General pharmacological properties of dapiprazole, a potential psychotropic agent

A study of the general pharmacology of 3-[2-[4-(2-methylphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-alpyridine HCl (dapiprazole), a new psychotropic agent, is reported. The predominant feature of this compound appears to be alpha-adrenergic blockade. This action has been observed both in vitro and in vivo. Dapiprazole also possesses antihistaminic and antiserotonin activities, although at relatively high doses. The antihistaminic action appears to be restricted to H1 receptors as suggested by the lack of activity on the guinea-pig atrium. Dapiprazole appears to be devoid of anticholinergic, local anaesthetic, antimicrobial and diuretic effects.