Desipramine Hydrochloride
Desipramine hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It works primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine, thereby increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. It is typically used when first-line antidepressants (like SSRIs or SNRIs) are ineffective or contraindicated, due to its potential side effects including cardiotoxicity and anticholinergic effects.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult standard dose is 100 mg to 200 mg daily, taken in divided doses or as a single daily dose, up to a maximum of 300 mg/day. Elderly and adolescent patients should start with lower doses (25 mg to 100 mg daily). Pediatric use is highly restricted and requires careful cardiac monitoring.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Not safe for infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy are not established in this weight class.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- High risk of cardiac toxicities and adverse events in young children.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict specialist pediatric psychiatric supervision and ECG monitoring.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Only considered under expert guidance when safer alternatives are unavailable.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Not safe for infants. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Safety and efficacy are not established in this weight class. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | High risk of cardiac toxicities and adverse events in young children. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | Use only if prescribed | Requires strict specialist pediatric psychiatric supervision and ECG monitoring. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | Use only if prescribed | Only considered under expert guidance when safer alternatives are unavailable. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of depression (major depressive disorder). It is also used off-label for neuropathic pain, ADHD, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Generic Name
Desipramine HydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Desipramine Hydrochloride is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.