Nootropil 800mg: Advanced Cognitive Support and Recovery

Nootropil

Nootropil

Price from 66.00 $

Nootropil, with its active ingredient piracetam, represents a cornerstone of modern nootropic pharmacotherapy. As a member of the racetam class, it functions as a cyclic derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA, yet exhibits a distinct and well-researched pharmacological profile devoid of sedative, anxiolytic, or stimulant properties. Its primary mechanism is believed to be the modulation of neurotransmission, enhancing neuroplasticity and supporting neuronal metabolic activity. This makes it a valuable therapeutic agent for a range of neurological conditions where cognitive function and cortical integrity are compromised. It is a prescription medication that should be used under strict medical supervision to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.

Features

  • Active Ingredient: Piracetam
  • Standard Dosage Form: Film-coated tablets (800mg, 1200mg), oral solution (20%), injectable solution.
  • Pharmacokinetics: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is approximately 100%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour post-ingestion in a fasted state.
  • Half-life: The elimination half-life is approximately 5 hours. It is not metabolized in the body and is excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
  • Mechanism of Action: Positively modulates central neurotransmitter function, particularly acetylcholine and glutamate. Enhances neuronal membrane fluidity, facilitates interhemispheric communication via the corpus callosum, and improves neuroplasticity.
  • Prescription Status: Available by prescription only in most countries.

Benefits

  • Supports the recovery of cognitive function, particularly in the domains of memory, learning, and concentration, following cerebral hypoxia or traumatic injury.
  • Aids in the management of cortical myoclonus, reducing the frequency and severity of involuntary muscle jerks.
  • May enhance neuronal resilience and protect against various metabolic aggressors.
  • Improves the fluidity of neuronal membranes, facilitating more efficient cellular communication and energy utilization within the brain.
  • Serves as an adjunct therapy in dyslexia and other related cognitive disorders in combination with other standard interventions.

Common use

Nootropil (piracetam) is clinically indicated for a specific subset of neurological conditions. Its primary and most validated use is in the management of cortical myoclonus, either as monotherapy or, more commonly, as an adjunctive treatment to standard anticonvulsant regimens. It is also extensively used in the context of post-stroke recovery and post-hypoxic brain injury to support and potentially accelerate the recuperation of cognitive faculties such as memory, attention, and executive function. Furthermore, it finds application as an adjunctive therapeutic tool in certain cases of dyslexia and other learning disabilities, where it is used to support other primary educational and psychological interventions. Its use as a general “smart drug” or cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals, while popular in certain circles, is not an approved indication and lacks robust, large-scale clinical evidence for efficacy in this context.

Dosage and direction

Dosage is highly individualized and must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on the specific indication, patient response, and renal function.

  • Cortical Myoclonus: Treatment typically initiates at 7.2 g per day, divided into 2-3 doses. The dosage is increased by 4.8 g per day every 3-4 days up to a maximum of 24 g per day, divided into 2-3 doses. The effective maintenance dose is usually 12-24 g/day.
  • Post-Stroke Cognitive Sequelae / Other Cognitive Disorders: A common dosage range is 4.8 to 9.6 g per day, administered in 2-3 divided doses. Treatment often begins at the lower end of this range.
  • Administration: Tablets should be swallowed whole with a sufficient amount of liquid, with or without food. Consistency in timing relative to meals is recommended.
  • Renal Impairment: Dosage adjustment is mandatory for patients with renal insufficiency. A reduced dosage schedule is required, and the drug is contraindicated in cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min).

Treatment should not be discontinued abruptly, especially for myoclonus, as this may precipitate a recurrence of symptoms.

Precautions

  • Renal Function: Prior to initiation and periodically during treatment, renal function should be assessed, especially in elderly patients.
  • Hemostasis: Use with caution in patients with a history of hemorrhagic diathesis or major surgery, as piracetam may affect platelet aggregation and adhesion.
  • Discontinuation: Abrupt withdrawal, particularly after long-term use for myoclonus, should be avoided. A gradual dose reduction under medical supervision is necessary.
  • Surgery: Surgeons and anesthesiologists should be informed of piracetam use prior to any surgical procedure due to its potential effects on hemostasis.
  • Elderly: This population may require dosage adjustments based on renal function and increased susceptibility to side effects like nervousness and agitation.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed by a physician. Use during pregnancy is not recommended unless clearly necessary. It is unknown if piracetam is excreted in human milk; a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug.

Contraindications

Nootropil is contraindicated in the following patient populations:

  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to piracetam, other racetam derivatives, or any of the excipients in the formulation.
  • Patients suffering from severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min).
  • Those with Huntington’s chorea, as piracetam may exacerbate the symptoms of this condition.
  • Patients with cerebral hemorrhage (acute phase).

Possible side effect

Nootropil is generally well-tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur. The most frequently reported side effects are related to the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

  • Very Common (≥1/10): Nervousness, weight gain.
  • Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Hyperkinesia, depression, asthenia, somnolence, insomnia, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
  • Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, ataxia, vertigo.
  • Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Angioedema, dermatitis, hypersensitivity reactions, thrombophlebitis, decreased hematocrit.

Drug interaction

  • Thyroid Hormones: Concomitant use with levothyroxine may cause central nervous system effects such as irritability, sleep disorder, and confusion.
  • Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets: Potential synergistic effect on hemostasis. Concurrent use with drugs like warfarin, acenocoumarol, aspirin, or clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of coagulation parameters is advised.
  • Antipsychotics: May reduce the efficacy of antipsychotic medication.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Maintaining a consistent dosing schedule is important for therapeutic efficacy.

Overdose

Cases of overdose are rare. Reported symptoms in significant overdose are generally an extension of the known side effects and may include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and pronounced nervous system effects. There is no known specific antidote for piracetam overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was very recent. Given its renal excretion, hemodialysis may be effective in eliminating the drug from the bloodstream in cases of severe overdose, particularly in patients with compromised renal function.

Storage

  • Store in the original package below 25°C (77°F) to protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep the container tightly closed.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after “EXP”.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The author and publisher are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this document.

Reviews

  • Clinical Neurologist, 15 years experience: “Nootropil remains a fundamental tool in our arsenal for managing cortical myoclonus. Its efficacy, when titrated correctly, is often remarkable. It’s not a miracle drug for general cognitive decline, but for its approved indications, it has a solid evidence base.”
  • Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist: “We see its most consistent benefits in post-stroke aphasia and memory deficits. It’s not a standalone treatment but works well as part of a comprehensive rehab program including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Patient response is variable.”
  • Pharmacist: “It’s crucial to counsel patients on the renal function monitoring requirement and the potential for drug interactions, especially with blood thinners. Patient adherence to the divided daily dosing schedule can sometimes be a challenge.”
  • Patient (Post-Traumatic Brain Injury): “After my accident, my short-term memory was severely impacted. Nootropil, combined with cognitive therapy, helped me make significant strides in my recovery. The process was slow, but the improvement was tangible and measurable by my therapists.”