Escitalopram Pharmacology

Escitalopram

About Escitalopram

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Antidepressant.

Mechanism of Action of Escitalopram

Escitalopram is the S enantiomer of racemic Citalopram. It is 100 times more potent than R-enantiomer. Escitalopram 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 Escitalopram

Absorption: Escitalopram is well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body. Metabolism: Escitalopram undergoes metabolism in the liver and the metabolites are not as active as Escitalopram. Excretion: It is excreted mainly through urine.

Onset of Action for Escitalopram

1 week

Duration of Action for Escitalopram

N/A

Half Life of Escitalopram

27 - 32 hours

Side Effects of Escitalopram

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 Escitalopram

1. Hypersensitivity to Escitalopram or Citalopram
2. Patient on MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) therapy.

Special Precautions while taking Escitalopram

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 Escitalopram 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
11. Withdraw the drug gradually with caution

Pregnancy Related Information

Contraindicated

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated

Indications for Escitalopram

Depression.

Interactions for Escitalopram

N/A

Typical Dosage for Escitalopram

Adult: Initial dose: 10 mg / day, dose can be increased to 20 mg / day if sufficient response does not occur after a minimum of 1 week.

Schedule of Escitalopram

Storage Requirements for Escitalopram

Store at 15 - 30 degree C. Keep out of the reach of children. Protect from heat and light.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Escitalopram

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 Escitalopram

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 Escitalopram in Your City

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

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 escitalopram and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for escitalopram 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 escitalopram 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 escitalopram before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for escitalopram with the pharmacy.

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