Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
A naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the primary phospholipid in neuronal cell membranes. Citicoline provides both choline (for acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis) and cytidine (converted to uridine, supporting RNA and synapse formation). It is prescribed in Europe and Japan for stroke recovery and cognitive decline. Cognizin is the most studied branded form.
Dosage
Standard: 250-500 mg daily. Clinical studies use 500-2000 mg daily. Take in the morning — mildly stimulating. Cognizin is the most studied form. Can be split into 2 doses. Often combined with racetams to provide the choline needed for enhanced acetylcholine turnover.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
56-71 hours (sustained release characteristics)
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder). Cognizin branded form is most studied. Take in the morning.
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Mechanism of Action
Citicoline (CDP-choline) is hydrolyzed in the gut by alkaline phosphatase to choline and cytidine-5'-monophosphate, which are absorbed separately and reassembled in the brain via the Kennedy pathway. Choline feeds two critical pathways: (1) Acetylcholine synthesis via choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) — the primary memory and learning neurotransmitter acting at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. (2) Phosphatidylcholine synthesis via CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase — the structural component of neuronal membranes and synaptic vesicles. Cytidine is dephosphorylated to uridine, converted to UTP, and supports RNA synthesis and CDP-choline formation for synapse formation. Citicoline also activates SIRT1 (possibly via NAD+ modulation) and increases brain norepinephrine and dopamine (mechanism unclear — may enhance synthesis or release). It is the only choline source providing both cholinergic and membrane-building support in one molecule.
Regulatory Status
Prescription drug in Europe and Japan (stroke, cognitive decline). Dietary supplement in the US. Available OTC in most countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Headache (especially with racetams — indicates too much cholinergic stimulation), nausea, diarrhea.
Serious
None documented at standard doses.
Rare
Insomnia, blurred vision.
Compare Citicoline (CDP-Choline) With
Research Papers
10Published: July 31, 1995
AI Summary
Membrane repair and regeneration is necessary for recovery from stroke. Data from many pre-clinical and clinical trials support the hypothesis that citicoline may be a safe and effective treatment for stroke.
Published: July 22, 2009
AI Summary
Citicoline is a natural compound that is registered for use in ischemic stroke, head trauma and neurological disorders. This short review highlights the potential role of citicoline as part of adjunct therapy in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Published: May 17, 2024
AI Summary
Prior studies showed that post-infection treatment of influenza A virus-infected mice with the liponucleotide CDP-choline, which is an essential precursor for de novo phosphatidylcholine synthesis, improved gas exchange and reduced pulmonary inflammation without altering viral replication.
Published: August 6, 2021
AI Summary
Supplementation of citicoline (CDP-choline), a naturally occurring mononucleotide, has shown beneficial effects on memory function and behavior in populations with a wide range of impairments. However, few studies have investigated its effect in healthy older populations.
Published: February 5, 2014
AI Summary
Oxidative stress emerges after reperfusion of an organ following an ischemic period and results in tissue damage. This occurs in consequence of increased non-specific permeability.
Published: July 13, 2018
AI Summary
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of citicoline add-on therapy in treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia.
Published: September 12, 2013
AI Summary
Our findings suggest that therapeutic strategies to activate SIRT1 may be useful in the treatment of stroke. Our findings suggest that therapeutic strategies acting on SIRT1 may be useful in the treatment of stroke.
Published: January 20, 2015
AI Summary
We found that citicoline did not modulate kainate seizure-induced neuronal death, BBB disruption or microglial activation. These results suggest that citicoline may not have neuroprotective effects after seizure and that clinical application of citicoline after seizure needs careful consideration.
Published: February 1, 1999
AI Summary
Subjects did not experience any side effects and citicoline treatment was associated with decreases in self-reported mood states associated with cocaine craving. These preliminary data are encouraging and suggest that citicoline warrants further study as a promising potential treatment for cocaine abuse and dependence that is devoid of side effe...
Published: April 17, 2005
AI Summary
Animal studies suggest that CDP-choline may protect cell membranes by accelerating resynthesis of phospholipids. Modalities of the clinical studies, including length of observation, severity of disturbance, and methodology of evaluation of the results were also heterogeneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citicoline (CDP-Choline) used for?
A naturally occurring intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the primary phospholipid in neuronal cell membranes. Citicoline provides both choline (for acetylcholine and phospholipid synthesis) and cytidine (converted to uridine, supporting RNA and synapse formation). It is prescribed in Europe and Japan for stroke recovery and cognitive decline. Cognizin is the most studied branded form.
What are the side effects of Citicoline (CDP-Choline)?
Common: Headache (especially with racetams — indicates too much cholinergic stimulation), nausea, diarrhea. Serious: None documented at standard doses. Rare: Insomnia, blurred vision.
How is Citicoline (CDP-Choline) administered?
Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is administered via oral (capsules, powder). cognizin branded form is most studied. take in the morning..
What is the half-life of Citicoline (CDP-Choline)?
The half-life of Citicoline (CDP-Choline) is 56-71 hours (sustained release characteristics).
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