Amoxapine

Drug #1424

Amoxapine is a tricyclic antidepressant, with actions, adverse effects similar to that of amitriptyline. Amoxapine is one of the less sedating tricyclic and its antimuscarinic effects are mild. It inhibits reuptake of dopamine, noradrenalineand serotonin at the neuronal membrane. Onset of action appears to be more rapid than that of amitriptyline or imipramine. It was approved by FDA in 1980

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Oxazepine.

Molecular Weight: 313.8 · pK_a: 7.2-7.8 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 600 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 100 to 1 in 200 · Non-proprietary name: Amoxapine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Amoxapine has an oral bioavailability is 47.5% (±47.5%), pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 32.5% (±32.5%).

Distribution: Amoxapine has a volume of distribution is 1148 litre. plasma protein binding is 90%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 8.3-14.1 hr, renal excretion is < 5% (unchanged).

Indications

Amoxapine is primarily indicated in conditions like Depression.

Contraindications

Amoxapine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia, Epilepsy, Mania, Myocardial infarction, Heart block, Narrow-angle glaucoma, Urinary retention.

Dosage

Amoxapine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
250 mg/day	250 mg/day	—	PO	Three weeks constitutes an adequate period of trial providing dosage has reached 300 mg daily (or lower level of tolerance) for at least two weeks. If no response is seen at 300 mg, dosage may be increased, depending upon tolerance, up to 400 mg daily. Hospitalized patients who have been refractory to antidepressant therapy and who have no history of convulsive seizures may have dosage raised cautiously up to 600 mg daily in divided doses. Amoxapine may be given in a single daily dose, not to exceed 300 mg, preferably at bedtime. If the total daily dosage exceeds 300 mg, it should be given in divided doses.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown2 interactions

10 interactions

Major3 interactions

Moderate3 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Amoxapine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Extrapyramidal symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia , Seizures .

Amoxapine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome , Epidermal necrolysis, Acute hepatitis. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Amoxapine are Hypotension, Coma, Seizures, Renal failure, Drowsiness, Rhabdomyolysis , Acute tubular necrosis.

Amoxapine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorgasmia in women, Blurred vision, Cardiac arrhythmias , Clouding of consciousness, Constipation , Dry mouth, Erectile impotence, Hallucination , Hyperprolactinemia, Nasal stiffiness, Postural hypotension, Reflex tachycardia, Urinary hesitancy.

Warnings / Precautions

It should be withdrawn gradually to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. It should be used with caution in patient with urinary retention, prostatic hyperplasia, chronic constipation, untreated angle closure glaucoma, with a history of epilepsy, cardiovascular disease and in pheochromocytoma.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Amoxapine should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.24.2.1 — Drugs used in depression