Arpolax (Citalopram)

Therapeutic Group: Drugs of Nervous System Anti Depressant

Arpolax tablet: Each tablet contains Citalopram Hydrobromide INN equivalent to Citalopram 20 mg.

Citalopram is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a chemical structure unrelated to that of other SSRIs, tricyclic, tetracyclic or other available antidepressant agents. The mechanism of action of Citalopram as an antidepressant is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in central nervous system resulting from its inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).

Citalopram is indicated for depressive illness and panic disorder. It is also indicated in substance abuse disorders and alcohol dependence. Citalopram has also been given in variety of anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia. It is also effective in generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual syndrome, idiopathic Parkinsons disease and eating disorder.

Depressive illness 20 mg daily as a single dose in the morning or evening; increased if necessary to maximum 60 mg daily (Elderly maximum 40 mg daily). Panic disorder Initially 10 mg daily, increased to 20 mg after 7 days; usual dose 20- 30 mg daily; maximum 60 mg daily (Elderly maximum 40 mg daily).

SSRIs are less sedating and have fewer antimuscarinic and cardiotoxic effects than tricyclic antidepressants. However, side-effects may be seen, includes gastro-intestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation), anorexia with weight loss, palpitations, tachycardia, postural hypotension, cough, confusion, impaired concentration, amnesia, urinary retention, sweating, movement disorders, urticaria, anaphylaxis, arthralgia, myalgia and photosensitivity.

Caution should be taken in patients with epilepsy, concurrent electroconvulsive therapy, history of mania, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, angle-closure glaucoma, history of bleeding disorders, hepatic and renal impairment. Abrupt withdrawal of Citalopram should be avoided.

Citalopram should not be used if the patient enters a manic phase. Concomitant use in patients taking MAO inhibitor is contraindicated. Citalopram is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to this drug or any of its ingredients.

Pregnancy There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, Citalopram should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation Citalopram is excreted in human breast milk. So, the decision whether to continue or discontinue either nursing or Citalopram therapy should take into account the risks of Citalopram exposure for the infants and the benefits of Citalopram treatment for the mother.

It is a very safe drug. There were no reports of fatal Citalopram overdose in clinical trials involving overdoses of up to 2000 mg.

Arpolax tablet: Box containing 3 blister strips of 10 tablets.