Piritinol
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) derivative, a prescription cholinergic nootropic (Encephabol).
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS PIRITINOL?
Detailed overview
Piritinol (pyritinol, Encephabol) is a semisynthetic vitamin B6 derivative: two pyridoxine molecules joined by a disulfide bridge. It is a long-marketed nootropic, prescription-only in several European countries, used for mild cognitive decline, dementia and post-head-injury states. Proposed actions include support of cholinergic signaling, enhanced glucose utilization by brain tissue, and antioxidant effects, though the exact mechanism remains incompletely characterized. Controlled studies improved arousal measures (critical flicker fusion, choice reaction time) in older and demented patients, but the effect size is modest and part of the evidence is dated.
Mechanism
Cholinergic + antioxidant B6 derivative
Half-life
2-4 hours
Legal status
Prescription medicine (EU, Encephabol)
Receptor profile
- Cholinergic transmissionModerate
- Neuronal glucose uptakeModerate
- Membrane fluidityWeak
- Oxidative stress (antioxidant)Weak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 6
- Nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, especially on an empty stomach
- Headache, sleep disturbance if dosed late in the evening
- Skin reactions: rash, itching, rarely more severe allergic skin symptoms
- Rare but serious: cholestatic hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes
- Rare pancreatitis
- Because of the thiol group, penicillamine-like reactions (taste disturbance, rarely autoimmune skin reactions) may occur
Contraindications · 5
- Known hypersensitivity to pyritinol or pyridoxine derivatives
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not adequately established, avoid
- History of cholestatic liver disease or pancreatitis
- Active autoimmune disease or prior penicillamine-induced reaction (due to the shared thiol structure)
- Severe blood disorders: rare pemphigus-like and blood count changes have been reported
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Psychopharmacological effects of pyritinol in normal volunteers
Hindmarch I, Coleston DM, Kerr JS
Therapeutic efficacy of pyritinol in patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT) and multi-infarct dementia (MID)
Fischhof PK, Saletu B, Rüther E, Litschauer G, Möslinger-Gehmayr R, Herrmann WM
Pyritinol treatment of SDAT patients: evaluation by psychiatric and neurological examination, psychometric testing and rCBF measurements
Knezevic S, Mubrin Z, Risberg J, Vucinic G, Spilich G, Gubarev N, Wannenmacher W
Long-term effects of phosphatidylserine, pyritinol, and cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease. A neuropsychological, EEG, and PET investigation
Heiss WD, Kessler J, Mielke R, Szelies B, Herholz K
Comparison of pyritinol and auranofin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The European Multicentre Study Group
Lemmel EM
FAQ
FAQ
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) derivative, a prescription cholinergic nootropic (Encephabol).
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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.