Controlled clinical trial of oxiracetam in the treatment of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency in the elderly

The activity and tolerability of a new nootropic drug, oxiracetam, were studied in 30 elderly patients with chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency. A control group of 30 similar patients matched for age and sex was treated with piracetam. Both drugs were given intravenously at a dosage of 6 g once daily for 60 days. Although both oxiracetam and piracetam were found to produce favorable effects on psychosomatic as well as neurologic symptoms, the best therapeutic results were achieved with oxiracetam. In addition, oxiracetam treatment was associated with a significant decrease in platelet aggregation. The tolerability of the drug was excellent. These data suggest that this new nootropic compound is an effective drug for the treatment of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency and the prevention of cerebral ischemia.