Carphedon

Carphedon (C₁₂H₁₄N₂O₂, 2-(4-phenyl-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)acetamide) is a derivative of the nootropic drug piracetam. It was developed in Russia, and a small number of low-scale clinical studies have shown possible links between prescription of carphedon and improvement in a number of encephalopathic conditions, including lesions of cerebral blood pathways, and certain types of glioma. It is also claimed to increase physical stamina and provide improved tolerance to cold. As a result, it appears on the lists of banned substances issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency. This list is applicable in all Olympic sports. As of 27 February 2006, the most recent case of carphedon abuse by a professional athlete is that of Russian biathlon Olympic silver medalist Olga Pyleva in the 2006 Winter Olympics, who was disqualified from attending further events following a positive drug test. She was subsequently banned from competition for two years. It may be noteworthy that Pyleva claims that carphedon was an unlisted ingredient of a Russian medication she was prescribed by her personal doctor (not a team doctor).

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While not widely available in the West, in Russia it is available as a prescription medicine under the brand name "Phenotropil". Packets of ten 100 mg pills are available for roughly 330 rubles (2006 price). It is typically prescribed as a general stimulant or to increase tolerance to cold and stress.

A former rider for Gerolsteiner, professional cyclist Danilo Hondo, tested positive to this banned substance in 2005.

See also

• Racetams