Influence of the size of crystals of modafinil

[coriolis]

There is a source that in the past offered fine modafinil powder. It was the most effective brand of modafinil I knew of. Now they offer modafinil of larger grain size and it is nearly not effective at all. Is it possible that the grain size of modafinil can affect its pharmacological effects? Or did they start to sell crap void of R-isomers?

 

[mad_scientist]

If I remember rightly the people who own the patent for modafinil were granted an extension for a new formulation with a defined particle size, which would tend to suggest that it makes a difference, probably to the initial absorbtion in the gut.

Certainly I've noticed a difference in efficacy between different brands - ironically I found that the "generic" version was better than the brand name stuff but hard to say why, although the generic stuff was capsules of powder while the brand name alertec was as pressed pills.

 

[MurphyClox]

In general, grain size can in have a influence on pharmacokinetics. If the compound is only slightly water-soluble a bigger grain size could slowdown the uptake in the intestines...just as an example...

 

[tadfish]

only seen powder and tablets

 

[Longhorn2222]

The less surface area the less quickly it will dissolve.

 

[Riemann Zeta]

Modafinil is completely insoluble in water, so I think this could actually make a difference, making the brand better absorbed than generics. I haven't had brand name Provigil in a long time, but it always seemed vastly superior to generic modafinil. I've only had generic modafinil in rediculously tightly packed, unmarked pills. There are generic powder-filled capsules of modafinil?

 

[Armadillo]

Modafinil in form of coarse crystals takes an eternity to become absorbed, it is felt after 4-6 h, speed of absorption is in the same order of magnitude as that of its metabolic breakdown. Tablets / fine powder that's most often used take 1-2 h. Modafinil (any form) can be dissolved in boiling ethanol, the solution poured into a mouthful of water or some kind of drinkable medium, and the opalescent, colloidal solution drunk in one go (tastes "Not Good"). This way it has nicer pharmacokinetics, first effects being felt in 15-30 min, and feels slightly closer to dopaminergic stimulants, although still completely devoid of recreational value.