NARDIL (phenelzine sulfate) · PARKE DAVIS
Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) indicated for the treatment of depression clinically characterized as "atypical," "nonendogenous," or "neurotic." It is specifically noted for its efficacy in patients presenting with mixed anxiety and depression, often accompanied by phobic or hypochondriacal features. Because there is less conclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness in severe endogenous depression, and due to its side effect profile, Nardil is typically reserved for patients who have failed to respond to first-line antidepressant therapies and should rarely be used as an initial treatment.
How NARDIL Works
Phenelzine is a potent, non-selective, and irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). By inhibiting both MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms, the drug prevents the metabolic breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. This leads to an accumulation of these neurotransmitters within the presynaptic neurons and an increase in their availability in the synaptic cleft, which is believed to be the primary mechanism for its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
Details
- Status
- Prescription
- First Approved
- 1961-06-09
- Routes
- ORAL
- Dosage Forms
- TABLET
NARDIL Approval History
What NARDIL Treats
3 indicationsNARDIL is approved for 3 conditions since its original approval in 1961. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobia
NARDIL Boxed Warning
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Nardil or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with ...
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Nardil or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Nardil is not approved for use in pediatric patients. (See Warnings: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk , Precautions: Information for Patients , and Precautions: Pediatric Use )
NARDIL Competitive Set
ProThree rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.
Indication competitors
Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?
Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.
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Clinical Trial Registry
4 trials| Trial | Sponsor ID | Phase | Status | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT02217709 results posted | 4P-14-1 NCI-2014-01791, HS-14-00331 | Ph 2 | completed | Phenelzine Sulfate in Treating Patients With Non-metastatic Recurrent Prostate Cancer |
| NCT03979820 results posted | 1386.16 2018-003965-32 | Ph 1 | terminated | A Study in Healthy People to Test How Combining BI 1467335 and Tyramine Affects Blood Pressure |
| NCT03505528 Epi-PRIMED | EpiAxis 001-0716 | Ph 1 | completed | An Early Phase Study of Abraxane Combined With Phenelzine Sulfate in Patients With Metastatic or Advanced Breast Cancer |
| NCT01253642 results posted | IRB00005688 NCI-2010-02037, SOL-09105-LM | Ph 2 | terminated | Phenelzine Sulfate and Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Prostate Cancer With Progressive Disease After First-Line Therapy With Docetaxel |
Active Pipeline
Ongoing clinical trials by development phase
Key Completed Trials
Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance
Trial Timeline
Full development history with FDA approval milestones
Understanding FDA Approval Types
| Count | Type | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| - | ORIG | Original approval - drug first enters market |
| - | SUPPL - Efficacy | New indication (new disease/condition approved) |
| - | SUPPL - Labeling | Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates) |
| - | SUPPL - Manufacturing | Production changes (new facility) |
| - | SUPPL - Chemistry | Formulation changes (new dosage strength) |
Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.
NARDIL FDA Label Details
Indications & Usage
FDA Label (PDF)NARDIL has been found to be effective in depressed patients clinically characterized as "atypical," "nonendogenous," or "neurotic." These patients often have mixed anxiety and depression and phobic or hypochondriacal features. There is less conclusive evidence of its usefulness with severely depressed patients with endogenous features. NARDIL should rarely be the first antidepressant drug used. Rather, it is more suitable for use with patients who have failed to respond to the drugs more commonly used for these conditions.
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use ...
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Data Sources
Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.