Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To improve memory and brain functioning after a stroke 2. To improve age-related memory decline and cognitive performance 3. To enhance memory and cognition function in patients with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, and depression. |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Nausea 2. Headache 3. Trouble sleeping |
| Additional Information | 1. It is recommended to avoid self-administration and to take it only when prescribed by the doctor. 2. Patients with low blood pressure are recommended to take it after consultation with the doctor. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children. |
| How to Take This Medicine | Swallow this medicine with water. |
Citicoline Summary
Citicoline is a brain-friendly supplement often used to boost memory, focus, and recovery after a stroke or injury, belonging to the category of nootropics, or cognition enhancers. It works by helping brain cells communicate better and stay healthy, kind of like giving them extra fuel and strong building blocks. Doctors prescribe it for forgetfulness, age-related memory decline, or attention problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While it’s usually safe, it can sometimes cause headaches, stomach upset, or trouble sleeping. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have heart issues, it’s best to get a doctor’s advice before taking this medication. Citicoline usually works well with food and medicine, but it might slightly boost the effect of other brain-acting drugs.
Citicoline Uses
Citicoline 500 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of nootropics and is used for the following indications:
- Improve memory and cognition in patients with stroke, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinsonism.
- Age-related memory loss and thinking
Citicoline side effects
More Common
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
Less Common
- Tremors
- Mood changes
- Confusion
- Increased urination
- Blood pressure changes
How citicoline works
Citicoline helps your brain heal and work better, especially after a stroke or memory problems. It supplies choline, an essential brain nutrient that boosts energy, repairs damaged cells, improves message flow between neurons, and reduces swelling for sharper thinking.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
Citicoline is not well studied during pregnancy, so doctors usually avoid recommending it unless absolutely necessary. While it is generally considered safe for most adults, there’s limited research to confirm its safety for developing fetuses. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s best to talk with your doctor before using citicoline.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if citicoline passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop using citicoline.
Citicoline Interaction with Food Product
Avoid alcohol and smoking simultaneously, as together with Citicoline, this can cause some serious side effects like confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, and sedation. So, try to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking. Go to the hospital if you face any problems.
Citicoline Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking citicoline 500 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Citicoline Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/Chemical name
5′-O-[hydroxy(4-methylpentanoyl) phosphoryl] cytidine
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take citicoline exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 4000 mg of citicoline per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like insomnia, headaches, agitation, and muscle problems. If you face any of the severe effects, see the doctor.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Directions for use
- If you forget to take citicoline, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Take citicoline exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking citicoline without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
FAQ’s
Which category does citicoline belong to?
Citicoline belongs to the category of nootropics, or cognition enhancers, used to improve memory and brain functioning after stroke and other mental health issues.
What are the uses of citicoline medicine?
Citicoline is a brain-friendly supplement often used to boost memory, focus, and recovery after a stroke or injury, belonging to the category of nootropics, or cognition enhancers. People use it for forgetfulness, age-related memory decline, or attention problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Citicoline?
Citicoline helps your brain heal and work better, especially after a stroke or memory problem. Think of it as giving support to brain cells with extra building blocks and energy so they can talk to each other again. It brings a special ingredient called choline that helps your brain send messages clearly and fix damaged areas.
Reference
- DrugBank. Rucaparib [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Institutes of Health Research; 2005 [cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from.
- Kaye AD, Baluch A. Pain management in the elderly population: a review. Ochsner J [Internet]. 2007 Spring [cited 2025 Jul 16];7(1):91–7. Available from.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 441, Citicoline [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from.
- Drugs.com [Internet]. Citicoline: Uses, side effects, interactions. c1996–2025 [updated 2024 Dec 12; cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from.
- WebMD [Internet]. Citicoline: Uses, side effects, interactions. c1996–2025 [updated 2024 Dec 12; cited 2025 Jul 16]. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.