Introduction
Memopil is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke and memory loss in Parkinson's disease. It can also be used to treat age related memory loss and head injury. It works by improving communication between the nerve cells and protects the brain.
Memopil may be taken with or without food. It is advised to take this medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the blood. If you miss any doses, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped without talking to your doctor as it may result in twitching or jerking movements and even relapse of the disease may occur.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nervousness and abnormality of voluntary movements. However, these are temporary and usually subside on their own after some time. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or bother you. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus.
This medicine may cause weight gain, therefore, you should have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Taking Memopil can affect platelet aggregation, so inform the doctor if you have bleeding problems or if you are on medications that help to make the blood thin.
Uses of Memopil
- Alzheimer's disease
- Stroke
- Dementia in Parkinson's disease
- Age related memory loss
- Head injury
Side effects of Memopil
Common
- Weight gain
- Nervousness
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
How to use Memopil
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Memopil may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Memopil works
Memopil is a nootropic medicine. It works by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) which improves communication between the nerve cells. It also protects the brain and nervous system against shortness of oxygen.
Indication
Cortical myoclonus, Cognitive enhancer
Administration
Oral soln: May be taken with or without food. Take w/ a glass of water or soft drink to mask bitter taste.
Adult Dose
Oral
Adjunct in cortical myoclonus
Adult: 7.2 g daily in 2-3 divided doses, increased by 4.8 g/day every 3-4 days. Max dose: 20 g daily.
As a cognitive enhancer in cerebrocortical insufficiency
Adult: 2.4 g daily, given as 2-3 divided doses. Up to 4.8 g daily may be used in severe cases.
Child Dose
<16 years old: not recommended
> 16 yeras
The daily dosage depends on the weight,
50 mg/kg of body weight in 3 divided doses.
Once the desired results has been obtained, reduce the initial dose by half.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment:
CrCl (ml/min) Dosage Recommendation
50-79 2/3 usual dose
30-49 1/3 usual dose
20-29 1/6 usual dose
<20 Contra-indicated
Contraindication
Hepatic and severe renal impairment. Cerebral haemorrhage. Pregnancy and lactation.
Mode of Action
Piracetam protects the cerebral cortex against hypoxia. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood viscosity.
Precaution
Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Impaired renal function. Cardiac disorders. Haemostatic disorders. Patients who have recently undergone major surgery. Elderly.
Lactation: contraindicated
Side Effect
Hyperkinesia, nervousness, depression, diarrhoea, rashes. CNS stimulation, sleep disturbances, dizziness, excitement, insomnia, somnolence, wt gain.
Interaction
May increase prothrombin time in patients who are on warfarin.