Meta Information
ID:citicoline
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/intervention/levodopa
Target name:
Levodopa
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Citicoline increases dopamine synthesis and receptor density in the brain, which can significantly amplify the effects and side effects (like dyskinesia) of Levodopa, a medication for Parkinson's disease.
Actionable advice:
Do not combine without explicit medical supervision; dose adjustments of Levodopa are likely required.
Target id:
/class/dopaminergic-agents
Target name:
Dopaminergic Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
By increasing brain dopamine levels, Citicoline can enhance the effects and potential side effects of other medications that act on the dopamine system, such as dopamine agonists or MAO-B inhibitors.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and medical supervision when taking any dopaminergic medication for conditions like Parkinson's or Restless Legs Syndrome.
Target id:
/class/cholinesterase-inhibitors
Target name:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Both Citicoline (by providing a precursor) and cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine) increase acetylcholine levels, potentially leading to additive cognitive benefits or increased cholinergic side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
Actionable advice:
Combine only under medical supervision, as it may increase the risk of cholinergic side effects.
Target id:
/class/choline-precursors
Target name:
Other Choline Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining multiple high-dose choline sources (e.g., Alpha-GPC, Choline Bitartrate) can lead to an excessive choline load, increasing the risk of side effects such as digestive upset, fishy body odor, and low blood pressure.
Actionable advice:
Avoid taking high doses of multiple choline supplements concurrently; choose one or use them under guidance.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The safety of citicoline supplementation during pregnancy has not been established through clinical research.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Citicoline during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is unknown if citicoline or its metabolites pass into breast milk, and its safety for a nursing infant has not been established.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using Citicoline while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
For some individuals, Citicoline can have a mild stimulating effect that may interfere with the ability to fall asleep if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
Take your dose in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential sleep disruption.
Target id:
/circadian/wake
Target name:
Waking Up
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
4
Description:
Taking Citicoline in the morning may align with its potential to support alertness and cognitive function throughout the day.
Actionable advice:
Take Citicoline in the morning or early afternoon to support daily cognitive demands.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Citicoline may have a mild additive effect with medications that lower blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of hypotension (blood pressure that is too low).
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor blood pressure when taking alongside blood pressure-lowering medications.
Target id:
/class/anticholinergic-medications
Target name:
Anticholinergic Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Citicoline provides choline, a building block for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which may theoretically oppose the action of drugs designed to block acetylcholine's effects (e.g., for overactive bladder).
Actionable advice:
Be aware of a potential for reduced effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs, though this interaction is largely theoretical.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking Citicoline with food can help minimize the potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort, although it is not required for absorption.
Actionable advice:
Take with a meal if you experience any stomach upset.