Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORTRIPTYLINE HYDROCHLORIDE versus PERTOFRANE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: NORTRIPTYLINE HYDROCHLORIDE versus PERTOFRANE.
NORTRIPTYLINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs PERTOFRANE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Nortriptyline 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 anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.
Tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, increasing their concentrations in the synaptic cleft.
25 mg orally three times daily or 75 mg orally once daily at bedtime; initial dose 25 mg at bedtime, titrate up to 75-150 mg/day.
150-300 mg oral in divided doses per day; 75-150 mg IM in divided doses per day
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life 18-56 hours (mean 28 hours); steady-state reached in 5-7 days.
Terminal elimination half-life is 14–21 hours. Steady-state is reached within 5–7 days. The half-life is prolonged in elderly and patients with hepatic impairment.
Primarily renal (70% as metabolites, <5% unchanged) and fecal (30% via biliary elimination).
Primarily renal (70%), with 30% as unchanged drug; remainder as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Biliary/fecal excretion accounts for <5%.
Category C
Category C
Tricyclic Antidepressant
Tricyclic Antidepressant