Irreversible antagonist

An irreversible antagonist is a type of antagonist that binds permanently to a receptor, either by forming a covalent bond to the active site, or alternatively just by binding so tightly that the rate of dissociation is effectively zero at relevant time scales.^[1] This permanently deactivates the receptor and is usually followed by rapid internalisation and recycling of the non-functional receptor protein. Irreversible enzyme inhibitors that act similarly are clinically used and include drugs such as aspirin, omeprazole and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.^[2]

Examples

• Naloxazone
• Phenoxybenzamine

See also

• Irreversible agonist
• Irreversible enzyme inhibitor

References

1. Goodman and Gilman's Manual of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. (11th edition, 2008). p25. ISBN 0-07-144343-6
2. Rang and Dale's Pharmacology. (6th edition, 2007). p19. ISBN 0-443-06911-5