Isocarboxazid is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used to treat enduring and debilitating symptoms of depression following inadequate clinical response to other antidepressant drugs. Isocarboxazid has the formula 1-benzyl-2-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolylcarbonyl)hydrazine-isocarboxazid.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Isocarboxazid works by irreversibly blocking the action of monoamine oxidases (MAO) in the nervous system. MAO subtypes A and B are involved in the metabolism of serotonin and catecholamine neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Isocarboxazid, as a nonselective MAO inhibitor, binds irreversibly to monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B). Isocarboxacid, like other monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are unique psychopharmacological agents whose clinical effect is related to the direct action of the monoamine oxidases to transform them into reactive metabolites.
- Primary indication
- Isocarboxazid is indicated for the treatment of the enduring and debilitating symptoms of depression that have not responded to other antidepressant drugs.Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C12H13N3O2 · 231.2505 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- United States, 1959
- Code names
- RO 5-0831
- Brand names
Resolves to
XKFPYPQQHFEXRZ-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC1=CC(=NO1)C(=O)NNCC1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Isocarboxazid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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