A noncompetitive antagonist at GABA-A receptors and thus a convulsant. Picrotoxin blocks the gamma-aminobutyric acid-activated chloride ionophore. Although it is most often used as a research tool, it has been...
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Picrotoxin antagonizes the GABAA receptor channel directly, which is a ligand-gated ion channel concerned chiefly with the passing of chloride ions across the cell membrane. Therefore picrotoxin prevents Cl- channel permeability and thus promtes an inhibitory influence on the target neuron. Picrotoxin reduces conductance through the channel by reducing not only the opening frequency but also the mean open time. Picrotoxin also antagonizes GABAC receptors (also called GABAA-rho receptors) but the result of this action is not known. The GABAC receptor is also linked to chloride channels, with distinct physiological and pharmacological properties. In contrast to the fast and transient responses elicited from GABAA receptors, GABAC receptors mediate slow and sustained responses.
- Primary indication
- Used internally for relieving respiratory distress.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C30H34O13 · 602.5832 g/mol (avg)
- Also known as
- cocculin
Resolves to
VJKUPQSHOVKBCO-ZTYBEOBUSA-NSMILES[H][C@@]12OC(=O)[C@@]34OC3C[C@@](O)(C3[C@@H](C1OC3=O)C(C)=C)[C@@]24C.[H][C@@]12C[C@@]3(O)C4[C@@H](C(OC4=O)[C@@]4([H])OC(=O)[C@]1(O2)[C@@]34C)C(C)(C)OWhat you can answer from here — as of August 31, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Picrotoxin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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