Piracetam – Properties, Uses, and Synthesis
Properties:
Melting point: 151–152.5?°C
Boiling point: 259.72?°C (approximate)
Density: 1.2298?g/cm3 (approximate)
Refractive index: 1.5010 (estimated)
Storage conditions: 2–8?°C
Solubility: Easily soluble in water; soluble in ethanol (96%). Exhibits polymorphism (5.9).
Acidity (pKa): 15.67?±?0.40 (predicted)
Physical form: Solid
Color: Crystals obtained from isopropanol
Water solubility: Soluble in water (100?mM)
InChI: InChI=1S/C6H10N2O2/c7-5(9)4-8-3-1-2-6(8)10/h1-4H2,(H2,7,9)
InChIKey: GMZVRMREEHBGGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: N1(CC(N)=O)CCCC1=O
CAS Number: 7491-74-9
Reference: NIST Chemical Data – Piracetam (7491-74-9)
Uses and Pharmacological Action:
Piracetam, also known as Nootropil, Piracetamamide, or 2-Oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that improves brain metabolism. It is a cyclic derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with selective effects on the brain, primarily enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and awareness. It has mild stimulating effects without the side effects or dependency associated with traditional psychotropic drugs.
Neuroprotective effects:
Prevents or reduces retrograde amnesia caused by hypoxia in animals.
Counteracts central nervous system inhibition by barbiturates.
Promotes metabolism in brain cells, enhancing absorption and utilization of amino acids, proteins, and glucose.
Facilitates ATP production from ADP, improving cerebral energy metabolism.
Mechanism of action:
Enhances cholinergic neurotransmission and acetylcholine synthesis.
Protects and repairs neurons against physical and chemical brain damage.
Clinical uses:
Cognitive impairment due to brain disorders.
Organic pediatric dementia and intellectual deficiency.
Mild to moderate senile dementia (limited effect in severe cases).
Functional decline in brain performance.
Recovery of consciousness after encephalitis, carbon monoxide, pesticide, or alcohol intoxication.
Pharmacokinetics:
Rapid oral absorption, peak plasma concentration at 30–40 minutes.
Protein binding: ~30%.
Half-life: 4–6 hours.
Crosses the blood–brain barrier, reaching the brain and cerebrospinal fluid.
Excreted unchanged in urine and feces; not metabolized by the liver.
Administration: Oral, intravenous, or drip infusion depending on the clinical situation.