Nortriptyline Hydrochloride



Nortriptyline Hydrochloride





(nor trip’ ti leen)

Apo-Nortriptyline (CAN), Aventyl, Gen-Nortriptyline (CAN), Pamelor, ratio-Nortriptyline (CAN)

PREGNANCY CATEGORY D


Drug class

TCA (secondary amine)


Therapeutic Actions

Mechanism of action unknown; the TCAs are structurally related to the phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs (eg, chlorpromazine), but inhibit the presynaptic reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin; anticholinergic at CNS and peripheral
receptors; sedating; the relationship of these effects to clinical efficacy is unknown.


Indications



  • Relief of symptoms of depression (endogenous depression most responsive)


  • Unlabeled uses: Treatment of panic disorders (25–75 mg/day), premenstrual depression (50–125 mg/day), dermatologic disorders (75 mg/day), chronic pain, headache prophylaxis



Available Forms

Capsules—10, 25, 50, 75 mg; solution—10 mg/5 mL


Dosages

Adults

25 mg tid–qid PO. Begin with low dosage and gradually increase as required and tolerated. Doses of more than 150 mg/day are not recommended.

Pediatric patients 12 yr and older

30–50 mg/day PO in divided doses.

Pediatric patients younger than 12 yr

Not recommended.

Geriatric patients

30–50 mg/day PO in divided doses.

Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Nortriptyline Hydrochloride

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