Racetam

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2-Pyrrolidone
Piracetam

Racetams are a class of

pyrrolidone nucleus.[1] Some, such as piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, pramiracetam and phenylpiracetam are considered nootropics.[2] Others such as levetiracetam, brivaracetam, and seletracetam are anticonvulsants
.

Mechanism

There is no universally accepted mechanism of action for racetams. Racetams generally show negligible affinity for common central nervous system receptors, but modulation of central

muscarinic receptors, only nefiracetam demonstrates nanomolar interactions. Modification of membrane-located mechanisms of central signal transduction is another hypothesis.[3]

Like some ampakines, some racetams, such as piracetam and aniracetam, are positive allosteric modulators of the AMPA receptor.[4]

Racetams are understood to work by allosterically modulating

AMPA receptors, leading to Ca2+ influx that is excitatory.[5] Racetams are posited to enhance memory through interaction with glutamate receptors in the central nervous system
.

Methylphenylpiracetam is a positive allosteric modulator of the sigma-1 receptor.[6]

Cofactors

In studies with aged rats, marked improvement has been observed in cognitive tasks in experimental groups given piracetam. Performance was further increased when piracetam was combined with choline. Evidence in studies with rats has indicated that the potency of piracetam is increased when administered with choline.[7]

List of Racetams

Structure Name
Piracetam
Oxiracetam
Phenylpiracetam / Fonturacetam
Phenylpiracetam Hydrazide
/ Fonturacetam Hydrazide
Aniracetam
Pramiracetam
Seletracetam
Levetiracetam
Coluracetam / BCI-540
Fasoracetam
Brivaracetam
Dimiracetam
Methylphenylpiracetam / E1R
Nebracetam
Nefiracetam
Omberacetam
/ Noopept
Rolziracetam
Cebaracetam

Legality

Australia

All racetams are schedule 4 substances in Australia under the Poisons Standard (February 2020).[8] A schedule 4 substance is classified as "Prescription Only Medicine, or Prescription Animal Remedy – Substances, the use or supply of which should be by or on the order of persons permitted by State or Territory legislation to prescribe and should be available from a pharmacist on prescription."[8]

References

  1. PMID 10729365
    .
  2. PMID 31764936
    .
  3. PMID 11812254
    .
  4. PMID 20163115
    .
  5. PMID 1372342
    .
  6. PMC 4797911
    . The R-configuration enantiomers of methylphenylpiracetam are more active positive allosteric modulators of Sigma-1 receptor than S-configuration enantiomers.
  7. PMID 7301036
    .
  8. ^ a b Poisons Standard February 2020. comlaw.gov.au
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