Prozac

First of the class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), generic name fluoxetine hydrochloride. Introduced in 1986 as a treatment for clinical depression, Prozac is also used to treat a variety of other psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa. The drug, taken as a pill, apparently achieves its therapeutic effect by interfering with the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin within the brain.

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In chemistry, hydrochlorides are salts resulting, or regarded as resulting, from the reaction of hydrochloric acid with an organic base (mostly amines). This is also known as muriate, derived from hydrochloric acid's other name: muriatic acid.

For example, reaction of pyridine (C₅H₅N) with hydrochloric acid (HCl) yields pyridine hydrochloride (C₅H₅N·HCl). Even though this style of formulas is often used for denoting the hydrochlorides, the dot incorrectly implies that the two molecules are weakly bonded together. It is the salt C₅H₅NH⁺ Cl^- with correct chemical name pyridinium chloride.

Uses

Converting insoluble amines into hydrochlorides is a common way to make them water- and acid-soluble. This is particularly desirable for substances used in medications. Many pharmaceutical substances are prepared as hydrochlorides so that they may be quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract; the body usually absorbs a hydrochloride within 15 - 30 minutes.

Examples of hydrochlorides in medical uses are many, ranging from over-the-counter sinus relief to antidepressants.

See also

• Freebase (chemistry)
• Quaternary ammonium cation