Etiracetam
(CAS 33996-58-6)
Etiracetam is the original racemic base compound from which the widely used antiepileptic levetiracetam was derived. It has been investigated as a nootropic and memory modulator in animal research.
Formula
C₈H₁₄N₂O₂
Category
Racetam / Levetiracetam precursor
Molar Mass
170.21 g/mol
Legal Status
Unscheduled, research only (US/EU)
Chemical Profile
Mechanism of Action
The active stereoisomer levetiracetam is known to modulate synaptic vesicle protein SV2A function. Etiracetam itself displays racetam-typical modulation of neuronal excitability and memory, but has not been as extensively characterized.
Preclinical Evidence
Alleviation of Memory Retrieval Deficits (Animal Model, 1980)
Animal studies have shown that Etiracetam may alleviate memory retrieval deficits.
Precursor to Levetiracetam
Etiracetam is notable for being the direct synthetic precursor of levetiracetam, a globally-used antiepileptic with proven SV2A modulation and extensive clinical history.
Safety & Side Effects
No animal or clinical safety/tolerability data has been published for etiracetam. Human experience is based only on its S-enantiomer, levetiracetam.
Regulatory & Legal Status
US/EU/International
- Not FDA or EMA approved.
- Not a scheduled/controlled substance.
- Sold as a research chemical only.
Note: Etiracetam is not sold or approved for human use.
History
Developed as a nootropic in the 1970s–80s, Etiracetam fell out of use after the active S-enantiomer, levetiracetam, was separated and commercialized for epilepsy.
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Benefits
- Original racetam precursor to levetiracetam
- Useful in stereoisomeric research
- Scientific curiosity in racetam pharmacology
Considerations
- Not used clinically, not for human use
- No modern safety data
- Sold for research only
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Scientific References
- Sara, S.J. "Memory retrieval deficits: alleviation by etiracetam, a nootropic drug." Psychopharmacology, vol. 68, no. 3, 1980, pp. 235–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00428109.
- "Etiracetam." PubChem Compound Summary, National Center for Biotechnology Information, CID 59708, 2024. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Etiracetam.
Information is for scientific and educational use only. Not for human or clinical application. Last updated: 4/12/2025.