Formula C15H23N3O4S | Molar mass 341.4258 g/mol | |
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Levosulpiride is a substituted benzamide antipsychotic, reported to be a selective antagonist of dopamine D2 receptor activity on both central and peripheral levels. It is an atypical neuroleptic and a prokinetic agent. Levosulpiride is also claimed to have mood elevating properties.
Contents
Chemically, it is the (S)-(−)-enantiomer of sulpiride.
Uses
Levosulpiride is used in the treatment of:
Levosulpiride is not currently licensed for treatment of premature ejaculation in the UK or other European countries.
Side effect
Side effects include amenorrhea, gynecomastia, galactorrhea, changes in libido, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. In the U.S., as of 2013 only one case of adverse reaction to Levosulpiride had been recorded on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database. A case of rapid onset resistant dystonia (involuntary movements of the trunk, lips, and arms) caused by low dose levosulpiride was reported in India.
Mechanism of action
In contrast to most other neuroleptics which block both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, sulpiride is more selective and acts primarily as a dopamine D2 antagonist. Sulpiride appears to lack effects on norepinephrine, acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
Pharmacodynamics
Sulpiride is a substituted benzamide derivative and a selective dopamine D2 antagonist with antipsychotic and antidepressant activity. Other benzamide derivatives include metoclopramide, tiapride, and sultopride.