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Clomipramine Unveiled

A comprehensive exploration of Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, detailing its mechanisms, applications, and clinical significance.

Medical Applications 👇 Pharmacological Profile 🔬

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Medical Uses

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Clomipramine is primarily recognized for its efficacy in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is the only tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for this indication. Its potent serotonergic activity makes it highly effective, often considered a benchmark against which other treatments are measured.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

While not its primary FDA-approved use in the US, Clomipramine is widely utilized off-label for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Clinical evidence suggests it may offer superior efficacy compared to some other antidepressants, particularly in severe or treatment-resistant cases. Its effectiveness is attributed to its balanced inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

Other Applications

Clomipramine demonstrates utility across a spectrum of other conditions, including:

  • Panic Disorder
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling)
  • Chronic Pain management
  • Premature Ejaculation
  • Cataplexy associated with Narcolepsy
  • Sleep Paralysis
  • Enuresis (bedwetting) in children

Its broad applicability stems from its complex pharmacological profile affecting multiple neurotransmitter systems.

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Clomipramine should not be administered under the following circumstances:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Clomipramine or other dibenzazepine derivatives.
  • Recent myocardial infarction (heart attack).
  • Existing cardiac arrhythmias or heart block.
  • Concurrent use or recent cessation (within 3 weeks) of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), with a specific washout period required.
  • Active mania.
  • Severe liver disease.
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma.
  • Untreated urinary retention.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use during pregnancy is associated with potential risks, including congenital heart defects and reversible withdrawal effects in newborns. Clomipramine is excreted in breast milk, making its use during lactation generally inadvisable.

Side Effects Profile

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects, occurring in over 10% of patients, include:

  • Anticholinergic effects: Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy.
  • Central Nervous System effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, headache, restlessness.
  • Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting.
  • Other: Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Less Common & Rare Side Effects

Uncommon effects (1-10%) include weight loss, cognitive impairment, orthostatic hypotension, and elevated liver enzymes. Rare but serious effects (<0.01%) involve hematological changes (e.g., agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia), SIADH, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and cardiac conduction abnormalities, particularly in overdose scenarios.

Withdrawal Considerations

Withdrawal Syndrome

Abrupt cessation of Clomipramine can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, nervousness, anxiety, dizziness, and worsening of psychiatric symptoms. Differentiating these from a relapse of the underlying condition is crucial.

Management of Withdrawal

Gradual tapering of the dosage is recommended to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, anticholinergic medications like benztropine may help manage specific symptoms. Neonatal withdrawal symptoms can occur if used during pregnancy.

Overdose Management

Clinical Presentation

Clomipramine overdose presents a significant risk, primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system. Symptoms include CNS depression (stupor, coma), seizures, anticholinergic effects (mydriasis), cardiac arrhythmias (including QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes), hypotension, and potentially cardiac arrest.

Treatment Principles

There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, focusing on airway management, seizure control (e.g., with benzodiazepines), and cardiovascular stabilization. Activated charcoal may be used for recent oral ingestions. Patients require close monitoring for at least 72 hours.

Drug Interactions

Critical Interactions

Clomipramine interacts significantly with several drug classes:

  • MAOIs: Concurrent use is contraindicated due to the risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. A substantial washout period is necessary.
  • SSRIs: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects. Pharmacokinetic interactions via CYP2D6 inhibition can also elevate Clomipramine levels.
  • CYP2D6 Inhibitors: Can increase Clomipramine plasma concentrations, raising the risk of CNS and cardiotoxicity.
  • Diuretics: Potential for hypokalemia, which increases the risk of QTc prolongation.
  • Other CNS Depressants: Additive sedative effects.

Pharmacokinetic Considerations

Clomipramine is metabolized primarily by CYP2D6. Co-administration with potent inhibitors or inducers of this enzyme system can significantly alter Clomipramine's plasma concentrations and therapeutic effect or toxicity profile.

Pharmacology Deep Dive

Pharmacodynamics

Clomipramine is a potent inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SRI) and a moderate inhibitor of norepinephrine reuptake (NRI), classifying it as a Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). Its active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine, contributes significantly to NRI activity. Additionally, it exhibits antagonism at various receptors, including histamine H1, alpha-1 adrenergic, muscarinic acetylcholine, and dopamine D1/D2/D3 receptors, contributing to both its therapeutic effects and side effect profile.

Receptor Binding Profile

Clomipramine demonstrates high affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT) and moderate affinity for the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Its receptor binding profile is extensive, influencing its clinical effects and potential adverse events:

Clomipramine (and metabolite) Receptor Binding Affinities (Ki nM)
Site Clomipramine (CMI) Desmethylclomipramine (DCMI) Species Ref
SERT 0.14–0.28 31.6 Human/rat 103104105
NET 38–53.7 0.32 Human/rat 103104105
DAT ≥2,190 2,100 Human/rat 103104105
5-HT1A ≥7,000 19,000 Human/und 106104105
5-HT2A 27–35.5 130 Human/und 106104105
H1 13–31 450 Human/und 112111105
α1-adrenergic 3.2–38 190 Human/und 104111105
Muscarinic Acetylcholine 37 92 Human/und 111105
Dopamine D1 219 320 Human/und 107105
Dopamine D2 77.6–190 1,200 Human/und 104111105

Values are Ki (nM). Lower values indicate higher affinity. The extensive binding profile contributes to both therapeutic effects and potential side effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Clomipramine exhibits approximately 50% oral bioavailability. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-6 hours. It is extensively bound to plasma proteins (~97-98%) and extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP2D6. The terminal half-life of Clomipramine is around 32 hours, while its active metabolite, desmethylclomipramine, has a longer half-life of approximately 69 hours. Excretion occurs mainly via urine (60%) and feces (32%).

Chemical Structure & Properties

Molecular Profile

Clomipramine belongs to the dibenzazepine class of tricyclic compounds. Its chemical name is 3-(3-chloro-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepin-5-yl)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-amine. The molecular formula is C19H23ClN2, with a molar mass of approximately 314.86 g/mol. It is typically administered as the hydrochloride salt.

Key Identifiers:

  • CAS Number: 303-49-1 (free base)
  • PubChem CID: 2801
  • SMILES: CN(C)CCCN1c2ccccc2CCc2ccc(Cl)cc21

Synthesis & Analogs

Developed as a chlorinated derivative of imipramine, Clomipramine's structure facilitates potent serotonin reuptake inhibition. Its classification as a tertiary amine TCA places it alongside other well-known agents like imipramine and amitriptyline, though its specific pharmacological actions differentiate its clinical utility.

Historical Context

Development and Approval

Clomipramine was synthesized by Geigy (later Ciba-Geigy) in the early 1960s and patented in 1963. It gained initial medical approval in Europe for depression in 1970. Its journey to FDA approval in the United States was notably delayed, initially being considered a "me-too" drug. It was eventually approved for OCD in 1989, becoming the first medication specifically indicated for this disorder.

Clinical Evolution

Initially considered the gold standard for OCD treatment, Clomipramine's use has evolved with the advent of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). While SSRIs offer improved tolerability and safety profiles, Clomipramine often retains an edge in efficacy, particularly in severe or treatment-resistant cases. Its unique pharmacological properties continue to make it a valuable therapeutic option.

Society & Nomenclature

Nomenclature and Branding

Commonly known by the brand name Anafranil, Clomipramine is available globally. Its generic names include Clomipramine (English, French, Spanish, Italian) and Clomipramin (German). The hydrochloride salt is the standard pharmaceutical form.

Global Availability

Clomipramine is listed on the World Health Organization's Model List of Essential Medicines, underscoring its importance in global healthcare systems. It is available in numerous countries, reflecting its established role in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.

Veterinary Applications

Canine Use

In veterinary medicine, Clomipramine (marketed as Clomicalm) is primarily approved in the US for treating separation anxiety in dogs. It has also shown efficacy in managing obsessive-compulsive behaviors like tail chasing and noise phobias in canine patients.

Feline Use

Clomipramine is utilized in feline patients to address behavioral issues such as urine spraying and marking. Studies indicate a significant reduction in these behaviors, making it a valuable tool for managing stress-related conditions in cats.

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References

References

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  2.  Adebayo, Kazeem Olaide et al. "Body dysmorphic disorder in a Nigerian boy presenting as depression: a case report and literature review." International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine Vol. 44,4 (2012): 367-72. doi:10.2190/PM.44.4.f
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A full list of references for this article are available at the Clomipramine Wikipedia page

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