Citicoline+piracetam
About
Citicoline+piracetam belongs to a group of medicines called central nervous system agents used to treat acute stroke. A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die, leading to stroke.
Citicoline+piracetam is a combination of two medicines, namely: Citicoline and Piracetam. Citicoline repairs the neuronal membrane and cholinergic neurons by increasing phosphatidylcholine synthesis and potentiating the production of acetylcholine, respectively. It reduces the build-up of free fatty acids at the site of stroke-induced nerve damage. Piracetam protects the brain and nervous system against shortness of oxygen. It also improves the activity of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine which helps in communication between brain cells.
You are advised to take Citicoline+piracetam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as weight gain, nervousness, diarrhoea, headache, muscle spasm, nausea, and vomiting. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Citicoline+piracetam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Citicoline+piracetam causes drowsiness, sleepiness and shakiness. Avoid consuming alcohol with Citicoline+piracetam as it could lead to increased sleepiness. Citicoline+piracetam is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects/interactions.
Uses of Citicoline+piracetam
Medicinal Benefits
Citicoline+piracetam is used to treat acute stroke. Citicoline+piracetam is a combination of two medicines, namely: Citicoline and Piracetam. Citicoline repairs the neuronal membrane by increasing the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. It also repairs the damaged cholinergic neurons by potentiating acetylcholine production and reduces the build-up of free fatty acids at the site of stroke-induced nerve damage. Piracetam protects the brain and nervous system against shortness of oxygen. It also improves the activity of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine which helps in communication between brain cells. Together, Citicoline+piracetam helps treat stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Citicoline+piracetam
- Weight gain
- Nervousness
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Muscle spasm
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Citicoline+piracetam if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have/had severe renal or hepatic impairment or cerebral haemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding in the brain). Inform your doctor if you have intracranial haemorrhage (bleeding within the skull), haemorrhage (bleeding problems), gastrointestinal ulcers, haemostasis (process to prevent bleeding); if you are due to have any major surgery or taking anti-coagulant medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Citicoline+piracetam if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Citicoline+piracetam causes drowsiness, sleepiness and shakiness. Avoid consuming alcohol with Citicoline+piracetam as it could lead to increased sleepiness. Citicoline+piracetam is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Citicoline+piracetam may interact with anti-Parkinson medicines (levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone), nootropic drugs (centrophenoxine), anti-coagulant (acenocoumarol), anti-epileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, valproate), and thyroid hormones.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have intracranial haemorrhage (bleeding within the skull), haemorrhage (bleeding problems), gastrointestinal ulcers, haemostasis (process to prevent bleeding), cerebral haemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding in the brain), or severe renal and hepatic impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Citicoline+piracetam as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will decide whether Citicoline+piracetam can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafeCiticoline+piracetam may cause nervousness and shakiness. Do not drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionLimited data is available. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionCiticoline+piracetam is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a low-fat, high-fibre diet.
- Maintain a balanced diet. Include plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
- Limit daily salt content to not more than 6grams.
- Exercise regularly. It helps maintain proper weight, lowers cholesterol and keeps blood pressure healthy.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid processed foods.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Stroke: A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain injury, disability and possibly death. Stroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage, long-term disability and death.
FAQs
Citicoline+piracetam contains Citicoline and Piracetam. Citicoline repairs the neuronal membrane and cholinergic neurons by increasing phosphatidylcholine synthesis and potentiating the production of acetylcholine, respectively. It reduces the build-up of free fatty acids at the site of stroke-induced nerve damage. Piracetam protects the brain and nervous system against shortness of oxygen. It also improves the activity of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine which helps in communication between brain cells.
Citicoline+piracetam might induce seizures in myoclonic patients if discontinued suddenly. Do not discontinue Citicoline+piracetam without consulting your doctor. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Citicoline+piracetam for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Citicoline+piracetam.
Diarrhoea could be a side-effect of Citicoline+piracetam. Drink plenty of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in stools.
Citicoline+piracetam may cause an increase in weight. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a proper weight. Consult your doctor if you notice excess weight gain.
Hallucination is a medical condition in which the person may feel, hear or believe things that are not true, see things that are not there, feel unusually suspicious or confused. Citicoline+piracetam contains piracetam which may cause hallucination in some cases. So, if you experience hallucinations while taking Citicoline+piracetam, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Please consult your doctor before taking Citicoline+piracetam if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), as Citicoline+piracetam contains citicoline, which might cause low blood pressure. Intake of Citicoline+piracetam along with anti-hypertensive medicines might decrease the blood pressure to lower than normal. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is advised to avoid unpleasant events.
