Lofepramine (HCl)

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 preparations. Lofepramine (HCl) is administered orally.

Lofepramine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Depression, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Obsessive-compulsive disorders.

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

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Lofepramine (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Thrombocytopenia, Jaundice, Elevated hepatic enzymes. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Lofepramine (HCl) include Hypotension, Cardiac arrhythmias, Convulsions, Coma, Urinary retention, Palpitations, Metabolic acidosis, Mydriasis, Hyperreflexia, Sinus tachycardia, Increase blood sugar level, Hypertonia. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Lofepramine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Drowsiness, Tachycardia, Constipation, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Sedation, Sweating, Hypotension, Weight gain, Tremor, Allergic skin reactions, Urinary retention.

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 diarrhea. 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 possesses antimuscarinic activity so care should be taken in prostatic enlargement. To be used with caution for epileptic patients or those with glaucoma or psychosis.

Drug should not be given to Pediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates. If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

1 to 1.5 mg/kg (1.2 (1.25)) 12 hourly PO — - 140 to 210 mg (180 (175)) As recommended. Oral —

No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

No data regarding the interactions of Lofepramine (HCl) was found.

Tab Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.