Citicoline

Citicoline is a chemical that naturally occurs in the body which is responsible for regulating many vital processes in the brain as well in as the body. As a medicine, it is taken orally as a dietary supplement or given by IV or as a shot. Citicoline works by increasing a brain chemical called phosphatidylcholine which improves brain function. Citicoline also decreases brain tissue damage during a brain injury by repairing damaged nerve cells.

Citicoline has also been found to influence the cognitive abilities and improve nerve transmission. Hence, Citicoline is used for treating alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, head trauma, age-related memory loss, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, parkinson’s disease, and glaucoma.

Most people who take Citicoline do not experience any problematic side effects. But in some rare cases, side effects such as insomnia, low or high blood pressure headache, blurred vision, diarrhoea, nausea, chest pains, and others. The safety of taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding is unknown. Avoid use to stay on the safe side.

You are advised to not take this medicine if you have an allergy towards any of its ingredients or if you suffer from hypertonia. It is also not recommended for anyone who is 18 years of age or younger. Medicines like levodopa and meclophenoxate can interfere with the action of Citicoline so inform your doctor if you are taking these medicines before starting the medication.

The usual dosage of Citicoline for slow thinking skills due to old age is 1000-2000 mg per day. For chronic cerebrovascular disease the recommended dosage is 600 mg per day. For ischemic stroke, it is 500-2000 mg of per day starting within the first 24 hours of stroke. It can be taken with or after food. Adequate amounts of fluids should be consumed while taking this medicine.

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.

• Acute Ischemic Stroke

  Citicoline is used for recovery from a brain stroke caused by the formation of a blood clot in the blood vessels.

• Alzheimer's Disease

  Citicoline is used for the improvement of cognition in patients suffering from degenerative diseases of the brain.

• Cerebral Insufficiency

  Citicoline is used to improve the symptoms of cerebral insufficiency like memory loss, poor concentration, lack of orientation caused to head trauma or injury.

• Other Diseases Of The Brain

  Citicoline might also be used for improving the symptoms of many other diseases of the brain like Parkinson's disease, age-related dementia etc.

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.

• Allergy

  This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to Citicoline or any other ingredients present along with it.

• Hypertonia

  This medicine is not recommended for use in patient having abnormal muscle tension and stiffness due to nerve damage in the brain. This condition is also present in people who have had a brain surgery to remove certain specific nerves.

• Pediatric Use

  This medicine is not recommended for use in children who are aged 18 or below.

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.

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Shaking Of Hands Or Feet

• Sleeplessness

• Change In Pulse Rate

• Change In Blood Pressure

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Stomach Pain

• Injection Site Pain

• Blurred Vision

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 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 medicine to show it's effect is not clinically established.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for use when you are pregnant.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

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

• Does this affect kidney function?

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

• Does this affect liver function?

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

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.

• 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 dose 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.

• India

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.

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

• Criticoline 250 MG/1ML Injection

  Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd

• Colihenz P -400 Tablet

  La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd

• Citistar-Pm Tablet

  Lupin Ltd

• Unicholin 500 MG Injection

  United Biotech (P) Ltd

• Strocit 500 MG Tablet

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Stropil Plus Tablet

  Gladstone Pharma India Pvt Ltd

• Colihenz 500Mg Tablet

  La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd

• Strocit 100 MG Drops

  Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd

• Recognix 500 MG Injection

  Strides Shasun Limited

• Strozina 250 MG Injection

  Arinna Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd

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.

The exact mechanism of action of this medication is yet to be determined. It is believed to work by increasing the concentrations of chemicals like phosphatidylcholine, methionine, betaine, cytidine etc in the brain. These chemicals enter different metabolic pathways and help in exerting the action of this medicine.

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.

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 Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Levodopa

  Citicoline should be used with caution in patients taking levodopa or other medicines for the management of Parkinson's disease.

  Meclophenoxate

  Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. Caution is advised while using these medicines together. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment in such cases.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Disease

  Information not available.

• Ques : What are the uses of Citicoline?

  Ans : Citicoline is prescribed for the treatment of acute stroke. This medication has also been found to influence cognitive abilities and improve nerve transmission.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Citicoline 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 Citicoline?

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

• Ques : Should I use Citicoline 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 Citicoline?

  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 : I have been prescribed Citicoline for Alzheimer’s disease. What is its role, and how does it work?

  Ans : Citicoline works by protecting the nerve cells present in the brain and also treats the damaged nerve cell by repairing them. By this way, it helps in improving the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

• Ques : Can I take alcohol during treatment with Citicoline?

  Ans : Although no severe interactions have been found between alcohol and this drug, however, it is still suggested to limit the intake of alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects.

• Ques : Can students take Citicoline to improve memory and learning?

  Ans : This medication is not prescribed for improving memory or learning abilities in students. It is only effective against age related memory problems or memory problems associated with brain and nerve disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

• Ques : What is the role of Citicoline in stroke?

  Ans : This drug is helpful against strokes that are caused because of blood clots. Infact, studies reveal that this drug can help in managing strokes within 3 months. This drug can be given within 12 hours of having a stroke for better recovery.

• Ques : Can I drive after taking Citicoline?

  Ans : Do not drive as this drug can affect the ability to concentrate. Hence, driving after taking this medication has potential risks.

• Citalopram-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

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

• Citalopram-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00215

• CITALOPRAM Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 3 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CITALOPRAM