choline

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Indications ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Hepatic steatosis
Asthma
Prevention of neural tube defects

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Allergy/hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

Doses >3.5 grams/day can ↑ risk of adverse effects.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Misc: fishy body odor, sweating

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

None known.

Natural-Natural Products:

None known.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: ^OTC
Tablets: ^OTC

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Asthma: 500–1000 mg 3 times daily; Adequate intake: Men and lactating females: 550 mg daily; Women: 425 mg daily; Pregnant women: 450 mg daily; Children 9–13 years: 375 mg daily; Children 4–8 years: 250 mg daily; Children 1–3 years: 200 mg daily; Infants 7–12 mo: 150 mg daily; Infants <6 mo: 125 mg daily. Maximum: 3.5 g daily for adults and 3 g for <18 years.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Intrachol, L-choline, Lipotropic Factor

Action ⬆ ⬇

Choline is synthesized in the body by the liver and is required for liver function. It lowers lipophosphatidylcholine levels producing anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved liver function.
Decreased asthmatic symptoms.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: none assigned

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Pure choline is rarely used because of its undesirable side effects of fishy odor. Lecithin or purified phosphatidylcholine is more commonly used.

Pronunciation ⬆

KOH-leen