title: Influence of heparin on the assay of amitriptyline, clomipramine, and their metabolites.
abstract: In this study the effect of the use of lithium heparin containers on the plasma levels of amitriptyline, clomipramine, and their metabolites was investigated. Twenty-five patients (10 men and 15 women, mean age 51.8 +/- 14.9 years) taking either amitriptyline or clomipramine in a daily dosage varying from 50 to 250 mg entered the study after giving informed consent. From each patient, blood samples were taken in a sodium edetate container and in a lithium heparin container in random order. Parent compound levels are equal in sodium edetate and lithium heparin containers. Metabolite levels are 5.6% lower in lithium heparin containers. This difference is not considered clinically relevant.
authors: Groot Ziekengasthuis, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Levering
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Oostelbos
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Toll
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Loonen
mesh_terms: D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000097:blood*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000097:blood*; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000097:blood*; D001711:Biotransformation; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000097:blood*; D004492:Edetic Acid; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000639:Amitriptyline; D006493:Heparin; D008094:Lithium; D004492:Edetic Acid; D002997:Clomipramine