Interaction of moclobemide, a new reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor with oral tyramine.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study in 8 healthy volunteers possible interactions between moclobemide and tyramine were studied. Eight volunteers received either moclobemide or placebo for a period of 6 days and received tyramine on day 5 and day 6 of each treatment period. Moclobemide was given in a daily dose of 450 mg to be taken in three divided doses at the end of the meals. Tyramine was administered in the form of an artificially tyramine enriched cheese (camembert) together with a meal at noon. The total tyramine doses administered were 50 mg on day 5 and 100 mg on day 6 of each treatment period. Comparisons of blood pressure and heart rate changes after tyramine ingestion between moclobemide and placebo conditions did not indicate any relevant moclobemide-tyramine interaction. It is concluded that tyramine in quantities of up to 100 mg does not lead to clinically relevant blood pressure reactions in moclobemide-treated subjects, if moclobemide is taken at the end of the meal.