Generic
Piracetam
14 brands available in the market
At a glance
Piracetam is a nootropic medicine used for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia in Parkinson's disease, age-related memory loss, and head injury. It improves communication between nerve cells and protects the brain against oxygen shortage.
Description
Piracetam is a 'nootrope' that acts directly on the brain to improve the efficacy of the telencephalon in both normal subjects and those with functional deficit. It modifies neurotransmission, improves the metabolic environment essential for neuronal function, and improves microcirculation without producing vasodilation. It inhibits platelet aggregation and restores RBC deformability.
Indications
- Cerebrovascular accidents and cerebral insufficiencies
- Mental retardation in children
- Behavior and psychotic problems in old age (memory deficits)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Stroke
- Dementia in Parkinson's disease
- Age-related memory loss
- Head injury
Therapeutic class
Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Drugs used in tremor, tics & related disorder
Pharmacological class
Nootropic (Psychotropic)
Pharmacology
Piracetam is a nootropic that improves cognitive function by enhancing the efficacy of the telencephalon. It modifies neurotransmission, improves neuronal metabolic environment, and enhances microcirculation. It inhibits platelet aggregation and restores erythrocyte deformability, improving flow through the microvasculature.
Mechanism of action
Improves cognitive function by enhancing neurotransmission and cerebral microcirculation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Cerebrocortical insufficiency: 800 mg three times daily
- Cortical myoclonus: 7.2 g daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased by 4.8 g/day every 3-4 days; max 20 g/day
- Cognitive enhancer: 2.4 g daily in 2-3 divided doses; up to 4.8 g daily in severe cases
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 50 mg/kg body weight in 3 divided doses; reduce by half after desired results
Renal Impairment Dose:
- CrCl 50-79: 2/3 of usual dose
- CrCl 30-49: 1/3 of usual dose
- CrCl 20-29: 1/6 of usual dose
- CrCl <20: Contraindicated
Administration
- May be taken with or without food; take at a fixed time
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Weight gain
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue/drowsiness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Sexual stimulation (rare)
Precautions & warnings
- May affect driving ability; do not drive if drowsy or dizzy
- Inform doctor if bleeding problems or taking blood-thinning medications
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Inform doctor if abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting occurs
- Do not stop medication suddenly
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <20 mL/min)
- Hepatic impairment
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- Thyroid extract: Confusion, irritability, sleep disorders (single case)
- Warfarin: May increase prothrombin time
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Piracetam does not cause harmful effects.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; crosses the placenta; not recommended except under exceptional circumstances.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information regarding use during breastfeeding is not available; not recommended except under exceptional circumstances.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dose based on body weight (50 mg/kg); consult your doctor.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients require dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment based on CrCl; not recommended in severe renal disease.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Piracetam appears to be devoid of toxicity even at very high doses; no specific measures needed for overdose.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place below 30°C, away from sunlight; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Piracetam