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Trade names | Breinox, Dinagen, Lucetam, Nootropil, Nootropyl, Oikamid, Piracetam, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | International Drug Names |
Routes of administration | By mouth, parenteral, inhalation |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | ~100% |
Onset of action | Swiftly following administration. Food delays time to peak concentration by 1.5 h approximately to 2–3 h since dosing. [2] |
Elimination half-life | 4–5 hours |
Excretion | Urinary |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.028.466 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C6H10N2O2 |
Molar mass | 142.158 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 152 °C (306 °F) |
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Piracetam is a drug that has efficacy in cognitive disorders, vertigo, cortical myoclonus, dyslexia, and sickle cell anemia; sources differ on its usefulness for dementia. [3] [4] [5] Piracetam is sold as a medication in many European countries. Sale of piracetam is not illegal in the United States, although it is not regulated nor approved by the FDA, so it is legally sold for research use only. [6]
Piracetam is in the racetams group, with chemical name 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide. It is a cyclic derivative of the neurotransmitter GABA [4] and shares the same 2-oxo-pyrrolidone base structure with pyroglutamic acid. Related drugs include the anticonvulsants levetiracetam and brivaracetam, and the putative nootropics aniracetam and phenylpiracetam.
A 2001 Cochrane review concluded that there was not enough evidence to support piracetam for dementia or cognitive problems. [5] A 2005 review found some evidence of benefit in older subjects with cognitive impairment. [4] In 2008, a working group of the British Academy of Medical Sciences noted that many of the trials of piracetam for dementia were flawed. [7]
There is insufficient evidence of piracetam as a treatment for vascular dementia. [8]
Some sources suggest that piracetam's overall effect on lowering depression and anxiety is higher than on improving memory. [9] However, depression is reported to be an occasional adverse effect of piracetam. [10]
Several clinical trials have looked at piracetam's efficacy as a treatment for ADHD. Many of these have found that the drug fails to deliver the same therapeutic effects as current standard treatments for the disorder. [11] [ unreliable source? ] However, more than one study has found piracetam to be highly synergistic with standard ADHD therapies, accelerating and potentiating their therapeutic effects. One 2008 clinical trial found that the combination of piracetam and atomoxetine was more effective than atomoxetine alone. [12]
While piracetam may be an effective adjuvant therapy for ADHD (when used with specific medications), there is no evidence that it is effective when used in isolation.
Piracetam may facilitate the deformability of erythrocytes in capillary which is useful for cardiovascular disease. [4] [3]
Peripheral vascular effects of piracetam have suggested its use potential for vertigo, dyslexia, Raynaud's phenomenon and sickle cell anemia. [4] [3] There is no evidence to support piracetam's use in sickle cell crisis prevention [13] or for fetal distress during childbirth. [14] There is no evidence for benefit of piracetam with acute ischemic stroke, [15] though there is debate as to its utility during stroke rehabilitation. [16] [17]
Piracetam has been found to diminish erythrocyte adhesion to vascular wall endothelium, making any vasospasm in the capillary less severe. This contributes to its efficacy in promoting microcirculation, including to the brain and kidneys. [4] [3]
Symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, headache, agitation, tremor, and hyperkinesia are occasionally reported. [10] [18] [19] Other reported side effects include somnolence, weight gain, clinical depression, weakness, increased libido, and hypersexuality. [10]
According to a 2005 review, piracetam has been observed to have the following side effects: hyperkinesia, weight gain, anxiety, somnolence, depression, and weakness. [4]
Piracetam reduces platelet aggregation as well as fibrinogen concentration, and thus is contraindicated to patients with cerebral hemorrhage. [4] [3]
The LD50 for oral consumption in humans has not been determined. [20] The LD50 is 5.6 g/kg for rats and 20 g/kg for mice, indicating extremely low acute toxicity. [21] For comparison, in rats the LD50 of vitamin C is 12 g/kg and the LD50 of table salt is 3 g/kg.
Piracetam's mechanism of action, as with racetams in general, is not fully understood. The drug influences neuronal and vascular functions and influences cognitive function without acting as a sedative or stimulant. [4] Piracetam is a positive allosteric modulator of the AMPA receptor, although this action is very weak and its clinical effects may not necessarily be mediated by this action. [22] It is hypothesized to act on ion channels or ion carriers, thus leading to increased neuron excitability. [20] GABA brain metabolism and GABA receptors are not affected by piracetam [23]
Piracetam increases the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine via muscarinic cholinergic (ACh) receptors [ citation needed ], which are implicated in memory processes. [24] Furthermore, piracetam may have an effect on NMDA glutamate receptors, which are involved with learning and memory processes. Piracetam is thought to increase cell membrane permeability. [24] [25] Piracetam may exert its global effect on brain neurotransmission via modulation of ion channels (i.e., Na+, K+). [20] It has been found to increase oxygen consumption in the brain, apparently in connection to ATP metabolism, and increases the activity of adenylate kinase in rat brains. [26] [27] Piracetam, while in the brain, appears to increase the synthesis of cytochrome b5, [28] which is a part of the electron transport mechanism in mitochondria. But in the brain, it also increases the permeability of some intermediates of the Krebs cycle through the mitochondrial outer membrane. [26]
Piracetam inhibits N-type calcium channels. The concentration of piracetam achieved in central nervous system after a typical dose of 1200 mg (about 100 μM) [29] is much higher than the concentration necessary to inhibit N-type calcium channels (IC50 of piracetam in rat neurons was 3 μM). [30]
Piracetam was first made some time between the 1950s and 1964 by Corneliu E. Giurgea. [31] There are reports of it being used for epilepsy in the 1950s. [32]
In 2009 piracetam was reportedly popular as a cognitive enhancement drug among students. [33]
Piracetam is an uncontrolled substance in the United States, meaning it is legal to possess without a license or prescription. [34] Use of piracetam in food, supplements, medical devices, insecticides, infant formula, cosmetics, animal feed, animal drugs, tobacco products, and drugs is unlawful and constitutes an act of misbranding.
In the United States, piracetam is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. [1] Piracetam is not permitted in compounded drugs or dietary supplements in the United States. [35] Like most research chemicals, it has been available over-the-counter, self-regulated, and third-party lab tested by many U.S. companies for decades. [6] Nonetheless it is still, for the purposes of U.S. law, a "New Drug" as defined by 21 U.S. Code § 321(p)(1).
In the United Kingdom, piracetam is approved as a prescription drug [36] for adults with myoclonus of cortical origin, irrespective of cause, and should be used in combination with other anti-myoclonic therapies. [37]
In Japan, piracetam is approved as a prescription drug. [38]
In the Czech Republic, piracetam is available without prescription. [39] [40]
Piracetam has no DIN in Canada, and thus cannot be sold, but can be imported for personal use in Canada. [41]
In Hungary, piracetam was a prescription-only medication, but as of 2020, no prescription is required and piracetam is available as an over-the-counter drug under the name Memoril Mite, and is available in 600 mg pills.
Methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin, and different formulations have varying durations of effect. For ADHD, the effectiveness of methylphenidate is comparable to atomoxetine but modestly lower than amphetamines, alleviating the executive functioning deficits of sustained attention, inhibition, working memory, reaction time and emotional self-regulation.
Dextroamphetamine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and enantiomer of amphetamine that is primarily prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It has also been used illicitly to enhance cognitive and athletic performance, as well as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. Dextroamphetamine is generally regarded as the prototypical stimulant.
Atomoxetine, formerly sold under the brand name Strattera, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (sNRI) medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, to a lesser extent, cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS). It may be used alone or along with stimulant medication. It enhances the executive functions of self-motivation, sustained attention, inhibition, working memory, reaction time, and emotional self-regulation. Use of atomoxetine is only recommended for those who are at least six years old. It is taken orally. The effectiveness of atomoxetine is comparable to the commonly prescribed stimulant medication methylphenidate.
Adderall and Mydayis are trade names for a combination drug containing four salts of amphetamine. The mixture is composed of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which produces a (3:1) ratio between dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, the two enantiomers of amphetamine. Both enantiomers are stimulants, but differ enough to give Adderall an effects profile distinct from those of racemic amphetamine or dextroamphetamine, which are marketed as Evekeo and Dexedrine/Zenzedi, respectively. Adderall is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is also used illicitly as an athletic performance enhancer, cognitive enhancer, appetite suppressant, and recreationally as a euphoriant. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine class.
Nootropics, colloquially brain supplements, smart drugs and cognitive enhancers, are natural, semisynthetic or synthetic compounds which purportedly improve cognitive functions, such as executive functions, attention or memory.
Donepezil, sold under the brand name Aricept among others, is a medication used to treat dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It appears to result in a small benefit in mental function and ability to function. Use, however, has not been shown to change the progression of the disease. Treatment should be stopped if no benefit is seen. It is taken by mouth or via a transdermal patch.
Ergoloid mesylates (USAN), co-dergocrine mesilate (BAN) or dihydroergotoxine mesylate, trade name Hydergine, is a mixture of the methanesulfonate salts of three dihydrogenated ergot alkaloids.
Aniracetam, also known as N-anisoyl-2-pyrrolidinone, is a racetam which is sold in Europe as a prescription drug. It is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States as a prescription medication or dietary supplement. Despite the FDA's lack of approval, the drug is readily available over-the-counter in misbranded dietary supplements.
Oxiracetam is a nootropic drug of the racetam family and a very mild stimulant. Several studies suggest that the substance is safe even when high doses are consumed for a long period of time. However, the mechanism of action of the racetam drug family is still a matter of research. Oxiracetam is not approved by Food and Drug Administration for any medical use in the United States.
Fasoracetam is an experimental drug of the racetam group which was never marketed. It is a putative nootropic that failed to show sufficient efficacy in clinical trials for vascular dementia. The drug was also subsequently repurposed for treatment of a variety of other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but effectiveness for ADHD was disappointing and development of fasoracetam for most other conditions has been discontinued as well. In any case, it remains under development for treatment of DiGeorge syndrome.
Memantine, sold under the brand name Namenda among others, is a medication used to slow the progression of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. It is taken by mouth.
Racetams, also sometimes known simply as pyrrolidones, are a class of drugs that share a pyrrolidone nucleus. Many, but not all, specifically have a 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide (piracetam) nucleus. Some racetams, such as piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, pramiracetam, and phenylpiracetam, are considered nootropics. Phenylpiracetam is also a stimulant. Others, such as levetiracetam, brivaracetam, and seletracetam, are anticonvulsants.
Viloxazine, sold under the brand name Qelbree among others, is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) medication which is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It was marketed for almost 30 years as an antidepressant for the treatment of depression before being discontinued and subsequently repurposed as a treatment for ADHD. Viloxazine is taken orally. It was used as an antidepressant in an immediate-release form and is used in ADHD in an extended-release form, latterly with comparable effectiveness to atomoxetine and methylphenidate.
Phenylpiracetam, also known as fonturacetam and sold under the brand names Phenotropil, Actitropil, and Carphedon among others, is a stimulant and nootropic medication used in Russia and certain other Eastern European countries in the treatment of cerebrovascular deficiency, depression, apathy, and attention, and memory problems, among other indications. It is also used in Russian cosmonauts to improve physical, mental, and cognitive abilities. The drug is taken by mouth.
Guanfacine, sold under the brand name Tenex (immediate-release) and Intuniv (extended-release) among others, is an oral alpha-2a agonist medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and high blood pressure.
Nicergoline, sold under the brand name Sermion among others, is an ergot derivative used to treat senile dementia and other disorders with vascular origins. Internationally it has been used for frontotemporal dementia as well as early onset in Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's dementia. It decreases vascular resistance and increases arterial blood flow in the brain, improving the utilization of oxygen and glucose by brain cells. It has similar vasoactive properties in other areas of the body, particularly the lungs. Unlike many other ergolines, such as ergotamine, nicergoline is not associated with cardiac fibrosis.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder management options are evidence-based practices with established treatment efficacy for ADHD. Approaches that have been evaluated in the management of ADHD symptoms include FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment and other pharmaceutical agents, psychological or behavioral approaches, combined pharmacological and behavioral approaches, cognitive training, neurofeedback, neurostimulation, physical exercise, nutrition and supplements, integrative medicine, parent support, and school interventions. Based on two 2024 systematic reviews of the literature, FDA-approved medications and to a lesser extent psychosocial interventions have been shown to improve core ADHD symptoms compared to control groups.
Ispronicline is an experimental drug which acts as a partial agonist at neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It progressed to phase II clinical trials for the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but is no longer under development.
N-Phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester is promoted as a nootropic and is a prodrug of cyclic glycine-proline. Other names include the brand name Noopept, developmental code GVS-111, and proposed INN omberacetam.
Sunifiram is an experimental drug which has antiamnesic effects in animal studies and with significantly higher potency than piracetam. Sunifiram is a molecular simplification of unifiram (DM-232). Another analogue is sapunifiram (MN-19). As of 2016, sunifiram had not been subjected to toxicology testing, nor to any human clinical trials, and is not approved for use anywhere in the world.
Other medications have been considered or tried for the treatment of VCI or VaD. These include [...] piracetam. There is no convincing evidence about the efficacy of these medications in the treatment of VCI.