Nootropic profile
Pyritinol
A semi-synthetic vitamin B6 derivative (Encephabol) consisting of two pyridoxine molecules bonded by a disulphide bridge - enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, increasing cerebral glucose uptake, and improving blood flow to the brain, with clinical use for cognitive decline and learning difficulties across many countries.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Pyritinol?
Pyritinol (pyridoxine disulphide, marketed as Encephabol) is a semi-synthetic compound created by bonding two molecules of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) via a disulphide bridge.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standard adult dose: 200 mg three times daily (600 mg total), the most commonly used dosage in clinical trials and prescribing guidelines
- Cognitive enhancement: 200-400 mg per day may be sufficient for nootropic purposes in healthy individuals, taken in divided doses
- Paediatric use (clinical): 100-200 mg per day for children, typically prescribed as the liquid Encephabol suspension under medical supervision
- Elderly/dementia support: 600 mg per day in divided doses, with clinical benefits typically emerging after 4-8 weeks of consistent use
- Timing: Take with meals to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. Divide the daily dose evenly across meals
Watch out for
- Generally well tolerated: Most clinical trials report a favourable safety profile comparable to placebo, with mild and transient side effects including...
- Rare hepatotoxicity: Post-marketing surveillance has identified rare cases of cholestatic hepatitis and acute hepatic failure. Liver function should be...
- Autoimmune reactions: Rare cases of drug-induced pemphigus and other autoimmune skin reactions have been reported. Discontinue use if unexplained skin...
- Drug interactions: May potentiate the effects of D-penicillamine and gold salts (used in rheumatoid arthritis), increasing the risk of autoimmune side...
- Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with severe hepatic impairment, autoimmune disorders (particularly pemphigus), or known hypersensitivity...
The science, if you're curious.
- Increases acetylcholine synthesis and release in the cortex and hippocampus by enhancing choline uptake and stimulating choline acetyltransferase activity,...
- Increases glucose uptake and utilisation in the brain by up to 40%, providing additional metabolic fuel for energy-demanding cognitive processes including...
- Enhances regional cerebral blood flow, ensuring adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to metabolically active brain regions during cognitive tasks
- The disulphide bridge structure provides direct free radical scavenging activity, while also supporting glutathione recycling and reducing lipid...
Where to find it
- Encephabol (Merck): The original branded product, available as 100 mg and 200 mg coated tablets and as an oral suspension (80 mg/5 mL) in many countries
- Generic pyritinol: Available as pyritinol hydrochloride tablets from various manufacturers in countries where it is approved
- Over-the-counter availability: Sold without prescription in some countries (Germany, Portugal, Brazil) and by prescription in others
- Online vendors: Available from international pharmacies and nootropic suppliers in countries where it is not locally marketed
Frequently asked
A semi-synthetic vitamin B6 derivative (Encephabol) consisting of two pyridoxine molecules bonded by a disulphide bridge - enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission, increasing cerebral glucose uptake, and improving blood flow to the brain, with clinical use for cognitive decline and learning difficulties across many countries.
The main benefits people report from Pyritinol are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Standard adult dose: 200 mg three times daily (600 mg total), the most commonly used dosage in clinical trials and prescribing guidelinesCognitive enhancement: 200-400 mg per day may be sufficient for nootropic purposes in healthy individuals, taken in divided dosesPaediatric use (clinical): 100-200...
Generally well tolerated: Most clinical trials report a favourable safety profile comparable to placebo, with mild and transient side effects including...Rare hepatotoxicity: Post-marketing surveillance has identified rare cases of cholestatic hepatitis and acute hepatic failure. Liver function shou...
Increases acetylcholine synthesis and release in the cortex and hippocampus by enhancing choline uptake and stimulating choline acetyltransferase activity,...Increases glucose uptake and utilisation in the brain by up to 40%, providing additional metabolic fuel for energy-demanding cognitive process...
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