Nootropics (local classification). Russian development.
ATC code: N06BX-PHENYLPIRACETAM (Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) – local code)
Brand names
Phenotropil, Entrop
Phenylpiracetam is a phenyl derivative of piracetam. Developed at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences for cosmonauts. The manufacturer claims psychostimulant and nootropic effects via cholinergic and dopaminergic modulation. Added to the WADA Prohibited List effective 1 January 2010 (section S6 – stimulants). Absent from international neurology guidelines. Not registered in the US, EU, or UK.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Phenylpiracetam in amateur and professional sport was used as an endurance and cognitive stimulant. WADA added the drug to the Prohibited List effective 1 January 2010 (S6 – stimulants). A notable case was the disqualification of skier Alena Kauf (2017) for fonturacetam use. IOC, AIS, and ACSM sports nutrition guidelines do not list the drug.
Not recommended
Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) is a nootropic drug developed in the USSR. It is not included in any international clinical guidelines and has not been approved by the , , or AEMPS. In biohacker and student communities, phenylpiracetam is used as a Russian modafinil alternative before exams, deadlines, and night shifts. There are no independent international clinical studies in healthy adults: effects on productivity, concentration, or reaction time have not been confirmed. Tolerance develops rapidly: the claimed psychostimulant effect fades after 2-3 weeks of regular use. If phenylpiracetam was prescribed for concentration or productivity, consider seeking a second opinion.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Athletic endurance (evidence tier F), Memory and concentration enhancement (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) (≥ 1 in 100): Insomnia, especially with afternoon dosing, Agitation, irritability, Skin flushing, sensation of warmth, Blood pressure rise. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category N. Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.
Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.
Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) is contraindicated in: Pregnancy and breastfeeding; Age under 18; Severe hepatic or renal disease; Acute agitation, severe anxiety; Severe symptomatic atherosclerosis. Full list in the Safety section.