Cardiocirculatory effects of moclobemide (Ro 11-1163), a new reversible, a short-acting MAO-inhibitor with preferential Type A inhibition, in healthy volunteers and depressive patients

Abstract
Summary The benzamide-derivative moclobemide (Ro 11-1163) is a new short-acting, reversible MAO-inhibitor, preferentially affecting Type A MAO, which is, being developed as an antidepressant agent. The effect of moclobemide on heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiographic and systolic time intervals was assessed in eight healthy volunteers and seven depressive patients. The volunteers received single doses of 100 mg, 150 mg and placebo in radomized single-blind order. Seven patients received placebo and 100 mg as single doses and five patients were also given chronic treatment with individually assessed optimal therapeutic dose (100–400 mg). No change in blood pressure, heart rate, ECG or systolic time intervals was found. The compound was well tolerated. The findings suggest that moclobemide may be a safe MAO-inhibitor as far as sympathetic responsiveness and cardiovascular effects are concerned.