Last update July 1, 2022

Piracetam

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Used in disorders of cognitive processes, such as dementia and learning difficulties, memory and attention (Fesenko 2009), in vertigo, in cortical myoclonus and in the prevention of sickle cell crisis. Oral administration in two or three daily doses.

Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk.

Its pharmacokinetic characteristics (no binding to plasma proteins and low molecular weight) make its transfer into breast milk probable.

Side effects are rare and not serious. (UCB 2013, AEMPS 2011)

It has been used in children in various studies (Di Ianni 1985, El-Hazmi 1996, Fesenko 2009). One study revealed several adverse effects (increased aggression, irritability and anxiety, among others) in children with Down syndrome who took Piracetam. (Lobauhg 2001)

Given the lack of scientific evidence of its efficacy (Al Hajeri 2016, Flicker 2001), it is considered to be a drug of little therapeutic use. (SEFAF 2012, INSALUD 2001)

Given its proven lack of effectiveness and that it can transfer into breast milk, it is probably a non-essential medication during breastfeeding. Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives may be preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity.

If it is necessary to use it during breastfeeding, use the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible period.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Piracetam.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Piracetam is also known as


Piracetam in other languages or writings:

Group

Piracetam belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Piracetam in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 142 daltons
Protein Binding 0 %
VD 0.6 - 1.4 l/Kg
pKa 15.93 -
Tmax 0.5 - 2.3 hours
4.4 - 5 hours

References

  1. Al Hajeri A, Fedorowicz Z. Piracetam for reducing the incidence of painful sickle cell disease crises. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Abstract
  2. Barkat K, Ahmad M, Minhas MU, Malik MZ, Sohail M. Development of a simple chromatographic method for the determination of piracetam in human plasma and its pharmacokinetic evaluation. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2014 Abstract
  3. UCB. Piracetam. Drug Summary 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Fesenko UA. Piracetam improves children's memory after general anaesthesia. Anestezjol Intens Ter. 2009 Abstract
  5. Flicker L, Grimley Evans G. Piracetam for dementia or cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001 Abstract
  6. Lobaugh NJ, Karaskov V, Rombough V, Rovet J, Bryson S, Greenbaum R, Haslam RH, Koren G. Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2001 Abstract
  7. AEMPS. Piracetam. Ficha técnica. 2001 Full text (in our servers)
  8. el-Hazmi MA, Warsy AS, al-Fawaz I, Opawoye AO, Taleb HA, Howsawi Z, Mohamed AA, Aly AW, Refai S, Sugathan PS, Rab AS, Ahmed HB, Abulaban M, Abdulkader AM, Farid M. Piracetam is useful in the treatment of children with sickle cell disease. Acta Haematol. 1996 Abstract
  9. Di Ianni M, Wilsher CR, Blank MS, Conners CK, Chase CH, Funkenstein HH, Helfgott E, Holmes JM, Lougee L, Maletta GJ, et al. The effects of piracetam in children with dyslexia. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1985 Abstract

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