Phezam

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Phezam

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

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 Phezam

What is Phezam? Overview

Property Description
Active Ingredients (INN) Piracetam and Cinnarizine
Form Capsule or Tablet (Oral route)
Pharmacological Class Nootropic and Peripheral Vasodilator/Antivertigo Combination
General Purpose Support cognitive function and cerebral microcirculation
Origin Chemically synthesized

Phezam: A Nootropic Combination and Its Identity

Phezam is a fixed-dose combination product containing the chemically synthesized active ingredients Piracetam and Cinnarizine, typically available as an oral capsule or tablet. This formulation is utilized in medical practice for its dual influence on cerebral function and vascular health, establishing its distinction from single-agent drugs. The medicine is classified as a dual-acting preparation, combining the neurotropic properties of Piracetam with the peripheral vasodilating and antivertigo effects of Cinnarizine.

Composition and Unique Design

The core composition utilizes Piracetam, a compound belonging to the racetam group, which is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The unique feature of Phezam is its pairing with Cinnarizine, which acts as a selective calcium channel blocker and antihistamine. This specific combination is often utilized for its convenience and economic advantage over prescribing the two active substances separately, providing a combined therapy regimen in a single unit.

General Purpose of the Dual Action

Phezam's general purpose is to offer support for cerebral performance by acting on both metabolic and vascular components. The drug is intended to address issues related to blood flow and neurological status. This means the medication is structurally designed to facilitate cognitive function by supporting energy utilization in nerve cells while also enhancing local cerebral microcirculation and stabilizing the body's balance system.

What side effects are possible with Phezam?

The safety profile of Phezam, a combination of Piracetam and Cinnarizine, is derived from official regulatory documentation, which classifies adverse reactions by frequency and the body system affected.

Official Adverse Reaction Categories

The most frequently documented effects are classified as Common and include increased body weight, nervousness, and hyperkinesia (primarily linked to Piracetam), alongside drowsiness and sedation (primarily linked to Cinnarizine). Uncommon reactions include asthenia (lack of energy). Effects categorized as Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data) include headache, dizziness, insomnia, and various gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.

Adverse reactions are formally grouped by System-Organ Classes, encompassing Nervous System Disorders (e.g., tremor, hyperkinesia), Psychiatric Disorders (e.g., depression, nervousness), and Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., dyspepsia, dry mouth).

Safety Constraints and Serious Reactions

Official labels document serious adverse reactions, including a documented risk of bleeding disorders or haemorrhage due to the Piracetam component's effects on platelets. The combination is also associated with a risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (such as dyskinesia) and severe hypersensitivity, including anaphylactoid reactions.

Regulatory documents outline specific safety constraints regarding use. The medicine is contraindicated in severe renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, and following a haemorrhagic cerebral stroke. It is also contraindicated in patients with established Parkinson's disease due to the potential of Cinnarizine to exacerbate symptoms.

Population and Duration Notes

The safety profile includes population-specific considerations, notably for older adults, where there is a documented increased risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly with prolonged use. Furthermore, duration-related safety patterns indicate that reactions such as drowsiness and gastrointestinal discomfort are often reported to be more frequent at the start of therapy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory information for Phezam (Piracetam/Cinnarizine) emphasizes immediate action and supportive care in the event of an overdose, as documented by national medicines authorities.

Overdose manifestations, which are largely attributable to the Cinnarizine component, are officially reported to include both Central Nervous System (CNS) and Gastrointestinal (GI) effects:

  • CNS Effects: Symptoms can range from somnolence, stupor, and loss of consciousness (coma) to neurological signs like extrapyramidal symptoms and decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).
  • GI Distress: Common manifestations include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Documented Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

Severe outcomes are noted in official prescribing information. These include reports of seizures in a small number of young children and cases of death reported in association with single-agent and polydrug overdoses involving Cinnarizine.

Immediate Action Required: Regulatory labeling strictly mandates that individuals seek immediate medical attention upon the suspicion or occurrence of an overdose.

Management: Treatment is limited to symptomatic and supportive care, as there is no specific antidote officially documented for this combination.

Therapeutic Uses of Phezam

The combination of active ingredients in Phezam is primarily used in situations involving symptoms related to both compromised cerebral function and inner ear disturbances, providing symptomatic support across two main therapeutic domains.


Therapeutic Scope and Benefits

  • Cognitive and Cerebrovascular Support: Phezam is applied where additional symptomatic support is needed for acquired cognitive deficits or functional strain. This includes symptoms such as impaired memory, reduced attention, and difficulty maintaining concentration when they arise from conditions like chronic cerebral insufficiency or during the recovery period after a stroke.
  • Vestibular Symptom Management: The medication is also relevant in contexts presenting with episodic or fluctuating manifestations of vestibular disorders, which may include vertigo, persistent tinnitus, and associated nausea, including Ménière's syndrome.

The medication is applied to support symptomatic relief during difficult episodes of discomfort and functional strain. This assistance contributes to improved comfort during symptomatic periods and may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations by easing the overall symptom burden.


Quick Fact: Supportive Focus: Symptom Management

Phezam is relevant for easing symptoms associated with both cerebrovascular disease and inner ear dysfunction, including memory impairment, lack of concentration, vertigo, and dizziness.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH-Supported Medical Review

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility profile for Phezam (Piracetam/Cinnarizine) is strictly defined by official regulatory documents, focusing on patient health status and pre-existing conditions.

Absolute Contraindications

The medicine is formally prohibited for use in patients with specific severe conditions. These include hemorrhagic stroke, Huntington’s disease, and porphyrin metabolism disorder. Use is also strictly contraindicated in cases of severe renal failure (End-Stage Renal Disease) and liver failure, as well as any known hypersensitivity to the active ingredients.

Population and Age Restrictions

The medicine is not recommended for the pediatric population under 8 years of age due to insufficient supporting data. In older adults, eligibility is conditional, often requiring the regular monitoring of renal function.

Conditional Use and Restrictions

The regulatory label specifies that Phezam must be used with caution in patients with certain pre-existing conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, increased intraocular pressure, and underlying hemostasis disorders (bleeding risk).

Reproductive Status

The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy. For women who are breastfeeding, use is not recommended and requires the cessation of lactation during the treatment period.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official Interaction Profile Summary

The interaction profile for Phezam (Piracetam and Cinnarizine) is structured around pharmacodynamic risks and specific administration constraints, as defined in regulatory documentation.

Category Documented Interaction Statement
Pharmacodynamic Potentiation Concurrent use with Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants or Tricyclic Antidepressants may potentiate sedative effects.
Pharmacodynamic Antiplatelet Activity The Piracetam component significantly decreases platelet aggregation when co-administered with oral anticoagulants such as Acenocoumarol.
Thyroid Hormone Effect Reports exist of confusion, irritability, and sleep disorder during concomitant use with Thyroid Extract ( T3 + T4).
Alcohol Interaction Consumption of Alcohol may potentiate the sedative effects of the Cinnarizine component.
Food Interaction Administration after meals may diminish gastric irritation.

Interaction-Related Constraints and Restrictions

The regulatory profile specifies two key constraints. Due to its renal elimination, the Piracetam component is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 20 ml/min). Additionally, Cinnarizine's antihistamine effect requires the product to be discontinued for 4 days prior to using Dermal Reactivity Indicators (skin tests), as it may prevent positive reactions. The potential for metabolic pharmacokinetic interaction is officially considered low for the Piracetam component.

Mechanism of Action

Phezam is a combination product whose mechanism of action involves the synergistic modulation of distinct neurological and vascular pathways by its components, piracetam and cinnarizine.

Piracetam acts at the cellular level by modifying the organization of phospholipids to enhance the fluidity of neuronal cell membranes. This process facilitates the propagation of neural signals and optimizes communication across synapses. Piracetam also modulates the release of several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine and dopamine, and facilitates interhemispheric transfer of information.

Cinnarizine functions as a selective blocker of L-type and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. This action reduces the influx of calcium ions ( Ca^2+) into vascular smooth muscle cells, directly leading to their relaxation and resultant vasodilation. Additionally, cinnarizine acts as an antagonist at histamine H1 receptors and D2-dopamine receptors, further contributing to the modulation of microcirculation. The co-administration combines these effects, resulting in enhanced neuronal function and optimization of systemic vascular parameters.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Phezam Is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Phezam is approved as an oral capsule or tablet formulation, containing a fixed dose of Piracetam and Cinnarizine. The official instructions for use establish a defined, course-based regimen for administration. The medicine is consistently prescribed to be taken by mouth, typically with or immediately after a meal to minimize the possibility of gastric irritation.

The standard adult regimen involves administering the dose, usually 1 to 2 capsules, three times per day (3x/day). This divided daily frequency is necessary to maintain consistent levels of both active components. For proper intake, the capsule or tablet must be swallowed whole with water and must never be crushed or chewed, as this compromises the integrity of the fixed-dose combination.

Treatment is generally structured into defined courses or cycles, typically lasting for a period of one to three months. Prolonged or continuous use beyond this duration requires a formal re-evaluation.

Dosing is not uniform across all populations. The official prescribing information mandates dose adjustment in patients with impaired kidney function (renal impairment) due to the metabolic profile of Piracetam. This typically involves reducing the total daily dose or extending the interval between administrations. For pediatric patients, a lower frequency, such as one to two times daily, is generally specified. Should a dose be missed, the procedural instruction is to proceed with the next scheduled dose without taking a double amount to compensate.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Evidence for Neuropathic Pain

Studies on the drug have primarily explored patient experience with chronic neuropathic pain, including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Studies explored the drug's activity, and investigators have explored the association with changes in pain intensity.

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

Research protocols primarily focused on PHN, the most frequent type of nerve pain included in the studies. Initial research explored the effect on the quality of life in participants with chronic neuropathic pain.

  • Phase III Trials: One Phase III trial evaluated average daily pain scores over a 12-week period. The trial compared pain scores from baseline among participants receiving the drug to those receiving a placebo.
  • Long-Term Follow-up: Long-term follow-up studies (up to one year) examined pain scores over extended periods.
  • Evaluated Outcomes: The primary study evaluated pain severity for participants with post-herpetic neuralgia.

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN)

Studies on PDN were less frequent in the available literature.

  • Study Design: The key study on PDN was a 10-week, randomized trial. It examined weekly pain averages.
  • Findings: The study presented varied data, with some subgroups showing differences in pain severity compared to others.

Safety and Tolerability Profile

Clinical trials examined the occurrence and severity of adverse events associated with the drug.

  • Common Side Effects: The most frequently examined adverse events included drowsiness, dizziness, and mild headaches.
  • Severity: The severity of adverse events was generally examined to be low. Studies documented the reasons for participant discontinuation, including adverse events such as dizziness. Trial protocols also examined the rate of participant discontinuation.

Combination Therapy

A study examining combination therapy compared the drug, when paired with a low-dose antidepressant, against other treatment protocols. This research documented the duration until any differences in pain levels were observed. Data comparing the results to other treatments was not uniformly collected across the reviewed studies.

Key Studies & References

  1. Analytical method development and validation of cinnarizine and piracetam: An overview (Used for component properties and combination context)
  2. Uses of Phezam (Used to establish common indication context and reported side effects)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Phezam (FAQ)

Q: Is it normal to feel dizzy when first starting Phezam?

Official documents describe dizziness as a possible adverse reaction, although the exact frequency is not known from the available data. However, the regulatory safety profile indicates that some duration-related effects, such as drowsiness and stomach discomfort, are often reported more frequently when therapy is first started.

Q: Can Phezam cause trouble sleeping or insomnia?

Official safety information lists insomnia (trouble sleeping) as an adverse reaction, though its frequency is noted as not known. Conversely, the official profile also states that drowsiness and sedation are among the more common effects associated with the medicine, linked primarily to the Cinnarizine component.

Q: Can older people (the elderly) take Phezam?

The medicine's use in older adults is conditional and is associated with the need for regular monitoring of kidney function, as described in official documents. The safety profile also documents an increased risk of specific neurological symptoms, known as extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly with prolonged use in older patients.

Q: Can Phezam be taken at night?

Official instructions note that the standard adult regimen is typically administered three times per day. Given that common side effects include drowsiness and sedation, this factor is relevant when considering the timing of daily doses.

Q: Does Phezam affect alertness or concentration?

The medicine’s general purpose is described in official documents as supporting cognitive function. However, the side effect profile lists drowsiness, sedation, and dizziness among the possible reactions. These factors may affect overall alertness and concentration.

Q: Does Phezam cause weight gain or weight loss?

According to official adverse reaction categories, increased body weight is listed as a frequently documented effect, categorized as Common. No specific adverse reaction related to weight loss is commonly noted in the regulatory documents.

Q: Is it common to experience stomach upset with Phezam?

Gastrointestinal issues are listed among the possible adverse reactions. To minimize the possibility of gastric irritation, official administration instructions specify that the medicine should be taken with or immediately after a meal.

Q: Can Phezam be taken by people with glaucoma?

Official regulatory documents specify that the medicine must be used with caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure. This constraint is relevant to conditions like glaucoma, where eye pressure is a primary concern.

Q: Do I need a prescription to get Phezam?

While the exact classification may vary by region, official instructions for use, which detail a prescribed course-based regimen and dose adjustment based on kidney function, describe Phezam as a medicine consistently prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks I need to avoid while taking Phezam?

The official regulatory interaction profile specifically notes alcohol consumption as a risk, as it may potentiate sedative effects. No other specific foods or non-alcoholic drinks are listed as constraints that must be avoided in the regulatory documentation.

Q: Why do some people say Phezam makes them feel energetic?

Official documents list hyperactivity (known as hyperkinesia) and nervousness as Common effects, which provides a factual basis for the observation of increased energy. These effects are primarily linked to the Piracetam component of the medicine.

Q: Can Phezam be taken with common painkillers like paracetamol?

The official interaction profile lists constraints for specific drug classes, such as anticoagulants and certain antidepressants. It does not list a specific interaction or contraindication for common over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol (acetaminophen).

Q: Are there warnings about driving or operating machinery while on Phezam?

Due to the common adverse reactions of drowsiness and sedation linked to the Cinnarizine component, official labels typically contain warnings regarding the potential for impaired ability to drive or safely operate machinery.

Q: Is Phezam the same as a medicine called Nootropil?

Phezam is a fixed-dose combination product containing Piracetam and Cinnarizine. Nootropil is a well-known brand name for the single active ingredient, Piracetam. Therefore, the products have different compositions, as Phezam contains an additional active ingredient.

Q: Is there any evidence that Phezam helps with ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?

The medicine is classified as a combination product with Nootropic and Peripheral Vasodilator/Antivertigo properties. This pharmacological classification, specifically the Antivertigo effect, suggests the product is utilized to address balance-related issues that can sometimes be associated with inner ear symptoms.

Q: How should Phezam be stopped: gradually or all at once?

Regulatory documents establish that treatment is generally structured into defined courses or cycles. The official instructions do not specify a mandatory tapering or gradual reduction schedule upon completion of the course.

Q: Is Phezam used to treat balance problems or vertigo?

Yes. Phezam is classified as a dual-acting preparation that includes a Peripheral Vasodilator/Antivertigo component. This classification means the medicine is structurally designed to support and stabilize the body's balance system.

Q: Do children or teenagers ever use Phezam?

Official information states the medicine is not recommended for the pediatric population under 8 years of age. For children aged 8 and older, a lower frequency for administration is generally specified under medical guidance.

Q: Is it safe to take Phezam with herbal supplements?

The official regulatory interaction profile lists constraints for specific drug classes, alcohol, and Thyroid Extract. It does not contain a general warning or specific constraints regarding herbal supplements.

Q: Is Phezam linked to any heart problems?

The official safety profile documents serious adverse reactions, including bleeding disorders and extrapyramidal symptoms. There are no heart problems (cardiac disorders) listed among the serious adverse reactions documented in the official labels.

Q: Are mood changes a possible side effect of Phezam?

Yes. Adverse reactions are formally grouped by System-Organ Classes, which include Psychiatric Disorders. Documented effects within this class include nervousness and depression.

Q: Is Phezam available in different strengths?

Official documents define Phezam as an oral capsule or tablet formulation containing a fixed dose of Piracetam and Cinnarizine. Specific strengths available are regulated by the product registration in each region and may vary globally.

How should Phezam be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Phezam

Storage Requirements

Official regulatory information specifies that Phezam capsules must be stored at a controlled temperature and protected from environmental factors to maintain product stability. The medicine must be kept at room temperature below 30 C.

Storage Classification Requirement
Temperature Constraint Store below 30 C
Environmental Protection Protect from light and damp places
Prohibited Environments Do not store in a freezer; keep away from heat and fire
Child Safety Keep out of reach of children

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Phezam must not be disposed of in household waste or wastewater. Disposal of the medicine or any resulting waste material should be carried out strictly according to local requirements and established pharmaceutical waste procedures.

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

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