Generic Name

Piracetam

Precaution

Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Impaired renal function. Cardiac disorders. Haemostatic disorders. Patients who have recently undergone major surgery. Elderly. Lactation: contraindicated

Indication

Cortical myoclonus, Cognitive enhancer

Contra Indication

Hepatic and severe renal impairment. Cerebral haemorrhage. Pregnancy and lactation.

Dose

N/A

Side Effect

Hyperkinesia, nervousness, depression, diarrhoea, rashes. CNS stimulation, sleep disturbances, dizziness, excitement, insomnia, somnolence, wt gain.

Pregnancy Category

Mode of Action

Piracetam protects the cerebral cortex against hypoxia. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood viscosity.

Interaction

May increase prothrombin time in patients who are on warfarin.

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy Category: contraindicated Lactation: contraindicated

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.