Last update June 18, 2022

Desmethylimipramine Hydrochloride; Desipramin-hydrochlorid

Compatible

Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Tricyclic antidepressant, main active metabolite of imipramine, with actions and uses similar to those of amitriptyline. Indicated in the treatment of depression. Oral administration in one or two daily doses.

It is excreted into breastmilk in a clinically non-significant amount. (Stancer 1986, Sovner 1979)

Plasma levels in the infant have been found very low.  (Birnbaum 1999, Sovner 1979)

No side effects have been observed in infants of mothers treated with desipramine. (Misri 1991)

Expert authors consider the use of this medication safe during lactation.(LactMed, Hale, Uguz 2021, Wisner 2002 y 1996). Some authors consider other alternatives to be safer during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. (Sriraman 2015, Davanzo 2011, Weissman 2004)

Women suffering from depression during pregnancy need more breastfeeding support due to their increased risk of breastfeeding problems and early weaning. (Grzeskowiak 2018, Leggett 2017, Venkatesh 2017, Gorman 2012)


See below the information of these related products:

  • Imipramine-Hcl (Safe substance and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Maternal Depression (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Desmethylimipramine Hydrochloride; Desipramin-hydrochlorid is also known as Desipramine Hydrochloride.


Desmethylimipramine Hydrochloride; Desipramin-hydrochlorid in other languages or writings:

Groups

Desmethylimipramine Hydrochloride; Desipramin-hydrochlorid belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Desmethylimipramine Hydrochloride; Desipramin-hydrochlorid in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 90 %
Molecular weight 303 daltons
Protein Binding 86 %
Tmax 6 hours
T½ 60 hours
M/P ratio 1.2 -
Theoretical Dose 0.04 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 2.5 %
Ped.Relat.Dose 0.8 - 4 %

References

  1. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Rochman M, Mangel L, Mandel D, Berkovitch M, Kohn E, Abu Hamad R, Lubetzky R. Aluminum Content of Human Milk and Antiperspirant Use. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Apr 16. Abstract
  4. Uguz F. A New Safety Scoring System for the Use of Psychotropic Drugs During Lactation. Am J Ther. 2021 Jan-Feb 01;28(1):e118-e126. Abstract
  5. Grzeskowiak LE, Leggett C, Costi L, Roberts CT, Amir LH. Impact of serotonin reuptake inhibitor use on breast milk supply in mothers of preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Jun;84(6):1373-1379. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  6. Leggett C, Costi L, Morrison JL, Clifton VL, Grzeskowiak LE. Antidepressant Use in Late Gestation and Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge from Hospital. J Hum Lact. 2017 Nov;33(4):701-709. Abstract
  7. Venkatesh KK, Castro VM, Perlis RH, Kaimal AJ. Impact of antidepressant treatment during pregnancy on obstetric outcomes among women previously treated for depression: an observational cohort study. J Perinatol. 2017 Sep;37(9):1003-1009. Abstract
  8. Sriraman NK, Melvin K, Meltzer-Brody S. ABM Clinical Protocol #18: Use of Antidepressants in Breastfeeding Mothers. Breastfeed Med. 2015 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Weissman AM, Levy BT, Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Donohue M, Ellingrod VL, Wisner KL. Pooled analysis of antidepressant levels in lactating mothers, breast milk, and nursing infants. Am J Psychiatry. 2004 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. Wisner KL, Parry BL, Piontek CM. Clinical practice. Postpartum depression. N Engl J Med. 2002 Abstract
  11. Birnbaum CS, Cohen LS, Bailey JW, Grush LR, Robertson LM, Stowe ZN. Serum concentrations of antidepressants and benzodiazepines in nursing infants: A case series. Pediatrics. 1999 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  12. Wisner KL, Perel JM, Findling RL. Antidepressant treatment during breast-feeding. Am J Psychiatry. 1996 Sep;153(9):1132-7. Review. Abstract
  13. Misri S, Sivertz K. Tricyclic drugs in pregnancy and lactation: a preliminary report. Int J Psychiatry Med. 1991 Abstract
  14. Stancer HC, Reed KL. Desipramine and 2-hydroxydesipramine in human breast milk and the nursing infant's serum. Am J Psychiatry. 1986 Dec;143(12):1597-600. Abstract
  15. Sovner R, Orsulak PJ. Excretion of imipramine and desipramine in human breast milk. Am J Psychiatry. 1979 Abstract

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