Vinpocetina (Cavinton)

Vinpocetine is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (evidence tier F), Vascular dementia (evidence tier F), Vertigo, unspecified (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

Common side effects of Vinpocetine (≥ 1 in 100): Blood pressure reduction, Tachycardia, ectopic beats, Headache, dizziness, Nausea, heartburn, Drowsiness or insomnia. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Contraindicated in pregnancy. The FDA in 2019 explicitly warned of miscarriage and adverse fetal outcome risk. In women of reproductive age, use is acceptable only with reliable contraception; when pregnancy is planned, the drug is discontinued.

Data on transfer into breast milk are limited. Breastfeeding is interrupted during use.

Vinpocetine is contraindicated in: Pregnancy – risk of miscarriage and adverse fetal outcomes (FDA 2019 warning); Breastfeeding; Age under 18 (insufficient data); Acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke; Significant cardiac arrhythmias. Full list in the Safety section.

FDA boxed warning is not applicable (the drug is not registered as a medicine in the US). In 2019 the FDA issued a separate warning on the risk of miscarriage and adverse fetal outcomes from vinpocetine use by women of reproductive age.

in experimental models a local blood flow increase is observed, but clinical outcomes (stroke prevention, cognitive improvement, mortality reduction) are not demonstrated.

market longevity is not evidence of efficacy. Modern RCT criteria apply to old drugs as well, and vinpocetine does not meet them.

the FDA in 2019 explicitly removed vinpocetine from the dietary supplement category and warned of miscarriage risk.