Piracetam is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat myoclonus (sudden jerking of muscles).
This medicine may also be used to treat vertigo (dizziness with sensations of spinning), memory loss, and lack of concentration or alertness.
Piracetam may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Piracetam injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Piracetam.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- bleeding in the brain
- Huntington's disease (a rare inherited condition that damages certain nerve cells in the brain)
as Piracetam may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe bleeding disorder
- at risk of bleeding e.g. stomach ulcer
- history of stroke
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Piracetam to an elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your kidney function is normal before you use this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
Piracetam may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: weight gain, nervousness, weakness, fever, pain at the injection site, uncoordinated movements and muscle spasm.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools
- vomiting blood or ground-coffee like material
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for thyroid disease e.g. levothyroxine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. acenocoumarol, aspirin
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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