Clomipramine Compounded

Description

Pronunciation: (kloe-MIP-ruh-meen)

Other Names: Anafranil

Drug Class: Tricylic antidepressant

Mechanism of Action: Clomipramine is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and exerts its effects like other TCAs by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin in synaptic clefts of neurons. Clomipramine also has an active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine, which inhibits norepinephrine reuptake.

Drug Interactions: Clomipramine is CONTRAINDICATED with several drug classes:

– QT interval prolonging drugs – for the risk of life threatening arrythmias

– Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (MAOIs) – for the risk of serotonin syndrome

– Methylene Blue – for the risk of serotonin syndrome

– Linezolid – for the risk of serotonin syndrome

Adverse Effects: Common adverse effects include weight gain, sweating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and anorgasmia.

Rare but serious side effects include hematologic disorders and cardiac arrest.

Administration/Dosing: Clomipramine is administered orally and is usually titrated from 25 mg daily up to 100 mg daily in the first two weeks. Maximum daily dose is up to 250 mg daily.

Special Populations:

– Pregnancy – Safety in pregnancy has not been established. (Pregnancy Category C)

– Breastfeeding – Clomipramine is excreted in breast milk. If possible, it should be stopped if mother is breastfeeding. Infant risk is unknown.

– Geriatric – Clomipramine is on the Beers Criteria Medication List which advises against its use in older patients due to decreased clearance in older adults which increases risk of toxicity especially anticholinergic effects.

– Pediatric – Initial oral dosage is 25 mg daily. This can be increased to 3 mg/kg or 100 mg/day (whichever is less) during the first 2 weeks. While titrating to an individualized maintenance dose, divide the total daily dose and give with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. After titration, the total daily dose may be given once daily at bedtime to minimize daytime sedation. The dosage may increase gradually over the next several weeks up to 200 mg/day or 3 mg/kg/day (whichever is less).

References:

– Clomipramine. Micromedex® (electronic version). Truven Health Analytics, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA. Available at: http://www.micromedexsolutions.com (cited: 07/25/2018).

– Clomipramine. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed July 26, 2018.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.