Veratridine
Medicinal Chemistry
Molecular Weight
673.79
Molecular Formula
C36H51NO11
IUPAC Name
(3beta,4alpha,16beta)-4,9-epoxy-cevanane-3,4,12,14,16,17,20-heptol 3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoate)
Pharmacognosy
Biological Source
Veratrum album (False Hellebore), Schoenocaulon officinale (Sabadilla)
Active Constituents
Veratridine, Cevadine
Pharmacology & Synthesis
Mechanism of Action
Binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, causing persistent activation and preventing inactivation.
Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
A: Rapidly absorbed from mucous membranes and GI tract.
D: Widely distributed.
M: Hepatic.
E: Renal.
Pharmacodynamics
Causes continuous firing of neurons, leading to intense muscle spasms, reflex bradycardia, and severe hypotension.
Synthesis Pathway
Biosynthesized from cholesterol via a highly modified steroidal pathway.
Safety, Warnings & Interactions
Adverse Effects
Nausea, severe bradycardia, profound hypotension, respiratory depression.
Contraindications
Not used clinically due to extremely high toxicity.
Drug Interactions
Other sodium channel active agents (additive toxicity).
Pharmaceutics & Compendia
Dosage Forms
Ointments (Historical, as Veratrum extracts)