PreclinicalResearch compound

Centrophenoxine

Meclofenoxate, DMAE + p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid conjugate, lipofuscin removal.

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WHAT IS CENTROPHENOXINE?

Detailed overview

Centrophenoxine (meclofenoxate, Lucidril) is a French-origin drug (Anjou) that delivers DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) to the CNS as a p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid ester. A classical "anti-aging" nootropic: improves T-maze learning in aged mice over 3 months and reduces cortical + hippocampal lipofuscin pigment (PMID 342588). Also effective at reducing lipofuscin in retinal pigment epithelium (PMID 6410295). Membrane fluidizer in vitro (both synaptic and liver microsomal; PMID 3023777). Antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, glutathione reductase) rise in aged-rat brain (PMID 16137852). **FDA-unapproved in the USA**, yet 7 of 7 tested dietary supplements contained it (79-251 mg/serving) – a consumer-protection concern (PMID 35959800). Prescription-only in some EU countries (HU, PL, CZ) under the Lucidril brand.

Mechanism

DMAE-prodrug + antioxidant

Half-life

~2-4 h

Legal status

EU Rx (some countries)

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Headache (from cholinergic activity, DMAE release)
  • Nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Insomnia, restlessness, hence morning dosing is advised
  • Irritability, muscle tension or twitching at higher doses
  • Dizziness, cholinergic overstimulation (excess DMAE-choline effect)
  • Blood pressure elevation or mild palpitations

Contraindications · 6

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Seizure susceptibility, epilepsy (avoid due to cholinergic stimulation)
  • Severe hypertension or agitated, restless states
  • Concurrent cholinergic agents (cholinesterase inhibitors, other DMAE/choline sources), risk of additive effect
  • Caution in impaired renal function (reduced clearance)
  • Prescription-only in Hungary, Poland, Czechia, medical supervision advised

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.