Citalopram Hydrobromide

Generic Details

Generic Name

Citalopram-Hydrobromide

Other Names

  • Citalopram

Drug Class

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Chemical Formula

C20H21FN2O

Molecular Weight

324.39 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic membrane of the neuronal cell.

Indications

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Oral Solution

Typical Dosage

  • 20-40 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established for children under 18 years old

Geriatric Dosage

  • Use with caution, starting at lower doses due to decreased clearance in elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight changes

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to citalopram
  • Concomitant use of MAO inhibitors

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Probably compatible with breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • MAO inhibitors
  • Other SSRIs
  • Tramadol
  • Lithium

Overdose Symptoms

  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Tremor
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic and supportive

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Extensively distributed in the body
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2C19
  • Excretion: Mainly excreted in urine (35%) and feces (65%)

Precautions

  • Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment
  • Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome

Warnings

  • Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in adolescents and young adults

Others

  • May take several weeks to see full therapeutic effects