Drug Groups

approved

Description

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant introduced by Organon International in 1996 used for the treatment of moderate to severe depression. Mirtazapine has a tetracyclic chemical structure and is classified as a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA). It is the only tetracyclic antidepressant that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat depression. [Wikipedia]

Indication

For the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Pharmacology

Mirtazapine, an antidepressant of the piperazinoazepine class, is a tetracyclic compound with an anxiolytic effect. Mirtazapine has fewer ADRs than tricyclic antidepressants and is better tolerated. Selective blockade of specific serotonin receptors by mirtazapine likey minimizes side effects typical of other antidepressants.

Toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include disorientation, drowsiness, impaired memory, and tachycardia. LD50 is 600-720mg/kg (oral, mice) and 320-490mg/kg (oral, rat) [PMID: 10333982]

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Mirtazapine is extensively metabolized by demethylation and hydroxylation followed by glucuronide conjugation. Cytochrome P450 2D6 and cytochrome P450 1A2 are involved in formation of the 8-hydroxy metabolite of mirtazapine, and cytochrome P450 3A4 is responsible for the formation of the N-desmethyl and N-oxide metabolites. Several metabolites possess pharmacological activity, but plasma levels are very low.

Absorption

Rapid and complete, but, due to first-pass metabolism, absolute bioavailability is 50%.

Half Life

20-40 hours

Protein Binding

85%

Elimination

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney (75%).

References

External Links