Modafinil
Definition
Modafinil (Fig. 1) is a psychostimulant that is subject to the Controlled Substances Act. In Germany, modafinil is marketed by Merckle under the brand name Vigil® as a prescription drug. In the United States, it is sold under the name Provigil®; in Switzerland, it is sold as Modasomil® (by Mepha Pharma). IUPAC name: 2-[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide
Significance as a Doping Substance
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has listed modafinal by name in the Prohibited List under the category of stimulants since January 1, 2004. It is considered a compound related to stimulants and is therefore prohibited under current anti-doping regulations. At the World Athletics Championships in Paris in August 2003, the world champion in the 100- and 200-meter races, American athlete Kelli White, tested positive for modafinil.
Fig. 1 Structural formula of modafinil
Application
Modafinil is used as a psychostimulant for the treatment of narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is characterized by compulsive daytime sleep attacks lasting several minutes.
