lofepramine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Tricyclic antidepressant and non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitor.
Licensed use
Treatment of symptoms of depressive illness.
Administration
Taken by mouth; shake the suspension well before measuring it.
Driving
May impair driving or machinery use, particularly until its effects are known.
What is lofepramine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of symptoms of depressive illness.
How does lofepramine hydrochloride work?
Lofepramine reduces neuronal reuptake of monoamines, particularly noradrenaline, and enhances serotonergic transmission. This increases the availability of chemical messengers involved in mood regulation. Its active metabolite, desipramine, also contributes to its antidepressant effect.
lofepramine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 70 mg/5 mL
How to take lofepramine hydrochloride
Take lofepramine exactly as prescribed. Swallow the oral suspension and shake it well before each use. Avoid alcohol, and do not stop suddenly unless advised, as withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Use an appropriate medicine-measuring device rather than a household spoon.
Tell an anaesthetist or dentist that you take lofepramine before an operation or procedure requiring an anaesthetic.
The suspension contains ethanol, sorbitol, maltitol, propylene glycol and parabens; ask a pharmacist or prescriber if these ingredients may be unsuitable for you.
lofepramine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Sweating or tremor
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty passing urine
- Sleep disturbance or tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Severe allergic reaction
- Fast, irregular or otherwise abnormal heartbeat, fainting or collapse
- Seizure
- Mania, severe confusion, hallucinations or marked agitation
- Yellow skin or eyes, suggesting liver injury
- Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unexplained bruising or bleeding, which may indicate a blood disorder
- Drowsiness, confusion or seizures that may indicate low blood sodium
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, fever, sweating, diarrhoea and muscle rigidity
lofepramine hydrochloride in pregnancy
The product information advises avoiding lofepramine during pregnancy unless there are compelling medical reasons because medicine-specific safety is not established. Independent UK pregnancy information states that tricyclic antidepressants as a class are not known to harm the baby, but exposure near delivery can cause temporary newborn withdrawal or adaptation symptoms. Discuss treatment with the prescriber when planning pregnancy or as soon as pregnancy is recognised; do not stop abruptly without advice.
lofepramine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The product information advises against use while breastfeeding unless there are compelling medical reasons. UK specialist guidance says lofepramine may be used cautiously for a full-term, healthy infant, although imipramine or nortriptyline are preferred because direct evidence for lofepramine is absent. If used, monitor the infant for unusual drowsiness, poor feeding, inadequate weight gain, irritability, constipation or reduced wet nappies; seek specialist advice for premature or unwell infants.
lofepramine hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
The combination is contraindicated because severe reactions may occur; a defined separation period is required when switching.
Amiodarone and other QT-prolonging medicines
May increase the risk of dangerous ventricular arrhythmias; amiodarone should be avoided.
Fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and other serotonergic antidepressants
May increase serotonergic effects, lofepramine exposure and seizure risk.
Common questions about lofepramine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is lofepramine hydrochloride used for?
The selected product is licensed to treat symptoms of depressive illness.
Is lofepramine hydrochloride a tricyclic antidepressant?
Yes. It is a tricyclic antidepressant classified as a non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitor.
How does lofepramine hydrochloride work?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.