Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: TOFRANIL versus TOFRANIL PM.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: TOFRANIL versus TOFRANIL PM.
TOFRANIL vs TOFRANIL-PM
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, increasing synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters. Metabolite desipramine is more selective for norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.
Tofranil-PM (imipramine pamoate) is a tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin from the synaptic cleft, increasing their concentrations in the central nervous system. It also has anticholinergic, antihistaminergic, and alpha-1 adrenergic blocking effects.
Initial: 75-150 mg/day orally in divided doses; maintenance: 50-150 mg/day; maximum: 200 mg/day. For depression, dose may be increased gradually to 300 mg/day if needed.
100-200 mg orally once daily at bedtime, starting at 25-50 mg/day and titrating up by 25-50 mg every 2-3 weeks. Maximum 300 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life 8–20 hours (mean 12 hours); clinical context: steady-state achieved in 3–7 days; active metabolite desipramine half-life 12–28 hours.
Terminal elimination half-life: 8-30 hours (mean 21 hours); clinical context: steady-state reached in 5-7 days; extended half-life in elderly and hepatic impairment.
Primarily renal (70% as metabolites, <5% unchanged); 20% biliary/fecal.
Renal: 40-70% as metabolites; biliary/fecal: 20-30%; unchanged drug: <5%.
Category C
Category C
Tricyclic antidepressant
Tricyclic antidepressant