MAO inhibitor activity

Swett and colleagues (37) have described some of the more than 100 molecular modifications that have been prepared of the recently introduced antihypertensive agent, pargyline, which is a nonhydrazide type of MAO inhibitor. In assessing the influence of molecular modifications on MAO inhibitor activity, these authors have considered this molecule from the basis of four component parts. From their modifications, they concluded that portion... 

The antihypertensive effects of guanethidine may be partially or totally reversed by the mixed-acting sympathomi-metics. Halogenated hydrocarbon anesthetics may sensitize the myocardium to the effects of catecholamines. Use of vasopressors may lead to serious arrhythmias. MAO inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine, increase the pressor response to mixed-acting vasopressors. Possible hypertensive crisis and intracranial hemorrhage may occur. This interaction may also occur with furazolidone, an antimicrobial with MAO inhibitor activity. In obstetrics, if vasopressor drugs are used either to correct hypotension or are added to the local anesthetic solution, some oxytocics may cause severe persistent hypertension in the presence of mephenteramine. The pressor response of mephenteramine may be attenuated by tricyclic antidepressants, which block the uptake of norepinephrine. 

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