Citicholine: Current Role in Ishemic Stroke and Future Perspectives

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world and in recent years a lot of emphasis has been given to the role of newer drugs in stroke which increase neuroprotection. Citicholine (CDP-Choline; or Cytidine 5’-Diphosphocholine) has been shown to possess efficacy in the management of cognitive impairment in stroke as well as in Alzheimer’s disease. It has been demonstrated to be a neuroprotective as well as a neuroregenerative agent in patients of acute stroke. A large number of animal studies and clinical trials exist to support the efficacy of this drug in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Few studies have also shown its efficacy in hemorrhagic stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The main effects of citicholine are due to the modification of lipid metabolism in neuronal membranes. It regenerates the levels of phosphatidylcholine in the brain and improves neuronal functions. The drug is relatively safe with a very few side-effects