Lofepramine (a Tricyclic antidepressant)

Indications

1. depressive illness

Cautions to be considered

1. cardiac diseases (arrhythmias)
2. Epilepsy
3. Pregnancy and breast feeding.
4. Elderly
5. Hepatic impairment
6. Thyroid diseases
7. Phaeochromocytoma
8. History of mania
9. Angle closure glaucoma
10. History of urinary retention

Contraindications (where you have to avoid the drug)

1. recent myocardial infarction
2. arrhythmias (particularly heart block)
3. severe liver disease

Side-effects are lesser than that of other tricyclic antidepressants.

Doses

140-120 mg daily in divided doses.

ELDERLY; may respond to lower doses.

CHILD; not recommended.

Preparations

1. tablets; 70 mg, brown violet
2. oral suspension; 70mg/5ml.