tuneTypical Dose
100–200 mg
Racetam
Phenylpiracetam
(R,S)-2-(2-Oxo-4-phenylpyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide (Fonturacetam)
Evidence TierCWADA PROHIBITED
watchEffect Window
Acute (onset 30–60 min, lasts 4–6 hours). Tolerance builds within days.
lockCompliance
WADA PROHIBITED
Overview
Clinical Summary
Phenylpiracetam is a racetam derivative with stimulant-like properties. It is used for fatigue resistance and alertness goals and has been studied in some neurologic recovery contexts with limited modern evidence.
Limited studies suggest improvements in cognitive performance and physical endurance in certain clinical recovery settings, possibly via catecholaminergic modulation. Effects may be more noticeable under fatigue or cold stress. Minority claims include enhanced learning and reaction time in healthy users, with weak controlled evidence. Safety and regulatory concerns limit confidence, and long-term data are sparse.
Piracetam with added phenyl group that increases lipid solubility and BBB penetration. Modulates NMDA/AMPA receptors and increases dopamine/serotonin/GABA receptor density. Mild dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Outcomes
What This Is Expected To Influence
Primary Outcomes
- Acute cognitive stimulation and physical performance enhancement
- Cold tolerance improvement
Secondary Outcomes
- Neuroprotective effects in post-stroke recovery (Russian literature)
Safety
Contraindications and Interactions
Contraindications
- Renal impairment
- Anxiety disorders
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
Side effects
- Headache
- Insomnia (more stimulating than piracetam)
- Irritability
Interactions
- May potentiate stimulants
- May potentiate anticoagulants
Avoid if
- Anxiety disorders
- Renal impairment
- Competitive athletes (WADA prohibited)
Evidence
Study-level References
phenylpiracetam-SRC-001Controlled clinical trial
Sourceopen_in_newKoval'chuk VV, Skoromets AA, Koval'chuk IV, et al. Efficacy of phenotropil in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2010;110(12 Pt 2):38-40. PMID:21626817.
Population: 400 patients with ischemic stroke, including 200 in the main group receiving phenotropil
Dose protocol: 400 mg/day phenotropil across three treatment courses over 1 year of post-stroke rehabilitation.
Key findings: In 400 stroke patients, the phenotropil group (n=200) showed significantly better restoration of neurologic functions and daily living activities compared to controls (p < 0.0001) over 1 year of rehabilitation.
Paper content
In 400 ischemic stroke patients, those receiving three courses of phenotropil 400 mg/day over 1 year showed significantly better restoration of neurologic functions and daily living activities compared to a control group receiving standard rehabilitation alone. Outcomes were assessed using Barthel, Lindmark, Scandinavian, and Merton and Sutton scales.
phenylpiracetam-SRC-002Systematic review and meta-analysis
Sourceopen_in_newDevlikamova FI, Safina DR. Efficacy and safety of fonturacetam in asthenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2025;125(2). doi:10.17116/jnevro202512502169. PMID:40047835.
Population: Patients with asthenia from 11 included studies
Dose protocol: 200 mg/day fonturacetam for one month across 11 studies (549 patients).
Key findings: Fonturacetam significantly reduced asthenia severity on the MFI-20 scale by an average of 16.3 points (p < 0.0001). Additional improvements were observed in emotional wellbeing, sleep quality, cognitive functions, and quality of life. Side effects averaged 5.5% and were transient.
Paper content
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies (549 patients) evaluated fonturacetam at 200 mg/day for asthenia. Treatment significantly reduced asthenia scores on the MFI-20 scale by an average of 16.3 points after one month, with a low side effect rate of 5.5%.