Reboxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) belonging to the morpholine derivative class. It is an antidepressant active pharmaceutical ingredient associated with the treatment of depressive disorders. Reboxetine has two chiral centers and exists as stereoisomeric forms; the API identity should therefore clearly specify the intended stereochemical form.
The free base has the molecular formula C₁₉H₂₃NO₃ and molecular weight 313.4 g/mol. Its principal CAS Registry Number is 71620-89-8.
Reboxetine is also marketed as its mesylate (methanesulfonate) salt, which has CAS 98769-84-7, molecular formula C₂₀H₂₇NO₆S, and molecular weight 409.5 g/mol.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Reboxetine |
| CAS Number | 71620-89-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₉H₂₃NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 313.4 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 127151 |
| UNII | 947S0YZ36I |
| ChEBI ID | CHEBI:135342 |
| ChEMBL ID | CHEMBL14370 |
| Drug Class | Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor |
| Therapeutic Class | Antidepressant |
| API Type | Small-molecule synthetic API |
Reboxetine is chemically identified as (2R)-2-[(R)-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)-phenylmethyl]morpholine for the stereochemical form represented in PubChem. It contains a morpholine ring linked through a chiral carbon to a phenyl group and an ethoxyphenoxy substituent.
Key calculated physicochemical parameters include:
Reboxetine is primarily associated with the pharmacological management of depressive disorders. It acts through selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake, increasing norepinephrine availability in the synaptic space.
The compound and its salts have also been investigated or used in relation to other neuropsychiatric conditions, but the precise approved indications depend on the jurisdiction and formulation.
Reboxetine selectively inhibits the norepinephrine transporter (NET), reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine from the synaptic cleft. This increases extracellular norepinephrine availability and enhances noradrenergic neurotransmission.
Its pharmacological profile differs from drugs that primarily inhibit serotonin reuptake because reboxetine is characterized principally by its noradrenergic reuptake inhibition.
Quality control for Reboxetine API should include appropriate validated pharmaceutical analytical procedures, such as:
Because Reboxetine contains two stereocenters, stereochemical control is particularly relevant when the API is manufactured or supplied as a defined stereoisomeric form.
Reboxetine is a synthetic small-molecule pharmaceutical ingredient. Manufacturing should use controlled chemical synthesis followed by appropriate purification, crystallization and drying operations.
For a pharmaceutical-grade API, manufacturing controls should address:
The exact manufacturing process and acceptance criteria remain manufacturer- and specification-dependent.
The numerical molecular descriptors above are reported by PubChem.
Reboxetine API should be packed in suitable pharmaceutical-grade, well-closed containers that protect the material from moisture, contamination and environmental exposure.
Recommended storage: Follow the validated manufacturer/API specification and stability data. A universal storage temperature should not be presented without a verified API-specific stability specification.
Typical pharmaceutical documentation may include:
A qualified Reboxetine API manufacturing program should emphasize controlled synthesis, stereochemical consistency, impurity control and validated analytical testing.
Important quality considerations include:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.10% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 0.50% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |