Question

Non selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors

(Mechanism of action, uses, adverse effects, preparation in market)

Answer 1

Monamine oxidase inhibitor is a class of drugs used as anti depressants. It is used to treat phobia, depression,post traumatic stress disorder.

Mechanism of action : It acts by inhibiting activity of monoamine oxidase , enzyme responsible for breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine from the brain.

It is important to avoid foods rich in tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid that helps regulating blood pressure. MAOIs blocks monoamine oxidase that is essential in breakdown of tyramine.

Hypertensive crisis is the common side effects if patient is on MAOI in additional patient eating tyramine rich diet.

Withdrawal syndrome is more common with abrupt discontinuation of MAOI.

The most common forms of MAOI available in market are:

• Nilamide
• Hydracarbazine
• Isocarboxazid
• Tranylcypromine
• Selegiline