Lofepramine (HCl)

Also known as: Lopramine

Drug #426

Lofepramine is a third generation tricyclic antidepressant used in the treatment of depressive disorders. It has both antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Lofepramine is metabolized in vivo into desipramine; hence its pharmacological profile is extremely similar. Lofepramine (HCl) is a relatively new tricyclic antidepressant with a considerably lower toxicity than the classical antidepressants. It may also be effective to treat symptoms of depressive illness, sleep disorders, bed-wetting in children older than six year. Lofepramine (HCl) is not available in any combination preprations. Lofepramine (HCl) is administered orally.

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Primary Characteristics

Lofepramine (HCl) is also known as Lopramine.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to dibenzazepine.

It belongs to Amine uptake inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Tetracycylic Antidepressant pharmacological group. It is also classified under Psychotherapeutic Drugs .

Molecular Weight: 455.4 · pK_a: 7.5 · Solubility in Water: sparingly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: Very slightly soluble · Non-proprietary name: Lofepramine (HCl).

Molecular structure of Lofepramine (HCl)

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Lofepramine (HCl) has a plasma protein binding is 99%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 5 hr, renal excretion is Liver.

Indications

Lofepramine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Depression.

Lofepramine (HCl) is also indicated for secondary conditions like Obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Contraindications

Lofepramine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Epilepsy, Mania, Myocardial infarction, Renal failure, Prostatic hypertrophy, Cardiovascular disease, Narrow-angle glaucoma, Cardiac dysrhythmias, Hypersensitivity, Pregnancy, Liver damage.

Dosage

Lofepramine (HCl)'s dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
70 mg	70 mg	—	Oral	2 or 3 hours
1.25 mg/kg	1.25 mg/kg	Every 12h	PO	-
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown1 interaction

3 interactions

Major3 interactions

Moderate9 interactions

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

Side Effects

Lofepramine (HCl) in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Thrombocytopenia , Jaundice , Jaundice , Eelvated hepatic enzymes .

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Lofepramine (HCl) are Hypotension, Cardiac arrhythmias, Convulsions , Coma, Urinary retention, Palpitations , Metabolic acidosis, Mydriasis, Hyperreflexia , Sinus tachycardia, Increase blood sugar level, Hypertonia, hyperreflexia.

Lofepramine (HCl) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Allergic skin reactions, Blurred vision, Blurring of vision, Constipation , Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Hypotension , Sedation , SweatingX, Tachycardia, Tremor, Urinary retention, Weight gain.

Warnings / Precautions

Lofepramine should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, pre-existing hematological disorders, liver and kidney diseases. Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided because it could precipitate symptoms of cholinergic rebound such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. It should be used with caution in patients with history of alcoholism or who may use sedative medicines because the depressant effect on CNS can be potentiated. Lofepramine posesses antimuscarinic activity so care should be taken in prostatic enlargement. To be used with caution for epileptic patients or those with glaucoma or psychosis.

Interference in Pathology

Lofepramine (HCl) may interfere in the diagnosis of Thyroid Function Test.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Lofepramine (HCl) should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.24.2.1 — Drugs used in depression