PIRACETAM

Nootropic medicine in the racetam group that increases brain perfusion and metabolism thereby improving mental functioning

Dosage Forms

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Tablet

800 mg

Injection

125 mg/ml

Uses

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  • Adjunctive treatment of cortical myoclonus

Dose and Duration

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Adjunctive treatment of cortical myoclonus

Adult and child over 16 years: 7.2 g daily in 2–3 divided doses, increased by 4.8 g every 3–4 days, according to response up to a max daily dose of 24 g in 2–3 divided doses. In acute episodes, attempt to reduce dose every 6 months; by reducing by 1.2 g every 2 -4 days

In renal impairment:

eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m²) Dosing requirement
50–80 2/3 normal dose in 2–3 divided doses
30–50 1/3 normal dose in 2 divided doses
20–30 1/6 normal dose as a single dose

Contraindications

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  • Cerebral haemorrhage
  • Huntington’s chorea
  • Hypersensitivity to piracetam and pyrrolidone derivatives

Side Effects

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  • Weight gain
  • Nervousness
  • Hyperkinesia

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breast-feeding

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  • Discontinue breast-feeding

⚠️ Caution

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  • Avoid abrupt withdrawal since it may induce myoclonic or generalised seizures in some myoclonic patients
  • Use with caution in patients with gastric ulcer, history of haemorrhagic stroke and in concomitant use of medicines that increase bleeding
  • Avoid use in severe renal failure with eGFR below 20 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Only use in pregnancy if benefit exceeds risk