Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited

Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited Drugs

• Nortriptyline Hydrochlo...
  

  ×

  Nortriptyline Hydrochloride

  

  ---

  Nortriptyline hydrochloride is not recommended for pediatric patients. Nortriptyline hydrochloride is administered orally in the form of an oral solution. Lower than usual dosages are recommended for elderly patients. The use of lower dosages for outpatients is more important than for hospitalized patients who will be treated under close supervision. The physician should initiate dosage at a low level and increase it gradually, checking the clinical response carefully and noting any evidence of intolerance. Following remission, maintenance medication may be required for a longer period of time at the lowest dose that will maintain remission.

  If a patient develops minor side effects, the dosage should be reduced. The drug should be discontinued promptly if adverse effects of a serious nature or allergic manifestations occur.

  Usual Adult Dose

  25 mg 3 or 4 times daily; dosage should begin at a low level and be increased as required. As an alternate regimen, the total daily dose may be given once a day. When doses above 100 mg daily are administered, plasma levels of nortriptyline should be monitored and maintained in the optimum range of 50 to 150 ng/mL. Doses above 150 mg per day are not recommended.

  Elderly Patients

  30 to 50 mg/day in divided doses.

  Plasma Levels

  Optimal responses to nortriptyline have been associated with plasma concentrations of 50 to 150 ng/mL. Higher concentrations may be associated with more adverse experiences. Plasma concentrations are difficult to measure, and physicians should consult with the laboratory professional staff.

  Larger plasma concentrations of the active nortriptyline metabolite 10-hydroxynortriptyline have been reported in older patients. In one case, such a condition was associated with apparent cardiotoxicity despite the fact that nortriptyline concentrations were within the “therapeutic range.” Clinical findings should predominate over plasma concentrations as primary determinants of dosage changes.

  Elderly Patients

  30 to 50 mg/day in divided doses.

  Plasma Levels

  Optimal responses to nortriptyline have been associated with plasma concentrations of 50 to 150 ng/mL. Higher concentrations may be associated with more adverse experiences. Plasma concentrations are difficult to measure, and physicians should consult with the laboratory professional staff.

  Larger plasma concentrations of the active nortriptyline metabolite 10-hydroxynortriptyline have been reported in older patients. In one case, such a condition was associated with apparent cardiotoxicity despite the fact that nortriptyline concentrations were within the “therapeutic range.” Clinical findings should predominate over plasma concentrations as primary determinants of dosage changes.

  Close
  More Info