Ritanserin


Ritanserin is a serotonin receptor antagonist which was never marketed for clinical use but has been used in scientific research.

Research

Ritanserin was tested in clinical trials for schizophrenia and migraine.

Pharmacology

Ritanserin acts as a selective 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist. It has relatively low affinity for the H1, D2, α1-adrenergic, and α2-adrenergic receptors. The affinity of ritanserin for the 5-HT1A receptor is less than 1 μM. In addition to its affinity for the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, ritanserin also binds to and antagonizes the 5-HT1D, 5-HT2B, 5-HT5A, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors.
The atypical antipsychotic risperidone was developed from ritanserin.