Modvigil is a widely used generic version of Modafinil, a eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting) medication. Manufactured by Hab Pharma, Modvigil is often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to branded Modafinil (like Provigil) and is used off-label by students, professionals, and shift workers to enhance focus, combat fatigue, and support productivity. But what exactly goes into a Modvigil tablet? This article explores ingredients of Modvigil both the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and inactive excipients, explaining the role each plays in its formulation.
Active Ingredient: Modafinil (200 mg)
The main compound responsible for Modvigil’s effects is:
Modafinil – 200 mg per tablet
- Pharmacological class: Eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent)
- Mechanism of action: Modafinil’s exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by increasing the availability of dopamine, norepinephrine, and orexin in the brain. It promotes alertness without typical amphetamine-like side effects.
- Indications:
- Narcolepsy
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD)
- (Off-label) ADHD, fatigue, cognitive enhancement
Modafinil has a half-life of 10–12 hours, making it suitable for once-daily dosing, typically in the morning.
Inactive Ingredients of Modvigil (Excipients)
Alongside Modafinil, Modvigil tablets contain pharmacologically inactive compounds called excipients. These do not affect the drug’s activity but are essential for stability, absorption, tablet integrity, and manufacturing.
Common Excipients in Modvigil:
Lactose Monohydrate
- Role: Filler and binder
- Helps form the bulk of the tablet
- May be unsuitable for lactose-intolerant users
Microcrystalline Cellulose
- Improves tablet strength and compressibility
- Ensures even distribution of the active drug throughout the pill
Magnesium Stearate
- Acts as a lubricant to prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment
Starch (Maize or Corn)
- Used as a disintegrant, allowing the tablet to break down quickly in the digestive tract
Povidone (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)
- Functions as a binder that helps the powder ingredients stick together and form a consistent tablet
Talc
- Enhances tablet appearance and stability
Silicon Dioxide
- Glidant that ensures smooth flow of powder during manufacturing
Exact excipient composition may vary slightly depending on batch and country of distribution, but core ingredients remain consistent across standard Modvigil 200 mg tablets.
Tablet Design and Packaging
- Color: White to off-white
- Shape: Round or oblong
- Packaging: Typically sold in blister strips of 10 tablets
- Markings: Often embossed with “MODVIGIL 200” or similar for identification
Modvigil vs. Other Modafinil Brands
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Modafinil Strength | Primary Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modvigil | HAB Pharma | 200 mg | Cost-effective, widely available |
| Modalert | Sun Pharma | 100 / 200 mg | Branded generic with high consistency |
| Vilafinil | Centurion Labs | 200 mg | Less consistent quality reviews |
| Provigil | Cephalon/Teva | 100 / 200 mg | Original brand, expensive |
While all these brands contain Modafinil as the active drug, differences in excipients and manufacturing standards can affect:
- Absorption rate
- Onset time
- Duration of effects
- Gastrointestinal tolerance
Are Modvigil’s Excipients Safe?
For most healthy adults, the excipients in Modvigil are generally considered safe. However, some users may experience mild issues such as:
- Bloating or gas from lactose
- Mild headaches (common with Modafinil in general)
- Allergic reactions (rare; more likely due to fillers than Modafinil)
Always check with a healthcare provider if you have:
- Known allergies to starches or lactose
- Severe liver conditions (Modafinil is metabolized in the liver)
- Concerns about interactions with other medications
Summary Table: Ingredients in Modvigil
| Ingredient | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Modafinil (200 mg) | Active | Wakefulness-promoting agent |
| Lactose Monohydrate | Inactive | Bulking agent |
| Microcrystalline Cellulose | Inactive | Binder, adds strength |
| Magnesium Stearate | Inactive | Lubricant for manufacturing |
| Corn Starch | Inactive | Disintegration aid |
| Povidone | Inactive | Binding agent |
| Talc | Inactive | Coating/stabilizing agent |
| Silicon Dioxide | Inactive | Anti-caking/glidant |
Modvigil is a popular and effective generic Modafinil product that contains both high-purity Modafinil (200 mg) and a blend of inactive pharmaceutical-grade excipients. While it differs from brands like Modalert or Provigil in cost and packaging, its core pharmacological effects are consistent when sourced from a reputable supplier.
Whether you’re using it for a diagnosed sleep disorder or exploring its cognitive benefits under medical supervision, understanding ingredients of Modvigil can help you make more informed decisions about your health and safety. We also recommend to check side effects before you buy modvigil online.