Dupracetam
Obscure experimental dimer-type racetam (bis-pyrrolidinone hydrazide); virtually no human data.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS DUPRACETAM?
Detailed overview
Dupracetam is an obscure, experimental racetam whose structure links two 2-pyrrolidinone (2-oxopyrrolidine) rings through a hydrazide bridge (a bis-pyrrolidinone hydrazide dimer). In preclinical animal work it antagonized the lethality of hemicholinium-3 in mice (30-300 mg/kg), suggesting facilitation of cholinergic transmission such as acetylcholine release, but the precise molecular target was never established. Clinical development was not completed: there are no Phase III trials, and the evidence derives almost entirely from animal models. One metabolite, 1-methylhydantoin, showed renal toxicity at high doses, so this entry is provided for reference only.
Mechanism
Proposed cholinergic (unconfirmed)
Half-life
N/A
Onset
N/A
Legal status
Unapproved, experimental compound
Receptor profile
- Cholinergic transmissionWeak
- AMPA glutamate receptorsWeak
- NeuroprotectionWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 3
- With virtually no human data, the side-effect profile is unknown; racetam-like effects such as headache are plausible but unconfirmed
- One metabolite, 1-methylhydantoin, showed renal toxicity at high doses in preclinical models; this is a theoretical concern
- Unknown long-term safety: never marketed and clinical development was not completed
Contraindications · 3
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data, should be avoided
- Renal impairment: caution or avoidance is warranted given the nephrotoxic metabolite (1-methylhydantoin)
- Not a medicine, unknown interactions: the mechanism is uncharacterized, so co-administration risk cannot be estimated and any use is experimental
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
1-Methylhydantoin, an unexpected metabolite of the intelligence-affecting substance dupracetam
Dell HD, Jacobi H, Kamp R, Kurz J, Wünsche C
Facilitatory effects of piracetam on excitability of motor nerve terminals and neuromuscular transmission
Hall ED, Von Voigtlander PF
1-Methylhydantoin cytotoxicity on renal proximal tubular cells in vitro
Yang B, Liu D, Li CZ, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Obscure experimental dimer-type racetam (bis-pyrrolidinone hydrazide); virtually no human data.
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Structure & chemistry
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.