It is important to use the medication we are prescribing for your pet. If you have concerns about anything you find on here, please contact our office at 518-446-9171 before stopping the medication.
What is “Clomipramine”, also known as Anafranil or Clomicalm?
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat anxiety-related behavioral disorders
How is “Clomipramine” given?
It should be given orally as directed
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
We recommend waiting to give your pet their next dose at their next scheduled time. Please give us a call if you have any concerns and need clarification.
Are there any potential side effects?
- “Short-term lethargy or sedation, mild and intermittent vomiting (usually transient) and increases or decreases in appetite, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, and decreased tear production
- In people elevated liver enzymes, obstructive-type jaundice, and hepatitis have occasionally been reported and appears to be allergic in nature
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
- Contraindicated in cases with hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, patients on thyroid medication, amitraz, or selegiline, or in patients experiencing problems with urinary retention or urine flow, which may include patients with prostatic hypertrophy
- Not to be used in male breeding dogs
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
- Risk of Serotonin syndrome if used with other serotonergic drugs including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, some opioids
- Clomipramine may potentiate the effects of anticholinergic drugs, other psychoactive drugs (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, general anesthetics, neuroleptics), coumarin derivatives and sympathomimetic drugs
- Concurrent use of antihistamines may potentiate CNS depressant effects
- Concurrent use with antithyroid agents may increase risk of agranulocytosis
- Cholestyramine adsorbs up to 80% of tricyclic antidepressants so may interfere with absorption if coadministered
- Cimetidine may increase clomipramine plasma concentrations, increasing risk of adverse effects and/or toxicosis
- Concurrent use with clonidine may result in potentiation of CNS depressant and/or hypotensive effects
- May block the pharmacologic effects of guanethidine, clonidine, or similar agents
- Concurrent use with fluoxetine may produce increased plasma concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants, possibly due to inhibition of tricyclic antidepressant metabolism
- Concurrent use with other CNS depressant medications may result in serious potentiation of CNS depression, respiratory depression, and hypotensive effects; dosage reduction may be required
- Concurrent use with ephedrine, mephentermine may decrease the pressor effects of these drug
- Inducers of hepatic microsomal enzymes such as barbiturates or carbamazepine may increase TCA metabolism resulting in decreased TCA plasma concentrations and therapeutic effects
- Concurrent use with ophthalmic or nasal preparations of naphazoline, oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, or xylometazoline may potentiate pressor effects of these medications
- Increased plasma levels phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine may occur if given concomitantly with clomipramine
- Concurrent use of thyroid hormones with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both medications
• Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
No monitoring is necessary
How do I store “Clomipramine”?
Keep in a tight container protected from light and moisture at room temperature
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately (518-446-9171). If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.