tetraethylammonium

Tetraethylammonium is a quaternary ammonium cation and experimental drug primarily used as a pharmacological research agent. Its main mechanism of action is the blockade of voltage-gated potassium channels, both calcium and voltage activated, as well as inhibition at autonomic ganglia and antagonism at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Tetraethylammonium was historically investigated for clinical use as a vasodilator and ganglionic blocker but was discontinued due to serious toxic effects and inconsistent cardiovascular responses. It is not orally active in humans. Today, it is mainly used in research settings to study ion channel physiology or as a reagent in chemical synthesis[1][2][3].

Brand names

Etamon

Other names

tetraethylazaniumtetramontetrylammoniumN,N,N-triethylethanaminiumtetraethylammonium iontetraethylammonium chloride (salt form)tetraethylammonium bromide (salt form)tetraethylammonium hydroxide (salt form)tetraethylammonium iodide (salt form)