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Citicoline

Information about Citicoline

Citicoline Uses

Citicoline is used in the treatment of stroke, head injury, Alzheimer's disease and dementia in Parkinson's disease.

How Citicoline works

Citicoline is a nerve protecting medicine. It works on the brain by nourishing the nerve cells, protects them from damage and improves their survival.

Common side effects of Citicoline

Headache, Edema (swelling), Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Anxiety, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Weakness, Gastrointestinal disturbance

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Khushbu Goel

DM, MD

Last updated

13 Jun 2023 | 11:29 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Citicoline

Expert advice for Citicoline

Citicoline helps in the treatment of stroke, head injury, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia in Parkinson's disease.
Do not take this medicine in higher amounts or frequency than that told by your doctor.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Inform your doctor if you develop an allergic reaction after taking the medication.
Side effects such as trouble sleeping, diarrhea, stomach pain, decreased blood pressure, irregular heart rate may occur with Citicoline. These may not be with everyone.
Any of the side effects other than those mentioned above if occur, do consult the treating physician.

Frequently asked questions for Citicoline

Citicoline

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

Citicoline is a form of an essential nutrient called choline which is naturally present in the body. It protects the nerve cells in the brain from damage and also helps to repair the damaged nerve cells. Therefore, it improves learning, memory, and cognitive function (processing information or perception) in Alzheimer’s disease.

Q. Can I take alcohol during treatment with Citicoline?

There are no studies to determine the effect of alcohol on treatment with Citicoline. However, since Citicoline is prescribed for stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, head injury, and age-related memory impairment, it is best to avoid the consumption of alcohol.

Q. Can students take Citicoline to improve memory and learning?

No, students should not take Citicoline since studies show that Citicoline is effective only in age-related memory problems, memory problems associated with long-standing stroke, and in Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, there is no data available for use of this medicine in children.

Q. What is the role of Citicoline in stroke?

In cases of stroke caused due to blood clots, taking Citicoline orally can help the patient recover completely within 3 months. Also, giving Citicoline either intravenously (injecting the medicine in vein directly) within 12 hours of having a stroke or daily for 7 days after the stroke can help the patient recover sooner.