Phosphatidylcholine

What is it?
Phosphatidylcholine is found in soy lecithin. It can be taken as dietary lecithin or as a supplement for high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (fat deposits on arteries), high blood pressure, liver problems, bipolar depression, dementia, dyskinesias (difficulty making movements), gallbladder disease, headache, and multiple sclerosis. It is used on the skin for acne and psoriasis.

Other names for Phosphatidylcholine include: Lecithin, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidyl, Phosphatidylinositol, PC-55, Ethanolamine, and Serine.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much Phosphatidylcholine you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Phosphatidylcholine. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Phosphatidylcholine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Taking large amounts of Phosphatidylcholine can increase symptoms of depression in some people. You should only take Phosphatidylcholine to treat depression under the direct supervision of your health care professional (1)

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• High doses of Phosphatidylcholine can lead to reduced appetite (not feeling hungry), upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea (1)
• Weight gain has been reported (12)

References:
1. Murray, MT: Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA; 1996.
2. Vroulis G, Smith RC, Schoolar JC et al: Reduction of cholesterol risk factors by lecithin in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Am J Psychiat 1982;139:1622-1624.
3. Childs MT, Bowlin JA, Ogilvie JT et al: The contrasting effect of a dietary soya-lecithin product and corn oil on lipoprotein lipids in normolipidemic and familial hypercholesterolemic subjects. Atherosclerosis 1981;38:217-228.
4. Cohen B, Miller A, Lipinski J & Pope H: Lecithin in the treatment of mania: A preliminary report. AM J Psychiat 1980; 137:242-243.
5. Cohen B, Lipinski J & Altesman R: Lecithin in the treatment of mania: Double-blind, placebo controlled trials. Am J Psychiat 1982;139:1162-1164.
6. Dysken M: A review of recent clinical trials in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia. Psychiatric Annals 1987;17(3):178.
7. Little A, Levy R, Chuaqui-Kidd P et al: A double-blind, placebo controlled trial of high-dose lecithin in Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurol Neurosurg & Psychiat 1985;48:736-742.
8. Fisman M, Merskey H, Helmes E et al: Double blind study of lecithin in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Can J Psychiat 1981;26:426-428.
9. Wojcicki J, Pawlik A, Sanochowiec L et al: Clinical evaluation of lecithin as a lipid-lowering agent. Phytother Res 1995; 9:597-599.
10. Brook JG, Linn S & Aviram M: Dietary soya lecithin decreases plasma triglyceride levels and inhibits collagen- and ADP- induced platelet aggregation. Biochem Med Metab Biol 1986; 35: 31-39.
11. Buchman Al, Dubin M, Jenden D et al: Lecithin increases plasma free choline and decreases hepatic steatosis in long-term total parenteral nutrition patients. Gastroenterol 1992; 102(4): 1363-1370.
12. Ott BR & Owens NJ: Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1998; 11: 163-173.
13. Morganti P, Randazzo SD, Giardina A et al: Effect of phosphatidylcholine linoleic acid-rich and glycolic acid in acne ulgaris. J Appl Cosmetol 1997; 15: 21-31.
14. Buchman AL, Dubin M, Jenden D et al: Lecithin increases plasma free choline and decreases hepatic steatosis in long-term total parenteral nutrition patients. Gastroenterol 1992; 102(4):1363-1370.
15. Buchman AL, Moukarzel A, Dubin M et al: Lecithin supplementation causes a decrease in hepatic steatosis in choline-deficient long-term TPN patients. AASLD 1991a; 100(5):A725.
16. Murray MT & Pizzorno JE: Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA; 1998.
17. Hayashi H, Tanaka Y, Hibino H et al: Beneficial effect of salmon roe phosphatidylcholine in chronic liver disease. Cur Med Res Opin 1999; 15(3):177-184.
18. Wallnoefer H & Hanusch M: Essential phospholipids in the treatment of hepatic disease. Med Monatsschrift 1973; 27:131-136.
19. Knuechel F: Double-blind study in patients with alcohol-toxic fatty liver. Med Welt 1979; 30:411-416.
20. Schuller-Perez A & San Martin FG: Controlled study using multiply-unsaturated phosphatidylcholine in comparison with placebo in the case of alcoholic steatosis. Med Welt 1985; 72:517-521.
21. Marpaung B, Tarigan P, Zein LH et al: Tuberkulostatische Kominations-therapie aus INH, RMP, and EMB. Therapiewoche 1988; 38:734-740.
22. Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP, Eddleston ALWF et al: Use of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine in HBsAG negative chronic active hepatitis: results of prospective double-blind controlled trial. Liver 1982; 2(2):77-81.
23. Niederau C, Strohmeyer G, Heintges T et al: Polyunsaturated phosphatidyl-choline and interferon alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Hepato-Gastroenterol 1998; 45(21):797-804.