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Drug Details

GAMANIL

• Drug Class Description
  Tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs) .
• Generic Name
  Lofepramine
• Presentation
  Tablets, lofepramine (as hydrochloride) 70 mg .
• Description
  Maroon f-c scored tablet.
• Indications
  Symptoms of depressive illness.
• Adult Dosage
  One twice a day or one three times a day.
• Child Dosage
  Not recommended.  Not recommended.
• Contra Indications
  Acute myocardial infarction, 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. Psychoses, patients with suicidal tendencies. Reduce doses for the elderly.
• Interactions
  

  With or within 14 days of MAOIs. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, neuroleptics. Barbiturates, other antidepressants, alcohol, anticholinergics, local anaesthetics containing adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), cimetidine, oestrogens, quinidine, antihypertensives.

• Adverse Drug 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. Changes in blood sugar concentrations. Some patients may switch over into mania and schizophrenic symptoms activated, especially in the elderly. Withdrawal symptoms.