A fatality due to moclobemide. 1997

C Camaris, and D Little
Department of Anatomical Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

A fatality due to ingestion of the antidepressant drug moclobemide is reported. Moclobemide is a selective and reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A. Previous reports have suggested that it is a safe drug even when taken in large quantities. The few reported fatalities have all been ascribed to serotonin syndrome, due to an interaction between moclobemide and other serotonergic agents. A 48-year-old woman with a history of depression and suicide attempts was found deceased at home. Autopsy revealed no evidence of significant natural disease or injury. Toxicologic analysis was performed and drug levels measured by capillary gas chromatography. The blood concentration of moclobemide was 137 mg/L and the liver concentration was 432 mg/kg. Low levels of diazepam, nordiazepam, and trifluoperazine were also detected. Death was considered to be due to acute poisoning by moclobemide. This case report is the first, to our knowledge, where death has been attributed to the toxic effects of moclobemide alone.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008099 Liver A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances. Livers
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D003708 Nordazepam An intermediate in the metabolism of DIAZEPAM to OXAZEPAM. It may have actions similar to those of diazepam. Dealkylprazepam,Demethyldiazepam,Deoxydemoxepam,Desmethyldiazepam,Nordiazepam,Calmday,N-Desalkylhalazepam,N-Descyclopropylmethyl-Prazepam,N-Descyclopropylmethylprazepam,N-Destrifluoroethylhalazepam,Nordaz,Norprazepam,Ro 5-2180,Tranxilium N,Vegesan,N Desalkylhalazepam,N Descyclopropylmethyl Prazepam,N Descyclopropylmethylprazepam,N Destrifluoroethylhalazepam,Ro 5 2180,Ro 52180
D003975 Diazepam A benzodiazepine with anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and amnesic properties and a long duration of action. Its actions are mediated by enhancement of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID activity. 7-Chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one,Apaurin,Diazemuls,Faustan,Relanium,Seduxen,Sibazon,Stesolid,Valium
D005260 Female Females
D005442 Flumazenil A potent benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Since it reverses the sedative and other actions of benzodiazepines, it has been suggested as an antidote to benzodiazepine overdoses. Flumazepil,Anexate,Lanexat,Ro 15-1788,Romazicon,Ro 15 1788,Ro 151788
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000928 Antidepressive Agents Mood-stimulating drugs used primarily in the treatment of affective disorders and related conditions. Several MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS are useful as antidepressants apparently as a long-term consequence of their modulation of catecholamine levels. The tricyclic compounds useful as antidepressive agents (ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENTS, TRICYCLIC) also appear to act through brain catecholamine systems. A third group (ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENTS, SECOND-GENERATION) is a diverse group of drugs including some that act specifically on serotonergic systems. Antidepressant,Antidepressant Drug,Antidepressant Medication,Antidepressants,Antidepressive Agent,Thymoanaleptic,Thymoanaleptics,Thymoleptic,Thymoleptics,Antidepressant Drugs,Agent, Antidepressive,Drug, Antidepressant,Medication, Antidepressant
D001549 Benzamides BENZOIC ACID amides.
D014268 Trifluoperazine A phenothiazine with actions similar to CHLORPROMAZINE. It is used as an antipsychotic and an antiemetic. Trifluoroperazine,Triftazin,Apo-Trifluoperazine,Eskazine,Flupazine,Stelazine,Terfluzine,Trifluoperazine HCL,Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride,Trifluperazine,Apo Trifluoperazine,ApoTrifluoperazine

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