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Drug Class Description
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs) .Generic Name
GenericDrug Description
Capsules.Presentation
Capsules, clomipramine 10mg , 25mg , 50mg . Available from APS, Cox, Generics UK, Hillcross, Norton.Indications
Depression, obsessional and phobic states, adjunctive treatment of cataplexy associated with narcolepsy.Adult Dosage
Depression, initially 10 mg daily increasing gradually to 30 - 150 mg daily in divided doses or as a single dose at night; maximum 250 mg daily. Obsessional and phobic states, initially 25 mg daily increasing gradually to 100 - 150 mg daily. Cataplexy, initially 10 mg daily increasing gradually to optimal response; maximum 75 mg daily.
Child Dosage
Not recommended.Elderly Dosage
Depression, initially 10 mg daily increasing gradually to 30 - 50 mg daily. Obsessional and phobic states, initially 10 mg daily increasing gradually according to severity. gradually according to severity.Contra Indications
Acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and heart block, disorders of cardiac rhythm, coronary insufficiency, severe liver disease, mania. Pregnancy and lactation.
Special Precautions
Cardiovascular disease, liver disorders, hyperthyroidism, tumours of adrenal medulla, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, urinary retention, constipation, renal disease. Monitor cardiac and hepatic function during long term therapy.Hypotension. Psychoses, patients with suicidal tendencies. Reduce doses for the elderly. Closed angle glaucoma, history of urinary retention.
Interactions
With or within 21 days of MAOIs. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, neuroleptics. Barbiturates, other antidepressants, SSRIs alcohol, anticholinergics, local anaesthetics containing adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), cimetidine, oestrogens, quinidine, antihypertensives. Coumarin drugs. Methylphenidate.
Adverse Reactions
Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision and changes in accommodation, palpitations and tachycardia. Tinnitus, drowsiness, nervousness or insomnia. Tremor, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, sweating, weakness and fatigue, ataxia, epileptiform seizures, occasional extrapyramidal symptoms and gastric irritation. Weight loss or gain. Allergic skin reactions, jaundice and blood disorders (test blood regularly). Conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias. Endocrine effects such as changes in libido, impotence, gynaecomastia and galactorrhoea. Some patients may switch over into mania and schizophrenic symptoms activated, especially in the elderly. Withdrawal symptoms.Confusion, mania, hypomania, aggressiveness, impaired memory, depersonalisation, headache
Drug Availability
(POM)Updated
27 April 2009