What does the evidence show about Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)'s effects?

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.

What safety findings are reported for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)?

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (tolerance develops rapidly; mild stimulant effects) Legal status: Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere.

What doses or routes are reported for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)?

100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily in reported protocols; cycling is reported in consumer use but is not validated for preventing tolerance This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.

Rankings / Cognitive

Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)

Cognitive · Racetam

Tier B-

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Aug 13, 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.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily in reported protocols; cycling is reported in consumer use but is not… — Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

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

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily in reported protocols; cycling is reported in consumer use but is not validated for preventing tolerance

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

A link means the source informed this entry; it does not mean every claim on the page comes from that source. If a citation looks wrong or you want a claim re-checked, send a correction.

Common questions

What does the evidence show about Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)'s effects?: 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.
What safety findings are reported for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)?: Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (tolerance develops rapidly; mild stimulant effects) Legal status: Rx in Russia; WADA-banned in competition; research chem elsewhere.
What doses or routes are reported for Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil)?: 100-200 mg PO 1-2x daily in reported protocols; cycling is reported in consumer use but is not validated for preventing tolerance This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
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.