indication

For the treatment of depression

pharmacology

Minaprine is an amino-phenylpyridazine antidepressant reported to be relatively free of cardiotoxicity, drowsiness, and weight gain. Similar to other antidepressant treatments, minaprine attenuates the beta-adrenergic receptor function. Studies have also shown that minaprine improves memory consolidation and that repeated drug administration leads to potentiation of this effect. Moreover, the effects of minaprine on memory consolidation are related to its dopaminergic action.

mechanism of action

Minaprine binds to serotonin type 2 receptors and to dopamine D1 and D2 type receptors. It also binds to the serotonin reuptake pump. Therefore, minaprine blocks the reuptake of both dopamine and serotonin. It is also, to a slight degree, cholinomimetic. Thus it may exhibit both mood-brightening and nootropic properties. It also acts as a reversible inhibitor of MAO-A (RIMA).It has also been found to inhibit acetylcholinesterase.

biotransformation

Hepatic. Cytochrome P4502D is responsible for the 4-hydroxylation of minaprine to 4-hydroxyminaprine.