It is an antihypertensive drug similar to guanethidine.

[2] Debrisoquine has been identified as a inhibitor of TMPRSS2 protease, which is involved in the viral entry process of SARS-CoV-2.

In a laboratory study, it showed antiviral activity by blocking the ability of the virus to enter human lung cells.

[3] The guanidine part of the molecule also appears in guanoxan and guanadrel.

[citation needed] The 7-bromo analog of debrisoquine is called guanisoquin.