Phescetam

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Phescetam

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Phescetam

Property Description
Active Ingredient Piracetam and Cinnarizine
Form Hard Capsule
Pharmacological Class Nootropic and Vasoactive Combination
General Purpose Supports cerebral function and balance
Origin Chemically Synthesized
Prescription Status Prescription Only (typically)

What Type of Medicine is Phescetam and What Does it Contain?

Phescetam is a fixed-dose combination product intended for oral administration, typically manufactured as a hard capsule. This medicine combines two distinct, chemically synthesized active ingredients: Piracetam and Cinnarizine. Piracetam is an original nootropic drug that belongs to the racetam chemical class. Cinnarizine is simultaneously classified as a calcium channel blocker and an H1 antihistamine. This formulation merges a core neurotropic agent with a vasoactive substance into a singular, prescription-only preparation, a structure that is clinically recognized for its potential in managing chronic cerebrovascular disorders.

How Do the Components Piracetam and Cinnarizine Interact?

The general action of Phescetam is characterized by the mutually potentiating roles of its constituents. Piracetam provides a neurotropic effect by supporting the overall function and metabolic activity of nerve cells, which is the mechanism used to support central nervous system function. Concurrently, Cinnarizine acts as a labyrinthine suppressant and provides a vasoactive benefit by relaxing the smooth muscle of blood vessel walls, thereby optimizing circulation. The co-formulation is recognized for achieving a balanced influence on both cellular energy exchange and blood flow properties simultaneously.

What is the General Purpose of This Combination?

The primary purpose of combining these two agents is to provide integrated support for symptoms arising from impaired cerebral circulation or metabolic deficit in the nervous system. This approach is frequently employed in scenarios such as managing the after-effects of chronic cerebral ischemia or addressing vertigo related to inner ear disorders. By supporting nerve cell function and improving microcirculation, the combination generally helps to enhance the brain’s resistance to oxygen deficiency and supports stability in the functions related to cognition and balance.

What side effects are possible with Phescetam?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Phescetam is a combination product, typically containing Piracetam and another compound (often a circulatory agent or stimulant, such as Cinnarizine or Phenylpiracetam). Therefore, its side effect profile encompasses those associated with its individual components.


Common Side Effects

Side effects are generally infrequent and may diminish over time. If any of these become troublesome or persistent, consult a healthcare provider.

System Common Side Effects (affecting < 1 in 10 people)
Central Nervous System Nervousness, agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, hyperkinesia (increased movement)
Gastrointestinal Weight gain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea
Other Weakness, depression

Serious Side Effects and Precautions

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash) or a bleeding episode (e.g., unexplained bruising or persistent bleeding).

Precautions and Contraindications:

  • Bleeding Risk: Since Piracetam may affect platelet function and blood clotting, use is typically not recommended for patients with a history of cerebral hemorrhage or existing bleeding disorders (hemorrhagic diathesis). Caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants (blood thinners).
  • Kidney Impairment: Phescetam is generally contraindicated in cases of severe renal impairment due to the drug's primary elimination route through the kidneys.
  • Underlying Conditions: It is usually contraindicated in patients with Huntington's disease as it may worsen symptoms. Caution is advised for individuals with existing heart problems or increased intraocular pressure.
  • Driving and Machinery: The drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness, and patients should be cautioned against operating machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them.
  • Withdrawal: Abrupt discontinuation, particularly in patients with Myoclonus, may lead to withdrawal symptoms or exacerbation of the underlying condition. Dosage reduction should be gradual under medical supervision.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help: Official Regulatory Information

This section outlines the officially documented symptoms, required actions, and treatment principles for an overdose of a product containing Piracetam and Cinnarizine (Phescetam), based strictly on government-approved prescribing information.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Classification Manifestations Documented in Regulatory Sources
Consciousness Somnolence, stupor, or progression to coma
Motor Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders) and hypotonia
Other Vomiting; convulsions (documented in young children)

Required Emergency Actions

Due to the potential for severe outcomes, including reported fatalities in Cinnarizine-related overdoses, the official instruction is to seek immediate medical attention for any suspected overdose. It is also advised to contact a poison control center for guidance.

Management and Monitoring

No specific antidote is documented in the official labeling for this combination. Management consists of symptomatic and supportive care directed at treating the clinical manifestations. Specific monitoring is advised for young children due to the documented risk of neurological complications such as convulsions, necessitating observation in a healthcare facility.

Therapeutic Uses of Phescetam

What Phescetam Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The primary purpose of Phescetam is to address symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, generally focusing on cognitive function and physical balance. In conditions such as chronic cerebral ischemic disease, this combination is relevant in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed across key therapeutic domains.


Support for Symptom Management

Phescetam is commonly used to help with symptomatic support in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, and is applied in addressing symptoms related to systemic imbalance. It is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, which may involve manifestations such as chronic cerebral insufficiency or motion sickness. The combination may assist with the management of symptoms that cluster into patterns requiring supportive management, including those related to cognitive function and balance.

“This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily focusing on cognitive and balance issues.”

This supports general well-being during symptomatic phases and provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.


Quick Fact: Relief for Dizziness and Unsteadiness

Phescetam is commonly used to help with the management of symptoms like travel-induced nausea and dizziness, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily during episodic or heightened symptomatic periods.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Phescetam's eligibility profile is strictly defined by regulatory criteria, governing which populations may use the medicine and which are excluded. All usage must comply with the official conditions and restrictions documented in the prescribing information.

Eligibility Scope Official Regulatory Classification
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 20 mL/min), haemorrhagic stroke, Huntington's chorea, and known hypersensitivity to the active substances or excipients.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is permitted for Adults and Children (with specific guidelines). Older adults require regular monitoring of renal function (creatinine clearance) for extended treatment.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as Piracetam is known to be excreted in breast milk.
Eligibility-related restrictions Conditional use is required for mild to moderate renal insufficiency, often mandating dose adjustment. Caution is also specifically advised for patients with Parkinson's disease and certain conditions like hepatic failure or low blood pressure.

Eligibility classifications (high-level): The official labeling employs severe classifications such as Contraindicated (absolute prohibition) and Not Recommended (prohibitive status for specific life stages), alongside Caution (conditional use with required monitoring).

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Phescetam's official regulatory interaction profile is defined primarily by the pharmacodynamic activity of its two components, Piracetam and Cinnarizine. Co-administration with several substance classes may result in significant effects as documented by government health authorities:

Interacting Substance/Class Official Interaction Description
CNS Depressants & Tricyclic Antidepressants May potentiate the sedative effects due to the Cinnarizine component.
Oral Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) May potentiate the anticoagulant effects of these agents, with potential for changes in International Normalized Ratio (INR).
Alcohol Avoidance is required due to the risk of potentiated sedative effects.
Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4) Co-treatment has been reported to cause outcomes such as confusion and sleep disorder.

Due to the Piracetam component's mechanism, caution is also recommended in patients with underlying disorders of haemostasis or following major surgery. The medicine is not expected to be involved in major cytochrome P450-mediated pharmacokinetic interactions due to Piracetam's high renal clearance.

Finally, a timing-based interaction constraint exists related to diagnostic procedures:

Constraint Type Procedure/Test Official Restriction/Rule
Timing Separation Dermal Reactivity Indicators (Allergy Tests) Must be separated by four days prior to testing to prevent inaccurate results.

Mechanism of Action

Phescetam is a combination of Piracetam and Cinnarizine, exerting its effects through distinct pharmacological actions on neuronal function and vascular dynamics.

Piracetam influences the central nervous system by modulating cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, potentially via altered receptor function, which promotes modified synaptic plasticity and subsequent signal relay between neurons. Furthermore, it interacts with the polar heads of cellular phospholipid membranes, leading to alterations in stability and fluidity. This biophysical effect influences the function of transmembrane proteins involved in cellular transport and secretion, resulting in the modulation of neuronal and vascular function.

Cinnarizine is a selective L-type calcium channel blocker, reducing the influx of calcium ions into the vascular smooth muscle cells of arterioles. This action reduces vascular tone, leading to the regulation of cerebral and peripheral microcirculation. This vascular effect, combined with Piracetam’s influence on erythrocyte deformability and reduced platelet adhesion, facilitates blood flow and modulates cellular tolerance to hypoxia and oxidative stress by altering metabolic stability.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Phescetam: Official Administration Guidelines

Phescetam is a fixed-dose combination product containing Piracetam (400 mg) and Cinnarizine (25 mg). The administration of this medicine is defined by specific rules governing route, dosing, frequency, and duration patterns.


Administration Protocol

The medicine is designed for oral administration as a hard capsule. The capsule must be swallowed whole with liquid and should not be chewed or broken. Administration is generally prescribed three times daily and can be taken independently of food intake.

Dosing and Duration

The typical adult therapeutic dose falls in the range of 3 to 6 capsules daily, taken in divided doses. Treatment is typically administered in therapeutic courses lasting between 1 to 3 months. The medicine should not be used for more than 3 months without interruption, and repeat courses may be considered later in the year.


Population-Specific Use

Procedural adjustments exist for certain patient groups:

  • Renal Impairment: For patients with mild to moderate kidney function reduction (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min), the labeled therapeutic dose must be reduced or the interval between doses must be prolonged.
  • Older Adults: Long-term use in patients over 65 years requires regular evaluation of creatinine clearance to guide potential dosage adjustments.
  • Children: For patients older than 5 years, the use pattern is typically 1 to 2 capsules one to two times daily.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Use in Chronic Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

The Phescetam combination was studied for adults and older adults diagnosed with conditions related to chronic brain ischemia or insufficient blood flow. The available evidence includes short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and various observational studies which monitored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, such as neurological status assessments and neuropsychological dynamics. Some studies data show patterns related to measured shifts in cerebral blood flow velocity. Long-term effects are not fully established concerning functional outcomes, and results apply only to the populations studied.

Evidence for Use in Vestibular and Balance Disorders

The medicine was evaluated in clinical research exploring its relevance in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns related to inner ear disorders, which may cause unsteadiness, vertigo, and dizziness. Studies monitored the evolution of symptoms, and data show patterns related to measured changes in the frequency and intensity of symptoms. Research often examined the combination by using active comparators rather than a placebo control. Evidence is limited for the fixed combination’s effect on vestibular disorders in major international regulatory summaries.

Evidence for Use in Post-Stroke Cognitive Support

The combination was observed in clinical studies and analyses of neurological practice during the phase following an ischemic stroke. The studies focused on specific adult populations who presented with moderate cognitive or speech impairments. Research examined outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level by assessing neurological status and neuropsychological test performance. Comparative evidence is lacking for large-scale, long-term Phase 3 RCTs, and sample sizes were modest in some analyses.

Long-Term Follow-up, Subgroups, and Research Gaps

Efficacy research generally focuses on short-term or intermediate periods, commonly 8 weeks to 3 months. Follow-up durations were limited in many core trials, and long-term effects are not fully established regarding sustained functional impact. Evidence quality varies across studies, meaning the certainty remains low for some findings, and data for certain groups remain insufficient, such as for children. This research provides context but not individual predictions, as study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Phescetam (FAQ)

Q: Are there any known long-term safety concerns associated with the continuous use of Phescetam?

Official warnings advise that use of one of the medicine's components, Cinnarizine, may be associated with neurological symptoms such as tremor or muscle rigidity. These effects are reported to potentially increase with prolonged use, particularly in older adults. For this reason, official documents specify that regular medical assessment is required during extended treatment periods.

Q: Are there specific foods or dietary restrictions mentioned in the official guidance for Phescetam?

According to official product information, the medicine can be taken independently of food intake. This means consumption is not tied to mealtimes. However, one specific restriction is noted: official guidance requires avoidance of alcohol due to the risk of potentiated sedative effects.

Q: What should be done if a scheduled dose of Phescetam is missed?

Official guidance on a missed dose states that the official protocol states that a double dose should not be taken to compensate for the capsule that was forgotten. Instead, the medicine’s protocol defines the next scheduled dose as the point of resumption.

Q: Where can a patient find the official prescribing information or patient leaflet for Phescetam?

Patients are directed to consult the Patient Information Leaflet that is provided with the medication. For the most complete and current information from regulatory authorities, official sources direct patients to consult with their pharmacist or primary healthcare provider.

Q: What is the difference between Phescetam and other similar-sounding medicines?

The medicine is officially described as a fixed-dose combination product. It contains two distinct active substances: Piracetam, which is a nootropic agent, and Cinnarizine, which is a vasoactive substance. This combination structure is designed to provide integrated support for symptoms arising from specific conditions.

Q: Does Phescetam have a risk of dependence?

Official regulatory information mentions the potential for withdrawal symptoms or exacerbation of the underlying condition if the medicine is stopped abruptly. Therefore, regulatory documents contain a warning against abrupt discontinuation. Official regulatory instruction requires that any dosage reduction must be gradual and supervised.

Q: Is it normal to feel a specific sensation, like a slight tingling, when first taking Phescetam?

The official product labeling describes common effects that include dizziness, nervousness, headache, and drowsiness. The specific sensation of tingling (paresthesia) is not listed among the commonly reported side effects in the official regulatory documents.

Q: What is the evidence regarding the use of Phescetam in combination with common antidepressant or anxiety medications?

Regulatory documents specifically warn of potential interactions that may potentiate the sedative effects of certain classes of medicines, including CNS depressants and tricyclic antidepressants. For other medications that act on the central nervous system, regulatory texts specify a requirement for caution.

Q: Does Phescetam interact with specific blood pressure medications?

Official prescribing information requires caution for patients with existing low blood pressure. Because the medicine’s components have vasoactive properties (meaning they affect blood vessel tone), co-administration with other agents that affect blood pressure requires monitoring.

Q: How quickly does Phescetam generally begin to have an effect?

Studies and official information indicate that the time to observe a therapeutic effect can vary. For example, clinical data related to the medicine's use for vertigo-related symptoms showed that the reduction of dizziness-associated symptoms began in some patients starting from 15 days of therapy.

Q: Can individuals with a history of seizures take Phescetam?

Official regulatory documents indicate a requirement for caution with this medicine in individuals who have epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures. This warning is related to the component Cinnarizine.

Q: Why does the packaging for Phescetam list certain inactive ingredients?

Inactive ingredients, also known as excipients, are included primarily for manufacturing purposes and to form the final hard capsule. They are listed on the packaging because the medicine is contraindicated for patients who have a known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to the active substances or any of the inactive ingredients.

Q: How long does Phescetam generally stay in a person's system after they stop taking it?

According to official pharmacokinetic data, the two components have different rates of elimination. For Piracetam, the half-life (the time it takes for half of the substance to leave the body) is typically 5 to 7 hours in healthy subjects. For Cinnarizine, the half-life has been reported to range from 4 to 24 hours.

How should Phescetam be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Phescetam?

The storage and disposal of Phescetam (Piracetam/Cinnarizine) must adhere strictly to the conditions defined in official regulatory labeling.

Mandatory Storage Requirements

The capsules must be stored at a temperature below 30°C and require protection from environmental factors. This includes keeping the medicine away from light, damp places, heat, and fire. The product must also be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Stability and Disposal

The medicine must not be used after the expiry date printed on the package. For disposal, official instructions prohibit discarding the capsules in the sewage system or in the standard household waste container. Unused or expired product must be disposed of by consulting a pharmacist for proper pharmaceutical waste handling.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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