Indications
Citicoline Sodium is indicated in-
- Cerebrovascular disease e.g. ischemia due to stroke, where Citicoline accelerates the recovery of consciousness & overcoming motor deficit. Treatment within the first 24 hours after onset in patients with moderate to severe stroke increases the probability of complete recovery in 3 months.
- Cerebral insufficiency (e.g. dizziness, memory loss, poor concentration & disorientation) due to head trauma or brain injury.
- Cognitive dysfunction due to degenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease)
- Parkinson's disease: Citicoline has been shown to be effective as co-therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Pharmacology
Citicoline is a naturally occurring substance that is an essential intermediate in the synthesis of structural phospholipids of cell membrane. Oral dose of Citicoline is metabolized to choline & cytidine. These then enter into the systemic circulation, cross the blood-brain barrier and recombine to form Citicoline within the central nervous system. Citicoline activates the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids in the neuronal membrane, promotes rapid repair of injured cell surface & mitochondrial membrane & increases the level of various neurotransmitters like acetylcholine & dopamine. Citicoline has neuroprotective effects in situations of hypoxia & ischemia, as well as improved learning & memory performance in animal models for the aging brain. Citicoline inhibits the activation of Phospholipase A2 to prevent apoptotic & necrotic cell death.
Dosage And Administration
Oral:
- Immediate treatment of stroke due to a clot (ischemic stroke): 500-2000 mg of Citicoline per day, start within 24 hours of stroke.
- For decline in thinking skills due to stroke: 1000-2000 mg of Citicoline per day.
- Chronic cerebrovascular disease: 1000 mg daily in divided dose with or between meals for ongoing disease of the blood vessels that serve the brain.
Injection:
- 1 to 2 injections daily.
- Adjust dosage according to the severity.
- Can be administered through intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV) [ 3 to 5 minutes] route.
Interaction
Citicoline may enhance the effects of levodopa, carbidopa & entacapone. Citicoline must not be administered with products containing meclophenoxate.
Contraindications
Patients with hypertonic of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Side Effects
Occasionally Citicoline may exert stimulating action of the parasympathetic system as well as a fleeting & discrete hypotensive effect.
Pregnancy And Lactation
There are no adequate & well controlled studies of Citicoline during pregnancy & lactation. Citicoline should be used during pregnancy & lactation only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks.
Precautions And Warnings
In case of persistent intracranial hemorrhage, it is recommended not to exceed the dose of 1000 mg of Citicoline daily.
Therapeutic Class
CNS stimulant drugs
Use in special populations
Geriatric use: No dosage adjustment is required & the usual dose can be administered.
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.