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Cerebrolysin

Also known as Cerebrolysin neuropeptide preparation

Not approved in the USCognitive & nootropic

Last reviewed · Awaiting clinical review

Main safety concerns

This is a biological mixture given by IV or IM in a clinical setting, not a single peptide you mix at home. Large reviews find the evidence mixed, and it is not approved in the US.

Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.

What is known

A neurotrophic mixture of small peptides and amino acids, given by infusion for stroke, dementia, and brain injury.

Status:
Not approved by the FDA. Approved as a medicine in about 50 other countries, mostly in Eastern Europe and Asia.[3]
Strongest evidence for any claim:

See the evidence claim by claim

On this page

What it is and how it works

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.[1]

Evidence by claim

Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.

Reported side effects

  • SeriousSerious allergic reaction(rare)[1]Rare, but seek care for hives, swelling, or trouble breathing.
  • CautionDizziness or feeling warm during the infusion(common)[1]More likely if infused too fast. Slowing the rate usually helps.
  • CautionAgitation or restlessness(uncommon)[1]

Interactions and combination risks

  • WarningMAO inhibitor antidepressants[1]

    The product label advises against combining Cerebrolysin with MAO inhibitors.

Who should avoid it

  • 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.

Dosing

Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.

Doses from small or early human studies
Route(s)intravenous, intramuscular
Typical rangeGiven in a clinic as an infusion, commonly 10 to 30 mL per day (up to 50 mL) for courses of 10 to 21 days.
FrequencyDaily during a course, in a clinical setting
Cycle guidance10 to 21 day courses, sometimes repeated every few months.
NotesCerebrolysin 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.
[1]

For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.

Reconstitution

DiluentNone. It comes as a ready made sterile solution.
ConcentrationNot reconstituted. It is supplied as a solution in ampoules and dosed in milliliters, usually diluted into an IV drip by a clinician.
NotesThere is no home reconstitution step for Cerebrolysin.

General reconstitution technique

Storage and stability

Dry powder (lyophilized)

TemperatureNot listed
Shelf lifeNot listed
NotesNot applicable. Cerebrolysin is supplied as a solution, not a freeze dried powder.

After mixing

TemperaturePer the product label, usually room temperature or refrigerated
Shelf lifeNot listed
NotesStore the ampoules as directed and protect from light. Do not use if the solution is discolored.

General storage and stability guide

COA and purity notes

Common adulterantscounterfeit vials, since a branded product exists, solutions that have degraded or are past date
MislabelingThere is a branded, regulated product in some countries. Because it is a biological made from animal tissue, sterility and source matter, and counterfeits exist.
NotesA biological mixture, not a single peptide. Not approved in the US. Given in clinical settings elsewhere.

How to read a COA

Sources

  1. [1]Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke (Cochrane systematic review)

    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020 (opens source in a new tab)· Review

  2. [2]Cerebrolysin in patients with traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis

    PMC (systematic review) 2023 (opens source in a new tab)· Review

  3. [3]Therapeutic Peptides in Aesthetic, Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Effects, Safety, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives

    Renke G, Chinellato L (International Journal of Molecular Sciences) 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Review

Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed