
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Olatropil
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

Olatropil belongs to the category of psychostimulants and neurometabolic stimulants.
ATC classification
Active ingredients
Pharmacological group
Pharmachologic effect
Indications Olatropil
Shown in the following cases:
- in pathologies of the nervous system to eliminate vascular encephalopathy (for example, primary hypertension and atherosclerosis);
- in the chronic form of cerebrovascular insufficiency, against the background of which memory disorders, problems with concentration or speech, and in addition headaches with dizziness are observed;
- to eliminate post-stroke, alcohol, and post-traumatic forms of encephalopathy;
- in the treatment of senile dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
- in the treatment of psychoorganic syndromes of various origins.
Release form
Available in capsules, 10 pieces per blister. Each individual package contains 3 blister strips.
Pharmacodynamics
Olatropil is a combination drug containing piracetam (a derivative of pyrrolidone) and GABA (aminalone). It is these substances that cause its effect on the body.
GABA is the main conductor of slowing processes within the central nervous system. The neurometabolic effect of the drug is achieved by stimulating the GABAergic system, which helps stabilize the dynamics of nerve impulses. GABA also activates energy processes within the central nervous system, improves glucose absorption and blood supply to brain tissue. Due to this component, the dynamics of cerebral nervous processes and concentration of attention are increased, memory and thinking are improved, and speech abilities and motor activity are restored. The substance also has a mild psychostimulating effect.
The second active ingredient of the drug is piracetam (cyclic derivative of GABA). This is a nootropic substance that affects the brain - improves its cognitive functions (such as attention with memory, learning ability and mental performance). There are several mechanisms of piracetam's effect on the central nervous system:
- changes the speed of movement of excitatory impulses inside the brain;
- enhances metabolic processes within nerve cells;
- improves the microcirculation process by affecting the rheological properties of the blood (it should be noted that there is no vasodilating effect).
Along with this, piracetam helps improve the connection between the cerebral hemispheres, as well as synaptic transmission within neocortical structures. With prolonged use of the drug, an increase in attentiveness and other cognitive functions is observed. These changes are recorded by EEG (this is expressed in the strengthening of the alpha and beta brain rhythms, and in the weakening of the delta rhythm). The substance suppresses the process of platelet adhesion and helps restore the elasticity of the erythrocyte membrane, and in addition, reduces erythrocyte adhesion.
In case of development of disorders in brain function (due to poisoning, hypoxia or ECT), piracetam is able to have a restorative and protective effect on the body.
The combined action of both elements enhances antihypoxic and nootropic processes, increases physical performance and improves the body's ability to withstand stress of various origins. The pronounced assistance of piracetam and aminalone makes it possible to reduce the dosage of each of these substances, as a result of which the risk of negative reactions decreases, as a result of which the safety of using drugs increases.
Pharmacokinetics
Both active substances in the drug are quickly absorbed after oral administration. They penetrate into many tissues and organs, including the brain.
Excretion occurs through the kidneys - some is excreted in the form of decay products, and the element piracetam is mainly excreted unchanged.
Dosing and administration
The medicine should be taken orally, before eating.
The optimal adult dose is considered to be 1 capsule 3-4 times a day. If necessary, you can gradually increase the daily dosage to 6 capsules.
The drug's effect often begins 2 weeks after the start of the therapeutic course.
The course is prescribed by the attending physician and is determined individually. Basically, its duration is 1-2 months. If necessary, a repeated course is allowed - 1.5-2 months after the previous one.
[ 1 ]
Use Olatropil during pregnancy
There is not enough information about the use of the drug in pregnant and lactating women, which is why it is prohibited to use Olatropil during this period.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications:
- the presence of hypersensitivity to piracetam or pyrrolidone derivatives, and also to other components of the drug;
- acute renal failure;
- acute degree of disorder of blood circulation in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage);
- end-stage renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 20 ml/minute);
- Huntington's syndrome.
Side effects Olatropil
The following side effects may occur as a result of using the medicine:
- organs of the nervous system: hyperkinesia often manifests itself. Insomnia or, on the contrary, drowsiness, ataxia, imbalance, headache and tremors may occur sporadically, and in addition, the frequency of epileptic seizures increases;
- organs of the immune system: manifestations of hypersensitivity develop sporadically, including anaphylatoxin reactions;
- digestive system organs: occasional abdominal pain (also pain in the upper abdomen), diarrhea, nausea, dyspeptic symptoms, vomiting and intestinal disorders;
- subcutaneous layers and skin: dermatitis, Quincke's edema, urticaria and itchy rashes develop occasionally;
- mental disorders: hallucinations, feelings of anxiety, severe excitability and confusion appear occasionally, and depression also develops;
- mammary glands and reproductive organs: libido may increase occasionally;
- other: development of asthenia, hyperthermia, occurrence of fever or hemorrhagic diseases. In addition, the blood pressure increases or fluctuates, and weight increases.
If any side effects occur, you should stop taking the medication and consult your doctor.
Overdose
The components of Olatropil are classified as non-toxic, so no cases of intoxication have been observed. If signs of psychomotor agitation develop as a result of an overdose, the patient must be given sedatives.
Taking the drug in high doses may increase its side effects.
Therapy is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disorder: gastric lavage is performed, vomiting is induced. The drug has no specific antidote. The hemodialysis procedure is quite effective - with its help, about 50-60% of the substance piracetam is excreted.
Interactions with other drugs
Olatropil enhances the properties of antidepressants, which is especially important for people resistant to typical/atypical antidepressants. The drug also reduces the side effects of tranquilizers, antipsychotics and sleeping pills.
Combined use with alcoholic beverages does not affect serum levels of the drug. Serum alcohol levels do not change when 1.6 g of piracetam is consumed.
Combination with thyroid hormones (T3+T4) can cause severe irritability, sleep disorders and a state of disorientation.
No interactions of piracetam with phenytoin, clonazepam, sodium valproate and phenobarbital have been detected. In the case of daily use of 20 mg of piracetam, the AUC level and peak value of the above-mentioned drugs in epileptics do not change.
In patients with severe thrombosis in a recurrent form, piracetam in high doses (9.6 g per day) did not affect the dose of acetocoumarol to obtain the PV (INR) index of 2.5-3.5. Although in the case of combined administration, a strong decrease in the values of platelet adhesion was observed, as well as blood and plasma viscosity, as well as fibrinogen and vWF indices.
The likelihood that the pharmacodynamic properties of piracetam will change under the influence of other drugs is quite low, since 90% of the substance is excreted unchanged in the urine.
It is also unlikely that the substance piracetam has metabolic interactions with drugs whose metabolism involves the following isoforms of hemoprotein P450. This is known because in vitro tests have shown that at doses of 142 and 426, as well as 1422 mcg / ml, the active component of Olatropil does not affect the effectiveness of such elements as CYP1A2 with 2B6, and in addition 2C8 and 2C9 with 2C19, as well as 2D6, 2E1 and 4A9 / 11. At a dose of 1422 mcg / ml, the component slightly inhibits the action of CYP2A6 isoforms, as well as ZA4 / 5 (by 21% and 11%, respectively), but the indicators of K and 2 CYP isomers remain at the required level.
In case of combination with drugs from the benzodiazepine category (such as antiepileptic drugs and tranquilizers), and in addition with sedatives (for example, barbiturates), there is a mutual increase in the effectiveness of the effect. When combined with benzodiazepines, each of the drugs must be taken in medium or minimal effective doses.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride can enhance the properties of Olatropil.
Storage conditions
The medicine should be kept in a place inaccessible to small children. The storage temperature is maximum 25 o C.
[ 4 ]
Shelf life
Olatropil is permitted to be used for a period of 4 years from the date of release of the drug.
Manufacturer
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Olatropil" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.