Metabolism of ephedrine by MAO or COMT?

Study for the Vasopressors and Inotropes Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Metabolism of ephedrine by MAO or COMT?

Explanation:
Metabolism by MAO or COMT applies to catecholamines and related catechol-containing structures. Ephedrine is a phenethylamine that does not have a catechol ring, so COMT has little to act on. MAO also does not efficiently metabolize ephedrine as a substrate. Its main fate is hepatic metabolism via other enzymes (such as cytochrome P450–mediated pathways, including N-demethylation to norephedrine) and subsequent excretion. Therefore there is no significant metabolism by MAO or COMT.

Metabolism by MAO or COMT applies to catecholamines and related catechol-containing structures. Ephedrine is a phenethylamine that does not have a catechol ring, so COMT has little to act on. MAO also does not efficiently metabolize ephedrine as a substrate. Its main fate is hepatic metabolism via other enzymes (such as cytochrome P450–mediated pathways, including N-demethylation to norephedrine) and subsequent excretion. Therefore there is no significant metabolism by MAO or COMT.

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