Cerebrolysin
Cognitive & nootropicAlso known as: Cerebrolysin neuropeptide preparation
A neurotrophic mixture of small peptides and amino acids, given by infusion for stroke, dementia, and brain injury.
2.What it is / mechanism
Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide. It is a mixture of small peptides and free amino acids made from purified pig brain protein. It is meant to act like the brain's own neurotrophic factors, supporting neuron survival and repair. It is used in some countries for stroke recovery, dementia, and traumatic brain injury, given as an intravenous or infusion.s1
3.What the evidence supports
- Limited human dataMay help cognitive recovery after stroke and in vascular or Alzheimer's dementia.s1
Some trials, such as CASTA, and meta analyses show benefit, but Cochrane reviews call the evidence for acute stroke insufficient and do not recommend routine use in dementia. The picture is mixed.
- Limited human dataSupports recovery after traumatic brain injury.s2
Some positive meta analysis signals, still not definitive.
4.Dosing
| Route(s) | intravenous, intramuscular |
|---|---|
| Typical range | Given in a clinic as an infusion, commonly 10 to 30 mL per day (up to 50 mL) for courses of 10 to 21 days. |
| Frequency | Daily during a course, in a clinical setting |
| Cycle guidance | 10 to 21 day courses, sometimes repeated every few months. |
| Notes | Cerebrolysin comes as a ready made sterile solution in ampoules, so there is nothing to . It is dosed in milliliters and given by a clinician, usually as an IV infusion. This is not a peptide you mix and inject at home. |
5.Reconstitution
| Diluent | None. It comes as a ready made sterile solution. |
|---|---|
| Concentration | Not reconstituted. It is supplied as a solution in ampoules and dosed in milliliters, usually diluted into an IV drip by a clinician. |
| Notes | There is no home reconstitution step for Cerebrolysin. |
6.Storage & stability
Lyophilized (dry)
| Temp | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Not listed |
| Notes | Not applicable. Cerebrolysin is supplied as a solution, not a freeze dried powder. |
Reconstituted
| Temp | Per the product label, usually room temperature or refrigerated |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | Not listed |
| Notes | Store the ampoules as directed and protect from light. Do not use if the solution is discolored. |
7.Reported side effects
8.Interactions & stacking risks
The product label advises against combining Cerebrolysin with MAO inhibitors.
9.Contraindications / who should avoid
- SeriousKnown allergy to Cerebrolysin
Risk of a serious allergic reaction.
- WarningSevere kidney impairment or active seizures
Used with caution or avoided in these settings.
- SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
10.COA & purity notes
| Common adulterants | counterfeit vials, since a branded product exists, solutions that have degraded or are past date |
|---|---|
| Mislabeling | There is a branded, regulated product in some countries. Because it is a biological made from animal tissue, sterility and source matter, and counterfeits exist. |
| Notes | A biological mixture, not a single peptide. Not approved in the US. Given in clinical settings elsewhere. |
11.Sources
Last reviewed 2026-07-08 · status: reviewed