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1986•The British Journal of PsychiatryRequires access

Electrocardiogram Changes and Therapeutic Desipramine and 2-Hydroxy-Desipramine Concentrations in Elderly Depressives

Stan Kutcher, Kieran F. Reid, James Dubbin, Kenneth I. Shulman

Open publisher page 33 citations

Abstract

ECG parameters in elderly depressed in-patients were assessed during routine desipramine treatment. Significant changes (prolonged PR and PRS intervals and a decreased QTc interval) were found, related only to steady state concentrations of desipramine's major metabolite--2-hydroxy-desipramine. Potentially clinically significant changes developed in 40% of the patients. All serum drug concentrations were within therapeutic limits. Previous assurances about desipramines's cardiac safety in the elderly may need to be re-evaluated.

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ECG parameters in elderly depressed in-patients were assessed during routine desipramine treatment. Significant changes (prolonged PR and PRS intervals and a decreased QTc interval) were found, related only to steady state concentrations of desipramine's major metabolite--2-hydroxy-desipramine. Potentially clinically significant changes developed in 40% of the patients. All serum drug concentrations were within therapeutic limits. Previous assurances about desipramines's cardiac safety in the elderly may need to be re-evaluated.

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Available abstract

ECG parameters in elderly depressed in-patients were assessed during routine desipramine treatment. Significant changes (prolonged PR and PRS intervals and a decreased QTc interval) were found, related only to steady state concentrations of desipramine's major metabolite--2-hydroxy-desipramine. Potentially clinically significant changes developed in 40% of the patients. All serum drug concentrations were within therapeutic limits. Previous assurances about desipramines's cardiac safety in the elderly may need to be re-evaluated.

Key concepts: Desipramine, Metabolite, Medicine, Internal medicine, Plasma concentration, Pharmacology, Cardiology, Anesthesia

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Electrocardiogram Changes and Therapeutic Desipramine and 2-Hydroxy-Desipramine Concentrations in Elderly Depressives — Research Paper | ScholarLens