No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
No known interaction
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and thinking, brain health and aging, stroke recovery support.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Cognizin, a branded form of citicoline. Citicoline is a compound your body uses to support brain cell structure and energy production.

Each capsule delivers 500 mg. The capsule itself and other inactive ingredients — hypromellose, brown rice flour, and magnesium stearate — are just there to hold it together and make it easy to swallow.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Helps fight age-related cognitive decline and maintain memory.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Vascular dementia, Stroke, Cerebrovascular disease, cognitive aging — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Citicoline is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Citicoline is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Stroke.
  • Also on file: Citicoline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Vascular dementia.

The evidence on citicoline is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and glaucoma.

For stroke, the data suggests it may not work. For Alzheimer disease, traumatic brain injury, and cardiac arrest, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it helps or doesn't.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Citicoline

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Citicoline is generally well tolerated in studies, but long-term safety isn't fully established — so we can't promise what happens if you take it for years. The most common side effects people reported in trials were abdominal pain, back pain, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, swelling, headache, insomnia, nausea, and rash.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Citicoline

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for citicoline. Run your specific medications through the checker on this page before you start.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Cognizin is worth considering if you're concerned about age-related memory or eye health and want to try something with some evidence behind it. If you take any medications, check them against this product first using the tool on this page.

Let your doctor or pharmacist know you're thinking about adding this — especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any eye or heart concerns.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614022468
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 308502
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
087614022468
IngredientAmount% DV
Cognizin1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Brown Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Helps fight age-related cognitive decline Helps maintain healthy memory and cognitive function

Brain and nervous system health

Brand IP Statement(s)

Swanson Science-backed quality since 1969

Cognizin is a registered trademark of Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two veggie capsules in the morning with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formula

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg per capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cognizin

No known
interactions
1 Gram(s) per serving Form: Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in making brain cell membranes and the messenger chemical acetylcholine. It is popularly taken f...

Cognizin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Brown Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What exactly is Cognizin?
Cognizin is a branded form of citicoline, a compound that helps support how your brain cells work and produce energy. Your body makes some naturally, but this supplement gives you an extra dose.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough research. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
Will this help my memory?
It's rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, which means some evidence supports it for memory issues that come with age — but results aren't guaranteed, and more research would help. For other brain concerns like Alzheimer disease or traumatic brain injury, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well. In trials, some reported abdominal pain, back pain, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, nausea, or rash — but these weren't common. If you notice any of these, let your pharmacist know.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Citicoline appears well tolerated in studies, but long-term safety hasn't been fully established. If you're thinking about taking it for months or years, that's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Citicoline

Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound involved in making brain cell membranes and the messenger chemical acetylcholine. It is popularly taken for memory, focus, and brain aging, and s...

Read the full Citicoline monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cognizin Citicoline 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Citicoline 11 references
  1. Spiers PA, Myers D, Hochanadel GS, et al. Citicoline improves verbal memory in aging. Arch Neurol 1996;53:441-8. PubMed
  2. Fioravanti M, Yanagi M. Cytidinediphosphocholine (CDP-choline) for cognitive and behavioural disturbances associated with chronic cerebral disorders in the elderly. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005;(2):CD000269. PubMed
  3. Conant R, Schauss AG. Therapeutic applications of citicoline for stroke and cognitive function in the elderly: A review of the literature. Altern Med Rev 2004;9:17-31.
  4. Warach, S., Pettigrew, L. C., Dashe, J. F., Pullicino, P., Lefkowitz, D. M., Sabounjian, L., Harnett, K., Schwiderski, U., and Gammans, R. Effect of citicoline on ischemic lesions as measured by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Citicoline 0 DOI
  5. Lukas, S. E., Kouri, E. M., Rhee, C., Madrid, A., and Renshaw, P. F. Effects of short-term citicoline treatment on acute cocaine intoxication and cardiovascular effects. Psychopharmacology.(Berl.) 2001;157(2):163-167. PubMed
  6. Dinsdale, J. R., Griffiths, G. K., Castello, J., Maddock, J., Ortiz, J. A., and Aylward, M. CDP-choline: repeated oral dose tolerance studies in adult healthy volunteers. Arzneimittelforschung. 1983;33(7A):1061-1065.
  7. Clark BC, Georgekutty J, Berul CI. Myocardial ischemia secondary to synthetic cannabinoid (K2) use in pediatric patients. J Pediatr 2015;167(3):757-61.e1. PubMed
  8. Ghajar A, Gholamian F, Tabatabei-Motlagh M, et al. Citicoline (CDP-choline) add-on therapy to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2
  9. Castagna A, Manzo C, Fabbo A, Lacava R, Ruberto C, Ruotolo G. The CITIMERIVA Study: CITIcoline plus MEmantina plus RIVAstigmine in Older Patients Affected with Alzheimer's Disease. Clin Drug Investig. 2021 Feb;41(2):177-182. PubMed
  10. Jeong H, Yoon S, Sung YH, et al. Effects of cytidine-5'-diphosphate choline on gray matter volumes in methamphetamine-dependent patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Psychiatr Res 2021;143:215-221. PubMed
  11. Nakazaki E, Mah E, Sanoshy K, Citrolo D, Watanabe F. Citicoline and Memory Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Nutr 2021;151(8):2153-2160. PubMed

See these in context on the Citicoline monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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