Generic Name: citalopram hydrobromide
Brand Name: Celexa
Pregnancy Category C
Drug classes
Antidepressant
SSRI
Therapeutic actions
Potentiates serotonergic activity in the CNS by inhibiting neuronal reuptake of serotonin, resulting in antidepressant effect, with little effect on norepinephrine or dopamine reuptake.
Indications
• Treatment of depression, particularly effective in major depressive disorders
• Unlabeled uses: Obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social phobia, trichotillomania, post-traumatic stress disorder
Contraindications and cautions
• Contraindicated with MAOI use; allergy to drug or any component of the drug or other SSRIs; concomitant use of pimozide.
• Use cautiously with renal or hepatic impairment, pregnancy, lactation, and in patients who are elderly or suicidal.
Available forms
Tablets—10, 20, 40 mg; oral solution—10 mg/5 mL
Dosages
ADULTS
Initially, 20 mg/day PO as a single daily dose. May be increased to 40 mg/day if needed.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Safety and efficacy not established.
GERIATRIC PATIENTS OR PATIENTS WITH RENAL OR HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
20 mg/day PO as a single dose; increase to 40 mg/day only if clearly needed and patient is not responding.
Pharmacokinetics
|
Route |
Onset |
Peak |
|
Oral |
Slow |
2–4 hr |
Metabolism: Hepatic; T1/2: 35 hr
Distribution: Crosses placenta; enters breast milk
Excretion: Urine