Does Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) work?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B- (6.3/10). Developed for Soviet cosmonauts.

Is Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) safe?

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.

Rankings / Cognitive

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)

Cognitive · Racetam

Tier B-

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

nootropicbannedprescription

6.3 / 10

Tier B-

Ev 6 Bn 5 Sf 7

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) as B- (6.3/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.

Developed for Soviet cosmonauts.

Typical use: 100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily; cycle due to tolerance — Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere.

What this is

Developed for Soviet cosmonauts. Users report distinct stimulant-like focus and physical performance — unlike other racetams. Rapid tolerance (within days) limits chronic use. Banned in sports due to amphetamine-like profile.

Mechanism

Phenyl-substituted piracetam; weak DAT/NET inhibition; stimulant-like profile; cold tolerance effects; banned by WADA as stimulant

Dose & route

100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily; cycle due to tolerance

Citations

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Common questions

Does Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) work?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B- (6.3/10). Developed for Soviet cosmonauts.
Is Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) safe?: Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)?: 100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily; cycle due to tolerance
How does Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) work?: Phenyl-substituted piracetam; weak DAT/NET inhibition; stimulant-like profile; cold tolerance effects; banned by WADA as stimulant

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.