Meta Information
ID:piracetam
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/renal-impairment
Target name:
Renal Impairment
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam is almost entirely eliminated from the body by the kidneys. Impaired kidney function causes the drug to accumulate to potentially toxic levels, significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Actionable advice:
Avoid piracetam if you have any kidney disease, or use a substantially reduced dose only under strict medical supervision.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam can inhibit platelet aggregation (making blood less likely to clot). Combining it with other blood-thinning medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or even aspirin dramatically increases the risk of serious bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Do not take piracetam if you are on any prescribed blood-thinning medication.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Due to its effect on platelet aggregation, piracetam can worsen bleeding tendencies in individuals with conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
Actionable advice:
Avoid piracetam completely if you have any history of a bleeding disorder.
Target id:
/procedure/major-surgery
Target name:
Major Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
168
Hours after target:
48
Description:
Piracetam's anti-platelet effects increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue piracetam at least 7 days before any scheduled surgery and consult your physician on when it is safe to resume.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam is known to cross the placental barrier, and its effects on a developing fetus have not been established as safe.
Actionable advice:
Do not use piracetam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam is excreted into breast milk, exposing the nursing infant to the drug. The safety of this exposure is unknown.
Actionable advice:
Do not use piracetam while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/biomarker/egfr
Target name:
eGFR / Kidney Function Test
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Safe use of piracetam depends on adequate kidney function for its clearance. Assessing baseline and periodic renal function is crucial to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity.
Actionable advice:
Ensure you have a recent kidney function test (e.g., creatinine, eGFR) before starting piracetam and monitor it periodically.
Target id:
/class/thyroid-hormones
Target name:
Thyroid Hormones
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Concurrent use of piracetam with thyroid hormones (like levothyroxine) has been anecdotally and in case reports linked to side effects such as confusion, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Actionable advice:
Exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before combining piracetam with thyroid medication.
Target id:
/class/stimulants
Target name:
Stimulant Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Combining piracetam with central nervous system stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, methylphenidate) may result in additive effects, potentially causing overstimulation, anxiety, jitteriness, or insomnia.
Actionable advice:
Avoid combining with stimulants, or use with extreme caution and monitor for signs of overstimulation.
Target id:
/condition/seizure-disorder
Target name:
Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam may lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals, potentially reducing the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications. Abruptly stopping piracetam can also provoke seizures.
Actionable advice:
Avoid piracetam if you have a history of seizures, unless under the direct supervision of a neurologist.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
For some individuals, piracetam can have a mild stimulating effect that may interfere with the ability to fall asleep or reduce sleep quality.
Actionable advice:
Take your last dose of piracetam no later than the early afternoon, at least 6 hours before your planned bedtime.
Target id:
/condition/geriatric
Target name:
Geriatric (Older Adults)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Older adults frequently have a natural, age-related decline in kidney function, which can slow the clearance of piracetam and increase susceptibility to side effects, even at standard doses.
Actionable advice:
If you are an older adult, start with a lower dose of piracetam and ensure your kidney function is monitored.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Supplements known to have blood-thinning properties (e.g., ginkgo biloba, high-dose fish oil, garlic, ginger) can have an additive effect with piracetam, increasing the overall risk of bruising and bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining piracetam with supplements that can affect blood clotting.
Target id:
/class/choline-precursors
Target name:
Choline Precursors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Piracetam is thought to increase the brain's utilization of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Supplying a choline source (like Alpha-GPC or citicoline) may enhance piracetam's cognitive effects and prevent associated headaches.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking a choline supplement at the same time as piracetam to support its mechanism of action.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
1.5
Description:
Food can delay the absorption of piracetam, resulting in a slower onset of its effects, although it does not significantly change the total amount absorbed by the body.
Actionable advice:
For the fastest effects, take piracetam on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 90 minutes after eating.
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Piracetam is not metabolized by the liver, so liver impairment alone does not affect its clearance. However, dose adjustments are necessary if liver impairment occurs alongside kidney impairment.
Actionable advice:
No dose adjustment is needed for liver impairment alone, but caution is critical if kidney function is also compromised.