title: Targeting imipramine dose in children with depression.
abstract: The response to imipramine (IMI) in children with depression has been shown to correlate with total levels of IMI plus its active metabolite desmethylimipramine (DMI). The pharmacokinetics of IMI + DMI in children with depression are examined, and the single-point prediction of steady-state IMI + DMI levels at minimum therapeutic concentrations for prepubertal depression is proposed. With a single, 25 mg oral dose of IMI, a plasma concentration of IMI + DMI 24 hours after dosing correlates (r = 0.92) with steady-state IMI + DMI levels in children with depression receiving 3 mg/kg/day IMI. The targeting of IMI dose in the child population with depression to rapidly achieve a minimum therapeutic concentration is shown to be feasible and reliable within theoretic limits.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000284:Administration, Oral; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D003891:Desipramine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine