Citicoline

Citicoline is a medicine used in the treatment of stroke, head injury, Alzheimer's disease and memory loss (dementia) in Parkinson's disease. It protects the nerve cells in the brain from damage and also helps to repair the damaged nerve cells. Therefore, it improves learning and memory. Citicoline may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms. Some common side effects that may be seen with this medicine include decreased blood pressure, stomach pain, diarrhea, and irregular heart rate. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own.

Citicoline is a nerve protecting medicine. It works on the brain by nourishing the nerve cells, protects them from damage and improves their survival.

• Stroke (Ischemic stroke)
• Head injury/Brain injury
• Alzheimer's disease
• Dementia in Parkinson's disease
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Cerebral insufficiency (dizziness, memory loss, poor concentration)

Citicoline is a naturally occurring substance that is an essential intermediate in the synthesis of structural phospholipids of cell membrane. Oral dose of Citicoline is metabolized to choline & cytidine. These then enter into the systemic circulation, cross the blood-brain barrier and recombine to form Citicoline within the central nervous system. Citicoline activates the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids in the neuronal membrane, promotes rapid repair of injured cell surface & mitochondrial membrane & increases the level of various neurotransmitters like acetylcholine & dopamine.

Citicoline increases blood flow and O2 consumption in the brain. It is also involved in the biosynthesis of lecithin. Citicoline activates the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids in the neuronal membrane, increases cerebral metabolism and increases the level of various neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine and dopamine.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Head injury, Cerebrovascular disorders, Parkinsonism: 200-600 mg daily in divided doses
• Ischemic stroke: 500-2000 mg/day (start within 24 hours of stroke)
• Decline in thinking skills due to stroke: 1000-2000 mg/day
• Chronic cerebrovascular disease: 1000 mg daily in divided doses

Adult Dose (Parenteral): Up to 1 g IM/IV daily.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Citicoline may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

If you miss a dose of Citicoline, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Rare Side Effects: Stimulating action of parasympathetic system, fleeting & discrete hypotensive effect.

• [CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether Citicoline alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
• Do not take this medicine in higher amounts or frequency than that told by your doctor.
• Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
• Inform your doctor if you develop allergic reaction after taking the medication.
• Avoid consuming alcohol.
• In case of persistent intracranial hemorrhage, very slow administration (30 drops/minute) is recommended.

• Hypertonia of the parasympathetic nervous system.

May enhance the effects of levodopa, carbidopa & entacapone. Must not be administered with products containing meclophenoxate.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Citicoline. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Information regarding the use of Citicoline during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Information regarding the use of Citicoline during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Limited information is available regarding use in children.

No dosage adjustment is required & the usual dose can be administered in geriatric patients.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Citicoline in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Citicoline in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Citicoline overdose may cause parasympathetic stimulation and hypotension. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Citicoline Sodium