Nomifensine

Nomifensine is an N-methylated tetrahydroisoquinoline carrying phenyl and amino substituents at positions C-4 and C-8, respectively. Among its listed roles, it functions as a dopamine uptake inhibitor. Nomifensine, formerly marketed as Merital capsules, was associated with an increased incidence of hemolytic anemia. The approved application holder removed Merital capsules from the market on January 23, 1986. FDA published a notice of its determination that Merital capsules were removed from the market for safety reasons (see the Federal Register of June 17, 1986 (51 FR 21981)). Approval of the NDA for Merital capsules was withdrawn on March 20, 1992 (see the Federal Register of March 20, 1992 (57 FR 9729)). Also withdrawn from the Canadian and UK markets. An isoquinoline derivative that prevents dopamine reuptake into synaptosomes. The maleate was formerly used to treat 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 It was withdrawn worldwide in 1986 due to the risk of acute hemolytic anemia with intravascular hemolysis resulting from its use.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). Its therapeutic use is listed as antidepressants. The directory classifies it as a discontinued API with a synthetic source/manufacturing origin. Other names for this substance include nomifensin, Linamiphen and (+-)-Nomifensin. Its PubChem CID is 4528.