Doxepin Pharmacology

Doxepin

About Doxepin
Tricyclic (Tertiary Amine) Antidepressant , Antidepressant, Topical Skin Product.
Mechanism of Action of Doxepin
Doxepin acts by inhibiting the re-uptake of Noradrenaline and Serotonin (5 HT) in the CNS nerve terminals.This will result in an increased concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft and produces antidepressant effect. Doxepin more selectively inhibit reuptake of Serotonin than Noradrenaline. It also possesses less central anticholinergic activities.
It is also useful in migraine prophylaxis. The monoamine uptake blocking property is related to migraine prophylactic activity. These are suited for patient with depression.
Pharmacokinets of Doxepin
Absorption: Doxepin is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: Doxepin is metabolised to Desmethyl-Doxepin in the liver. Excretion: Drug is excreted mainly through urine.
Onset of Action for Doxepin
2 - 4 weeks
Duration of Action for Doxepin
N/A
Half Life of Doxepin
16 - 30 hours
Side Effects of Doxepin
1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Blurred vision
6. Difficulty in micturition
7. Tachycardia
8. Hypotension
9. Arrhythmia
10. Dryness of mouth
11. Constipation
12. Confusion
13. Headache
14. Sedation
15. Urticaria
16. Rash
17. Pruritis
18. Jaundice
19. Anorexia
20. Impotence
21. Loss of libido
22. Galactorrhea
23.Gynecomastia
Contra-indications of Doxepin
1.Hypersensitivity to Doxepin
2.Glaucoma
3.Epilepsy
4.Urinary retention.
Special Precautions while taking Doxepin
1.Renal impairment
2.Hepatic impairment
3.Cardiac arrhythmia
4.Myocardial infarction
5.Tachycardia
6.Heart failure
7.Strokes
8.Alcoholics
9.Patient on MAOI therapy (Discontinue the MAO inhibitor at least 2 weeks before Doxepin is started)
10.Slowly withdraw the drug with caution
11.Patient should be cautioned against driving vehicle, operating machine and activities requiring mental alertness and judgment


Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated.
Indications for Doxepin
1.Depression
Interactions for Doxepin
Anticholinergics: Enhanced effect of anticholinergics may occur.
Barbiturates: Serum level of imipramine decreased; additive respiratory depressant effect.
Clonidine: Hypertensive crisis.
Dicoumarol: Increase in anticoagulation effects.
Disulfiram: Acute organic brain syndrome.
Fluoxetine & Haloperidol: Potentiate action of Doxepin.
Levodopa: Its bioavailability is reduced, hypertensive episodes.
MAOIs, Furazolidone: Seizures, sweating, coma, hyperexcitablilty, hyperthermia, tachycardia, mydriasis, confusion, DIC. (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) and death.
Oral Contraceptives and Phenothiazines: Increase plasma levels of Doxepin.
Smoking: Increases metabolic bio-transformation.
Alcohol: Sedative effect of alcohol potentiated.
Typical Dosage for Doxepin
Adult: 25 mg 3 times daily; dose can be gradually increased until therapeutic response is obtained.
Maintenance dose: 100 - 150 mg / day
Maximum daily dose: 300 mg
Children: Not recommended
Schedule of Doxepin
H
Storage Requirements for Doxepin
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Doxepin
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose.
Effects of Overdose of Doxepin
Give supportive measures and treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by inducing emesis and gastric lavage. Activated charcoal can be given to reduce the absorption of the drug. Seizure can be treated with Diazepam or Phenytoin, arrhythmia with Lidocaine and acidosis with Sodium bicarbonate.

Home Delivery for Doxepin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including doxepin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for doxepin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for doxepin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take doxepin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for doxepin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for doxepin with the pharmacy.

Doxepin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for doxepin might be better known than doxepin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have doxepin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for doxepin.