Piracetam
Indications
Piracetam is used for:
Cortical myoclonus, Cognitive enhancer
Adult Dose
Oral
Adjunct in cortical myoclonus
Adult: 7.2 g daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased by 4.8 g/day every 3-4 days. Max dose: 20 g daily.
As a cognitive enhancer in cerebrocortical insufficiency
Adult: 2.4 g daily, given as 2-3 divided doses. Up to 4.8 g daily may be used in severe cases.
Child Dose
<16 years old: not recommended
> 16 yeras
The daily dosage depends on the weight,
50 mg/kg of body weight in 3 divided doses.
Once the desired results has been obtained, reduce the initial dose by half.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation
50-79 2/3 usual dose
30-49 1/3 usual dose
20-29 1/6 usual dose
<20 Contra-indicated
Administration
Oral soln: May be taken with or without food. Take w/ a glass of water or soft drink to mask bitter taste.
Contra Indications
Hepatic and severe renal impairment. Cerebral haemorrhage. Pregnancy and lactation.
Precautions
Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Impaired renal function. Cardiac disorders. Haemostatic disorders. Patients who have recently undergone major surgery. Elderly.
Lactation: contraindicated
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy Category: contraindicated
Lactation: contraindicated
Interactions
May increase prothrombin time in patients who are on warfarin.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Piracetam :
Hyperkinesia, nervousness, depression, diarrhoea, rashes. CNS stimulation, sleep disturbances, dizziness, excitement, insomnia, somnolence, wt gain.
Mechanism of Action
Piracetam protects the cerebral cortex against hypoxia. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood viscosity.