Uses

Tofranil (Imipramine) is an antidepressant used for the treatment of major depression and functional enuresis in children (bedwetting). Although it has been associated with relieving depression, it has also been successfully used to alleviate suicidal tendencies. Chemically it belongs to the dibenzazepine family.

History of Tofranil (Imipramine)

Imipramine, the active drug in Tofranil, was developed in the 1950s. It was the first drug in the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) family. Imipramine made two fundamental contributions to the development of psychiatry: one was the dramatic change it brought to the psychiatric care of those experiencing depression, and the other of a purely pharmacological nature, permitting, among other things, the development of a hypotheses of depressive disorders.

How Does Tofranil Work?

The mechanism of action of this medication is similar to that of other tricyclic antidepressants. Its antidepressant activity is thought to relate primarily to its inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Tofranil has more serotonin effects initially; its metabolite, Norpramin, then balances this effect with more norepinephrine transport inhibition. On the other hand, Tofranil is highly anticholinergic and is a relatively effective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It also has moderate activity for alpha-1 adrenoreceptors and Histamine-1 receptors.

Chemistry

This drug is a dibenzazepine derivative of tricyclic antidepressants. It is off-white in color and crystalline in nature. It is available as a hydrochloride. It is odorless and has a pKa value of 9.5. On exposure to light, Tofranil turns yellow and can result in the loss of potency. It is stable in a pH range of 4–5.

Dosage FAQs

• What is a safe dose of this drug?
  • Depression: For symptoms associated with depression, a dose of Tofranil, initially, is 75 mg. This dose can be increased to 150 mg to 200 mg maximum for individuals who are not under hospitalization, and 300 mg maximum if the person in treatment is under hospital care. This medication may be given at bedtime, as a single dose of 150 mg. For the elderly, the dose should be reduced to 10 mg initially, and may be increased to 30 mg to 50 mg per day.
  • Nocturnal enuresis (nighttime bed wetting): Although this medication is not recommend for children under 16 years of age, in some cases it may be used to treat excessive bedwetting. It is used for a maximum of three months. It is administered at a dose of 25 mg for children from seven to eight years of age. Children from eight to 11 years receive 25 mg to 50 mg, and for children over 11 years, doses between 50 mg and 75 mg at bedtime are recommended. If therapy must be continued after three months, a full physical examination should be performed.
• Is it safe to use this drug if I am pregnant or become pregnant?
  There is no data available for Tofranil’s use in pregnancy. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not assigned it to a pregnancy category. Although the drug may be secreted in the mother’s milk, the use of drug during pregnancy depends on the mother’s need for it and the risk to benefit ratio has to be determined.
• How is this drug processed in my body?
  This drug has a rapid absorption rate and a long half of about nine to 24 hours. It is metabolized in the liver and is converted to its active metabolite, Norpramin. Norpramin has a half-life of 14 to 62 hours. The bioavailability of Tofranil is 40% and volume of distribution is around 15 to 30 L/kg. Tofranil is highly protein bound (84%) and reaches its peak plasma concentration in about two to three hours.
• How can I get the most out of my treatment with this drug?
  Tofranil was designed to treat symptoms associated with depression, which is also a condition treated regularly with various types of psychotherapy. If you are prescribed this drug for depression, consider finding a therapist or counselor with whom you can develop a good therapeutic relationship and complement your treatment with psychotropic medication. A therapist may be able to help you work on underlying issues contributing to your symptoms of depression, help you build a good self-care routine to prevent symptoms from returning, and help you develop healthy coping strategies should symptoms arise or become triggered.