Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ANAFRANIL versus DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ANAFRANIL versus DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE.
ANAFRANIL vs DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, with a higher potency for serotonin reuptake inhibition. It also has anticholinergic, antihistaminergic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.
Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at presynaptic neuronal membrane, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
Initial: 25 mg PO tid; increase gradually to 100-150 mg/day. Maximum: 250 mg/day. Maintenance: lowest effective dose.
Oral: Initial 25-75 mg/day in divided doses; increase gradually to 100-200 mg/day, maximum 300 mg/day. Usual maintenance: 100-200 mg/day single or divided doses.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of clomipramine is approximately 21-26 hours; its active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine, has a half-life of approximately 36-42 hours. Steady-state is achieved within 7-14 days.
Terminal half-life 12–30 hours (mean ~22 hours); extensive interindividual variability due to CYP2D6 polymorphism.
Renal (primarily as conjugated metabolites, ~60-70% over 72 hours); fecal (biliary excretion of ~10-20%); <2% excreted unchanged in urine.
Renal excretion of metabolites accounts for approximately 70%; fecal elimination ~30%. Unchanged drug <5% in urine.
Category C
Category C
Tricyclic Antidepressant
Tricyclic Antidepressant