Corbadrine, sold under the brand name Neo-Cobefrine and also known as levonordefrin and α-methylnorepinephrine, is a catecholamine sympathomimetic used as a topical nasal decongestant and vasoconstrictor in dentistry in the United States. It is usually used in a pre-mixed solution with local anesthetics, such as mepivacaine. The drug acts as a non-selective agonist of the α1-, α2-, and β-adrenergic receptors. It is said to have preferential activity at the α2-adrenergic receptor. Corbadrine is also a metabolite of the antihypertensive drug methyldopa and lays a role in its pharmacology and effects.

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics

Corbadrine is metabolized primarily by catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT).

Chemistry

Corbadrine, also known as 3,4,β-trihydroxy-α-methylphenethylamine or as 3,4,β-trihydroxyamphetamine, as well as α-methylnorepinephrine or (–)-3,4-dihydroxynorephedrine, is a substituted phenethylamine and amphetamine derivative. Analogues of corbadrine include α-methyldopamine, dioxifedrine (3,4-dihydroxyephedrine; α-methylepinephrine), dioxethedrin (3,4-dihydroxy-N-ethylnorephedrine; α-methyl-N-ethylnorepinephrine), and hydroxyamphetamine (4-hydroxyamphetamine; α-methyltyramine).

Society and culture

Names

Corbadrine is the generic name of the drug and its INN. It is also known as levonordefrin, which is its USAN. Synonyms of corbadrine include α-methylnorepinephrine and (–)-3,4-dihydroxynorephedrine. The drug has been sold under the brand name Neo-Cobefrine.