Cerebrolysin
Neuropeptide Preparation · Neurological Recovery
Standardized neuropeptide preparation containing bioactive peptides and amino acids exhibiting neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive enhancement. Used clinically in 50+ countries.
Overview
Standardized neuropeptide preparation containing bioactive peptides and amino acids exhibiting neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive enhancement. Used clinically in 50+ countries.
IV/IM administration provides optimal bioavailability and brain penetration of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors.
Research indications
What the compound has been studied for, grouped by body system. Effect size is the reported magnitude where it was measured — not a recommendation.
Meta-analyses show modest cognitive improvements, though clinical significance remains debated.
Multiple RCTs demonstrate significant ADAS-cog and CIBIC+ improvements.
Large meta-analysis shows significant NIHSS improvements; other studies found no functional benefit.
Largest meta-analysis (1,879 patients) shows NIHSS benefits; independent analysis found no mRS improvement.
Multiple trials including CAPTAIN series confirm GCS/GOS improvements.
Pilot trial shows promising 6-month outcomes; requires larger confirmatory studies.
Some studies show enhanced recovery; results vary significantly between trials.
Early administration within 72 hours shows better outcomes than delayed treatment.
A large effect in a weak study and a small effect in a strong one are different things. Effect size is never evidence of use in people.
- Class
- Purified porcine brain proteins
- Half-life
- ~10 min
- Typical dose
- 10-50mL depending on indication (stroke/TBI higher doses)
- Frequency
- Once daily for acute conditions; 5 days weekly for chronic conditions
- Cycle length
- 7-30 days depending on condition (stroke/TBI 10-30 days, dementia 4 weeks)
- Storage
- Room temperature ≤25°C, protected from light in original carton - never freeze
Molecular data
- Type
- Purified porcine brain proteins
- Half-life
- 10 min
Dosing reference
Doses reported in the literature and by suppliers. These are a record of what has been used in research — reference, never instruction.
| Context | Route | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Volume IV | Undiluted IV slow push over 3 minutes | Up to 10mL | Once daily |
| Intramuscular | Undiluted IM injection over 3 minutes | Up to 5mL | Once daily |
| Acute Stroke | IV infusion (diluted to 100mL minimum) | 20-50mL | Once daily for 10-21 days |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | IV infusion (diluted to 100mL minimum) | 20-50mL | Once daily for 7-30 days |
| Alzheimer's Disease | IV injection/infusion (2-4 cycles yearly) | 10-30mL | 5 days weekly for 4 weeks |
| Vascular Dementia | IV injection/infusion (2-4 cycles yearly) | 10-30mL | 5 days weekly for 4 weeks |
Interactions
Safe combination with no significant interactions; both support cognitive function.
No interactions reported; may have synergistic cognitive effects in Alzheimer's treatment.
Potential additive neurotropic effects; monitor for enhanced antidepressant effects.
May have additive neurological effects; requires careful monitoring.
Contraindicated per prescribing information; do not mix in same infusion.
Should not be mixed in same IV infusion per official guidelines.
Compatibility issues; do not mix in same IV infusion.
Both enhance neurotrophic factors; potential additive effects—start with lower doses.
Quality checklist
- ✓Clear amber solution from reputable source
- ✓Room temperature storage ≤25°C
- ✓Protected from light in original carton
- ✓Authorized EVER Pharma distributor
- !Some published studies have been retracted due to research misconduct; rely on independent meta-analyses
- ×Frozen product or improper storage—never freeze
- ×Mixing with incompatible solutions (amino acids, vitamins, cardiovascular medications)
What to expect
Safety
- Generally well tolerated
- Possible mild dizziness or agitation in early treatment
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, severe rash)
- New onset seizure activity
- Significant cardiovascular events during administration
- Severe renal dysfunction or worsening kidney function
- Epilepsy
- Severe renal insufficiency
- History of severe allergic reactions to porcine products
FAQ
Does Cerebrolysin actually work for stroke recovery or is the evidence mixed?
Evidence is mixed. Large meta-analysis of 1,879 stroke patients showed NIHSS (neurological function) superiority, but an independent analysis found no significant improvement in modified Rankin Scale (functional outcomes). Cerebrolysin appears to have early neurological benefits without clear long-term functional recovery advantage.
Is Cerebrolysin safe given some published studies have been retracted?
Yes, several Cerebrolysin studies were retracted due to research misconduct. However, well-conducted meta-analyses by independent researchers confirm safety and modest efficacy signals. Rely on meta-analyses and well-designed RCTs rather than individual studies, some of which have credibility issues.
How quickly should Cerebrolysin be started after stroke or TBI for best results?
Early administration within 72 hours shows better outcomes than delayed treatment. Acute stroke protocols use 20-50mL daily IV infusion for 10-21 days. TBI protocols use similar dosing for 7-30 days depending on severity. Earlier initiation appears critical for neuroprotective benefit.
Can I mix Cerebrolysin with other IV solutions, vitamins, or medications?
No. Official guidelines contraindicate mixing Cerebrolysin with amino acid solutions, cardiovascular medications, or vitamin solutions in the same IV infusion. Compatibility issues exist, so use dedicated IV lines. Flush with sodium chloride before and after administration per protocol.
References
- 1Cerebrolysin in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical TrialsGauthier S, Proano JV, Jia J, et al. · Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders · 2015
6 RCTs in mild-to-moderate AD; Cerebrolysin significantly superior to placebo on ADAS-cog at 4 weeks (SMD -0.40, P=0.003) and CIBIC global clinical change at 4 weeks and 6 months.
meta-analysisPubMed 25832905 ↗ - 2Cerebrolysin for Functional Recovery in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsXue LX, Zhang T, Zhao YW, et al. · International Journal of Neuroscience · 2017
Meta-analysis of 1,779 patients found no significant benefit on mRS response (RR 1.33, P=0.28) or Barthel Index; concluded routine use for long-term stroke rehabilitation not supported.
meta-analysisPubMed 28458521 ↗ - 3Safety and Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in Early Post-Stroke Recovery: A Meta-Analysis of Nine Randomized Clinical TrialsBornstein NM, Guekht A, Vester J, et al. · Neurological Sciences · 2018
Meta-analysis of 1,879 stroke patients showed NIHSS superiority of Cerebrolysin (MW 0.60, P < 0.0001); NNT = 7.7 for clinically relevant early neurological improvement.
meta-analysisPubMed 29248999 ↗ - 4Efficacy and Safety of Cerebrolysin in Neurorecovery After Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Results from the CAPTAIN II TrialMuresanu DF, Florian S, et al. · Neurological Sciences · 2020
Phase IIIb/IV RCT: patients with GCS 7-12 received 50 mL Cerebrolysin daily for 10 days + two additional 10 mL cycles; confirmed beneficial effects on overall outcome after moderate-severe TBI.
human-rctPubMed 31897941 ↗ - 5Cerebrolysin in Patients with TBI: Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisJarosz K, Kojder K, Andrzejewska A, Solek-Pastuszka J, Jurczak A · Brain Sciences · 2023
10 studies of 8,749 TBI patients; GOS improvement was statistically significant (mean difference 0.422, P = 0.000); mortality and length of stay were not significantly affected.
meta-analysisPubMed 36979317 ↗