Drug information of escitalopram

Mechanism of effect

The mechanism of antidepressant action of escitalopram, the S-enantiomer of racemic citalopram, is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).

Pharmacodynamic

s Escitalopram is one of a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Pharmacokinetics

The absolute bioavailability of citalopram is about 80% relative to an intravenous dose.
Protein binding:~56%
Metabolism:Mainly hepatic.
Following oral administrations of escitalopram, the fraction of drug recovered in the urine as escitalopram and S-demethylcitalopram (S-DCT) is about 8% and 10%, respectively. Half life:27-32 hours.

Drug indications

generalized anxiety disorder , Depression

Dosage

Usual Adult Dose forGeneralized Anxiety Disorder Initial dose:
10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once a day
Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Depression Initial dose:
10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 1 week of treatment to 20 mg once a day Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Usual Pediatric Dose for Depression 12 to 17 years of age:
Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day; increase if necessary after at least 3 weeks of treatment to 20 mg once a day
Maintenance dose: 10 to 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day

Drug contraindications

hypersensitivity to drug or its components. , Concomitant with MAOIs , Concomitant with pimozide

Side effects

nausea , insomnia , dry mouth , constipation , abdominal pain , decreased appetite , dizziness , fatigue , Diarrhea , Rhinitis , sinusitis , impotence , Flu-like symptoms , somnolence , sweating , decreased libido , Abnormal ejaculation

Interactions

Ergotamine-C , Busulfan , perphenazine , Propranolol , Promethazine , Thioridazine , Desmopressin , Diphenhydramin , Risperidone , Cefalexin , Sibutramine , Citalopram , Alprazolam , Cimetidine , Lithium carbonate , Metoprolol , Warfarin , Ketoconazole , fentanyl , Cyclobenzaprine , Aspirin , Buprenorphine , Tapentadol , Pethidine , Remifentanil , methylene blue , Histrelin , rasagiline , ISOPROTERENOL , Apixaban , Phenylpropanolamine , Dolasetron , Palonosetron , vandetanib , Sufentanil , Alfentanil , sparfloxacin , Mefloquine , Dofetilide , Armodafinil , Felbamate , Goserelin , Zaleplon , Promazine , Triazolam , Lorcaserin , Desvenlafaxine , Milnacipran , Halofantrine , Grepafloxacin , Dexfenfluramine , Terfenadine , Abarelix , Asenapine , Alfuzosin , Perflutren , Ramucirumab , lenvatinib , Apalutamide , Pitolisant , Entrectinib , Levomilnacipran , gilteritinib , glasdegib , 5-hydroxytryptophan , Romidepsin , tropisetron , Naltrexone and Bupropion , Bepridil , bedaquiline , Dasatinib , Cannabidiol , lasmiditan , vemurafenib , Netupitant , Halaven

Alerts

1-Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
2- It should be noted that Escitalopram Oral Solution is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression
3-A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible.

Points of recommendation

1-This drug is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.
2-Doses may be administered in the morning or evening, without regard to food.
3-This medicine may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Pregnancy level

C

Related drugs

Citalopram

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