Oxiracetam

Description

Oxiracetam is a structural analogue of piracetam. This compound has enhancing effects on vigilance and memory. In comparison with piracetam, oxiracetam exhibits greater improvement in memory (Itil et al., 1986) and has been used extensively for the treatment of dementia, including AD, VaD, MID (Baumel et al., 1989; Dysken et al., 1989), and mixed forms. Green et al. (1992) failed to demonstrate a difference from placebo in AD patients. In contrast, Maina et al. (1989) studied 289 patients with MID in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial and after 12 weeks of treatment found that oxiracetam reduced behavioural symptoms.

Chemical properties

Whie Solid

Originator

ISF (Italy)

The Uses of Oxiracetam

Oxiracetam is a 4-hydroxy analog of piracetam with psychostimulant activity, reportedly useful in relieving the symptoms of cerebral insufficiency in the elderly.

Definition

ChEBI: Oxiracetam is an organooxygen compound and an organonitrogen compound. It is functionally related to an alpha-amino acid.

brand name

Neuromet

Biochem/physiol Actions

Nootropic agent, improves learning and memory, and prevents impairment of cognitive functions. Its mechanism of action in not yet known, but it is suggested to modulate glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. Protein kinase C may be involved.

Purification Methods

This nootropic (Alzheimer) drug is purified by recrystallisation from MeOH or aqueous Me2CO and dried in vacuo. [NMR, IR: Pifferi & Pinza Farmaco Ed Sci 32 602 1977, Banfi et al. Farmaco Ed Sci 39 16 1984, Gouilaev & Senning Brain Research Rev 19 180 1994.]