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Piracetam is a nootropic drug that activates the mnestic, mental and cognitive functions of the brain. Stimulates intellectual activity, improves mood and mentality in healthy and sick people. Improves connections between the cerebral hemispheres and synaptic conduction in neocortical structures, increases mental performance, and improves cerebral blood flow.

Increases the resistance of brain tissue to oxygen deficiency and toxic damage, enhances the synthesis of nuclear RNA and phospholipids, stimulates glycolytic processes, and enhances glucose utilization in the brain.

Piracetam is prescribed for cerebral atherosclerosis, vascular parkinsonism, and other pathological processes with symptoms of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency with impaired memory, attention, speech, dizziness, cerebrovascular accidents, comatose and subcomatose states as a result of brain injuries and intoxications. Additionally, Piracetam reduces the severity of vestibular nystagmus.

After oral administration, Piracetam is quickly and virtually completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug is almost 100%. After a single dose of Piracetam at a dose of 2 g, the maximum concentration in the blood plasma is observed after 30 minutes and after 5 hours in the cerebrospinal fluid.

The medicine does not have a sedative or psychostimulating effect on the human body. Currently, the scope of use of Piracetam includes pediatrics, therapy, addiction medicine, neurology and psychiatry. In total, various pharmaceutical companies around the world produce more than 100 monomedicines with the same active ingredient as Piracetam.

Indications for use of Piracetam

Piracetam is prescribed to adults and children for diseases of the nervous system of various etiologies, especially those associated with disorders of the vascular and metabolic processes of the brain, including elderly and senile patients. Treatment with Piracetam allows you to restore cells damaged by brain injuries.

The medication is part of a therapeutic regimen for the treatment of epilepsy and helps with other complications associated with mental disorders in adults and children.
Indications for use of Piracetam:

1. Atherosclerosis
2. Hypertension
3. Parkinson's disease
4. Memory, attention and speech disorders
5. Severe headaches and dizziness
6. Cerebrovascular accident
7. Consequences of injuries
8. Comatose states

In children over 8 years of age, Piracetam can be prescribed as part of complex therapy for dyslexia. Also in children, the drug is used for cortical myoclonus and sickle cell anemia.

Instructions for use of Piracetam, dosage

Piracetam is prescribed to children and adults in various dosages, depending on the direction of use and the clinical picture of the disease. The doctor decides whether to use piracetam in ampoules, tablets or other forms. Attention: take the last single dose no later than 17.00 to prevent sleep disturbances.
The initial dosage of Piracetam when using the drug in the form of intravenous injections is 10 g.

Dosages:

In case of severe conditions, at the beginning of treatment, Piracetam is used in the form of intravenous drip infusions of up to 12 g of the drug per day for 20-30 minutes. According to symptoms, the dose is gradually reduced, and then the injections are replaced by tablet form.

Piracetam tablets, until the patient’s condition improves, are used at 800 mg in the morning, afternoon and evening. Then the dosage is gradually reduced to 400 mg.

The maximum daily dose of Piracetam is 160 mg per 1 kg of weight. The duration of treatment is one and a half to two months.

When treating chronic conditions, the drug is used orally (before meals), washed down with plenty of clean water, starting with 1200 mg (400 mg 3 times a day), and the daily dosage is increased to 2400 mg, sometimes up to 3200 mg or more. A significant therapeutic effect is observed, as a rule, 2-3 weeks after the start of therapy. Subsequently, the dose is reduced to 1200-1600 mg (400 mg 3-4 times a day).

Treatment of dizziness and related conditions - daily dose of 2.4 - 4.8 g for 2 - 3 administrations.

When treating the consequences of comatose states, in the post-traumatic period, the initial dose is 9-12 g/day, maintenance dose is 2.4 g, the course of treatment is 3 weeks.

Cortical myoclonus: the initial dosage of Piracetam is 7.2 g/day, the dose is increased every 3-4 days by 4.8 g/day to a maximum dose of 24 g/day. Cancellation of use should be carried out gradually under the supervision of a physician. Abrupt withdrawal of piracetam can provoke a resumption of attacks.

For symptomatic treatment of psychoorganic syndrome, during the first week of therapy, take 4.8 g per day, then the dosage is gradually reduced to a maintenance dose of 1.2-2.4 g.

Sickle cell anemia: 160 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses. Duration as prescribed by the doctor.

In case of renal failure, a dose reduction is necessary: ​​with a creatinine clearance of 20–29 ml/min – 6 times, 30–49 ml/min – 3 times, 50–79 ml/min – up to 2/3 of the usual dose.

Special instructions:

Patients with impaired renal function require constant monitoring of creatinine and residual nitrogen levels in the blood.
Due to the effect of the drug on platelet aggregation, it is recommended to use it with caution in patients with hemostasis disorders, during major surgical interventions or in patients with symptoms of severe bleeding.

There is evidence that the active substance of the drug enhances the effect of antidepressants and antianginal drugs. When used simultaneously with antipsychotics, an increase in extrapyramidal disorders is observed.

Side effects of Piracetam

Piracetam is usually well tolerated by patients, in some cases the following may occur:

• increased irritability;
• sleep disturbances, hallucinations;
• dizziness, hyperthermia and thrombophlebitis;
• increased fatigue;
• tremor, frequent attacks of epilepsy;
• increased sexual activity;
• disorder of the gastrointestinal tract - vomiting, defecation disorder, nausea;
• dermatitis.

In elderly patients, exacerbation of coronary insufficiency may occur, and in patients with epilepsy, seizures may become more frequent. It is also possible to develop allergic reactions such as urticaria and itching.

Overdose

There may be an increase in possible side effects. First aid is gastric lavage, taking activated charcoal. Next is symptomatic therapy.

Analogues of Piracetam, list of drugs

Analogues of Piracetam in the pharmacy chain (list):

• Lutsetam
• Memotropil
• Nootrobil
• Noocetam
• Pirabene
• Pyramem
• Pyratropil

Sometimes, for the same diseases, doctors prescribe the more expensive drug Nootropil. But if you read the instructions, it will become clear that this is the same “Piracetam”, only from a different production.

It is important to understand that the instructions for use of Piracetam, price and reviews do not apply to analogues - it is strictly forbidden to use this manual for other drugs or as instructions for self-medication. When looking for a replacement for Piracetam, you should consult a doctor and make sure there are no contraindications. Dosage adjustment may be required.

Storage conditions of the drug
Piracetam is available only with a doctor's prescription. The shelf life of tablets is 3 years, capsules and ampoules with solution - 2 years.

Today we invite you to learn more about what the drug Piracetam is. This drug belongs to the group of nootropics and is widely used to combat mental and neurological diseases.

Description and effect of the drug

The drug "Piracetam", the indications for use of which extend to a number of diseases, is very popular today. This is due to the fact that its main component acts directly on the human brain, due to which cognitive processes are accelerated, learning ability is increased, attention, memory and mental work are normalized. In addition, this drug helps restore and protect brain functions during intoxication and hypoxia. The drug "Piracetam" also affects the central nervous system (CNS). At the same time, it helps to normalize the metabolism of nerve cells, accelerates the spread of impulses in the human brain, and also has an effect on microcirculation. Thus, interhemispheric connections, synaptic conduction and blood flow improve in the brain.

Existing dosage forms

Today, manufacturers offer various forms of the drug Piracetam. Indications for the use of each of them should be determined solely by your attending physician. So, the drug in question can be purchased in pharmacies in the following forms:

Capsules containing the active substance in the amount of 400 mg. Each package contains 60 capsules.

Film-coated tablets (200 mg of active ingredient). Each package contains 60 tablets.

20% solution for injection. Each ampoule contains 5 mg of the drug.

The drug "Piracetam": indications for use

The drug in question is used in psychiatric, neurological, as well as drug addiction and pediatric practice. We propose to dwell in more detail on each of these areas.

Neurology

The drug "Piracetam" is used for the treatment of vascular diseases of the brain (hypertension, atherosclerosis and others), accompanied by chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (impaired attention, memory, speech, headaches, dizziness). In addition, this drug is effective for various disorders of cerebral circulation, comatose states, diseases of the nervous system, accompanied by disturbances in the emotional-volitional sphere, as well as a decrease in intellectual and mnestic functions. In addition, the drug "Piracetam" is suitable for the symptomatic treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Psychiatry

This drug is widely used for neurotic and astheno-dynamic depressive states of various origins, as well as for sluggish-apathetic depressive states in the case of schizophrenia and psychoorganic syndromes of various etiologies. In addition, the drug "Piracetam" is suitable for the complex treatment of depressive conditions, when the patient is resistant to antidepressants, as well as intolerant to antipsychotics and other types of psychotropic drugs. This drug is also indicated for use in epilepsy.

Narcology

The drug "Piracetam", the indications for use of which also include the drug treatment sector, is used to combat withdrawal symptoms, as well as pre- and delirious states in drug addiction and alcoholism, in case of severe poisoning with alcohol, morphine, barbiturates or phenamine. In addition, the drug in question is recommended for use in chronic alcoholism, accompanied by persistent mental disorders.

Pediatrics

The drug "Piracetam" is indicated for use if it is necessary to accelerate the learning process and eliminate the consequences of perinatal brain damage. This medicine is also widely used for mental retardation, cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy) and mental retardation.

Contraindications

This drug is prohibited for use in the following cases:

In acute renal failure;

With agitated depression;

During pregnancy and breastfeeding;

If the patient has hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

In addition, the drug "Piracetam" is contraindicated for use by children under 1 year of age.

Side effects

Like most existing medications, Piracetam can have a number of side effects on patients. Thus, often when using this drug, patients experience drowsiness, motor retardation, imbalance, asthenia, hallucinations, insomnia, irritability, depression, headaches, anxiety, mental agitation, ataxia, confusion, as well as exacerbation of epilepsy. In addition, use of the drug in therapeutic doses may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, vertigo, fever, low blood pressure, weight gain, anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, itching, dermatitis, urticaria and thrombophlebitis. If the dosage of the drug is exceeded, severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea may occur. In this case, patients are prescribed gastric lavage, induction of vomiting, hemodialysis, and also undergo symptomatic treatment. Particular caution when prescribing the drug should be exercised in case of impaired hemostasis, severe bleeding and extensive surgical interventions.

Instructions for use

First of all, it should be noted that the optimal dosage and duration of therapy using the drug Piracetam can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Using it on your own may not only not help, but also aggravate the situation, which can lead to serious consequences. As a rule, at the beginning of treatment, patients are prescribed the drug at a dosage of 800 mg three times a day before meals. After improvements appear, the single dose should be gradually reduced to 400 mg. The duration of the course of therapy can range from 14-20 days to 2-6 months. When using the drug for long-term treatment of psychoorganic syndrome in elderly patients, a dosage of 1.2-2.4 grams per day is prescribed. To treat the consequences of a coma, an initial dose of 9-12 grams per day is prescribed, and then a maintenance dose of three grams. The course of therapy is three weeks. For the treatment of alcoholism during the manifestation of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, in the initial period, take 12 grams of the drug per day, and then reduce the dose to 2.4 grams. For sickle cell anemia, the daily dose of the drug is individual and is calculated as follows: 160 mg of the drug for each kilogram of the patient’s weight. All people using Piracetam should keep in mind that the last single dose must be taken no later than five o'clock in the afternoon. Otherwise, sleep disturbances may occur.

Piracetam (lat. Pyracetamum) is a drug from the group of nootropics. Has a positive effect on brain functions and metabolic processes.

Stimulates mental activity, improves memory and learning ability, increases the body's energy potential.

Currently, the scope of application includes pediatrics, internal medicine, addiction medicine, neurology and psychiatry. In total, more than 100 single-dose piracetam products are produced by various companies around the world.

Piracetam was first obtained in 1963 by Cornelia Giurgea, a biochemist at the Belgian pharmaceutical company USB Pharma. Initially, the remedy was intended to be used to treat seasickness. However, during research, additional therapeutic properties were discovered in the new substance.

It turned out that piracetam affects the body like psychostimulants. In experiments with volunteers, the drug improved cognitive abilities, memory and increased learning ability. However, he did not exhibit any adverse reactions typical of psychotropic medications.

By 1972, about 700 articles on the effects of piracetam had been published in scientific journals. In the same year, C. Giurgea introduced the concept of nootropics into pharmacology (translated from Latin noos - “thinking” and tropos - “affinity”). This term began to denote all non-narcotic drugs that can have a direct stimulating effect on mental abilities.

At the end of 1972, USB began producing the world's first drug, piracetam. The medicine was released under the brand name “Nootropil” and has found wide use in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, asthenic conditions and mental retardation in children.

After the expiration of patent protection, numerous generics of Nootropil began to enter the pharmaceutical market. Most copies have the trade name Piracetam, although there are also brand names (for example, in India - Maxitam, in Germany - Cerepar, in Hungary - Lucetam).

In search of new nootropics, scientists from different countries modified the formula of the drug. As a result, about 1.5 thousand new compounds were obtained, of which only 10 began to be used in medical practice (levetiracetam, oxiracetam, phenylpiracetam, etc.). Due to the similarity in chemical structure, the group was called "racetams".

Nootropic activity was also found in a number of other drugs: acephen, pyriditol, cerebrolysin, sodium hydroxybutyrate, etc.

Properties

International non-proprietary name: piracetam.

Chemical name: 1-carbamoylmethyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Structural formula:

Gross formula: C₆H₁₀N₂O₂

Molecular mass: 142,16.

Piracetam is a white or slightly yellowish crystalline powder. It dissolves well in water, less so in ethyl alcohol. Melting point - 151-155ºС. The chemical structure of the substance is similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a natural bioregulator of nervous activity.

Clinical data

Since 1972, 330 clinical studies have been conducted in different countries, the purpose of which was to confirm the effectiveness and safety of piracetam.

Tests in the 70-80s proved that the drug promotes memory consolidation, improves the assimilation of new information, and restores impaired brain functions.

The use of piracetam in children with mental retardation led to an acceleration of their rate of development. For patients who had suffered a stroke, the drug helped restore lost speech abilities.

In the early 90s, with the development of the ideas of evidence-based medicine, the results of many past studies began to be questioned, since the methods that were used in the process of conducting them could lead to distortion of the results.

At the same time, a rating system for evaluating clinical trials was introduced into world practice. New standards have appeared that describe the procedure for their implementation (including the international GCP standard).

In 1994, the first clinical trial of piracetam was conducted (Enderby et al.), which fully met the changed regulatory requirements. 158 patients with ischemic stroke took part in it, 67 of whom suffered from speech disorder (aphasia).

To assess the effectiveness of the drug, perception tests and functional activity tests were used. After 3 months of therapy, patients with aphasia showed a significant improvement in speech functions. No effect of piracetam on other neurological parameters was noted.

In the 1997 European multicenter study (PASS I, De Deyn P.P. et al), piracetam was prescribed to 927 patients with ischemic stroke. Patients of the first group were administered the drug within the first 6 hours after the attack, patients of the second group - after 6 or more hours.

The results showed that the use of the drug at an early stage of the ischemic cascade can accelerate the process of restoration of lost neurological functions.

In 2000, the effectiveness of piracetam was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Class I study, Kessler et al.). It has been proven that the drug normalizes the exchange of information between the hemispheres of the brain and significantly improves impaired speech abilities.

A similar 2004 trial (Bakheit) found that piracetam treatment was only effective in acute post-stroke aphasia and was ineffective in patients with chronic aphasia.

In 2001, the Cochrane Society* conducted a pooled analysis of 52 clinical trials of piracetam. The results of 51 experiments were excluded from the sample due to their insufficient quality.

As a result, experts recognized only one test as reliable, which was examined in detail.

*The Cochrane Society is an international independent organization that studies the effectiveness and safety of medicines from the perspective of evidence-based medicine. The membership includes more than 30 thousand scientists from 130 countries. Reviews and community analysis are archived in the public Cochrane Library. The organization officially cooperates with WHO.

Application in different countries

Piracetam drugs are used in more than 50 countries, including the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Russia and China. The medicines were registered and approved for sale by local health institutions. In all countries, piracetam is available with a prescription.

In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) refused to register piracetam as a drug due to its insufficiently proven effectiveness in controlled studies.

Despite this, the product has long been part of food additives produced in the United States, the use of which, according to current legislation, does not require clinical trials. In the descriptions of the drugs, the nootropic was stated as “a component that improves brain and physical activity.”

In August 2010, the FDA sent a letter to US pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors demanding that they stop producing and selling piracetam supplements because the active ingredient is not a naturally occurring food component but is synthetically produced. By the beginning of 2011, dietary supplements were discontinued.

Release forms

Piracetam is available in the form:

• 20% solution for intravenous and intramuscular injections,
• capsules containing the active substance 200, 400, 800 or 1200 mg,
• enteric-coated tablets containing 200, 400, 800 or 1200 mg of active substance,
• 20% syrup for children,
• 20% solution for oral administration.

Mechanism of action

Piracetam acts directly on the brain, stimulating mental activity and improving cognitive abilities. The drug affects the central nervous system in various ways:

• activates protein synthetic processes,
• increases the resistance of neurons to the action of free radicals,
• accelerates the transmission of excitation along nerve fibers,
• improves microcirculation without causing vasodilation.

In addition, piracetam has a number of vascular effects. The drug reduces platelet aggregation, weakens the degree of their adhesion to vascular walls, and reduces blood viscosity. At a dose of more than 960 mg per day, piracetam reduces fibrinogen levels and increases bleeding time by 30-40%.

In cases of brain dysfunction caused by hypoxia or intoxication, the drug has a restorative effect:

• improves concentration and memory,
• helps eliminate cognitive disorders.

On the electroencephalogram, the effects appear as increased alpha and beta activity.

The effect of piracetam becomes noticeable a few weeks after the start of therapy.

Metabolism and excretion

When taken orally, the drug is well and almost completely absorbed from the digestive tract: up to 95% of the dose taken enters the bloodstream.

When administered intramuscularly, the maximum concentration of piracetam in the blood is achieved after 30 minutes, in the cerebrospinal fluid - after 5 hours.

The drug penetrates the blood-brain and placental barrier. In experiments with animals, piracetam showed the ability to accumulate in the cerebral cortex.

The drug does not undergo metabolic transformations and is excreted unchanged from the body through renal filtration. The half-life from cerebrospinal fluid is 8.5 hours, from blood plasma - 5 hours.

Indications for use

The drug is used in therapy:

• consequences of a stroke,
• chronic alcoholism,
• vascular diseases of the brain,
• cortical myoclonus,
• comatose states,
• neuromuscular dystrophy,
• Parkinson's disease,
• Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases that are accompanied by a decrease in intellectual abilities,
• depressive and lethargic states,
• consequences of perinatal brain damage,
• oligophrenia,
• cerebral palsy,
• sickle cell anemia.

For practically healthy people, piracetam can be recommended when overworked or in extreme situations.

Contraindications

The drug is contraindicated:

• in case of individual intolerance,
• in the acute stage of hemorrhagic stroke,
• children under 1 year of age (tablets and capsules for children under 3 years of age),
• patients with severe renal failure (with CC<20 мл/мин),
• patients with Huntington's syndrome.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The effect of piracetam on the fetus has not been studied enough, so the drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. When using the product during lactation, it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding.

Impact on the ability to operate transport and complex mechanisms

During the treatment period, caution should be exercised when driving and engaging in hazardous activities.

Directions for use and doses

The drug is prescribed orally, intramuscularly or intravenously.

For parenteral forms, the average dose is 2-4 g/day. The recommended course of therapy is 10-15 days. When treating the consequences of a stroke, the initial dose is 4.8 g/day, for comatose states - 9-12 g/day, for withdrawal syndrome - 12 g/day. The drug is discontinued gradually, moving after clinical improvement to maintenance doses of 2-2.4 g/day.

Enteral forms are taken with meals or on an empty stomach with a small amount of liquid. The average daily dose for adults is 30-160 mg per 1 kg of weight, for children - 30-50 mg per 1 kg of weight. The daily amount of the drug is divided into 2-4 doses. Therapy is continued for at least 3 weeks.

Side effects

Negative reactions when taking piracetam are observed quite rarely (less than 1% of patients). Disorders of the nervous system are observed mainly in mental patients.

Possible side effects include:

• irritability,
• depression,
• insomnia or drowsiness,
• increased mental arousal,
• increased libido,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• shiver,
• imbalances,
• dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain),
• dermatitis,
• itchy rashes,
• angioedema.

Overdose

During the entire period of use of the drug, isolated cases of poisoning were recorded, which were manifested by acute diarrhea and pain in the abdominal area. The disorders were caused by a single dose of piracetam in an amount of more than 75 g.

If an overdose occurs, gastric lavage and symptomatic therapy are performed.

special instructions

Due to the effect of piracetam on the rheological characteristics of the blood, caution should be exercised when prescribing it to patients with hemorrhagic disorders, recently operated patients and people at high risk of bleeding.

Since the drug is excreted through the kidneys, patients with renal failure are advised to take it under strict medical supervision.

Elderly patients require regular monitoring of kidney function indicators and dose adjustment based on test results.

When treating cortical myoclonus, one should be wary of abrupt drug withdrawal, as this may lead to resumption of attacks.

Interaction with other drugs

While taking piracetam, the effectiveness of anticoagulants, antipsychotics and psychostimulants increases. With simultaneous therapy with thyroid drugs, patients experience irritability, confusion, and sleep disturbances.

It has been reliably established that the drug does not interact with phenobarbital, clonazepam, sodium valproate, ethanol.

Vacation conditions

On prescription.

Storage

In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 20, 25 or 30ºС (depending on the dosage form and manufacturer).

Best before date

4-5 years (depending on the manufacturer).

Brief overview of manufacturers

More than 100 monomedicines of piracetam are produced worldwide. Medicines differ from each other in production technologies, auxiliary components and the amount of impurities.

Due to differences in manufacturing processes, minor differences in bioavailability, severity of therapeutic effects, and incidence of adverse reactions may occur between products from different manufacturers.

Some manufacturers of piracetam drugs:

Analogues

All other nootropic drugs are analogues of piracetam. Their action is also aimed at activating higher mental functions and improving metabolic processes in the brain. However, in terms of effectiveness and safety, piracetam remains the reference drug for the entire class.

At the moment, this is the only nootropic that, due to its low toxicity and wide spectrum of action, belongs to the category of “smart drugs”.

For some piracetam analogues, improvement of mental activity is the leading therapeutic effect. Such drugs are called “true nootropics.” Other agents may have additional sedative, anticonvulsant or antihypoxic effects.

Different drugs differ from each other in terms of pharmacodynamics, side effects and contraindications.

Comparative characteristics of piracetam and some of its analogues:

Video

Dear visitors of the Farmamir website. This article does not constitute medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for consultation with a physician.

Treatment with injections for any disease is more effective than taking pills. This also applies to osteochondrosis.

The high effectiveness of injectable drugs is explained by the fact that the active substance from such drugs penetrates into the blood much faster, and accordingly, it begins to act much faster than from drugs in tablets.

When treating osteochondrosis with injections, a deeper effect on tissues damaged by osteochondrosis is ensured. Often neurologists (mainly for cervical osteochondrosis) include Piracetam injections in the complex of drugs. Let us examine in more detail the properties of this drug.

• Helps improve integrative brain activity and mental performance;
• Improve learning ability;
• Stimulates the strengthening of memory, normalizes cerebral processes such as speech, consciousness, attention, memorization, etc.;
• Accelerates the processes of glucose breakdown and sugar processing in the brain;
• Enhances the production of RNA (ribonucleic acid);
• Improves cerebral microcirculation without leading to vasodilation, improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain;
• Inhibits the process of platelet gluing (aggregation) - the initial stage of thrombus formation;
• In case of brain damage caused by oxygen deficiency, electric shock, or intoxication, Piracetam performs protective functions;
• Reduces the severity of involuntary ocular vibrations caused by irritating effects on the vestibular system (vestibular nystagmus);
• Strengthens connections between the left and right hemispheres;
• For osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, coordination disorders, weakness and lethargy, Piracetam injections will help restore metabolic processes in brain tissue and normalize blood supply.

The effect of Piracetam injections is not felt immediately, but occurs over time. The effect of the drug is in no way related to psychostimulating and sedative effects.

Release form and composition

Piracetam injections are available in the form of an injection solution placed in ampoules.

Each ampoule contains 5 ml of the drug, and the package contains 10 ampoules.

The solution, which is a slightly colored or colorless liquid, contains:

1. The main active ingredient is piracetam;
2. Auxiliary components such as acetic acid, injection water and sodium acetate.

Indications for use

Piracetam is widely used in the treatment of pathologies of psychiatric, neurological and drug addiction etiology:

• As part of the complex treatment of depressive conditions that are resistant to antidepressant drugs;
• For epilepsy;
• In the complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis to improve blood supply to the brain;
• For the treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies such as parkinsonism, hypertension or atherosclerosis, which are accompanied by manifestations of insufficiency of the cerebrovascular system such as headaches, speech disorders, dizziness, impaired attention or memory;
• To increase mental and motor activity in the treatment of post-traumatic, comatose, intoxication states of the brain;
• For the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease;
• In case of disturbances in the blood supply to the brain;
• In the treatment of nervous system pathologies characterized by emotional-volitional disorders and deterioration of intellectual activity;
• In the treatment of depressive states of various etiologies, characterized by muscle weakness and a sharp loss of strength, impotence, the presence of senesto-hypochondriacal syndrome, slowdown, monotony and impoverishment of speech and mental reactions;
• For the treatment of sickle cell anemia;
• To eliminate apathy, atrophic or senile processes, various kinds of psychoorganic conditions;
• As a replacement in the presence of poor tolerance to psychotropic drugs in the treatment of mental, neurological, and somatovegetative disorders.

In narcology, Piracetam injections are used to treat chronic alcoholism, the clinical picture of which includes persistent mental disorders. Piracetam is used to eliminate withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol and drug addiction, poisoning with barbiturates, alcoholic beverages, phenamine or morphine.

In pediatric practice, the drug is often prescribed for cerebral palsy, mental retardation, mental retardation, to eliminate the consequences of brain damage of perinatal origin, to accelerate and enhance learning.

Contraindications

There are some conditions in which Piracetam is contraindicated:

1. Pregnancy;
2. Acute form of hemorrhagic stroke;
3. Lactation;
4. Renal failure;
5. Huntington's chorea is a hereditary chronic nervous system neurodegenerative pathology, manifested by involuntary sudden movements of the neck and limbs, disturbances of an emotional and intellectual nature;
6. Intolerance or hypersensitivity to the drug or its components;
7. Children under one year of age;
8. Depressive states accompanied by manifestations of anxiety.

In addition, when used in patients with impaired renal function or liver pathologies, monitoring of the condition of the kidneys or liver is necessary. If sleep disorders such as insomnia occur, then the evening injection should be given earlier, long before bedtime.

Since Piracetam inhibits platelet aggregation, it is prescribed with caution to patients with a tendency to bleeding and taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs.

Side effects and overdose

If the dosage of the drug exceeds therapeutic norms, then patients develop adverse reactions such as:

• Anxiety;
• Irritability;
• Sleep disorders;
• Anorexic symptoms;
• Increased excitability and nervousness;
• Nausea and vomiting syndrome;
• Gastrointestinal disorders;
• Calf cramps;
• Excessive fussiness and anxiety;
• Drowsiness and weakness;
• Tendency to conflict, unbalanced state;
• Disinhibition of a motor nature, excessive activity of a physical and sexual nature, restlessness;
• Difficulty trying to concentrate on anything.

The manufacturer warns that when treating with Piracetam injections, it is extremely important to be careful when driving vehicles or when working with mechanisms that require rapid psychomotor skills and increased concentration.

Instructions for use and dosage

Piracetam injections are injected intramuscularly or intravenously, sometimes the drug is administered through a dropper.

The course of therapy begins with 3-4 g, while the daily dosage is quickly increased to 5-6 g. When the patient’s condition improves, the daily dose is reduced again, and then the patient is completely transferred to taking Piracetam tablets.

In individual cases, therapy with Piracetam injections begins with high doses of up to 10-12 g per day.

Treatment usually lasts 10 days, then the patient is transferred to oral administration of the drug (Piracetam capsules) for a month.

During pregnancy

According to the instructions, Piracetam is not used in the treatment of pregnant women, although some manufacturers allow the drug to be prescribed to pregnant women.

In fact, in obstetric practice these injections are often prescribed, but only in particularly difficult cases when the threat to women’s health outweighs the possible harm to the fetus.

For the sake of reassurance, it should be noted that the tests carried out showed the absence of a negative effect of the drug on the fetus, in other words, Piracetam does not cause intrauterine abnormalities of a pathological nature. But nevertheless, such injections are only necessary with the appointment of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Interaction

The instructions warn that Piracetam injections should be used with caution simultaneously with drugs with antipsychotic, psychostimulant, and anticoagulant effects, since injections significantly enhance their therapeutic effect.

In addition, observations have shown that Piracetam helps to increase the effectiveness of thyroid hormones, and when administered simultaneously with drugs containing iodine, effects such as irritability or confusion, and insomnia may occur.

Which is better, Piracetam or Nootropil

Even experts find it difficult to explain the difference between the drugs Piracetam and Nootropil. Piracetam is a domestic analogue of Nootropil, therefore, the active ingredients and mechanism of action of these drugs are absolutely identical. Simply put, the effects of both drugs are aimed at improving brain activity and blood flow.

Judging by cases from medical practice, different people have different reactions to these drugs - Piracetam helps some better, while Nootropil has a better effect for others. Therefore, a final conclusion can be made only after individual use of both drugs.

Price

In pharmacies in Moscow and other Russian cities, Piracetam in the form of an injection solution (10 ampoules) can be purchased for 27-51 rubles.

Analogues of the drug

The drug has many analogues:

• Nootropil;
• Lutsetam;
• Pyratropil;
• Memotropil;
• Piracetam-Richter;
• Noocetam;
• Nootropil;
• Pyramem;
• Escotropile;
• Piracetam Vial;
• Cerebril;
• Piracetam-Eskom;
• Stamin, etc.

Reviews

Nina Viktorovna:

I received Piracetam injections intramuscularly for cervical osteochondrosis. Everywhere they write that the effect is not felt immediately, but for some reason after the first injection I felt better, my head stopped hurting, motor coordination was restored, and the dizziness practically disappeared. Overall, it works great for me and is cheap.

Sergey:

Once a neurologist prescribed such injections into a vein to treat problems with the blood supply to the brain due to atherosclerosis. It’s a strange thing, but after a course of injections, in addition to the headaches and paralysis gone, my liver condition improved.

Evgenia:

I was also prescribed it for osteochondrosis, but I didn’t dare to do it because Piracetam becomes addictive. Replaced with an analogue.

Piracetam- a medicine that has been known for many years. This medication has proven itself well, and therefore doctors prescribe it very often. Moreover, Piracetam is indicated not only for old people, as is commonly believed; young people and even children are often advised to take it. The product is available in different forms. Both capsules, tablets, and ampoules produce the required effect. And yet, Piracetam injections are considered most effective when results need to be obtained as soon as possible. Next, we will consider how, in what cases, to whom and in what dosages injections of the drug are prescribed.

Indications for the use of Piracetam injections

Piracetam is a great remedy from the group of nootropic drugs. It is very often prescribed for the treatment of neurological diseases. The medication is characterized by high efficiency and a rather mild effect. Piracetam has a beneficial effect on the brain, improving its cognitive function and enhancing alertness.

Piracetam injections have the following effects on the nervous system:

• the product normalizes the metabolic process taking place in neutrons;
• after taking Piracetam, nerve impulses are transmitted through the system unhindered;
• the drug is able to quickly activate microcirculation in the brain.

Piracetam improves blood circulation in the brain, which, in turn, ensures a clear mind, good memory and attentiveness.

Intravenous injections of Piracetam are prescribed for the following problems:

• discirculatory disorders;
• brain damage due to infection;
• encephalopathy;
• concussion or any other traumatic injury;
• vertebral artery syndrome.

In addition, Piracetam helps the body recover more quickly after a stroke.

A controversial issue is the use of Piracetam injections during pregnancy. The fact is that different manufacturers' instructions provide different information. Some categorically do not recommend using the medication during pregnancy and lactation, while others, on the contrary, advise injecting Piracetam, since it has a positive effect on the nervous tissue of the unborn child. Most doctors seek the help of the drug only in extreme cases, when the benefits of using Piracetam will significantly exceed the harm that the medicine can cause.

Instructions for the use of Piracetam in injections

This medicine is considered harmless and has minimal contraindications. And yet it is not recommended for them to be treated without permission. Piracetam injections can be administered intravenously and intramuscularly. So:

1. The daily dose of the drug should not exceed three grams per day (at the rate of 30-160 mg/kg).
2. If we are talking about the treatment of chronic psychoorganic syndrome, then the daily dose in the first week of treatment should be 4.8 g, after which 2.4 g will be sufficient.
3. In some cases, treatment begins with a dosage of Piracetam injections exceeding seven grams. Once every three to four days it is further increased to 24 g.

Like any other medicine, Piracetam injections have side effects:

1. Some patients experience convulsions after the injection.
2. Sometimes after a treatment course using Piracetam, patients may experience weight gain.
3. Nervous irritability and drowsiness may appear.
4. You should not be surprised at the sudden appearance of a depressive mood during treatment - this is another side effect.

Fortunately, treatment is often painless. Side effects are quite rare.

Neurology

Piracetam

Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration 200 mg/ml

• Registration number LS-001599
• Clinical and pharmacological group Neurology
• Pharmacotherapeutic group Nootropic drug
• Tradename Piracetam.
• International nonproprietary name Piracetam.
• Dosage form Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
• Compound per 1 ml: Active substance: piracetam - 200 mg. Excipients: sodium acetate trihydrate (sodium acetate 3-water) - 1 mg, acetic acid diluted 30% - to pH 5.8, water for injection - up to 1 ml.
• ATX code
• Pharmacological properties Pharmacodynamics

  The active component is piracetam, a cyclic derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Piracetam is a nootropic that directly affects the brain, improving cognitive abilities such as learning, memory, attention, and mental performance. Piracetam affects the central nervous system in various ways: it changes the speed of propagation of excitation in the brain, improves metabolic processes in nerve cells, improves microcirculation, affects the rheological characteristics of the blood, without having a vasodilating effect. Improves communication between the cerebral hemispheres and synaptic conduction in neocortical structures, improves cerebral blood flow. Piracetam inhibits platelet aggregation and restores the configurational properties of the outer membrane of rigid erythrocytes, as well as the ability of the latter to pass through the microvasculature. At a dose of 9.6 g, it reduces the concentration of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor by 30-40% and prolongs bleeding time. Piracetam has a protective and restorative effect in cases of impaired brain function due to hypoxia and intoxication. Piracetam reduces the severity and duration of vestibular nystagmus.

  Pharmacokinetics

  The half-life of piracetam from blood plasma is 4-5 hours and 8.5 hours from cerebrospinal fluid; it is prolonged in case of chronic renal failure (in case of end-stage chronic renal failure - up to 59 hours). Liver failure does not affect the pharmacokinetics of piracetam. Penetrates the blood-brain and placental barriers and is removed by hemodialysis. In animal experiments, it selectively accumulates in the tissues of the cerebral cortex, mainly in the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes, in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. It does not bind to plasma proteins, is not metabolized in the body and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys through glomerular filtration. The total clearance of piracetam is 80-90 ml/min.

• Indications for use In adults: symptomatic treatment of psychoorganic syndrome, accompanied by memory loss, decreased concentration and activity, mood changes, behavioral disorder, gait disturbance;
  - treatment of dizziness (vertigo) and related balance disorders (with the exception of dizziness of vasomotor and psychogenic origin;
  - cortical myoclonus (monotherapy or as part of complex therapy);
  In children: treatment of dyslexia from 8 years of age in combination with other methods, including speech therapy;
  - relief of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.
• Contraindications- hypersensitivity;
  - Huntington's chorea;
  - hemorrhagic stroke;
  - severe chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/min);
  - psychomotor agitation at the time of drug prescription;
  - pregnancy, breastfeeding period.
• Use during pregnancy Piracetam penetrates the placental barrier and into breast milk. The concentration of the drug in newborns reaches 70-90% of its concentration in the mother’s blood. During pregnancy, the drug is contraindicated.
  During the treatment period, breastfeeding should be discontinued.
• Directions for use and doses Intravenously or intramuscularly. Parenteral administration of piracetam is prescribed when it is impossible to use oral forms of the drug (tablets, capsules, oral solution), for example, when there is difficulty swallowing or when the patient is unconscious, while intravenous administration is preferable. Intravenous infusion of the daily dose is performed through a catheter at a constant rate for 24 hours a day (for example, in coma or in the initial stage of treatment of severe myoclonus). The drug is first diluted in one of the compatible infusion solutions: dextrose 5%, 10% or 20%, fructose 5%, 10% or 20%, sodium chloride 0.9%, hydroxyethyl starch 6% or 10%, Ringer's, mannitol 20%. The total volume of solution intended for administration is determined taking into account the clinical indications and the patient's condition. Intravenous administration (for example, emergency treatment of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis) is carried out for at least 2 minutes, the daily dose is distributed over several injections at regular intervals. The drug is administered intramuscularly if administration through a vein is difficult or the patient is overexcited. However, the amount of the drug that can be administered intramuscularly is limited, especially in children and patients with low body weight. In addition, intramuscular administration of the drug can be painful due to the large volume of fluid. The volume of solution administered intramuscularly cannot exceed 5 ml. The frequency of administration of the drug is similar to that for intravenous or oral administration. When the opportunity arises, switch to oral administration of the drug (see instructions for medical use of the corresponding forms of release of the drug). The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the disease and taking into account the dynamics of symptoms. Symptomatic treatment of psychoorganic syndrome - 4.8 g / day during the first week, then switch to a maintenance dose - 1.2-2.4 g / day. Treatment of dizziness and related balance disorders – 2.4-4.8 g/day. Treatment of cortical myoclonus - start with a dose of 7.2 g/day, every 3-4 days the dose is increased by 4.8 g/day until a maximum dose of 24 g/day is reached. Treatment is continued throughout the entire period of the disease. Every 6 months you should try to reduce the dose or discontinue the drug, gradually reducing the dose by 1.2 g/day every 2 days. If there is little or no therapeutic effect, treatment is stopped. Sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis (in adults and children). The daily prophylactic dose is 160 mg/kg body weight, divided into 4 equal doses. During a crisis - 300 mg/kg/day intravenously, divided into 4 equal doses. Treatment of dyslexia in children over 8 years of age (in combination with other treatment methods). The recommended daily dose is 3.2 g, divided into 2 equal doses. Dosing in patients with impaired renal function. Since piracetam is excreted by the kidneys, caution should be exercised when treating patients with renal failure and the dose should be adjusted according to this dosing regimen:
  
• Side effect From the central nervous system: motor disinhibition, irritability, drowsiness, depression, asthenia, headache, insomnia, mental agitation, imbalance, ataxia, exacerbation of epilepsy, anxiety, hallucinations, confusion.
  From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
  Metabolism: weight gain.
  From the senses: vertigo.
  From the skin: dermatitis, itching, urticaria.
  Allergic reactions: hypersensitivity, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions.
  Local reactions: pain at the injection site, thrombophlebitis.
  Other: fever, decreased blood pressure.
  If any of the side effects indicated in the instructions get worse, or you notice any other side effects not listed in the instructions, tell your doctor.
• Overdose Symptoms: abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea.
  Treatment: symptomatic therapy, which may include hemodialysis (effectiveness 50-60%). There is no specific antidote.
• Use with other drugs When used simultaneously with iodine-containing thyroid hormones, confusion, irritability and sleep disturbance may occur.
  Piracetam in high doses (9.6 g/day) increases the anticoagulant effect of indirect anticoagulants in patients with venous thrombosis (a more pronounced decrease in platelet aggregation, fibrinogen content, von Willebrand factor, blood and plasma viscosity).
  The possibility of changing the pharmacodynamics of piracetam under the influence of other drugs is low, because 90% of piracetam is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
  Piracetam does not inhibit cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. Metabolic interaction with other drugs is unlikely.
  Taking piracetam at a dose of 20 g/day did not change the maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid) in the blood serum of patients with epilepsy receiving the drug at a constant dose.
  Co-administration with alcohol does not affect the serum concentration of piracetam; The concentration of ethanol in the blood serum did not change when taking 1.6 g of piracetam.
  When used concomitantly with drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, excessive stimulation of the central nervous system is possible.
  When used simultaneously with antipsychotics, it reduces the risk of extrapyramidal disorders.
• special instructions Piracetam should be used with caution in patients with impaired hemostasis, during major surgery, or in patients with symptoms of severe bleeding.
  When treating cortical myoclonus, abrupt interruption of treatment should be avoided, as this may cause resumption of attacks.
  When stopping a veno-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, a dose of less than 160 mg/kg or irregular use of the drug may cause a relapse of the crisis.
  During long-term therapy in elderly patients, regular monitoring of renal function parameters is recommended; if necessary, dose adjustment is carried out depending on creatinine clearance.
  Penetrates through the filter membranes of hemodialysis machines.
  During the treatment period, care must be taken when driving vehicles and engaging in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
• Release form Solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration 200 mg/ml.
  5 ml in neutral glass ampoules.
  10 ampoules are placed in a cardboard box.
  5 ampoules are placed in a blister pack made of polyvinyl chloride film and printed aluminum foil, varnished or without foil.
  1 or 2 blister packs are placed in a cardboard pack.
  Each box and pack contains instructions for medical use and an ampoule scarifier. In the case of using ampoules with a break ring or with a cut and a point, the ampoule scarifier is not inserted.
• Storage conditions In a place protected from light at a temperature of 10 to 25°C. Freezing is unacceptable. Keep out of the reach of children.
• Best before date 5 years. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.
• Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies on prescription

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Piracetam is the most important representative of the group of synthetic nootropic drugs. In terms of its chemical composition, it is a derivative of pyrrolidone and belongs to the “racetam” family. In Russia, the drug is widely used in psychiatric, drug addiction and neurological practice. Piracetam has a positive effect on cerebral circulation and improves metabolic processes in the brain.

Its use has a beneficial effect on learning ability by improving concentration and memory. In addition, the drug protects and restores brain functions affected by hypoxia (oxygen starvation) and intoxication.

Piracetam is an effective and practically harmless drug. For ease of use, it is produced in various dosage forms and is used to treat patients of different age groups. Let's take a closer look at what Piracetam helps with, in what cases it is prescribed and how to use it correctly.

Piracetam - the effect of the drug

Piracetam is a nootropic drug that has a positive effect on metabolism and cerebral circulation. The active substance - piracetam, acting directly on the brain, accelerates metabolic processes, improves blood microcirculation in ischemic areas, and promotes glucose utilization. Protects the brain from damaging factors (hypoxia, electric shock, toxins) and significantly improves its activity, helping to increase concentration, which facilitates the learning process.

The drug does not have a vasodilating effect, does not cause a sedative or psychostimulating effect. By improving connections between the hemispheres of the brain, Piracetam restores and normalizes consciousness, speech, memory, improves cerebral blood flow and increases mental performance.

When taken orally, it is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, quickly distributed in all tissues and organs, selectively accumulating in the cerebral cortex. The maximum concentration of the active substance in plasma is observed 30 minutes after taking the drug, in brain tissue - within 1-4 hours. It is excreted from the body unchanged by the kidneys.

Release form of the drug, composition

Photo: Release form of the drug Piracetam

Piracetam is available in several forms:

1. Piracetam capsules(400 mg)
2. Piracetam tablets(200 mg and 400 mg)
3. Piracetam in ampoules(solution for injection 20%)

One capsule contains 400 mg of piracetam + excipients. 10 capsules are placed in blister packs and packed in cardboard packs, each of which contains 6 blister packs.

Piracetam tablets, film-coated, consist of 200 mg or 400 mg of active ingredient + excipients. Cardboard packages with the drug contain 60 tablets.

Piracetam solution is available in ampoules of 5 ml. 1 ml of solution contains 200 mg of active substance. The cardboard pack with the drug contains a blister pack containing 10 ampoules of solution.

Analogues

Piracetam has quite a few structural analogues containing the same active substance. We list the most popular of them:

• Nootropil
• Piracetam Richter
• Memotropil
• Lutsetam
• Stamin
• Cerebril

In the pharmacy chain, this inexpensive drug is dispensed with a doctor’s prescription. Average prices for Piracetam are:

• Capsules (400 mg) – from 26 rubles
• Tablets (200 mg) – from 38 rubles
• Solution 20% (10 ampoules of 5 ml) - from 45 rubles

Indications for use

Piracetam has a wide range of applications; this medication is prescribed for the treatment of disorders in neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry and addiction. Let's take a closer look at why Piracetam is prescribed for various pathologies.

In neurological practice, Piracetam is used for the following conditions:

• Diseases of the brain of a vascular nature (hypertension, atherosclerotic changes), which are complicated by the phenomena of chronic vascular insufficiency (memory impairment, distracted attention, speech difficulties, dizziness, impaired coordination of movements, migraines)
• Acute and chronic circulatory disorders in the brain
• Comatose states resulting from intoxication or brain injury
• Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, accompanied by emotional disturbances and decreased intellectual abilities
• Therapy for patients with Alzheimer's disease

In psychiatry, the drug is used for various pathological mental conditions:

• Depression of various origins with a predominance of hypochondriacal and asthenic disorders, accompanied by symptoms of lethargy
• Epilepsy
• Prevention of mental, autonomic and neurological complications associated with poor tolerability of psychotropic drugs and antipsychotics
• Apathetic states in schizophrenia
• Complex therapy of mental disorders and depressive conditions

In narcology, Piracetam is prescribed as part of complex treatment:

• For chronic alcoholism, which is accompanied by persistent mental disorders
• When relieving alcohol withdrawal and alcoholic delirium
• In case of acute poisoning with alcohol, drugs

In pediatrics, the drug is used for the following conditions:

• Mental retardation
• Cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy)
• Mental retardation
• Difficulties in the learning process
• Dyslexia (impaired ability to read and write) in combination with other methods
• Perinatal brain damage
• As part of the combination treatment of sickle cell anemia

Piracetam is used as part of complex treatment for Parkinson's disease, severe depression, schizophrenia, neuroses and other mental disorders. The medicine has confirmed its effectiveness in the treatment of alcohol and drug poisoning; it is used to relieve attacks of delirium tremens and to restore brain activity in people suffering from chronic alcoholism.

Piracetam should be prescribed by a specialist. The doctor will individually select the required dose and treatment regimen, taking into account the severity of the symptoms, the general condition of the patient and possible contraindications. To avoid complications, you should not self-medicate and take the drug without medical advice.

Instructions for use

It is recommended to take the drug in capsule or tablet form before meals. In this case, the daily dose should be divided into 2-4 doses, this will help to avoid sleep disturbances. The final dose of medication should be taken no later than 17:00.

For acute conditions, the initial single dose is 800 mg, which must be taken three times a day. If the effect is positive, the dose can be reduced to 400 mg. The maximum daily dose is calculated based on body weight: for children – 30-50 mg/kg; for adults – 30 -160 mg/kg. The received doses are taken 2 to 3 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the specific situation and can be from 2 to 8 weeks. If there is a need, then after a break the course of treatment is continued.

Piracetam for injections intramuscularly or intravenously is prescribed at an initial dose of 10 grams per day. For patients in serious condition, this dose can be increased to 12 grams. As soon as improvements in the condition begin to appear, the dose is reduced and switched to tablet forms.

In elderly patients with long-term therapy of psychoorganic disorders, the daily dose of Piracetam can vary between 1.2 - 2.4 grams; at the beginning of therapy, this dose can be doubled. In this case, the drug can be prescribed as part of a complex treatment simultaneously with taking other medications (psychotropic and cardiovascular drugs).

When treating comatose and post-traumatic conditions, the initial dose taken per day is from 9 to 12 g, the maintenance dose during treatment is 2.4 g per day. Duration of therapy is 3 weeks.

When treating alcoholism, 12 g of Piracetam is taken per day to relieve withdrawal symptoms. As for the maintenance daily dose, it is 2.4 grams.

For sickle anemia, the daily dose is calculated in the ratio of 160 mg/kg body weight and taken in 4 divided doses. In the treatment of cortical myoclonus, the initial daily dose is 7.2 grams, then it is increased every three days by 4.8 g until the maximum daily dose reaches 24 grams. After this, the dose is gradually reduced every two days by 1.2 g.

When treating dizziness and related balance disorders, the daily dose of 4.8 g is divided into 2-3 doses.

Intravenous injections are carried out by drip or jet. When administered by stream, the drug must be infused very slowly over 4-6 minutes. For sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis in adults and children, the daily dose is determined at the rate of 300 mg/kg body weight and is administered intravenously in 4 doses. For complex treatment of dyslexia in children over eight years of age, the daily dose of 3.2 g is divided into two doses.

Piracetam for children

In pediatric practice, Piracetam is used to treat children with various mental development disorders and to eliminate disorders associated with brain damage in the perinatal period. Brain damage in a child can develop as a result of birth injuries, hereditary disorders, injuries during the newborn period, or as a result of infectious diseases suffered in early childhood.

Such disorders of brain activity manifest themselves in the inability to learn, long-term concentration and assimilation of information. Young patients are lagging behind in mental development, have difficulty speaking and expressing their thoughts, and have difficulty reading and writing. The use of Piracetam allows such children to become more active and helps achieve better assimilation and memory of information.

But doctors note that when treating children with mental retardation, the drug is not effective enough, while in children with normal intelligence but reduced brain function, Piracetam shows excellent results. After the course of treatment, it was noted that the children began to perceive and assimilate information better, were able to concentrate and complete the task faster, and became less tired.

At the same time, long-term use of Piracetam can provoke the development of side effects in children, manifested in increased nervousness and hyperactivity. Therefore, an individual approach to each small patient, an accurate calculation of the required dose and duration of treatment is very important. This can only be done by a specialist, and throughout the course of therapy the child must be under the supervision of a doctor.

Piracetam during pregnancy

Piracetam should not be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since the active substance of the drug easily penetrates the placental barrier and can negatively affect the development of the fetus.

During lactation, the active substance is excreted in mother's milk, therefore, if treatment with Piracetam is necessary, breastfeeding is stopped for a while, and the child is transferred to artificial formula.

Contraindications

Piracetam should not be prescribed for the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity and intolerance to the components of the drug
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Children's age (up to 12 months)
• Acute stage of hemorrhagic stroke
• Severe renal failure
• Huntington's chorea
• Depression accompanied by psychomotor agitation

The drug should be prescribed with extreme caution in case of severe bleeding, extensive surgical interventions, or severe hemostasis disorders.

Side effects

Photo: Adverse reactions to the use of Piracetam

Adverse reactions to the use of Piracetam are most often observed in cases where the dose of the drug exceeds 5 g per day.

• From the gastrointestinal tract, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation are noted.
• From the central nervous system, disorders such as headache, dizziness, poor coordination of movements, drowsiness or insomnia are observed. Taking the drug can aggravate the course of epilepsy, provoke symptoms of asthenia, depression, cause mental disorders, irritability, aggression, confusion, and hallucinations.
• In some cases, the use of the drug causes allergic reactions (skin itching, rashes, swelling, symptoms of urticaria or dermatitis). In severe cases, angioedema and anaphylactic reactions are possible.

In addition to the above symptoms, the body may respond to taking Piracetam with fever, increased body weight, and decreased blood pressure. If adverse reactions occur, treatment with the drug should be stopped and consult a doctor to adjust the course of treatment.

Drug interactions

Piracetam, when taken simultaneously with antipsychotics, enhances their effect, which can cause tremors and unjustified anxiety in the patient.

When taken together with iodine-containing thyroid hormones, the patient may experience sleep disturbance, confusion and irritability.

special instructions

1. In the treatment of acute circulatory disorders, the drug is prescribed as part of complex restorative and detoxification therapy; in the treatment of mental disorders, Piracetam is used in conjunction with psychotropic drugs.
2. When treating cortical myoclonus, abrupt discontinuation of the drug should be avoided, otherwise the risk of recurrence of attacks increases significantly.
3. If sleep disorders (insomnia) occur, you should stop taking the drug in the evening and combine this dose with the daytime dose.
4. When treating patients with impaired liver and kidney function, monitoring the patient's condition is necessary.
5. During Piracetam therapy, care should be taken when driving vehicles and performing hazardous work associated with increased concentration and speed of reactions.

In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Piracetam. Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Piracetam in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogues of Piracetam in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the treatment of vascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and blood pressure in adults, children (including newborns), as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Action of the drug.

What kind of medicine is this

In Russia and a number of other countries, the drug Piracetam is used in practice to treat psychiatric, neurological and other diseases. Under the influence of the drug, ATP in the brain tissue increases, glycolytic processes are activated. According to studies, the drug improves brain function in case of oxygen starvation.

Drug group

Pharmacotherapeutic group: nootropic agent.

International nonproprietary name: piracetam

Trade name: Piracetam

Latin name: Piracetamum

Compound

The main component of the drug is piracetam, the amount contained in 1 tablet is 200 mg. Contents of other components:

• Copovidon.
• Polyethylene glycol.
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose.
• Titanium dioxide.
• Polydextrose.
• Iron oxide.
• Iron oxide is yellow and red.
• Medium-link triglycerides.

Mechanism of action and properties

Pharmacology

Pharmacological action - nootropic.

Main characteristics

Piracetam is a nootropic drug that acts directly on the brain, improving cognitive processes such as learning and mental performance, memory and concentration. The effect of the drug on the central nervous system is carried out in several ways: by improving metabolic processes in nerve cells, by changing the speed of propagation of excitation in the brain, by improving microcirculation, and does not cause a vasodilator effect when affecting the rheological characteristics of the blood.

In the brain, it improves blood flow and improves connections between the hemispheres. The medicine reduces the adhesion of red blood cells and restores their elasticity, blocks platelet aggregation.

Due to hypoxia, it restores impaired brain functions. Piracetam, according to experimental data, enhances the effects of antidepressants and, when used together, can increase their effectiveness. Also, according to the PASS study, the effectiveness of the drug in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has not been proven.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic profile of the drug is linear and does not depend on time. 3 days after the start of administration, a constant concentration of the drug is achieved in the blood plasma.

How long does it take for the drug to start working? The effect occurs 30 minutes after the drug is absorbed from the digestive tract. Accumulation in brain tissue occurs after 4 hours. The same time is required for half-life from the body. It takes a little longer to be cleared from the cerebrospinal fluid, up to 8.5 hours. Not metabolized in the body.

What is it derived from?

90% of the drug is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The half-life may be prolonged due to renal impairment. The kinetics of Piracetam does not change in patients with liver failure.

Effect on the kidneys. Since the drug is excreted by the kidneys, it is important to exercise caution during the course of therapy in patients with renal failure. In the case of the final stage, taking the drug is contraindicated. If you need to take the medicine for a long time, monitoring the functioning of your kidneys is necessary.

Effect on the liver. In patients with liver dysfunction, no dose adjustment is required.

Indications

What does Piracetam treat? Why do narcologists, neurologists and psychiatrists prescribe the drug?

According to the instructions, the drug can be prescribed in the following cases:

• dizziness, imbalance, headaches due to poor circulation;
• intoxication and hypoxia, concussion and trauma;
• poor memory, inattentiveness.

Not everyone knows what else Piracetam helps with. In addition to the above, the benefits of the drug were noted in the following cases:

• used in the complex treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism;
• in case of poisoning with sleeping pills;
• used for depression, apathy and other mental illnesses.

What else is Piracetam used for?

• for the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease;
• hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Release form

The most commonly prescribed dosage form is 200 mg tablets. However, the drug is also produced in other forms:

• capsules 400 mg;
• tablets 200 mg and 400 mg;
• injection solution 20% (1 g of piracetam in 1 ampoule for injections);
• granules for children for preparing a solution.

There is no exact answer to the question of what is better than tablets or capsules. Both forms of the drug are absorbed through the digestive tract, but in this case the capsules dissolve faster.

When choosing between tablets and ampoules, if an intensive method of restoring brain activity is required, preference is given to injections. In this way, the drug penetrates the tissues faster, bypassing the digestive tract.

Instructions for use

How to take or inject?

The tablets are intended for oral administration. Take whole, without chewing, with plenty of water. According to the approved instructions from the manufacturer of the injection, the medicine is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. In the first case, glucose or sodium chloride solution is used as a solvent.

The dosage for adults when taking tablets is 30-160 mg per 1 kg of body weight 2-4 times a day. Dosage for children is within 30-50 mg per 1 kg of body weight 2-3 times a day. The minimum course of therapy is 3 weeks. If necessary, the doctor can adjust the dosage and period of use of the drug. The maximum daily dose for children is 1800 mg.

The dosage for injections is:

• psychoorganic syndrome - 2-4 g per day, it is possible to increase the dose to 6 g. Treatment is prescribed for up to 15 days;
• after a stroke - 4.8 g per day for up to 15 days;
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome - 2.4 g per day for up to 15 days;
• sickle cell anemia - 160 mg/kg, in crisis - 300 mg/kg intravenously. The same dosage is acceptable for children after 1 year.

Side effect

Possible negative reactions to Piracetam:

• CNS: dizziness, imbalance, insomnia, headache;
• psyche: depression, anxiety, nervousness, hallucinations;
• immunity: hypersensitivity to the drug, anaphylaxis;
• digestive tract: digestive disorders, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain;
• skin: dermatitis, rashes, itching, urticaria;
• blood: clotting disorder.

Other adverse reactions may include weight gain, increased blood pressure, and excessive sweating. Injectable forms can cause a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in body temperature.

Contraindications

Treatment with the drug is prohibited if:

• hypersensitivity to piracetam or pyrrolidone;
• psychomotor agitation;
• Huntington's disease;
• children under 3 years of age;
• hemorrhagic stroke;
• renal failure (end stage).

Use in children

Children may already be prescribed this drug from birth. It can be included in the complex treatment of postpartum injuries and hypoxia. Use is also justified for enuresis, mental retardation, cerebral hydrocele, and developmental delays.

What does the drug help older children with? Mostly children over 5 years of age take medicine for attention deficit disorder and dyslexia. Helps children increase the speed of assimilation of information during the learning process.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Penetration of the active substance occurs through the placental barrier. In newborns, plasma concentration reaches 70-90% of that in the mother. During pregnancy, you should avoid taking Piracetam.

The active substance passes through breast milk. At the time of breastfeeding, the drug is contraindicated; otherwise, the feeding process should be interrupted.

Use in the elderly

The drug can be prescribed to pensioners as a prophylaxis for many diseases, for senile psychosis and dementia, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, it reduces the need for nitroglycerin.

Driving a car and other mechanisms

At the time of taking the drug, you should be careful when driving vehicles and engaging in other activities that require increased attention.

Do I need a prescription?

The drug is dispensed from pharmacies with a doctor's prescription.

Compatibility with other drugs

Piracetam is often prescribed in complex treatment. In case of drug interactions with antidepressants, psychostimulants and cardiac drugs, Piracetam enhances their effect.

It is not recommended to use the drug and thyroid hormones together, as adverse reactions are possible. In the complex treatment of epilepsy, discontinuation of anticonvulsant drugs is contraindicated, since Piracetam can lower the threshold of seizure activity.

Alcohol compatibility

Alcohol in itself is harmful, and in case of illness it is completely contraindicated. The consequences of taking the drug and alcohol are unpredictable. Ethyl can both enhance the effect of the drug and reduce its therapeutic effect.

Some people are wondering if Piracetam and alcohol are compatible. Despite the fact that the drug can be prescribed for withdrawal symptoms, it is not compatible with alcohol. You can start taking the medicine 10-12 hours after drinking alcohol.

Analogues of the drug Piracetam

Structural analogues of the active substance:

• Lutsetam;
• Memotropil;
• Nootobril;
• Nootropil;
• Noocetam;
• Pirabene;
• Pyramem;
• Pyratropil;
• Piracetam Bufus;
• Piracetam MS;
• Piracetam Obolenskoe;
• Piracetam Vial;
• Piracetam Ratiopharm;
• Piracetam Richter;
• Piracetam Eskom;
• Stamin;
• Cerebril;
• Escotropile.

If there are no analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps, and look at the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.