Norfenefrine, also known as meta-octopamine or norphenylephrine and sold under the brand name Novadral among others, is a sympathomimetic medication which is used in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure). Along with its structural isomer p-octopamine and the tyramines, norfenefrine is a naturally occurring endogenous trace amine and plays a role as a minor neurotransmitter in the brain.

Medical uses

Norfenefrine is used in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure). It is said to be similarly effective or less effective than midodrine.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Norfenefrine is described as an α-adrenergic receptor agonist and sympathomimetic agent. It is said to act predominantly as an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist.

Chemistry

Norfenefrine, also known as 3,β-dihydroxyphenethylamine, is a substituted phenethylamine derivative. It is an analogue of norepinephrine (3,4,β-trihydroxyphenethylamine), of meta-tyramine (3-hydroxyphenethylamine), of phenylephrine ((R)-β,3-dihydroxy-N-methylphenethylamine), of etilefrine (3,β-dihydroxy-N-ethylphenethylamine), and of metaterol (3,β-dihydroxy-N-isopropylphenethylamine), as well as of metaraminol ((1R,2S)-3,β-dihydroxy-α-methylphenethylamine). Norfenefrine is used medically as the hydrochloride salt. The predicted log P of norfenefrine is -0.28 to -0.95.

Society and culture

Names

Norfenefrine is the generic name of the drug and its INN. Synonyms of norfenefrine include hydroxyphenylethanolamine, nor-phenylephrine, and m-norsynephrine, among others. Brand names of norfenefrine include Novadral, A.S. COR, Coritat, Energona, Hypolind, Norfenefrin Ziethen, and Norfenefrin-Ratiopharm, among others.

Availability

Norfenefrine is marketed in Europe, Japan, and Mexico.