What Is Sulbutiamine?

Sulbutiamine is the generic name for Arcalion, a medication best known for treating asthenia, which is abnormal physical weakness or reduction of energy. It is also used to improve memory and treat erectile dysfunction. It is a synthetic derivative of thiamine, also known as thiamin or vitamin B. In this, it is similar to other drugs such as allithiamine, benfotiamine, fursultiamine and prosultiamine. Sulbutiamine also goes by the brand names Arcatamin, Arnion, Enerion, Megastene, Pymeacolion or Surmenalit.

The origin of sulbutiamine can be traced to Japan, where beriberi, a nervous system condition marked by a deficiency in thiamine, was prevalent prior to the 20th century. After Japanese naval physician Takaki Kanehiro noted the possible link between beriberi and diet, thiamine was discovered in the mid-1930s. Further work led to the development of allithiamine in 1951, which was the first thiamine derivative used for treating vitamin deficiency.

Also known as thiamine allyl disulfide (TAD), allithiamine naturally occurs in garlic and is considered a form of vitamin B that is easily dissolved in water-soluble organic compounds known as lipids. Sulbutiamine made its first appearance in the mid-1970s. It was developed to provide a derivative with more lipophilicity, which is in reference to a compound's capability to dissolve in lipids.

Sulbutiamine is usually manufactured as a 200-milligram tablet, to be taken three times a day via oral administration. Thus the most common dosage is 600 mg. In a report published in the 2005 book Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, however, a group of French medical researchers recommend a 850-mg therapeutic dosage for patients who weigh no less than 150 pounds (68 kilograms). Ultimately, dosage recommendations vary widely, and sulbutiamine is also available as a capsule or powder.

Some people who take sulbutiamine may develop a mild skin allergy, and some elderly patients in particular may experience a small measure of anxiety or nervousness. A 2006 article based on the study of a patient with bipolar disorder was published in the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, indicating that overuse of the drug can cause complications. There are few side effects, however, associated with sulbutiamine.

Sulbutiamine is available in more than 30 countries, mostly in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. They include Colombia, India, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, Syria and Vietnam. Generally, however, the drug does not enjoy widespread legal status. Additionally, it is not known to be manufactured or marketed in the United States, where it has yet to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).