How is phenylephrine metabolized?

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Study for the Vasopressors and Inotropes Test. Engage with multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get equipped to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

How is phenylephrine metabolized?

Explanation:
Phenylephrine is metabolized primarily by monoamine oxidase (MAO) rather than by COMT because of its chemical structure. It is a noncatecholamine amine, meaning its aromatic ring does not carry the two adjacent hydroxyl groups (a catechol) that COMT targets for methylation. MAO in the gut and liver oxidatively deaminates such amines, rapidly inactivating phenylephrine. Since COMT acts mainly on catecholamines with the catechol structure, its role in metabolizing phenylephrine is minimal. Therefore MAO is the primary (and effectively sole) metabolic route.

Phenylephrine is metabolized primarily by monoamine oxidase (MAO) rather than by COMT because of its chemical structure. It is a noncatecholamine amine, meaning its aromatic ring does not carry the two adjacent hydroxyl groups (a catechol) that COMT targets for methylation. MAO in the gut and liver oxidatively deaminates such amines, rapidly inactivating phenylephrine. Since COMT acts mainly on catecholamines with the catechol structure, its role in metabolizing phenylephrine is minimal. Therefore MAO is the primary (and effectively sole) metabolic route.

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