Indications
Citicoline Sodium (Vasoactin) is used in cerebrovascular disease, for example ischemia due to stroke. In this condition it speeds up the recovery of consciousness and helps the patient overcome motor deficit. When treatment starts within the first 24 hours after onset in patients with moderate to severe stroke, the probability of complete recovery in 3 months is higher. It is also used for cerebral insufficiency (such as dizziness, memory loss, poor concentration and disorientation) due to head trauma or brain injury, and for cognitive dysfunction due to degenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease). In Parkinson's disease, Citicoline Sodium has been shown to be effective as co-therapy.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Citicoline is a substance the body makes naturally, and it is an essential intermediate in building the structural phospholipids of the cell membrane. When Citicoline is taken by mouth, it is broken down into choline and cytidine. These pass into the systemic circulation, cross the blood-brain barrier and join together again to form Citicoline inside the central nervous system.
Once there, Citicoline activates the biosynthesis of structural phospholipids in the neuronal membrane. It also promotes rapid repair of injured cell surface and mitochondrial membranes, and it raises the level of several neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and dopamine. Citicoline has neuroprotective effects in situations of hypoxia and ischemia. In animal models of the aging brain, it also improved learning and memory performance. By inhibiting the activation of Phospholipase A2, Citicoline helps prevent apoptotic and necrotic cell death.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
No adequate, well-controlled studies of Citicoline have been done in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. So Citicoline should be used in pregnancy and lactation only if the likely benefit justifies the possible risk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.