Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a naturally occurring molecule involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a building block of the nerve cell membrane. Citicoline IV therapy is the administration of this molecule through a vein; it is one of the molecules used for cognitive support (nootropics). The intravenous route delivers the molecule directly into the circulation, bypassing the digestive step; this is a difference in speed, not a guarantee of benefit.
Administering drugs and fluids through a vein is the foundation of anaesthesiology training; I practise these treatments within that framework. After stroke I decide together with neurology; I place citicoline alongside follow-up treatment, not in its place. The general framework of IV therapy and its evidence status are on the IV therapy page.
How does it work?
In the body citicoline splits into choline and cytidine; choline is used in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a structural component of the nerve cell membrane, and of acetylcholine, which is involved in learning and memory. This biochemical role explains why the molecule has been studied for cognitive support. I do not use phrases like “it repairs the brain’s hardware”; a mechanism and a clinical outcome are different things, and below I write what the clinical data say.
When do I consider it?
The situations I assess in my practice: brain-fog complaints in which difficulty focusing and recalling is the main issue; support during periods of heavy mental workload; support after stroke, alongside neurology follow-up; support in glaucoma, alongside the ophthalmologist’s treatment. What I consistently observe in these pictures in clinical practice is an improvement in mental clarity and focus; I write this as experience, not as a promise.
In brain-fog complaints, the decision depends on the picture: when fatigue and low energy accompany it, NAD+ comes to the fore; when difficulty focusing and recalling is the main issue, citicoline does. They can be planned in sequence when needed. The final choice is made at consultation.
NAD+ is explained on its own page: NAD+ IV therapy.
Being honest about the level of evidence
On stroke, honesty is required: in a large, placebo-controlled international trial in acute ischaemic stroke, citicoline did not outperform placebo 1. Study 1 was funded by a manufacturer of citicoline. An independent systematic review reported that in acute ischaemic stroke there may be little to no difference between citicoline and its controls in mortality, dependence in daily activities, functional recovery and serious adverse events; it rated the certainty of evidence as low and noted that, for this reason, the safety profile is not fully known 2. This is why I position citicoline after stroke not as a treatment that speeds recovery, but as support alongside neurology follow-up.
In glaucoma, a small randomised trial using intramuscular citicoline reported improvement in retinal and visual pathway function 3; this too comes alongside the ophthalmologist’s treatment, not in its place. In study 3, the citicoline and placebo were supplied by a manufacturer of citicoline. For the effect on focus in healthy adults, there is no controlled trial I rely on for this page; I plan that use on the basis of my clinical observation. I do not give unsourced percentages.
The procedure and pain management
Topical anaesthetic cream is standard. Because I am an anaesthesiologist, I treat pain management as a separate part of the procedure.
I plan venous access and the infusion as part of this; what you feel is a brief sting as the line is placed.
Aftercare
Same day
- You can return to daily life; you can drive
- Drink plenty of water
Expected findings A small bruise at the venous access site may last 1–2 days. If redness, warmth or swelling develops at the access site, contact the clinic.
Safety and anatomy
Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
Product documentation: Every citicoline product I work with comes with its own documentation showing the production process and the analysis results; I work only with products of a purity suitable for intravenous use. I do not work with a product that has no documentation. My clinic is routinely inspected by the district health directorate of the Ministry of Health and is inspected separately under its health tourism authorisation certificate. The products I use are recorded.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
I do not perform these treatments during active cancer treatment. For a person with a history of cancer, I make the decision together with the treating specialist.
In intravenous treatments, with heart or kidney failure the decision is made at consultation, with fluid load in mind.
Without being a medical contraindication, I also consider expectation and treatment to be mismatched in these situations:
- People who want to stop treatment they are receiving under stroke or glaucoma follow-up — follow-up with the relevant specialty continues
- People expecting a lasting result from a single session
- People without complaints who want regular infusions
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Pricing
Under the applicable regulations, price information cannot be published on our website. The cost of a treatment depends on the product used, the technique chosen and the extent of the treatment. You can call the clinic for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions
What is citicoline?
It is a naturally occurring molecule involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a building block of the nerve cell membrane. It is one of the molecules used for cognitive support, and given intravenously it enters the circulation directly, bypassing the digestive step.
Does citicoline cause palpitations like coffee?
Citicoline is not a stimulant like caffeine. If palpitations or any other complaint occur during or after treatment, contact the clinic.
Is citicoline IV therapy given after a stroke?
I decide together with neurology. In a large trial in the acute phase, citicoline did not outperform placebo; after stroke I consider citicoline as support alongside follow-up treatment, not in its place.
Does citicoline help in glaucoma?
A small randomised trial using intramuscular citicoline reported improvement in retinal and visual pathway function. I consider it alongside the ophthalmologist’s treatment; it does not replace treatment that lowers eye pressure.
Planning your visit
My clinic is in Nişantaşı, Şişli, on the European side of Istanbul, approximately 45 minutes from Istanbul Airport.
For citicoline IV therapy I suggest planning a stay of two to three days: arrival, consultation and treatment, and departure. Because this treatment may be planned as more than one session, it may require more than one visit. The first session takes place in Istanbul, and we plan the schedule of any following sessions together according to your travel arrangements, with remote follow-up in between. Flying is generally appropriate 24 hours after an injectable treatment.
Consultations are conducted in English. Follow-up after you return home is arranged remotely, and I remain reachable for any questions during the period in which the result develops.
You can read how I offer this treatment at my clinic, IV Point, on the Brain Boost IV therapy page.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin.
References
- Dávalos A, Alvarez-Sabín J, Castillo J, et al. Citicoline in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: an international, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study (ICTUS trial). Lancet. 2012;380(9839):349–357. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22691567/ — The trial was funded by a manufacturer of citicoline (the article’s funding statement).
- Martí-Carvajal AJ, Valli C, Martí-Amarista CE, Solà I, Martí-Fàbregas J, Bonfill Cosp X. Citicoline for treating people with acute ischemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;8(8):CD013066. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860632/
- Parisi V, Manni G, Colacino G, Bucci MG. Cytidine-5’-diphosphocholine (citicoline) improves retinal and cortical responses in patients with glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 1999;106(6):1126–1134. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10366081/ — Citicoline and placebo were supplied by a manufacturer; the authors declared no proprietary interest.