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ESRU

Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam)

Nootropics (local classification). Russian development.

ATC code: N06BX-PHENYLPIRACETAM(Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) – local code)

Brand names: Phenotropil, Entrop

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

F

Athletic endurance

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.

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Fenilpiracetam (fonturacetam) (2024)
  2. ISSN: International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation (2017)
F

Memory and concentration enhancement

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.

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Fenilpiracetam (fonturacetam) (2024)
  2. Cochrane: Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia (2009)
How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

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.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Age under 18
  • Severe hepatic or renal disease
  • Acute agitation, severe anxiety
  • Severe symptomatic atherosclerosis
  • Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

  • Psychomotor agitation – isolated cases in predisposed patients
  • Hypertensive crises (rare)

Common adverse effects

  • Insomnia, especially with afternoon dosing
  • Agitation, irritability
  • Skin flushing, sensation of warmth
  • Blood pressure rise

Pregnancy: can you take Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam)?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Breastfeeding: can you take Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam)?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Phenotropil is supplied as 100 mg tablets. In 2017 the drug briefly disappeared from Russian pharmacies after a registration renewal, then returned under the Nanotropil Novo brand. In the US, the drug is sold via grey online retailers as a powder – not approved by the . In athletes, phenylpiracetam is a class S6 doping agent after 2010. Irritability, insomnia, and a psychostimulant adverse profile are possible.

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Frequently asked

What is Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) used for?

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.

What are the side effects of Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam)?

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.

Is Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy per label.

Is Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam) compatible with breastfeeding?

Contraindicated during breastfeeding per label.

Who should not take Phenylpiracetam (fonturacetam)?

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.

Other drugs in this group

Phosphatidylserine, Picamilon (nicotinoyl-GABA), Piracetam, Piracetam + cinnarizine, Sertraline, Atomoxetine, Duloxetine, Hypericum perforatum