Citicoline for the Treatment of Stroke

Abstract

This article focuses on cerebrovascular disease and citicoline. It provides a brief overview of classification, incidence of cerebrovascular disease and impact. Additionally, it covers the dosage, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, clinical study results, drug interactions, and safety of citicoline. Studies have shown that the therapeutic dose of citicoline ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day, depending on the form of administration and the severity of the disease. Citicoline is water-soluble and is well-absorbed. Upon entering the body, it is metabolized into choline and cytidine, both of which, along with citicoline and its metabolites, can cross the blood-brain barrier. The primary mechanism of citicoline involves its entry into the brain, where it serves as a precursor for acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, thereby aiding in neural repair. Furthermore, citicoline reduces the synthesis of fatty acids that may contribute to cerebrovascular disease. Citicoline exhibits low toxicity, with no severe adverse effects or fatal outcomes reported.