Phenylpiracetam

Drugbox
IUPAC_name = 2-(4-phenyl-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide

---

width = 250
CAS_number=77472–70–9
PubChem=132441
smiles = C1=CC=CC=C1C2CN(C(C2)=O)CC(=O)N
DrugBank=
C=12 | H=14 | N=2 | O=2
molecular_weight = 218.3 g/mol
bioavailability= ~100 %
metabolism = ?
elimination_half-life= 3-5 hours
excretion = ?
pregnancy_category = ?
legal_status = Legal to import
routes_of_administration= Oral

Carphedon (C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂, "2-(4-phenyl-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide") is a derivative of the nootropic drug piracetam. It was developed in Russia, and a small number of low-scale clinical studies have shown possible links between prescription of carphedon and improvement in a number of encephalopathic conditions, including lesions of cerebral blood pathways, and certain types of glioma. It is also claimed to increase physical stamina and provide improved tolerance to cold. As a result, it appears on the lists of banned substances issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This list is applicable in all Olympic sports. As of 27 February 2006, the most recent confirmed case of carphedon abuse by a professional athlete is that of Russian biathlon Olympic silver medalist Olga Pyleva in the 2006 Winter Olympics, who was disqualified from attending further events following a positive drug test. She was subsequently banned from competition for two years. It may be noteworthy that Pyleva claims that carphedon was an unlisted ingredient of a Russian medication she was prescribed by her personal doctor (not a team doctor).

In August 2008, Russian steeplechase runner Roman Usov was pulled out of the Beijing Olympics for what media reported was a possible positive test for Carphedon [CNN, [http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/08/09/oly.doping.ap/index.html "Runners fail pre-Olympics doping tests"] , Retrieved on 2008-08-09] .

A former rider for Gerolsteiner, professional cyclist Danilo Hondo, tested positive to this banned substance in 2005.

While not widely available in the West, in Russia it is available as a prescription medicine under the brand name "Phenotropil". Packets of ten 100 mg pills are available for roughly 250 rubles (2008 price), or about 10 USD. It is typically prescribed as a general stimulant or to increase tolerance to cold and stress.

ee also

* Racetams

External links

* [http://www.viceland.com/int/v13n4/htdocs/yo3.php "Super Speed"] from Vice Magazine's Russian issue
* [http://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/2006/interviews/?id=danilo_hondo_jun06 *An interview with Danilo Hondo, 15-Jun-06*] from Cyclingnews