[1] IDRA-21 shows nootropic effects in animal studies, significantly improving learning and memory.

It is around 10–30 times more potent than aniracetam in reversing cognitive deficits induced by alprazolam or scopolamine,[2][3] and produces sustained effects lasting for up to 48 hours after a single dose.

[4] The mechanism for this action is thought to be through promoting the induction of long-term potentiation between synapses in the brain.

[5] IDRA-21 may not produce neurotoxicity under normal conditions,[6] although it may worsen neuronal damage following global ischemia after stroke or seizures.

[8] Newer benzothiadiazide derivatives with greatly increased potency compared to IDRA-21 have been developed,[9][10] but these have not been researched to the same extent, with the benzoylpiperidine and benzoylpyrrolidine CX-series of drugs being favoured for clinical development, most likely due to more favourable toxicity profiles at high doses.