For the treatment of depression.
The mechanism of action of moclobemide involves the selective, reversible inhibition of MAO-A. This inhibition leads to a decrease in the metabolism and destruction of monoamines in the neurotransmitters. This results in an increase in the monoamines, relieving depressive symptoms.
LD50 (mouse) is 730mg/kg and LD50 (rat) is 1,300mg/kg. Signs of toxicity include hypertension, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tremors, headache, agitation, muscle rigidity and seizures.
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (> 95%). The presence of food reduces the rate but not the extent of absorption. Hepatic first pass metabolism reduces bioavailability to 45-70% following administration of a single dose, but increases to 80% with multiple dosing as a result of saturation of the first pass effect. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 - 2 hours following oral administration.
1-2 hours (4 hours in cirrhotic patients); metabolites are renally excreted