Moroxidine: Chemical Properties and Pharmacological Overview
Moroxidine is an antiviral medication first developed in the 1950s. Originally designed as a treatment for influenza, this compound has demonstrated potential applications against a broad spectrum of both RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) viruses.
From a chemical perspective, moroxidine is classified as a heterocyclic biguanidine. This means it contains a ring structure consisting of atoms of at least two different elements (heterocyclic) and a biguanide functional group, which is a specific arrangement of nitrogen and carbon atoms often found in medications affecting metabolic or viral processes.
Key Facts
- Primary Use: Originally developed for the treatment of influenza.
- Chemical Class: Heterocyclic biguanidine.
- Broad Spectrum: Potential activity against various DNA and RNA viruses.
- Molar Mass: 171.20 g/mol.
- ATC Code: J05AX01.
Chemical Identification and Properties
Moroxidine is identified by several international standards to ensure accuracy in laboratory and clinical settings. Its IUPAC name is N-(Diaminomethylidene)morpholine-4-carboximidamide. The molecule is composed of six carbon atoms, thirteen hydrogen atoms, five nitrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
The compound is tracked across various chemical databases, including PubChem (CID 71655) and ChemSpider (64715), and is registered under the CAS number 3731-59-7.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Property/Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C6H13N5O |
| Molar Mass | 171.20 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 3731-59-7 |
| EC Number | 223-093-1 |
| ATC Code | J05AX01 |
| SMILES | C1COCCN1C(=N)N=C(N)N |
Regulatory and Safety Incidents
While moroxidine has legitimate pharmacological origins, it has been involved in several reports of undeclared or illicit use. In March 2014, it was reported that three kindergartens across two provinces in China secretly administered moroxidine hydrochloride to students. This was allegedly done to prevent illness and maximize school earnings, as the institutions were only paid for days the pupils attended.
Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the presence of moroxidine in a male enhancement product. In that specific instance, the product also contained undeclared sildenafil, a potent medication used for erectile dysfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is moroxidine used for?
Moroxidine was originally developed in the 1950s as a treatment for influenza and has potential applications against various DNA and RNA viruses.
What is the chemical structure of moroxidine?
It is a heterocyclic biguanidine with the chemical formula C6H13N5O and a molar mass of 171.20 g/mol.
What is the ATC code for moroxidine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) assigns it the ATC code J05AX01.
Has moroxidine been found in unregulated products?
Yes, the FDA discovered moroxidine in a male enhancement product that also contained undeclared sildenafil.
What are the identifiers for moroxidine in chemical databases?
It can be found using CAS number 3731-59-7, PubChem CID 71655, and ChemSpider ID 64715.