Citicoline: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Citicoline?

What is citicoline used for?

Citicoline or citicolin is a drug for Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. This medicine can also be used to treat the following conditions:

• head wound
• cerebrovascular disease such as stroke
• memory loss due to age
• Parkinson's disease
• ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactive disorder)
• glaucoma

Reporting from WebMD, this drug works by increasing a chemical in the brain called phosphatidylcholine. This compound is important for the function of sending signals to and from the brain.

How is citicoline used?

For citicoline in oral form, follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Always read the instructions for using drugs before using this medicine.

For drugs in the form of injection, this drug is given only under the supervision of a doctor or medical team.

Read carefully the instructions for use on the packaging or prescription label. Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, for longer than recommended.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Citicoline or citicolin is best stored at room temperature and kept away from direct light and damp areas. Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush citicolin down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Citicoline dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of this medicine for adults?

Below are the recommended citicolin dosages for adults:

1. By mouth

Citicoline dosage for age-related thinking disabilities: 1000-2000 mg daily.

Citicoline dosage for vascular disease that attacks the brain (chronic cerebrovascular disease): 600 mg per day.

Citicoline dose for the treatment of stroke due to blockage (ischemic stroke): 500-2000 mg per day starting 24 hours after the stroke is treated.

2. By infusion or intravenously

Citicoline can be given intravenously (IV) to treat chronic cerebrovascular disease. The dosing will be based on the severity of the symptoms and the administration of the drug will be supervised by a doctor.

3. Injections

Citicoline can also be given by injection to treat chronic cerebrovascular disease. The dosing will be based on the severity of the symptoms and the administration of the drug will be supervised by a doctor.

What is the dosage for children?

Citicoline is a drug whose dosage, safety, and effectiveness have not been determined in children younger than 18 years. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Citicoline is a drug that is available in the form of:

• Injection fluid 500 mg / 2 mL, 250 mg / mL.
• 500 mg / 5mL of drinking syrup.
• 500 mg and 1 gram tablets.

Citicoline side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to citicoline?

Citicoline is a drug that may be safe when taken by mouth in the short term (up to 90 days). The long-term safety of the drug is unclear.

Like the use of other medicines, use of citicoline can cause some side effects. Most of the following side effects are rare and do not require additional treatment.

However, it is important that you consult your doctor if you have any problems after taking this medicine.

The following are the side effects that may arise from this drug:

• insomnia,
• headache
• diarrhea
• high or low blood pressure
• nausea
• blurry vision
• crowded

Do not rule out this drug can trigger an allergic reaction. Immediately stop using this drug and contact your doctor if there is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic), with symptoms such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Citicoline Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using citicoline?

Before deciding to use drugs, the risks and benefits must be carefully considered. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.

The following conditions must be considered:

Certain drugs and diseases

Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines. This is because several types of drugs may interact with citicolin.

In addition, it is also important to inform your doctor about any diseases or other health conditions that you are currently suffering from. It is possible that this drug can trigger interactions with certain diseases or health conditions.

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to citicoline or any of the ingredients in this medicine. Also, get checked to see if you have any other allergies, for example to certain foods, dyes, or animals.

Children

This drug has not been tested for safety in children. Before giving citicoline to children, first consult a doctor.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

Citicoline Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with citicoline?

Although several types of drugs cannot be taken at the same time, there are also cases where the drugs can be taken simultaneously if there is an interaction. In this case, the doctor may change the dose, or may need to be prevented. Tell a healthcare professional if you are taking medication with or without a prescription.

Can food or alcohol interact with citicoline?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of citicolin medications. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have other medical problems, such as kidney or liver disease.

Citicoline overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or citicolin overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.