- Last edited on November 2, 2021
Tetrabenazine (Nitoman/Xenazine)
Primer
Tetrabenazine (Trade name: Nitoman/Xenazine) is a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor used in the treatment of Huntington's Disease and tardive dyskinesia.
Pharmacokinetics
See also article: Introduction to Pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics of Tetrabenazine
See also article: Cytochrome (CYP) P450 Metabolism
Tetrabenazine: Cytochrome P450 Metabolism
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Pharmacodynamics
Mechanism of Action
Toxicity
Indications
Dosing
Dosing for Tetrabenazine
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Formulations
- Tetrabenazine comes in
Monitoring
Contraindications
Tetrabenazine should not be taken under the following circumstances:
- Known hypersensitivity to tetrabenazine
- In patients with currently untreated or inadequately treated episodes of clinical depression
- If administered together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- At least 14 days should elapse between the discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of treatment with tetrabenazine, and vice versa (between the discontinuation of tetrabenazine and the initiation of treatment with an MAOI)
- Impaired hepatic function
- In patients taking reserpine
Absolute
Relative
Drug-Drug Interactions
Side Effects
- Tetrabenazine can cause depression as it causes a depletion of amines, therefore, untreated depression is a contraindication.
Adverse Events
Clinical Pearls
Special Populations
Geriatric
See main article: Geriatric Pharmacology
Pediatric
See main article: Pediatric Pharmacology
Obstetric and Fetal
See main article: Obstetric and Fetal Pharmacology
Medically Ill
See main article: Psychotropic Dosing in the Medically Ill