Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

OCTAMOXIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in the treatment of depression. CAUTION: Monoamine
oxidase inhibitors may modify behaviour and state of alertness; exposed individuals taking
charge of vehicles or machinery should be warned of the hazards

SYNONYMS

C8-H20-N2, (1-methylheptyl)hydrazine, 2-hydrazinooctane, 2-hydrazinooctane, octomoxine,
Ximaol, "monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) cause low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness and tiredness, dry mouth, constipation, other digestive disturbances (including nausea and vomiting) and swelling. Other symptoms include agitation and tremors, sleep disturbance, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, convulsions, skin rash, loss of white blood cells, sexual disturbances and weight gain. There may be psychiatric changes such as elevated mood, confusion and hallucinations, and there can also be jaundice and death of liver tissue. Symptoms may be delayed for several hours. Other effects include increased blood pressure, spasticity and brisk reflexes, sweating, elevated temperature, dilated pupils, urinary retention, convulsions and peripheral collapse. Severe and often fatal increases in blood pressure can occur if the MAOI is given at the same time as certain foods including cheese, broad beans, game, certain alcoholic beverages and other foods containing certain proteins. These reactions can cause severe headache, bleeding to the brain and acute heart failure.  Monoamine oxidase may produce nerve disorders (weakness and paralysis) inthe extremities.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Hydrazine derivatives tend to be local irritants and cause convulsions, liver damage, and destruction of red blood cells. They also damage the kidneys, and cause stimulation of the central nervous system with tremors and convulsions, progressing to depression, respiratory collapse and death.