The role of cytochrome P450 2D6 in the metabolism of moclobemide.

The metabolic fate of moclobemide (Ro 11-1163), a new reversible and selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A), has been assessed in a pilot study in 2 debrisoquine poor metabolizers (PM) and 4 extensive metabolizers (EM) after multiple oral dosings of moclobemide with and without co-medication of dextromethorphan. Absorption and disposition parameters were not different between PM and EM. Concurrent application of dextromethorphan, a selective substrate of CYP2D6, did not affect the pharmacokinetics of moclobemide. These results indicate that the cytochromal isoenzyme CYP2D6 does not play a major role in the metabolic degradation of moclobemide. Limited CYP2D6 activities because of a genetic defect or co-medications with CYP2D6 substrates should therefore not give rise to elevated moclobemide blood levels.