Imipram Hcl Tab

General Drug Information and Indications

Tricyclic antidepressant (imipramine) for narcolepsy/cataplexy in horses; urinary incontinence in dogs. Tricyclic antidepressant (imipramine HCl). Mechanism: inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake transporters (SERT, NET) → increased synaptic monoamine levels. Also anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-1 blocking properties. In horses: used for narcolepsy/cataplexy via catecholaminergic pathway modulation. In dogs: alpha-1 blockade increases urethral tone. Key information Imipramine — see imipramine entry. Tricyclic antidepressant. Narrow therapeutic index. Cardiac toxicity risk.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Tablets may be crushed. Administer at consistent times. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

Side Effects

Anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention. Cardiovascular: tachycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension. CNS: sedation, lowered seizure threshold. GI: nausea, vomiting. Horses: CNS excitability, sweating (possible). Serotonin syndrome with MAOIs.

Precautions

For animals Horses: use for narcolepsy/cataplexy management — monitor for sweating, excitability. Dogs: urinary incontinence use — monitor urinary retention. Avoid concurrent MAOIs (serotonin syndrome). Lowers seizure threshold. Use with caution in pregnant animals. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Tricyclic antidepressant — keep out of reach of children (dangerous if ingested). Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. TCA overdose causes cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. Medical emergency.

Imipram Hcl Tab dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
IMIPRAMINE HCL TAB 50MG50 MGTablet1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)