Biomaterial Database

Nomifensine maleate: a new second-generation antidepressant. 1985

J L Kinney

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, dosage, and formulary recommendations for nomifensine maleate are reviewed. Nomifensine is a potent inhibitor of norepinephrine but has little effect on serotonin. It is unique in that it is a potent reuptake inhibitor of dopamine. Nomifensine is rapidly and completely absorbed and is widely distributed throughout the body. The major route of elimination is through the kidneys. Because of its short half-life and resultant lack of accumulation, nomifensine is usually given in divided doses. Nomifensine is approved for the treatment of depression. In clinical trials with imipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, maprotiline, and various investigational antidepressant drugs, it has been found to be as effective as the standard antidepressant agents. In general, nomifensine has been well tolerated by patients and has caused few side effects. It also has not been associated with serious toxic effects in overdose situations. The usual effective dose of nomifensine maleate is 100-200 mg daily given in divided doses. It appears to be a good choice for patients with profoundly retarded depression and for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional antidepressant drugs. Nomifensine should not be used alone in patients with schizoaffective disorders or in patients with agitated depression. Nomifensine is a safe and effective antidepressant with a fairly unique pharmacological profile. Because the drug is relatively safe and causes little sedation, it may offer substantial advantages over the more traditional antidepressants and should be considered for formulary addition.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D006993	Hypnotics and Sedatives	Drugs used to induce drowsiness or sleep or to reduce psychological excitement or anxiety.	Hypnotic,Sedative,Sedative and Hypnotic,Sedatives,Hypnotic Effect,Hypnotic Effects,Hypnotics,Sedative Effect,Sedative Effects,Sedatives and Hypnotics,Effect, Hypnotic,Effect, Sedative,Effects, Hypnotic,Effects, Sedative,Hypnotic and Sedative
D007700	Kinetics	The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D009627	Nomifensine	An isoquinoline derivative that prevents dopamine reuptake into synaptosomes. The maleate was formerly used in the treatment of depression. It was withdrawn worldwide in 1986 due to the risk of acute hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis resulting from its use. In some cases, renal failure also developed. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p266)	Hoe-984,Linamiphen,Merital,Nomifensin,Nomifensine Maleate,Nomifensine Maleate (1:1),Hoe 984,Hoe984,Maleate, Nomifensine
D010276	Parasympatholytics	Agents that inhibit the actions of the parasympathetic nervous system. The major group of drugs used therapeutically for this purpose is the MUSCARINIC ANTAGONISTS.	Antispasmodic,Antispasmodic Agent,Antispasmodic Drug,Antispasmodics,Parasympathetic-Blocking Agent,Parasympathetic-Blocking Agents,Parasympatholytic,Parasympatholytic Agent,Parasympatholytic Drug,Spasmolytic,Spasmolytics,Antispasmodic Agents,Antispasmodic Drugs,Antispasmodic Effect,Antispasmodic Effects,Parasympatholytic Agents,Parasympatholytic Drugs,Parasympatholytic Effect,Parasympatholytic Effects,Agent, Antispasmodic,Agent, Parasympathetic-Blocking,Agent, Parasympatholytic,Agents, Antispasmodic,Agents, Parasympathetic-Blocking,Agents, Parasympatholytic,Drug, Antispasmodic,Drug, Parasympatholytic,Drugs, Antispasmodic,Drugs, Parasympatholytic,Effect, Antispasmodic,Effect, Parasympatholytic,Effects, Antispasmodic,Effects, Parasympatholytic,Parasympathetic Blocking Agent,Parasympathetic Blocking Agents
D010353	Patient Education as Topic	The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs.	Education of Patients,Education, Patient,Patient Education
D002621	Chemistry	A basic science concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of matter; and the reactions that occur between substances and the associated energy exchange.
D002986	Clinical Trials as Topic	Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries.	Clinical Trial as Topic
D003866	Depressive Disorder	An affective disorder manifested by either a dysphoric mood or loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. The mood disturbance is prominent and relatively persistent.	Depression, Endogenous,Depression, Neurotic,Depression, Unipolar,Depressive Syndrome,Melancholia,Neurosis, Depressive,Unipolar Depression,Depressions, Endogenous,Depressions, Neurotic,Depressions, Unipolar,Depressive Disorders,Depressive Neuroses,Depressive Neurosis,Depressive Syndromes,Disorder, Depressive,Disorders, Depressive,Endogenous Depression,Endogenous Depressions,Melancholias,Neuroses, Depressive,Neurotic Depression,Neurotic Depressions,Syndrome, Depressive,Syndromes, Depressive,Unipolar Depressions
D004347	Drug Interactions	The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug.	Drug Interaction,Interaction, Drug,Interactions, Drug
D004348	Drug Labeling	Use of written, printed, or graphic materials upon or accompanying a drug container or wrapper. It includes contents, indications, effects, dosages, routes, methods, frequency and duration of administration, warnings, hazards, contraindications, side effects, precautions, and other relevant information.	Labeling, Drug,Package Inserts, Drug,Product Labeling, Drug,Black Box Warning,Boxed Warning,Drug Labelling,Black Box Warnings,Box Warning, Black,Box Warnings, Black,Boxed Warnings,Drug Package Insert,Drug Package Inserts,Drug Product Labeling,Insert, Drug Package,Inserts, Drug Package,Labeling, Drug Product,Labelling, Drug,Package Insert, Drug,Warning, Black Box,Warning, Boxed,Warnings, Black Box,Warnings, Boxed