Other Brands/Names

Ultihealth Citicoline 500 mg,  Citicoline FM, Cholinaar, Cition, Protecline, Memoviton, Citiboost.

How It Works

Citicoline (also known as CDP-choline) is a naturally occurring brain compound. It helps raise levels of phosphatidylcholine, a key brain lipid that supports normal brain function. Citicoline may also increase the availability of several neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells.

Indications

• Age-related declines in memory and thinking abilities. In adults aged 50 to 85, taking citicoline may help improve mild memory decline associated with aging.
• Eye conditions that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma). Oral citicoline, injections, or citicoline eye drops may support vision in some people with glaucoma.
• It is also used in settings such as cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, head injury or concussion, and Parkinson’s disease.

Contraindication

• A known allergy or hypersensitivity to citicoline.
• Parasympathetic nervous system hypertonia.

Side Effects

Most users tolerate citicoline well and side effects are uncommon. Possible effects include insomnia, headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, blurred vision, chest pain, and others. There is not enough high-quality evidence to determine the safety profile of long-term, continuous use or to list all potential long-term effects.

Types

Citicoline is available as tablets, caplets, and injectable preparations.

Dosage

• Oral: 500 mg once or twice daily, or 1,000 mg once daily.
• Injection: 500–1,000 mg daily, given slowly by intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) route over 3–5 minutes, or by IV infusion at approximately 40–60 drops per minute.

Safety

There is insufficient information to confirm safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To prioritize safety, avoid using citicoline while pregnant or nursing unless your clinician determines the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss any planned use with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Citicoline may enhance the effects of levodopa, a medicine used for Parkinson’s disease. If you take levodopa or other Parkinson’s treatments, consult your doctor before starting citicoline.

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