How Memoril Works, Dosage, Uses And more

Do you have myoclonus (uncontrolled muscle reactions, jerks, and spasms), Alzheimer’s disease, and brain problems?

If you have any of these, you will definitely be looking for treatments here and there or at any place with good recommendations or reputation.

Now it all comes down to what kind of medication or treatment you will receive, and definitely, you will want to know what the treatment or medication your doctor, physician, or doctor recommends to you is all about.

That’s why today, Healthsoothe brings to you what you need to know about a medication known as Memoril, which is usually prescribed if you have any of the ailments above which I mentioned earlier.

So you will want to know answers to questions like the following; Is it safe? What are its side effects? Is it suitable for me? How do I use or take it? And so on, and so on.

Well, no need to worry, because as usual, Healthsoothe is here for you. We will provide answers to all the questions you have on Memoril and even more.

So just sit tight and read on, because we got you covered.

Memoril – What is it?

Memoril is a nootropic (or “smart drugs,”- a class of substances that can boost brain performance) drug in the racetams (a class of drugs that are mainly used to treat brain problems) group.

It is available in different strengths/doses. It is also available in different forms:

• Tablets
• Oral solutions
• Injections
• Intravenous infusions

How does Memoril work?

The main and active ingredients, constituents, or components of memoril are piracetam, glutamine, and memantine. They all work by increasing glutamate in the brain to decrease abnormal activity in the brain.

It has nootropic, psychoanaleptic, and antihypoxic actions on the body – the brain to be precise. Explaining these modes of action;

• Nootropic action of memoril: As I had mentioned earlier, this means memoril works to also boost the brain’s performance by inducing as well as inhibiting the release of certain hormones in the body.
• Psychoanaleptic action of memoril: This mode of action means that it induces a calming effect upon a person by either stimulating or inhibiting certain neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain. This means that it can also treat mental health.
• Antihypoxic action of memoril: This means that memoril reduces the propensity for the brain to get hypoxic (Low oxygen tension). Since the body needs oxygen to survive, especially the heart and brain, so memoril fights against certain factors that will cause low oxygen availability for the brain.

How should I use memoril?

To know how to take or use memoril, you need to know its administrations;

Administration

• Parenteral [administered elsewhere in the body (veins, muscles, and subcutaneous tissue) than the mouth and alimentary canal, i.e. anus]: Memoril may be delivered IV at the same recommended daily dosage when parenteral administration is required (e.g., swallowing difficulty, unconsciousness). The injection solution will be given intravenously over several minutes, while the infusion solution will be given continuously over 24 hours at the required daily dosage.
• Oral (taken via mouth): Memoril may be administered with or without meals. The pills should be taken with a glass of water. Oral solution granules should be dissolved in liquid. The daily dosage should be divided into 2-4 sub-doses. To decrease the bitter taste of the solution, drink a glass of water or a soft drink after each dosage.

Dosing instructions for Memoril

Adults

• Vertigo treatment: Recommended daily dose is 2.4-4.8g, in 2 or 3 split doses.
• Remission and prophylaxis of vaso-occlusive crises of sickle cell: For adults and children aged 3 years and up, the recommended daily dosage for prophylaxis is 160 mg/kg, given orally in four split doses. The preventative dose for sickle cell anemia must be continuous. The daily dosage for remission is 300 mg/kg IV, split into four doses. A dosage of more than 160 mg/kg/day, or irregular consumption, may result in a disease recurrence. Memoril has only been delivered to a small number of children aged 1-3 years.
• Psycho-Organic syndromes symptomatic treatment: The recommended daily dose range is 2 or 3 sub-doses or ranges from 2.4 g up to 4.8 g.
• Myoclonus of cortical origin treatment: The daily dosage should start at 7.2 g and gradually increase by 4.8 g every 3 or 4 days, up to a maximum of 24 g in two or three split doses. Treatment with additional anti-myoclonic medications should continue at the same dose. If feasible, the dose of other such pharmaceutical medicines should be lowered based on the clinical benefit received. A therapeutic trial must be used to determine the appropriate dose for each patient. Memoril medication should be maintained for as long as the initial brain condition remains. In individuals who have had an acute episode, spontaneous evolution may occur over time, and every 6 months, an effort should be made to reduce or terminate the pharmacological therapy. This is accomplished by lowering the dosage of Memoril by 1.2 g every two days (every 3 or 4 days in the case of Lance-Adams syndrome, to prevent the possibility of sudden relapse or withdrawal seizures). 

Pediatrics - Children

• Dyslexic conditions: The recommended dose for school-age children (from 8 years) and adolescents are 3.2 g/day, which equates to 8mL of 20% solution twice a day or two 800 mg tablets in the morning and evening, usually during the school year.

Geriatrics – Elderly

• Liver problems: In individuals with just hepatic problems, no dosage change is required. Dose modification is advised in individuals with hepatic and renal impairment.
• Renal problem: Memoril is not recommended if you have a significant renal problem, (renal CrCl of less than 20 mL/min). The daily dosage must be tailored to the patient's renal function. Refer to the table below and adjust the dosage as needed. A rough estimate of the patient's CrCl in mL/min is required to utilize the dosage table. The CrCl in mL/min may be calculated from serum creatinine (mg/dL) using the following formula:

In senior individuals with impaired renal function, the dosage should be adjusted. Regular monitoring of creatinine clearance (CrCl) in the elderly is important for long-term therapy to enable dose customization if necessary.

What if I miss significant doses of Memoril?

Nothing much will happen. Just that if you have missed significant doses of the drug, it will not be effective or potent enough to treat you for the ailment you took it for.

Do the following if you have missed out on significant doses;

• If you forget to take one or more doses: take your next dose at the usual time and in the average amount. Do not take any more than your doctor prescribed.
• If you miss one dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule.
• Do not increase the dosage to catch up with the missed doses.
• You should consult your doctor on what to do if you don’t know what to do.

What if I overdose on Memoril?

There have been no new reports of overdose-related side effects with Memoril. The maximum documented overdose with Memoril was 75 g taken orally.

One instance of bloody diarrhea with abdominal discomfort linked with oral administration of 75 g Memoril daily was most likely caused by the extraordinarily high amount of sorbitol present in the Memoril formulation components.

So now, how do you treat Memoril overdose?

Gastric lavage (also known as stomach pumping or gastric irrigation, is the procedure of washing out the contents of the stomach in cases of acute, substantial overdosage.

Since its first documented usage in the early nineteenth century, it has become one of the most common methods of removing toxins from the stomach) or via emesis induction (the production or inducing of vomiting by administering certain types of emetics, e.g., syrup of ipecac or morphine, or by physical stimulation of the posterior pharynx to achieve gastric decontamination when you vomit, especially following the ingestion of certain toxins, especially those with a high risk for causing morbidity and mortality).

There is no known antidote for Memoril overdose. Overdose therapy will be symptomatic, and may entail hemodialysis (a treatment to filter wastes and water from your blood, as your kidneys did when they were healthy).

For Memoril, the dialyzer's (equipment or machine used for hemodialysis) extraction efficiency is between 50 and 60%.

Uses of Memoril

It is primarily recommended for myoclonus, however, it is often used for various disorders off-label. It is used to treat myoclonus in conjunction with other medications (uncontrolled muscle jerk).

It's also used to treat, control, prevent, and improve the following illnesses, ailments, and symptoms:

• Mild to severe Alzheimer's disease
• Mental confusion
• Dementia and memory problems
• Inability to reason well

Side effects of Memoril

It can cause a variety of disorders; 

Nervous system disorders

• Common: Hyperkinesia (a state of excessive restlessness which is featured in a large variety of disorders that affect the ability to control motor movement)
• Uncommon: Somnolence (the quality or state of being drowsy - sleepiness).
• Incidence not known: Ataxia (the loss of full control of bodily movements), balance disorder, aggravated epilepsy, headache, insomnia.

Immune system disorders

• Incidence not known: Anaphylactic reaction (reactions that causes the immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock — blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow, blocking breathing. Signs and symptoms include a rapid, weak pulse; a skin rash; nausea and vomiting) and hypersensitivity (too sensitive to certain substances you take leading to allergic reactions).

Psychiatric disorders

• Common: Nervousness.
• Uncommon: Depression.
• Incidence not known: Agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucination.

Lymphatic and blood system disorders

• Incidence not known: Hemorrhagic disorder.

Subcutaneous and skin tissue disorders

• Incidence not known: Angioneurotic edema [a relatively common presentation in the emergency department. It presents as unpredictable frequent edematous (swollen with an excessive accumulation] episodes of cutaneous and mucosal tissues such as lips, eyes, oral cavity, larynx, and gastrointestinal system), dermatitis, pruritus, urticaria.

Labyrinth and ear disorders

• Vertigo (the sensation that you, or the environment around you, are moving or spinning).

Administration site conditions and general disorders

• Uncommon: Asthenia (abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy).
• Rare: Pyrexia - raised body temperature (only parenteral formulations), injection site pain (only parenteral formulations).

Gastrointestinal disorders

• Incidence not known: Abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Vascular disorders

• Rare: Thrombophlebitis - an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs (only parenteral formulations), hypotension (only parenteral formulations). 

The following is a summarized list of possible side-effects that may occur from all constituting ingredients of Memoril Tablet.

These side-effects are possible but do not always occur. Some of the side effects may be rare but serious.

Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following side effects, especially if they do not go away.

• Increased weight.
• Heart failure
• Abnormal gait
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Drug allergy
• Headache
• Elevated liver function test
• Fits
• Vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Confusion
• Psychotic reactions
• Blood clotting
• Sleepiness
• High blood pressure
• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in passing stool
• Fungal infections
• Inflammation of liver
• Balance disorders

Memoril may also cause side effects not listed here, so if you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side effects to your local food and drug administration authority.

How long does it take Memoril to work?

Memoril is swiftly and almost fully absorbed, and it begins to work within 1.5 hours after administration.

How long should I take Memoril tablets before it starts working or before I stop taking them?

It must be taken for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It is normally recommended for myoclonus.

It should be administered for as long as the ailment or condition you were taking for lasts or as prescribed by your doctor.

Warning and precautions for taking Memoril

The following are the sets of people who shouldn’t take memoril except under strict supervision by their physician/doctor or their doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the side effects;

• People with primary biliary cirrhosis, since it may raise the already elevated cholesterol in these cases
• People with severe renal impairment (kidney problems)
• People with cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
• People suffering from Huntington's chorea (a disease characterized by involuntary jerking or twitching movements. As the disease progresses, these movements become more pronounced. Affected individuals may have trouble walking, speaking, and swallowing).
• People with a history of fits or heart disorders
• People with hypersensitivity: Memoril is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to clofibrate (a drug that reduces lipids in the blood serum and is used to treat some cardiovascular diseases).
• People with renal tubular acidosis (occur when the kidneys do not remove acids from the blood into the urine as they should. The acid level in the blood then becomes too high, a condition called acidosis. Some acid in the blood is normal, but too much acid can disturb many bodily functions).
• People with urinary tract infections

You have also to note that memoril has effects on the following;

• Effects on platelet aggregation: Due to the effect of memoril on platelet aggregation, caution is recommended in patients with severe hemorrhage, patients at risk of bleeding such as gastrointestinal ulcer, patients with underlying disorders of homeostasis, patients with a history of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), patients undergoing major surgery including dental surgery, and patients using anticoagulants or platelet antiaggregant drugs including low dose acetylsalicylic acid.
• Effect due to renal insufficiency: Memoril is eliminated via the kidneys and care should thus be taken in cases of renal insufficiency. It is contraindicated in patients with clinically significant hepatic or renal dysfunction. Rhabdomyolysis and severe hyperkalemia have been reported in association with pre-existing renal insufficiency.
• Effects on the elderly: For long-term treatment in the elderly, regular evaluation of the creatinine clearance is required to allow dosage adaptation if needed.
• Effects on discontinuation: Abrupt discontinuation of memoril treatment should be avoided as this may induce myoclonic or generalized seizures in some myoclonic patients.
• Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Be careful and be sure to read the information in the section; ‘Effects on ability to drive and use machines' on the memoril’s package instruction. In clinical studies, at dosages between 1.6 - 15 grams per day, hyperkinesia, somnolence, nervousness, and depression were reported more frequently in patients on memoril than on placebo (a dose of a compound or medicine having no pharmacological activity given to a subject in a medical experiment as part of a control experiment in a test of the effectiveness of another, active pharmacological agent). There is no experience of driving ability in dosages between 15 and 20 grams daily. Caution should therefore be exercised by patients intending to drive or use machinery whilst taking memoril.

Before using Memoril Tablet, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over-the-counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side effects of the drug. Take as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Important counseling points are listed below;

• Have recently changed or intend to change your diet substantially
• Pregnant or breastfeeding: Memoril should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the benefit clearly outweighs the dangers and the nursing or expectant mother's clinical condition warrants it.

Drug Interactions of Memoril

Memoril tablets may interact with other medications and products, either neutralizing or boosting the impact of memoril. It might also have negative adverse effects on the body.

Note the following interactions so as to know what not to avoid;

• Antiepileptic medications: In epileptic patients receiving steady dosages, a 20g daily dose of Memoril did not change the peak and trough blood levels of antiepileptic medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, valproate).
• Mannitol: An intake of Memoril higher than or equal to 6.5 g daily may have a slight laxative effect when taken with mannitol.
• Acenocoumarol: In a published single-blind study on patients with severe recurrent venous thrombosis, Memoril 9.6 g/day did not change the doses of acenocoumarol required to achieve an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5-3.5, but when compared to the effects of acenocoumarol alone, the addition of Memoril 9.6 g/day significantly decreased platelet aggregation, β-thromboglobulin release, von Willebrand's factors&fibrinogen levels, plasma viscosity, and whole blood.
• Alcohol: Alcohol did not influence Memoril serum levels when administered concurrently, and a Memoril 1.6 g oral dosage did not affect alcohol levels.
• Pergolide
• Pharmacokinetic interactions: Because roughly 90% of the dosage of Memoril is eliminated in the urine as unmodified medication, the drug interaction potential resulting in changes in Memoril pharmacokinetics is predicted to be modest. As a result, metabolic interactions between Memoril and other medicines are rare.
• Apomorphine
• Methylparahydroxybenzoates and propyl parahydroxybenzoates: Both have the potential to produce allergic responses (possibly delayed).
• Glycerol: This substance may induce headaches, stomach distress, and diarrhea.
• Thyroid Hormones: Confusion, irritability, and sleep disturbances have been recorded when taking thyroid extract.
• Aspartame: This supplies phenylalanine equal to 50 mg for a 2.4 g dosage of Memoril. People suffering from phenylketonuria ((a rare inherited disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body, and if left untreated cause brain damage) should avoid it.
• Sodium: Each Memoril 800 mg and 1200 mg tablet contains about 2 mmol (or approximately 46 mg) sodium/Memoril 24 g. Note the following about other forms;

1. 200 mg/mL oral solution contains about 3.5 mmol (or approximately 80.5 mg) sodium/24 g.
2. Oral solution 333.3 mg/mL includes around 1 mmol (or approximately 23 mg) sodium every 24 g.
3. 1 g/5 mL and 3 g/15 mL injectable solutions have less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium/Memoril 24 g.
4. 12 g/60 mL infusion solution contains about 19 mmol (or approximately 445 mg) sodium/Memoril 24 g. 

Patients on a low salt diet should take this into account.

The effects of Memoril Tablet may alter if you take other medications or over-the-counter remedies at the same time. This may raise your chance of negative effects or cause your medication to malfunction.

Inform your doctor about all of the medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you use so that your doctor can help you avoid or manage drug interactions.

Is Memoril safe?

It is quickly and almost totally absorbed. Peak plasma levels occur 1.5 hours after treatment.

For capsules, pills, and solutions, the Area Under Curve (AUC) indicates that oral bioavailability is near 100 percent. Peak levels and AUC are proportional to the administered dosage.

It has a volume of distribution of 0.7 L/kg. It passes the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier, as well as membranes used in renal dialysis.

So yet, no memoril metabolite has been discovered.

It is nearly fully eliminated in the urine, and the proportion of the dosage excreted in urine is independent of the amount administered.

The results for excretion half-life are congruent with those estimated from plasma/blood data. In young adult males, the plasma half-life is 5.0 hours.

The compound's clearance is reliant on renal creatinine clearance and would be predicted to decrease with renal failure.

So this means memoril is generally safe when taken as prescribed, providing you have no underlying ailments like renal, liver, and other health problems.

If you take memoril wrongly or you overdose on it, then you are in for a bumpy ride, cause that is when memoril will prove unsafe for you.

You got to know the drug interactions of memoril to know what to avoid taking into your body when you are on Gabapentin because there are some things or conditions you are on, that taking Gabapentin will prove harmful, even fatal to you.

Always consult your doctor before taking certain medications like this, to know if a medication is suitable and safe for you, as there are certain conditions you might be in that taking certain medications will be dangerous for you.

Is Memoril a controlled drug?

Memoril is a controlled drug. It isn’t approved by the FDA for any medical use and it is not permitted to be sold as a dietary supplement – maybe because it has many side effects and negative drug interactions in which incidence or cause is not known.

In the UK, Memoril is prescribed mainly for myoclonus but is used off-label for other conditions.

Is Memoril available in generic versions?

• Memoral
• Memotal
• Memotropil
• Memozet
• Mempil

Alternatives or substitutes to Memoril

• Bretam
• Qing Da
• Neurolep
• Si Tai
• Cerebro
• Embol
• Medotam
• Nootropil UCB
• Benocetam
• Fepinram
• Gotropil

What is the cost of Memoril?

At your local pharmacy or hospital, memoril can be available for 0.40$ to 2$ per unit, then per package can range from 25$ to 45$.

The approximate cost of Memoril per unit in online pharmacies is from 0.51$ to 3$, and per package is from 30$ to 55$. The price depends on which unit and package you are buying.

Note: Please note that the price of this medication depends on where you buy it. This means you might go to a particular pharmacy or hospital and find the price higher or lower than the ones stipulated here. 

The price written here is the general price at the time of this article, which means by the time you read this article, the price might have risen or reduced due to the economy or certain factors.

So please be informed. When you are going, you can get an estimated amount that you know no matter what, the price won’t exceed.

Where can I buy Memoril?

It can be bought at your local pharmacy, hospitals, and online drug stores like Rx Online pharmacy, Supplement Mall, HTS Plus, and Jumia (for Africans).

How do I store my Memoril?

Memoril should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Unless otherwise specified in the package insert, do not freeze medications. Keep medications out of the reach of children and dogs.

Unless otherwise directed, do not flush drugs or pour them down the drain. Medication that is thrown in this way may pollute the environment. For additional information on how to securely dispose of Memoril, please see your pharmacist or doctor.

Summary on Memoril by Healthsoothe

Memoril may be used for reasons other than those listed in the product guide, but only if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, you can wind up receiving something you didn't bargain for.

Always use such medications only after consulting with your doctor, and always follow your doctor's instructions.

Make careful to notify your doctor if you notice any odd changes or adverse effects while using memoril, and don't stop taking it suddenly without first consulting with your doctor so that he or she can assist you to end the medicine safely.

Memoril is often prescribed for adult patients suffering from cortical myoclonus, regardless of cause, and should be taken in conjunction with other anti-myoclonic medications.

Frequently Asked Questions on Memoril

What if I take expired Memoril tablets?

It is unlikely that taking a single dosage of an expired Memoril Tablet would result in an adverse outcome. However, if you are feeling uncomfortable or sick, please see your primary care physician or pharmacist.

Expired medications may no longer be effective in treating the illnesses for which they were given. To be on the safe side, avoid using outdated medications.

If you have a chronic ailment that requires you to take medication regularly, such as a heart issue, seizures, or life-threatening allergies, you are far better off staying in contact with your main health care provider so that you can have a new supply of unexpired prescriptions.

Is Memoril safe to use when pregnant?

Please consult with your doctor for case-specific recommendations.

Is Memoril Tablet safe while breastfeeding?

Memoril should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the benefit clearly outweighs the dangers and the nursing or expectant mother's clinical condition warrants it.

Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when using this memoril?

If you suffer from sleepiness, dizziness, hypotension, or a headache as a side effect of taking Memoril Tablet, you should not drive or operate heavy equipment.

If the medication makes you sleepy, dizzy or significantly drops your blood pressure, you should not drive.

Pharmacists also urge patients not to consume alcohol while taking medications since alcohol exacerbates drowsy adverse effects.

Please be aware of these side effects while taking Memoril Tablet. Always see your doctor for suggestions tailored to your body and health problems.

Is memoril addictive or habit forming?

Most medications do not carry the risk of addiction or misuse. Typically, the government classifies addictive drugs as prohibited substances. Schedule H or X in India and Schedule II-V in the United States are two examples.

Please check the product label to ensure that the drug does not fall into one of these particular categories. Finally, do not self-medicate or increase your body's reliance on medications without seeing a doctor.

Can I stop using memoril immediately or do I have to slowly wean off?

Some medications must be tapered or cannot be stopped abruptly due to rebound effects. Please consult your doctor for recommendations tailored to your body, health, and any medications you may be taking.

Some medications must be tapered or cannot be stopped abruptly due to rebound effects. Please consult your doctor for recommendations tailored to your body, health, and any medications you may be taking.

Odudu Abasi

I Am odudu abasi a top-notch and experienced freelance writer, virtual assistant, graphics designer and a computer techie who is adept in content writing, copywriting, article writing, academic writing, journal writing, blog posts, seminar presentations, SEO contents, proofreading, plagiarism/AI checking, editing webpage contents/write-ups and WordPress management.

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