Pramiracetam

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Pramiracetam is a synthetic racetam derivative for the purpose of cognitive enhancement, with preliminary evidence to support its usage in aiding long-term memory formation. Although the mechanisms are not well known at all, it might enhance acetylcholine synthesis.

Pramiracetam is most often used for

Summary

Pramiracetam is a racetam molecule that was initially synthesized from piracetam due to its modifications having more anti-amnesiac potential in rats. Relative to the other racetams, pramiracetam is not that well researched but does appear to have some human evidence.

When looking at the animal evidence, otherwise healthy young and old rats seem to experience benefits to long-term memory formation with supplementation of pramiracetam. It appears to be effective when taken acutely (1-2 hours) before cognitive testing, and studies looking at working memory do not note much effects. Human studies support this, but they are limited in statistical power and currently there are no human studies in otherwise healthy youth for the purpose of cognitive enhancement.

The mechanisms of pramiracetam are not well known, but it appears to alter EEG activity in all tested rats (young and old) and may be able to enhance high-affinity choline uptake. It is similar to piracetam and other racetams in the sense that its mechanisms seem dependent on the adrenal glands and some peripheral effects, but beyond that the mechanisms have not been further elucidated.

What else is Pramiracetam known as?
Note that Pramiracetam is also known as:
  • CI-879 Diisoprop-yl-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide CI879
Pramiracetam should not be confused with:
  • Piracetam (Basic racetam but different molecule)
Dosage information

Currently, the evidence using pramiracetam in humans uses either 400mg thrice daily or 600mg twice daily; both of these dosing regiments totals 1,200mg of pramiracetam daily.

It is unsure if pramiracetam should be taken with meals, and it is not clear if 1,200mg is the optimal dosage or not. This dose, however, does appear effective.

Join our supplement information course

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

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

References
1.^Bambagiotti-Alberti M, Bartolucci G, Bruni B, Coran SA, Di Vaira MDiisoprop-yl{2-{2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamido}eth-yl}ammonium hydrogen sulfateActa Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online.(2008 May 30)
2.^Murray CL, Fibiger HCThe effect of pramiracetam (CI-879) on the acquisition of a radial arm maze taskPsychopharmacology (Berl).(1986)
3.^Butler DE, Nordin IC, L'Italien YJ, Zweisler L, Poschel PH, Marriott JGAmnesia-reversal activity of a series of N-{(disubstituted-amino)alkyl} -2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamides, including pramiracetamJ Med Chem.(1984 May)
5.^Chang T, Young RM, Goulet JR, Yakatan GJPharmacokinetics of oral pramiracetam in normal volunteersJ Clin Pharmacol.(1985 May-Jun)
6.^Auteri A, Blardi P, Celasco G, Segre G, Urso RPharmacokinetics of pramiracetam in healthy volunteers after oral administrationInt J Clin Pharmacol Res.(1992)
7.^Fang Z, Liu X, Xiao Y, Jiang WPharmacokinetics of pramiracetam in animalsHua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao.(1999 Dec)
8.^Parnetti LClinical pharmacokinetics of drugs for Alzheimer's diseaseClin Pharmacokinet.(1995 Aug)
11.^Mondadori C, Bhatnagar A, Borkowski J, Häusler AInvolvement of a steroidal component in the mechanism of action of piracetam-like nootropicsBrain Res.(1990 Jan 1)
12.^Mondadori C, Petschke FDo piracetam-like compounds act centrally via peripheral mechanismsBrain Res.(1987 Dec 1)
13.^Mondadori C, Ducret T, Häusler AElevated corticosteroid levels block the memory-improving effects of nootropics and cholinomimeticsPsychopharmacology (Berl).(1992)
21.^De Vreese LP, Neri M, Boiardi R, Ferrari P, Belloi L, Salvioli GMemory training and drug therapy act differently on memory and metamemory functioning: evidence from a pilot studyArch Gerontol Geriatr.(1996)
23.^Mauri M, Sinforiani E, Reverberi F, Merlo P, Bono GPramiracetam effects on scopolamine-induced amnesia in healthy volunteersArch Gerontol Geriatr.(1994 Mar-Apr)
24.^Claus JJ, Ludwig C, Mohr E, Giuffra M, Blin J, Chase TNNootropic drugs in Alzheimer's disease: symptomatic treatment with pramiracetamNeurology.(1991 Apr)
25.^Corasaniti MT, Paoletti AM, Palma E, Granato T, Navarra M, Nisticò GSystemic administration of pramiracetam increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the cerebral cortex of the ratFunct Neurol.(1995 May-Jun)