Citicoline
Generic medicine reference
Overview
Supplementation with citicoline increases choline stores available for other biosynthetic pathways. Citicoline appears to decrease glutamate levels in the brain and increase adenosine triphosphate, which in turn offers protection against ischemic neurotoxicity. Increased glucose metabolism in the brain and cerebral blood flow has also been demonstrated, as well as increased availability of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.( Arenth 2011 , Secades 2006 )
Indications
Supplementation with citicoline increases choline stores available for other biosynthetic pathways. Citicoline appears to decrease glutamate levels in the brain and increase adenosine triphosphate, which in turn offers protection against ischemic neurotoxicity. Increased glucose metabolism in the brain and cerebral blood flow has also been demonstrated, as well as increased availability of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.( Arenth 2011 , Secades 2006 )
Contraindications
Citicoline is contraindicated in conditions like Unconsciousness, Pregnancy, Brain surgery, Breast feeding.
Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Citicoline, which give rise to further complications include Hypotension. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Citicoline are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Excitement, Insomnia, Stomach pain, Diarrhea.
Warnings
For patients with acute, severe and progressive disturbances of consciousness due to head injury and brain surgery, Citicoline injection should be administered in conjunction with hemostatics and intracranial pressure relieving drugs, or treatment such as hypothermia.
High Risk Groups
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Adult Dosage
1 g (1 (1)) 24 hourly IV — For 4 weeks.
200 to 600 mg (400 (400)) As recommended. PO — Total dose can be given as 2 divided doses. For 6 weeks.
Child Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Drug Interactions
None well documented.
Storage
Inj, syrups Store in a well closed container, . Protect from Sunlight, Moisture and Heat.
Available Brands in Pakistan
2 active brands listed alphabetically.
ALPHACOLINE
ActiveHIGH - Q INTERNATIONAL
DML: ALPHACOLINE
Inj
CITOLIN
ActiveGLOBAL BRANDS DISTRIBUTORS
DML: CITOLIN
InjSyrup
For educational purposes only. Check current guidelines and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making clinical decisions.