For broader research context on nootropic compounds, including comparative stacks, cycling considerations, and interaction notes, see the Complete Nootropic Cheat Sheet.
What Is Phenylpiracetam?
Phenylpiracetam is a synthetic derivative of piracetam in which a phenyl group is attached to the parent racetam scaffold. It was developed in Russia during the late twentieth century and has been marketed under names including Phenotropil and Carphedon. The phenyl substitution was intended to alter lipid solubility, tissue distribution, and central nervous system activity compared with piracetam. In practice, users and small clinical reports have described phenylpiracetam as more activating than piracetam, with possible effects on alertness, task engagement, psychomotor performance, and fatigue. It is not approved as a general-purpose cognitive enhancer in many jurisdictions, and product quality can vary substantially when it is obtained outside regulated pharmaceutical channels.
Russian research and clinical use have focused on cognitive impairment, asthenic states, recovery after neurological injury, and tolerance to physically demanding or cold environments. Phenylpiracetam became particularly notable in sports because of reports that it could increase alertness, work capacity, and resistance to cold. WADA lists phenylpiracetam, also called fonturacetam or carphedon, among prohibited stimulants under the Prohibited List. The prohibition applies in competition, and athletes are responsible for substances found in their samples regardless of whether a product was purchased as a supplement. The WADA status should therefore be treated as a practical medical and regulatory warning, not as proof that efficacy has been established for every claimed use.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Piracetam: a review of pharmacological properties and clinical uses
Winblad, B., 2005, CNS Drug Reviews - Clinical efficacy of piracetam in cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis
Waegemans, T., Wilsher, C. R., Danniau, A., et al., 2002, Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders - Piracetam and piracetam-like drugs: from basic science to novel clinical applications to CNS disorders
Malykh, A. G., Sadaie, M. R., 2010, Drugs - The nootropic concept and its prospective implications
Giurgea, C. E., 1982, Drug Development Research