Phenylpiracetam

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) is a racetam drug derived from Piracetam in where the only modification is the addition of a phenyl group to its structure. It appears to require much lower doses for similar properties, and appears to have psychostimulatory effects.

dosageDosage
examine-databaseExamine Database

Phenylpiracetam is most often used for

Summary

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) is a nootropic of the racetam family, and as its name suggests it is a phenyl- derivative of piracetam. Phenylpiracetam is reported to be more neuroprotective than piracetam is, but also possesses psychostimulatory properties and is reported to enhance physical performance.

There is a fair bit of research to suggest that phenylpiracetam is effective, like other racetam drugs, in attenuating the rate of and symptoms of cognitive decline. Many of these studies use phenylpiracetam for over one month's time, and the benefits seen may only apply to organic causes of cognitive decline (dementia and stroke) rather than traumatic brain injury.

There is only one rat study noting cognitive enhacement in otherwise healthy young rats, and this study only noted benefit with the R-isomer (the racemic mixture, which is commonly sold, failed to outperform control). While cognitive enhancing propertes of phenylpiracetam in youth cannot be ruled out, they are possibly distinct from the psychostimulatory properties (which occur with said racemic mixture and the R-isomer).

What else is Phenylpiracetam known as?
Note that Phenylpiracetam is also known as:
  • Phenotropil
  • Carphedon
  • (RS)-2-(2-oxo-4-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide
Phenylpiracetam should not be confused with:
Dosage information

Phenylpiracetam is taken at a dosage of 100-200mg acutely, and this dose is taken 2-3 times per day (totalling a daily range of 200-600mg). The lower range seems effective, but the optimal dosage is not yet known.

The R-isomer appears to be more active on the common usages of phenylpiracetam (stimulation and cognition) than does the S-isomer, and while the racemic mixture (commonly sold version) is effective for cognitive decline it is not certain if it works for nootropic purposes in youth.

Join our supplement information course

Examine Database: Phenylpiracetam
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

References
3.^Bobkov IuG, Morozov IS, Glozman OM, Nerobkova LN, Zhmurenko LAPharmacological characteristics of a new phenyl analog of piracetam--4-phenylpiracetamBiull Eksp Biol Med.(1983 Apr)
6.^Zvejniece L, Svalbe B, Veinberg G, Grinberga S, Vorona M, Kalvinsh I, Dambrova MInvestigation into stereoselective pharmacological activity of phenotropilBasic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol.(2011 Nov)
8.^Gustov AA, Smirnov AA, Korshunova IuA, Andrianova EVPhenotropil in the treatment of vascular encephalopathyZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.(2006)
9.^Savchenko AIu, Zakharova NS, Stepanov INThe phenotropil treatment of the consequences of brain organic lesionsZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.(2005)
11.^Lybzikova GN, Iaglova ZhS, Kharlamova IuSThe efficacy of phenotropil in the complex treatment of epilepsyZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.(2008)
12.^Gerasimova MM, Chichanovskaia LV, Slezkina LAThe clinical and immunological aspects of the effects of phenotropil on consequences of strokeZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.(2005)
13.^Koval'chuk VV, Skoromets AA, Koval'chuk IV, Stoianova EG, Vysotskaia ML, Melikhova EV, Il'iaĭnen EVEfficacy of phenotropil in the rehabilitation of stroke patientsZh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.(2010)
14.^Samotrueva MA, Tyurenkov IN, Teplyi DL, Serezhnikova TK, Khlebtsova EBPsychoimmunomodulatory effect of phenotropil in animals with immune stressBull Exp Biol Med.(2011 May)