Phenelzine

Drug #559

Phenelzine is oral, MAOI (monoamino oxidase inhibitor)-type antidepressant. Phenelzine is a derivative of hydrazine and irreversibly inhibits monoamine oxidase. Phenelzine is used to treat major depression, particularly atypical depression, nonendogenous depression, anxiety, double depression (in which the patient can have a dysthymic mood and major depression), and psychotic depression (in which there are prominent psychotic features), as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and phobic disorder. It was approved by the FDA in 1959. Antidepressant activity arises from the increased availability of monoamines, resulting from the inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). Reduction of MAO activity causes an increased concentration of neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, at various storage sites in the CNS.

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Primary Characteristics

Phenelzine is also known as Phenelzine Sulfate.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Hydrazine.

It is classified in Antidepressant pharmacological group. It is also classified under Psychotherapeutic Drugs .

Molecular Weight: 234.3 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 7 · Solubility in Alcohol: Practically Insoluble · Non-proprietary name: Phenelzine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Phenelzine has an oral bioavailability is 83% (±7%).

Elimination: plasma half-life is 1 hr.

Indications

Phenelzine is primarily indicated in conditions like Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorders, Pain, Phobias.

Contraindications

Phenelzine is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy, Phaeochromocytoma, Blood dyscrasias, Liver diseases, Cardiovascular disease, Cerebrovascular disease.

Dosage

Phenelzine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1.071 mg/kg	1.071 mg/kg	Every 24h	PO	-
15 mg	15 mg	—	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not indicated in children
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not indicated in children

Drug Interactions

Unknown11 interactions

18 interactions

Major3 interactions

Moderate1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Phenelzine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hypomania , Jaundice , Leucopenia, Peripheral neuropathy , Psychosis , Orthostatic hypotension , Insomnia , Agitation .

Phenelzine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cerebral hemorrhage. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Phenelzine are Hyperthermia, Agitation, Confusion , Extrapyramidal effects , Neuromuscular weakness, Involuntary movements, Convulsions , nervousness, Hyperpyrexia, Hypertension.

Phenelzine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Cardiac arrhythmias , Constipation , Convulsions , Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Fatigue, GI disturbance, Headache, Nervousness, Tremor, Weakness.

Warnings / Precautions

Take adequate precautions when treating epileptic patients. Phenelzine should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal (kidney) function, diabetic, and hyperthyroidism. Perform periodic liver function tests, discontinue use at the first sign of hepatic (liver) dysfunction or jaundice. It should be withdrawn gradually to decrease risk of withdrawl symptoms. Avoid alcohol. It is not approve for children as it increase risk of suicidal thinking.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Phenelzine should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.24.2.1 — Drugs used in depression
2.24.3 — Drugs used in anxiety and sleep disorders