Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AVENTYL HYDROCHLORIDE versus VIVACTIL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AVENTYL HYDROCHLORIDE versus VIVACTIL.
AVENTYL HYDROCHLORIDE vs VIVACTIL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Nortriptyline hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Aventyl Hydrochloride, is a tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft. It also has antihistaminic, anticholinergic, and sedative properties.
Norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor; also has anticholinergic and antihistaminergic activity.
25 mg orally three times daily; may increase gradually to 150 mg/day in divided doses. Maximum dose 150 mg/day.
10 mg orally twice daily (morning and afternoon) or 10 mg once daily at bedtime; may increase gradually to 60 mg/day in divided doses.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 19–24 hours; may be prolonged in elderly and patients with hepatic impairment.
Terminal elimination half-life ranges 18–34 hours (mean ~25 hours); clinical steady-state achieved within 5–7 days.
Primarily renal (approximately 70% as metabolites, <5% unchanged); biliary/fecal excretion accounts for ~30%.
Primarily renal (approximately 70% as metabolites, <5% unchanged), with the remainder via fecal/biliary elimination.
Category C
Category C
Tricyclic Antidepressant
Tricyclic Antidepressant