Memopil

Indications

Cerebral Vascular Disorders and Cognitive Deficits:

• Acute and chronic cerebrovascular accidents, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic.
• Manifestations of cerebral insufficiencies, including those linked to cerebral atherosclerosis.

Mental Retardation in Children:

• Facilitates social interaction, learning capabilities, and improved intellectual performance, enhancing academic outcomes.

Behavioral and Cognitive Challenges in the Elderly:

• Addresses memory impairments, particularly difficulties in retention and recall.
• Mitigates issues such as fatigue, psychomotor disturbances, and adaptation disorders.

Use this medication strictly under the guidance of a registered physician.

Pharmacology

Piracetam belongs to the nootropic class of drugs, meaning it acts on the brain to enhance cognitive functions. It works by improving the performance of the telencephalon, a part of the brain associated with learning, memory, alertness, and consciousness. Unlike stimulants or sedatives, Piracetam optimizes brain function without causing drowsiness or agitation.

Mechanism of Action:

• Enhances neurotransmission and metabolic processes within the brain.
• Improves microcirculation without inducing vasodilation.
• Boosts cognitive abilities, such as alertness and memory recall, particularly in cases of cerebral trauma (e.g., hypoxia or intoxication).
• Effective in treating anoxia-related myoclonia when used alone or alongside other medications.
• Reduces vestibular nystagmus duration and increases oxygen and glucose uptake in dementia or ischemic conditions.

Piracetam also inhibits platelet aggregation and restores red blood cell deformability, which aids in microvascular circulation.

Dosage & Administration

For Adults:

• Cerebral insufficiency: 800 mg, three times daily.
• Myoclonic seizures: Start with 7.2 g/day, gradually increasing by 4.8 g every 3–4 days up to a maximum of 20 g/day, divided into 2–3 doses.

For Children:

• Daily dose: 50 mg/kg body weight, divided into three doses. Once results are achieved, reduce the dose by half.

Use this medication strictly under the guidance of a registered physician.

Interactions

• Co-administration with thyroid extract may cause confusion, irritability, or sleep disturbances.
• No significant interactions have been observed with antiepileptic drugs like clonazepam, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, or sodium valproate in limited studies.

Contraindications

Piracetam is not suitable for patients with:

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min).
• Hepatic dysfunction.

For patients with compromised renal function, adjust the dosage based on creatinine clearance:

• CrCl 60-40 ml/min: Half the standard dose.
• CrCl 40-20 ml/min: One-quarter of the standard dose.

Side Effects

Reported side effects include:

• Common: Nervousness, agitation, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, particularly in older patients taking >2.4 g/day.
• Occasional: Fatigue, gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache), dizziness, headaches, or tremors.
• Rare: Increased sexual stimulation.

Symptoms often subside with dose adjustment.

Overdose:

Piracetam is well-tolerated, even at high doses, and does not require specific overdose management.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Piracetam should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding under exceptional circumstances, as it crosses the placenta.

Therapeutic Class

• Adjunct anti-epileptic medications.
• Drugs for tremors, tics, and related disorders.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from sunlight and keep out of children’s reach.