indication

For the treatment of moderate to severe hypertension.

pharmacology

Pargyline is a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor with antihypertensive properties. Patients taking pargyline must avoid concurrent consumption of tyramine-containing foods such as bleu cheese and beer, as this can lead to a hypertensive crisis.

mechanism of action

MAOIs act by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, thus preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their availability. There are two isoforms of monoamine oxidase, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A preferentially deaminates serotonin, melatonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. MAO-B preferentially deaminates phenylethylamine and trace amines. Pargyline functions by inhibiting the metabolism of catecholamines and tyramine within presynaptic nerve terminals. Catecholamines cause general physiological changes that prepare the body for physical activity (fight-or-flight response). Some typical effects are increases in heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and a general reaction of the sympathetic nervous system.

drug interactions

Epinephrine: Increased arterial pressure

Fenoterol: Increased arterial pressure

Guanethidine: Pargyline may decrease the effect of guanethidine.

Methotrimeprazine: Possible severe adverse reaction with this combination

Orciprenaline: Increased arterial pressure

Phenylephrine: Increased arterial pressure

Phenylpropanolamine: Increased arterial pressure

Pseudoephedrine: Increased arterial pressure

Terbutaline: Increased arterial pressure