Citicoline

Citicoline or citicoline is a drug to overcome memory or behavior disorders caused by aging, stroke, or head injury. In addition, this drug can also be used to improve vision in glaucoma patients. 

Citicoline is a chemical that actually occurs naturally in the brain. Citicoline works by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain called phosphatidylcholine . This substance plays an important role in protecting brain function.

Citicoline is also used as an additional therapy in treating Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease , bipolar disorder,  lazy eye , and other brain disorders.

Citicoline trademarks:  Beclov, Bralin, Cholinaar, Cercul, Citicoline 1000, Citicoline Sodium, Citicoline 500 mg, Citicol 500, Colinpha, Gralin, Lancolin 500, Neuciti 500, Neulin, Protecline, Plegicol, Zeufor

What is Citicoline

Warnings Before Using Citicoline

Citicoline should not be used indiscriminately. Here are the things you need to pay attention to before using this medicine:

• Do not use citicoline if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
• Do not give citicoline to children under 13 years of age.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering  from kidney disease , parasympathetic hypertonia, or experiencing symptoms of muscle weakness or half-body numbness.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or overdose after using citicoline.

Dosage and Administration of Citicoline

The doctor will give the dose and determine the duration of the treatment according to the patient's doctor. The following is the division of citicoline dosage based on the form of the drug:

• Oral medicine (tablets and caplets)
  Dose 500 mg, 1–2 times a day.
  Dose 1000 mg, 1 time a day.
• Injection or infusion
  Dose 500–1000 mg IV/IM injection 1 time per day, injected for 3–5 minutes or given at an infusion rate of 40–60 drops per minute.

How to Use Citicoline Correctly

Use citicoline as recommended by the doctor and don't forget to read the information on the packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use this medicine beyond the recommended period of time.

Citicoline can be taken before or after meals. Make sure there is enough time between one dose and the next. Try to consume this medicine at the same time every day for optimal treatment results.

If you forget to consume citicoline, immediately consume this medicine as soon as you remember if the pause with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Citicoline in injectable form can only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will inject this medicine according to the patient's condition.

Store citicoline at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.

Interactions of Citicoline with Other Drugs

The use of citicoline with antiparkinsonian drugs, such as  levodopa , risks increasing the effect of levodopa. To be safe, always tell your doctor if you want to use any medicine together with citicoline.

Side Effects and Dangers of Citicoline

Here are the side effects that may arise after using citicoline:

• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomachache
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Hypotension

Check with your doctor if you experience these side effects or an allergic reaction that can be marked by an itchy rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or difficulty breathing.