minaprine

Minaprine is an amino-phenylpyridazine antidepressant that was primarily used in France for the treatment of depression until its withdrawal from the market in 1996 due to reports of convulsions[3][7]. It is relatively free of cardiotoxicity, drowsiness, and weight gain compared to other antidepressants[1][2][5]. Minaprine acts as a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and dopamine by binding to their respective transporters and receptors (serotonin type 2 receptors; dopamine D1 and D2 receptors), exhibits slight cholinomimetic activity, and weakly inhibits acetylcholinesterase[2][3][4][5]. These actions contribute to its mood-brightening, stimulant, and potential nootropic properties. Additionally, it has demonstrated some antibiotic activity against certain resistant bacteria such as Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium abscessus[3].

Brand names

BranturCantor

Other names

minaprinum