Citicoline (CDP‑Choline)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules

Citicoline (CDP‑Choline) 250 – 2 000 mg daily is a neuroprotective and cognitive‑enhancing supplement that replenishes phosphatidylcholine, supports acetylcholine synthesis, and modulates glutamatergic and oxidative pathways. Clinical trials in healthy older adults and stroke patients demonstrate improved memory, functional recovery, and minimal side effects
PMC
PMC

Citicoline (Cytidine Diphosphate‑Choline, CDP‑Choline) – often dosed 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 000 mg tablets or capsules

CDP‑Choline

Cytidine 5′‑Diphosphocholine

Neurocoline® (alternate brand)

Citicolina (Latin America)

Membrane Phospholipid Synthesis: Citicoline supplies cytidine and choline to restore phosphatidylcholine in neuronal membranes, stabilising cell integrity

Neurotransmitter Support: Increases brain acetylcholine levels, enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission for memory and attention
Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation

Glutamate Modulation: Upregulates EAAT2 in astrocytes to clear excess glutamate, reducing excitotoxicity after ischemia
FASEB Journal

Neuroprotection & Repair: Stimulates glutathione reductase, reduces phospholipase A₂ activity, and preserves mitochondrial cardiolipin, limiting oxidative damage
Wikipedia
MDPI

Cognitive Support in Aging: Improves memory, attention, and executive function in healthy middle‑aged and elderly individuals
PMC
ScienceDirect

Acute Ischemic Stroke & Traumatic Brain Injury: Adjunctive therapy to accelerate functional recovery and reduce infarct size
MDPI
Frontiers
Worldwide Approved Uses: Secondary cerebrovascular supply recovery in Europe & Latin America.

Off‑Label Uses: Mild cognitive impairment, ADHD, depression adjunct, glaucoma neuroprotection (emerging data).

Indication Dose Frequency Duration
Cognitive Enhancement (Healthy Adults) 500 mg – 1 000 mg Once to twice daily ≥6 weeks; trials up to 12 weeks
Age‑Related Memory Decline 500 mg daily Once daily 12 weeks
Acute Ischemic Stroke (Adjunct) 500 mg bolus IV followed by 2 000 mg/day oral IV once, then oral BID 6 weeks (acute phase)
Traumatic Brain Injury 1 000 mg – 2 000 mg BID 8 weeks
Maintenance / Secondary Prevention 250 mg – 500 mg Once daily Long‑term (per clinician)

Administration: Oral tablets/capsules with water; can be taken with or without food. IV dosing in acute care only under specialist supervision.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered; do not double doses.

Formulations: Tablets, capsules, oral solution, injectable

Route: Oral; intravenous (acute care)

Legal Status: OTC supplement in the US; prescription‑only in some countries

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Insufficient human data—use only if benefits justify potential risks.

Pediatric Use: Limited data; trials in adolescents (250 – 500 mg/day) show good tolerability

Elderly: No dose adjustment—monitor hydration due to mild gastrointestinal effects.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment: No adjustments generally needed; monitor clinical response.

Common (≤5 %):

Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea)

Headache, insomnia (transient)

Allergic skin reactions (rash, pruritus)

Sleep disturbances, restlessness

Rare psychiatric effects in predisposed patients (psychosis)

Psychiatric History: Monitor patients with bipolar or psychotic disorders for exacerbation.

Allergy: Contraindicated if known hypersensitivity to citicoline or choline compounds.

IV Use: Risk of thrombophlebitis—infuse slowly in central line if possible.

Therapeutic Class: Neuroprotective, Nootropic, Cognitive Enhancer

Pharmacologic Class: Cytidine‑Diphosphocholine Supplement

Legal Category: OTC Dietary Supplement / Prescription (varies by region)

Levodopa: May enhance dopaminergic activity—monitor for dyskinesia.

Anticholinergic Drugs: Potential antagonism—clinical relevance unclear.

Neuropsychiatric Medications: Minimal interactions; monitor psychotropics for efficacy changes.

Memory in Aging: RCTs show 500 mg/day improves verbal memory tests by 15 % vs placebo at 12 weeks
PMC
ScienceDirect

Stroke Recovery: Meta‑analysis finds citicoline 1 000–2 000 mg/day improves NIHSS by 4 points at 6 weeks (OR 1.6)
Frontiers

TBI Outcomes: Observational studies report accelerated Glasgow Outcome Scale improvement by 20 % with 2 000 mg/day
MDPI

FAQs – Citicoline (CDP‑Choline)
Q1. How quickly does citicoline work?
A: Cognitive benefits often noted after 4–6 weeks; acute neurorecovery seen within 2 weeks of IV dosing.

Q2. Can I take citicoline daily?
A: Yes – 250–1 000 mg once to twice daily for maintenance; up to 2 000 mg/day in acute conditions.

Q3. Is citicoline safe long term?
A: Yes—trials up to 12 months show excellent safety with no cumulative toxicity.

Q4. Does citicoline help with focus?
A: Studies in healthy adults report improved attention and reaction time at 500 mg/day
Drugs.com
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Q5. Can citicoline cause headaches?
A: Mild, transient headache occurs in < 5 % of users; usually resolves without intervention.

Q6. How should I store citicoline?
A: Store at room temperature (20–25 °C), away from moisture and light.

Q7. Can I combine citicoline with other nootropics?
A: Generally safe with racetams, bacopa, and omega‑3; monitor for additive cholinergic effects (e.g., GI upset).

Citicoline, CDP‑Choline, Neuroprotective Supplement, Cognitive Enhancer, Stroke Recovery, TBI Supplement, Memory Support, Nootropic, EZ Chemist, Choline Supplement