About Meclofenoxate

About Meclofenoxate

Meclofenoxate, also known as Centrophenoxine, has an intriguing history rooted in its development as a nootropic agent.

Development and Introduction: Meclofenoxate was developed in the 1950s as a cholinergic nootropic. It is an ester of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (pCPA). Its primary aim was to enhance cognitive function and support brain health.

Medical Applications: Initially, it gained attention for its potential to improve memory and cognitive performance, particularly in elderly patients. It was used to treat age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Meclofenoxate also showed promise in increasing cellular membrane phospholipids and reducing lipofuscin, a cellular waste product associated with ageing.

Global Usage: While Meclofenoxate became a prescription drug in countries like Japan and parts of Europe, it was marketed under various brand names, including Lucidril. In the United States, it is sold as a dietary supplement, though it remains an unapproved drug.

Mechanism of Action: The compound works by acting as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning. It also exhibits antioxidative properties, protecting neurons from oxidative stress and supporting brain energy metabolism.

Research and Controversies: Over the years, Meclofenoxate has been studied for its potential to enhance cognitive function and extend lifespan in animal models. However, its efficacy in humans remains a topic of debate, with mixed results from clinical trials.

Meclofenoxate's journey from a cognitive enhancer to a subject of ongoing research highlights its significance in the field of neuroscience. If you'd like to explore its mechanisms or applications further, let me know!

Meclofenoxate, also called centrophenoxine, is a stimulant that appears on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, banned in-competition.

It has been studied for its potential to treat:

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson '''s-related movement disorders

Side effects of some anti-psychotic medications

Ageing-related cognitive decline

Research results are inconclusive, and no clear evidence supports strong therapeutic benefits.

🧠 Why is it found in Supplements?

Despite unclear benefits, it is marketed as a “nootropic” or cognitive enhancer.

Some companies illegally include it in supplements to boost perceived effectiveness.

Supplements are regulated post-market, meaning dangerous or banned substances can reach consumers before being detected.

🛑 Is Meclofenoxate Legal or Approved for Use?

United States: ❌ Not FDA-approved for any medical use

Other Countries:

Japan: Approved for vertigo due to head trauma (marketed as Lucidril)

China: Approved for alcohol poisoning, birth-related oxygen deprivation, and children’s bedwetting.

💊 Can You Get It in Supplements?

Technically, not legally.

It does not meet FDA criteria for dietary supplements and is not a legitimate dietary ingredient.

Despite this, it has been found in some products on the Supplement Connect High Risk List.

❓ Can Athletes Get a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption)?

Unlikely, since meclofenoxate has no FDA-approved uses in the U.S.

If in doubt, athletes can:

Contact the USADA Drug Reference Line at drugreference@USADA.org

Call (719) 785-2000, option 2

Use the TUE Pre-Check Form for guidance

📚 Additional Resources

USADA offers educational tools for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals

HealthPro Advantage (with Stanford University)

Coach’s Advantage

If you're an athlete or someone supporting one, checking every product and ingredient before use is critical. Contamination or mislabeling can result in an anti-doping rule violation.