Pyritinol

Last Updated: September 28 2022

Pyritinol (Pyrithioxine) is a molecule that is, structurally, two Vitamin B6 molecules attached to each other. It is touted to be an anti-hangover pill and a brain booster, with subpar evidence for both claims; it is linked to a moderate amount of avoidable side-effects.

dosageDosage

Pyritinol is most often used for

Summary

Pyritinol (also known as pyrithioxine) is a compound with is essentially two Vitamin B6 molecules bound together by two sulfur atoms (a disulfide bridge). It has historically been used in European countries for treatment of Dementia and related issues of cognitive decline in the elderly. It is marketed under the brand name Encephabol.

It has had a resurgence as a nootropic compound for recreational use, but no studies have been undertaken in a young adult population.

What else is Pyritinol known as?
Note that Pyritinol is also known as:
  • Pyrithioxine
  • Encephabol (Brand Name)
Pyritinol should not be confused with:
  • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Dosage information

A standard dosage of pyritinol used is 600mg taken in divided doses throughout the day with meals, usually 300mg taken with two meals of the day.

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References
1.^Greiner HE, Haase AF, Seyfried CANeurochemical studies on the mechanism of action of pyritinolPharmacopsychiatry.(1988 Aug)
4.^Martin KJ, Tucker L, Widdowson LEffects of some metabolites of pyritinol (Encephabol) on ACH release from brain slicesPharmacopsychiatry.(1988 Aug)
6.^Fischhof PK, Saletu B, Rüther E, Litschauer G, Möslinger-Gehmayr R, Herrmann WMTherapeutic efficacy of pyritinol in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) and multi-infarct dementia (MID)Neuropsychobiology.(1992)
7.^Cooper AJ, Magnus RVA placebo-controlled study of pyritinol ('Encephabol') in dementiaPharmatherapeutica.(1980)
9.^Slánská JControlled study of the effect of pyritinol in geronto-patientsAct Nerv Super (Praha).(1990 Mar)
12.^Elferink JG, de Koster BMDifferential stimulation of neutrophil functions by pyrithioxineInt J Immunopharmacol.(1993 Jul)
16.^Straumann A, Bauer M, Pichler WJ, Pirovino MAcute pancreatitis due to pyritinol: an immune-mediated phenomenonGastroenterology.(1998 Aug)
17.^Badalov N, Baradarian R, Iswara K, Li J, Steinberg W, Tenner SDrug-induced acute pancreatitis: an evidence-based reviewClin Gastroenterol Hepatol.(2007 Jun)
18.^Maria V, Albuquerque A, Loureiro A, Sousa A, Victorino RSevere cholestatic hepatitis induced by pyritinolBMJ.(2004 Mar 6)
19.^Macedo G, Sarmento JA, Allegro SAcute hepatitis due to pyritinolGastroenterol Clin Biol.(1992)
20.^Civatte JDrug-induced pemphigus diseasesDermatol Monatsschr.(1989)
21.^Wigger-Alberti W, Elsner POccupational contact dermatitis due to pyritinolContact Dermatitis.(1997 Aug)
23.^Murata Y, Kumano K, Ueda T, Araki N, Nakamura T, Tani MPhotosensitive dermatitis caused by pyridoxine hydrochlorideJ Am Acad Dermatol.(1998 Aug)
24.^Tanaka M, Niizeki H, Shimizu S, Miyakawa SPhotoallergic drug eruption due to pyridoxine hydrochlorideJ Dermatol.(1996 Oct)
25.^Faguer de Moustier B, Burgard M, Boitard C, Desplanque N, Fanjoux J, Tchobroutsky GAuto-immune hypoglycemic syndrome induced by pyritinolDiabete Metab.(1988 Jul-Aug)
26.^Archambeaud-Mouveroux F, Canivet B, Fressinaud C, de Buhan B, Treves R, Laubie BAutoimmune hypoglycemia: the fault of pyritinol?Presse Med.(1988 Oct 8)