corvalol contains documented amounts of psychoactive chemicals, and may interact with other prescription medications that a person is taking.

Corvalol is labeled by the manufacturer for use in

Valerian (herb) extract (a component of corvalol) has been historically used for insomnia and conditions associated with anxiety. It has also been used for mood disorders such as depression, infantile convulsions, mild tremors, epilepsy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Additional historical uses include to help alleviate muscle and joint pain, nervous asthma, hysterical states, excitability, hypochondria, headaches, migraine, menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety. However, few of these indications are supported by clinical trials in humans. Taking a combination product containing valerian extract plus hops extract has been shown to modestly improve subjective sleep measures including subjective sleep latency compared to placebo after 28 days of treatment. There is evidence in limited animal trials that valerian root may reduce coronary vessel spasm, such as one that may occur in an attack of vasospastic angina or angina pectoris. The same study demonstrated that valerian may reduce bronchospasm in animals after administration of bronchospastic agents. These studies justify the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of some respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.

Phenobarbital is a barbiturate anticonvulsant used in epilepsy and to induce sedation. Currently there is no evidence to support the use of phenobarbital in cardiovascular or bronchospastic disease states.

Due to lack of scientific evidence supported by randomized clinical trials in humans, Corvalol and its components should be used with caution in patients with serious cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, angina, or respiratory conditions such as asthma. Prescription medications that have been scientifically proved to be effective in these disease states should be preferred due to evidence supporting their clinical use.

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Wikipedia