Nootropic / GABA derivative
Piracetam
Brand names: Nootropil
Adult dose
Dose: Cortical myoclonus: 7.2g/day in 2-3 divided doses, increase by 4.8g/day every 3-4 days; max 24g/day
Route: PO/IV
Frequency: divided
Dose adjustments
Renal
Reduce in renal impairment
Clinical pearls
- Cortical myoclonus — adjunct
- Limited evidence in cognitive enhancement
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <20)
- Cerebral haemorrhage
- Huntington's disease
Side effects
- Hyperkinesia
- Weight gain
- Nervousness
- Somnolence
- Depression
Interactions
- Thyroid hormones
- Warfarin (variable)
Monitoring
- Renal function
Reference: BNF; SmPC; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/piracetam/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Pathways
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS