Uridine is described as a nucleoside according to biochemical or pharmacological criteria. Consequently, it is an organic molecule consisting of a nucleobase (building block of DNA) and pentoses (carbon-rich monosaccharides). Uridine is used in combination with the active ingredient cytidine to provide supportive treatment for inflammation of the nerves and diseases of the muscles (myopathies). Uridine can be administered either orally or by injection.
What is uridine?
Uridine represents a component of ribonucleic acid (RNA). This is an organic acid formed by filamentous macromolecules that have only one strand and are found in the nucleus of cells. RNA plays an important role in the biosynthesis of proteins. Uridine itself represents a nucleoside. It is composed of pentoses and nucleobases. In human medicine, uridine is administered in combination with cytidine. The two substances are used for the supportive treatment of myopathies (diseases of the muscles) and neurological diseases. In chemistry or pharmacology, uridine is described by the chemical molecular formula C 9 – H 12 – N 2 – O 6, which corresponds to a moral mass of 244.2 g/mol.
Pharmacological action
In human medicine, uridine is used almost exclusively together with the active ingredient cytidine. The resulting combination of active ingredients is used as a phosphate and provides building blocks of genetic material. These are needed by the human body to repair damaged tissue or to regenerate nerves. Uridine thus supports the body’s natural wound healing powers. For this reason, Uridine is only used as a supplementary treatment. Therefore, a therapy will usually not rely entirely on Uridine.
Medical application and use
In combination with the active ingredient cytidine, uridine is used to treat neurological diseases (especially inflammation of the nerves) and diseases of the muscles (myopathies). The active ingredients are taken either orally by film-coated tablets or capsules. Injection is also common. This is especially true for the treatment of myopathies, as it allows the active ingredient to reach the affected area directly. However, Uridine is only used for supportive treatment. Thus, therapy will be based exclusively on preparations containing uridine only in exceptional cases. The most common areas of application include, above all, inflammation of the spine (e.g., cervical spine syndrome, shoulder-arm syndrome and ischialgia or lumbago, often called “lumbago”) and pain in the supply area. The latter include, in particular, intercostal neuralgia (supply pain of the intercostal nerves) and inflammation of various nerves (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia or polyneuropathy). Polyneuropathies can be caused by diabetes or neurotoxic substances such as alcohol. Because of its supportive effect on wound healing, uridine is also administered to combat shingles (herpes zoster) or inflammation of any kind. Preparations containing uridine can usually be taken by both adults and children. There are also no restrictions on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Before taking, however, attention should be paid to the instructions of the doctor or pharmacist and the package leaflet, since preparations can also have more than one active ingredient.
Risks and side effects
Uridine should not be taken if there is a contraindication. Such a contraindication exists if there is a contraindication from a medical point of view, i.e. the use of the drug would not be beneficial to the treatment. This is particularly the case with known intolerances (allergies). In addition, interactions with other medications must be taken into account. For example, uridine can impair the efficacy of certain cancer drugs such as cytarabine. Preparations such as zidovudine or zalcitabine may also experience not only insignificant impairment of their efficacy spectrum as a result of Uridine. The attending physician should therefore always be informed of all medications taken. In general, however, Uridine is considered to be well tolerated. Apart from incompatibilities and interactions, no undesirable side effects have been recorded to date.
