Citalopram Pharmacology

Citalopram

About Citalopram
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs), Antidepressant.
Mechanism of Action of Citalopram
Citalopram blocks the re-uptake of neurotransmitter Serotonin from the synapse to the presynaptic nerve terminal in the CNS. This potentiates the action of Serotonin (5HT) and it is useful in the treatment of depression.

Pharmacokinets of Citalopram
Absorption: Citalopram is well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: Citalopram undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver. Excretion: Citalopram is excreted mainly (80%) via liver and the remainder via kidney.
Onset of Action for Citalopram
1 week.
Duration of Action for Citalopram
N/A
Half Life of Citalopram
35 hours.
Side Effects of Citalopram
1. Nausea
2. Diarrhoea
3. Insomnia
4. Somnolence
5. Dry mouth
6. Fatigue
7. Increased sweating
8. Tremor
9. Dizziness
10. Agitation
11. Dyspepsia
12. Anorexia
13. Abdominal pain
14. Dysmenorrhea
15. Amenorrhea
16. Ejaculation disorder
17. Impotence
18. Polyuria
19. Upper respiratory tract infection
20. Fever
21. Myalgia
22. Arthralgia

Contra-indications of Citalopram
1.Hypersensitivity to Citalopram,
2.Patient on MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) therapy.
Special Precautions while taking Citalopram
1. Hepatic impairment
2. Renal impairment
3. Myocardial infarction
4. Cardiac failure
5. Epilepsy
6. Mania
7. Alcoholics
8. Patient on MAOI therapy (Discontinue the MAO inhibitor at least 2 weeks before Citalopram is started)
9. Use cautiously in patient at risk for suicide
10. Use caution while driving vehicle, operating machine and activities requiring mental alertness or judgment


Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated.
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated.
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Citalopram
Depression.
Interactions for Citalopram
Ketoconazole, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics and omeprazole: Decrease clearance of citalopram.
Metoprolol: Increase plasma level of metoprolol.
Azole antifungals: Increase citalopram plasma levels .
Beta-blockers: Increase effect of beta-blocker; reduce initial beta blocker dose.
Carbamazepine: Decrease citalopram plasma levels; increase serum carbamazepine levels.
Imipramine: Increase drug metabolite (desimipramine) by 50%
Lithium: Possible serotonergic effects of citalopram
Macrolide antibiotics (e.g.erythromycin): Increase citalopram plasma levels
MAO inhibitors: Possible serious and sometimes fatal reactions, including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability, mental status changes (extreme agitation, delirium, coma)
Typical Dosage for Citalopram
Adult: Initial dose: 10 mg / day, dose can be increased to 20 mg / day if sufficient response does not occur after 1 week
Schedule of Citalopram
H
Storage Requirements for Citalopram
Store at 15 - 30 degree C. Keep out of the reach of children. Protect from heat and light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Citalopram
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Citalopram
Give supportive measures and treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by gastric lavage. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by the administration of Activated charcoal.

Home Delivery for Citalopram in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including citalopram.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for citalopram and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for citalopram may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take citalopram only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for citalopram before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for citalopram with the pharmacy.

Citalopram is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for citalopram might be better known than citalopram itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have citalopram in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for citalopram.