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Overview

Piracetam

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Piracetam

Piracetam is used in the treatment of memory problems. It is structurally similar to aminobutyric acid. The medicine works on the nervous system and the brain. It is said to protect the cerebral cortex from oxygen deficiency.

This portion of the brain is responsible for regulating your reasoning, perception, movement, and recognition. The medicine is primarily used in the treatment of cortical myoclonus, a disorder which results in involuntary jerks on the muscles, especially those of the legs and the arms.

Before starting a course of this medication, you should tell your doctor if you have the following conditions:

  • you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • blood clot problem, kidney or liver problems
  • if you have problems with sodium consumption
  • if you have a history of hemorrhage
  • taking thyroid hormones and any herbal or complementary medications

The usual dose for the medication is two or three tablets on a daily basis. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor. You are supposed to swallow the tablets whole with water, do not chew or dissolve the tablets before consuming them.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Piracetam

    • Cortical Myoclonus

      This medicine is used along with other medicines to treat a condition where the patient experiences a frequent, uncontrolled, and sudden twitch of muscles.

    • Other Degenerative Disease Of The Brain

      This medicine is also frequently used to improve the symptoms and overall quality of life in diseases like Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Dyslexia etc.

    • Cognitive Enhancer

      This medication is used to improve awareness and memory in patients having cerebrocortical insufficiency.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Piracetam ?

    • Allergy

      This medication is not recommended for use if you have a history of allergy to this medication or any other present with it.

    • Liver Damage

      This medication is not recommended for use if you have an impairment of the liver function.

    • Kidney Damage

      This medication is not recommended for use if you have a severe impairment of the kidney function.

    • Cerebral Hemorrhage

      This medication is not recommended for use if you have a ruptured blood vessel and localized bleeding in the brain.

    • Huntington's Disease

      This medication is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a genetic disorder where the brain cell die quickly causing a deterioration of mental and physical abilities over time.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Piracetam ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Piracetam

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The amount of time for which effects of this medicine lasts is unknown.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The time taken for this medication to show it's effect is not clinically established.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medication is not recommended for use by pregnant women unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risk associated. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medication is not recommended for use by women who are breastfeeding.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is found to be safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine may affect the consciousness of the patient. Thus driving must be avoided while taking this medication.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken in patients with renal impairment. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      This medicine is probably found to be safe in patients with liver disease. Consult your doctor.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed can be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact your doctor if an overdose with this medicine is suspected.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Piracetam approved?

    • India

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Piracetam

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Piracetam as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication acts by impacting the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. It improves and facilitates microcirculation in the blood vessels. It increases the flow of blood and oxygen uptake by activating acetylcholine.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Piracetam ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Warfarin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to use these medicines together.

        Aspirin

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to use these medicines together.

        Thyroxine

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use these medicines together.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Kidney Disease

        This medication should be used with caution in patients suffering from a kidney disease. The dosing needs to be modified depending on the creatinine clearance levels. It is not recommended for use in patients having a severe impairment of the kidney function.

        Bleeding Disorders

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients having an active bleeding disorder. Suitable tests should be performed to determine the safe use of this medicine.
      • Interaction with Food

        Information not available.

      FAQs about Piracetam

      • Ques : What is Piracetam?

        Ans : This medication is a type of aminobutyric acid, which is used in the treatment of memory problems.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Piracetam before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Piracetam?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Piracetam empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Piracetam?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : If I do not see an improvement in my symptoms, can I stop taking this medication?

        Ans : No, do not stop taking this drug on your own. It is advised to consult your doctor before stopping consuming this drug.

      • Ques : Who should avoid taking Piracetam?

        Ans : You should not take this drug if you are allergic to Piracetam or any of the ingredients in the medicine. Also, avoid taking this medication if your kidney functions are severely deranged or if you ever had localized bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage).

      • Ques : What is the correct way of taking Piracetam?

        Ans : Piracetam can be taken with or without food. It is advised to swallow the tablets as a whole with a glass of water. Do not break or chew the tablets.

      References

      • Piracetam- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/piracetam

      • Piracetam- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09210

      • Nootropil Tablets 1200 mg- EMC [Internet] medicines.org.uk. 2017 [Cited 11 December 2019]. Available from:

        https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2991/smpc

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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