Clofranil 50 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET is a medication manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. It is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to manage various mental health conditions.

Name

• Brand Name: CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Clomipramine Hydrochloride (Clomipramine)

Composition

Each tablet contains 50 mg of Clomipramine. Clomipramine is an active ingredient that belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate mood, behavior, and emotions.

Uses

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression (especially in patients unresponsive to other medicines)
• Panic disorder and anxiety disorders
• Phobias (intense fears that interfere with daily life)
• Cataplexy (muscular weakness associated with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder)

Dosage and Administration

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once or twice daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. The dosage is usually started low and gradually increased to minimize side effects and optimize benefits. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of your condition.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, indigestion, loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, sleepiness
• Increased sweating
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Low sex drive, inability to maintain an erection (impotence), painful ejaculation
• Muscle twitching

Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Suicidal thoughts or behavioral changes (especially in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25)
• Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, tremors, stiff muscles, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures)
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmias)
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions (skin rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, breathing difficulty)

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to Clomipramine or any of its ingredients.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Avoid concurrent use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping them, due to the risk of serious reactions.
  • Consult your doctor if taking SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, anticholinergics (like dicyclomine), diuretics (like furosemide), neuroleptic agents, thioridazine, or estrogens.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution if you have heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes, a history of seizures, low blood pressure, thyroid disease, or any blood disorder.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended during pregnancy unless necessary, as it may harm the fetus. Avoid breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and affect the baby.
• Alcohol and Grapefruit: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may alter drug levels.
• Driving and Machinery: This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

Store CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET below 30°C. Protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Here are frequently asked questions about CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET.

What is CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET used for?

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET, containing Clomipramine, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat various psychological conditions. These include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias (such as fear), panic disorder, and anxiety disorders. It is also used to manage cataplexy (muscular weakness) associated with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. In some cases, it may be prescribed for depression that has not responded to other treatments, as well as chronic pain.

How does CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET work?

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET functions as a tricyclic antidepressant by increasing the levels of specific chemical messengers in the brain, namely serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and overall mental health. By restoring the balance of these chemicals, the medication helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate obsessive and compulsive behaviors.

What is the usual dosage for CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET?

The correct dose and duration of treatment for CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET are determined by your doctor, considering your age, body weight, and specific condition. For adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), an initial dose typically starts at 25 mg once daily, usually at bedtime. This dose may be gradually increased by your doctor, often up to 100 mg per day over the first two weeks. The maximum recommended dose for elderly patients is usually 100 mg per day. For children and adolescents aged 10 years and older with OCD, the initial dose is also 25 mg once daily at bedtime, with gradual increases up to 3 mg/kg per day or 100 mg per day (whichever is less), and a maximum of 3 mg/kg per day or 200 mg per day (whichever is less). The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, and taking it with food is often recommended, especially initially, to help reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects.

What are the possible side effects of CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include headache, dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, increased sweating, low sex drive, inability to maintain an erection, muscle twitching, problems sleeping, blurred vision, and weight gain. More serious, though less common, side effects require immediate medical attention and may include signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, tremors, seizures), worsening depression or suicidal thoughts/behavior, difficulty passing urine, and severe allergic reactions.

Is CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it may pose potential risks to the fetus. Similarly, it is not recommended for breastfeeding women, as the medication can pass into breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects in the baby. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits before taking this medication.

Can CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and a washout period of at least 14 days is required when switching between these medications to avoid serious reactions like serotonin syndrome. Combining it with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or other tricyclic antidepressants can increase the concentration of clomipramine in the blood, raising the risk of side effects. Caution is also advised with diuretics (which may lead to low potassium levels), anticholinergic drugs (which can cause hyperexcitation or glaucoma attacks), certain anesthetics, neuroleptic agents, and highly protein-bound drugs such as warfarin or digoxin. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies, you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET?

Before starting CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver, kidney, or heart problems, low blood pressure, issues with the adrenal or thyroid gland, brain injury, a history of fits or seizures, or other mental illnesses such as mania or schizophrenia. Use with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more sensitive to side effects. It is generally not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should also be avoided as they may increase the medication's levels in the body, leading to more side effects. Due to potential dizziness and drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms; your doctor will guide you on a gradual reduction in dosage.

What happens if a dose of CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this could lead to toxicity and increased side effects.

How should CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET be stored?

CLOFRANIL 50 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, away from direct heat and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.