Nortriptyline is the active metabolite of which of the following drugs?

Prepare for the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test with comprehensive flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions. Each question includes helpful hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your test!

Multiple Choice

Nortriptyline is the active metabolite of which of the following drugs?

Explanation:
Nortriptyline is produced when amitriptyline is demethylated in the liver, turning the tertiary amine into a secondary amine metabolite that still has antidepressant activity. That’s why amitriptyline is the drug whose active metabolite is nortriptyline. Other TCAs have different active metabolites: imipramine is demethylated to desipramine, and doxepin is converted to nordoxepin, so those metabolites are not nortriptyline.

Nortriptyline is produced when amitriptyline is demethylated in the liver, turning the tertiary amine into a secondary amine metabolite that still has antidepressant activity. That’s why amitriptyline is the drug whose active metabolite is nortriptyline. Other TCAs have different active metabolites: imipramine is demethylated to desipramine, and doxepin is converted to nordoxepin, so those metabolites are not nortriptyline.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy