Oxypertine, sold under the brand name Oxypertine among others, is an antipsychotic medication of the tryptamine and phenylpiperazine groups which was previously used in the treatment of schizophrenia but is no longer marketed. It was also evaluated for the treatment of anxiety.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

The drug shows high affinity for the serotonin 5-HT2 and dopamine D2 receptors (Ki = 8.6nM and 30nM, respectively). It antagonizes the behavioral effects of tryptamine, a serotonin receptor agonist, and apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist, in animals. Like reserpine and tetrabenazine, oxypertine depletes catecholamines, though not serotonin, possibly contributing to its antipsychotic effectiveness.

Chemistry

Chemically, it is a substituted tryptamine and phenylpiperazine derivative. Its chemical structure is similar to other "pertines" including alpertine, milipertine, and solypertine.

History

Oxypertine was first described in the scientific literature by 1962.

Society and culture

Names

Oxypertine is the generic name of the drug and its INN, USAN, BAN, DCF, and JAN. It is also known by its former developmental code name WIN-18501. The drug has been sold under brand names including Equipertine, Forit, Integrin, Lanturil, Lotawin, Opertil, and Oxypertine.