B J Pharmacol.org - imipramine overdose




Home

Index

A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Alternative names

Tofranil; Janimine

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of imipramine (an antidepressant).

Poisonous Ingredient

imipramine

Where Found

Tofranil
Berkomine
Janimine
Norpramin

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

body as a whole
- dry mouth
- urinary hesitancy
- muscle rigidity
- convulsions
- shock
- incoordination
- convulsions
respiratory
- breathing slowed and labored
- pulmonary edema
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- blurred vision
- dilated pupils
gastrointestinal
- vomiting
- constipation
heart and blood vessels
- irregular heartbeat
- low blood pressure
nervous system
- drowsiness
- headache
- dizziness
- stupor
- coma
- agitation
- restlessness

Home Treatment

Call the Poison Control center for guidance. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed
if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Induce emesis.
Administer activated charcoal.
Administer a laxative.
Use gastric lavage.
Monitor the patient's vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).
Maintain the patient's airway.
Replace fluid if appropriate.
Monitor imipramine levels.
Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

The amount swallowed and the time before appropriate therapy is initiated usually determine final outcome. Patients have died as late as 72 hours after an overdose ingestion. The sooner therapy is applied, the greater chance of a positive outcome.