Transcript Molecule of the week: Prozac

Molecule of the week:
Prozac
Also called Fluoxetine, which is easier to
pronounce than:
(+-)-N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[(a,a,a)-trifluoro-p-tolyl)oxy]propylamine
C17H18F3NO
• HCl
F F
F
C
O H C
H2
H2
C
N
H
CH3
• Mostly protein-bound (~95%) in vivo. It is
processed by the liver, and takes up to weeks to reach
steady-state concentrations in the body.
• It has three fluorine atoms on a carbon at the end of
one ring (shown in yellow on left). Both L and D
enantiomers are administered (chiral at the purple C).
• Prozac works by blocking serotonin re-uptake in
nerve synapses, meaning there is more of this
neurotransmitter (serotonin) around.
• Prozac is an effective treatment for depression,
anorexia/bulimia, and obsessive compulsive
behavior.
• This drug is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co.