section name header

Pronunciation

ess-sit-AL-o-pram

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antidepressants

Pharmacologic Classification: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ssris

Indications

BEERS REMS


Unlabeled Use:

Action

  • Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Antidepressant action.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 80% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver, primarily by the CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 isoenzymes; 7% excreted unchanged by kidneys.

Half-Life: 27–32 hr ( in elderly and hepatic impairment).

Time/Action Profile

(antidepressant effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POwithin 1–4 wkunknownunknown



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: sweating

Endo: SIADH

F and E: hyponatremia

GI: diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, indigestion

GU: libido, delayed/absent orgasm, ejaculatory delay/failure, erectile dysfunction

Hemat: BLEEDING

Metab: appetite

Neuro: insomnia, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Misc: SEROTONIN SYNDROME

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Major Depressive Disorder

Hepatic Impairment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Hepatic Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Lexapro

Canadian Brand Names

Cipralex

Pill Image

escitalopramoxalate_319-131.jpg

Code

NDC Code