Chemical Properties
Pale Yellow Solid
Originator
Alival,Hoechst,W. Germany ,1976
Uses
A novel antidepressant distinguished from existing tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants by its bicyclic structure.
Uses
Antidepressant;Dopamine uptake inhibitor
Manufacturing Process
A solution of N-(2-aminobenzyl)-1-phenyl-2-methylaminoethanol-1 was prepared by the reaction of α-bromo-acetophenone and (2nitrobenzyl)methylamine, followed by hydrogenation of the nitro group by means of nickel on diatomaceous earth at room temperature and reduction of the CO group by means of sodium borohydride. The intermediate thus produced was dissolved in 100 ml of methylene chloride and introduced dropwise into 125 ml of sulfuric acid at 10° to 15°C. After a short standing, the reaction mixture was poured onto ice and rendered alkaline by means of a sodium hydroxide solution. By extraction with ether, there was obtained 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-phenyl-8-amino-isoquinoline. The base is reacted with maleic acid to give the maleate; melting point of the maleate 199° to 201°C (from ethanol).
Brand name
Merital (Hoechst-Roussel).
Therapeutic Function
Psychostimulant
Biochem/physiol Actions
Nomifensine maleate is a selective dopamine uptake inhibitor interacting with the dopamine transporter, at a site different from that of cocaine; antidepressant. Nomifensine serves as an antidepressant and is known to cause frequent hemolytic anemia. The aniline group in this compound results in blood and liver toxicities.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion,subcutaneous, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes.Human systemic effects by intravenous route: heart ratechanges, blood pressure elevation. Experimentalreproductive effects. An antidepressant. When heated to decomposition it em
