PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PIRACETAM - RATIONALE FOR USE IN STROKEPATIENTS

Piracetam, the standard nootropic drug, is known to improve a whole se ries of mental activities, particularly higher cortical functions. Rec ently, this drug has come under investigation as a cerebroprotective a gent in ischaemic stroke. In vitro studies showed cerebral metabolism- stimulating effects, which formed the basis for the interpretation of in vivo studies. These studies have demonstrated some benefits under e xperimental conditions of brain-lesioning influences (e.g. central isc haemia, hypoxia, etc.). Piracetam has possible neuromodulatory, cerebr ovascular and electrophysiological effects, as well as beneficial ther apeutic effects on the microcirculation. Its haemorrheological and ant ithrombotic properties suggest the possible use of piracetam in ischae mic cerebral infarction and as a cerebroprotective agent in stroke. Pu blished data have shown that the pharmacokinetic properties of piracet am in animals and humans are similar after oral and intravenous admini stration, resulting in almost complete oral bioavailability.