Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in hypertension

1. 1. A survey of the literature reveals that the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, 1-isonicotinyl-2-isopropyl hydrazine (iproniazid, Marsilid), betaphenylisopropyl-hydrazine hydrochloride (JB 516, Catron®) and DL-serine-N²-isopropyl hydrazide monohydrochloride (RO4–1038)have antihypertensive effects in man.

2. 2. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors cause primarily postural hypotension and in general are potentiated by the simultaneous administration of chlorothiazide. Their cumulative action permits continuous control of hypertension with infrequent dosage but also creates the danger of prolonged hypotension following overdosage.

3. 3. Their antihypertensive action could not be correlated with their relative potency as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

4. 4. RO4–1038 appears to be the most effective hypotensive agent and from preliminary observations is without serious side effects or major toxicity in the doses used.

5. 5. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors will probably have an important place in the therapy of hypertension.