Ludiomil

What is it?

A tetracyclic antidepressant available as film-coated tablets in 4 different strengths, all containing maprotiline hydrochloride. Pale yellow tablets contain 10mg, marked Co; greyish-red tablets contain 25mg, marked DP; light orange tablets contain 50mg, marked ER and brown-orange tablets contain 75mg, marked FS. All are Also, marked CIBA.

Medical Uses

Depression.

Dosage

Adults, 25-75mg each day to start with in 1 or 3 divided doses, modifying after 1 or 2 weeks as required to a maximum of 150mg daily. Elderly, 30mg once each day at first or 3 doses of 10mg each day. Can be gradually increased over 1 to 2 weeks to 75mg once each day or 25mg 3 times each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, cardiovascular disease, cyclic affective disorder, receiving electroconvulsive therapy, schizophrenia, low blood pressure on rising upright, over-active thyroid gland, previous urine retention, chronic constipation, raised pressure within eye, suicidal tendencies, chronic constipation, contact lens wearers. Blood counts, liver and kidney function and teeth should be monitored along with indications of low blood sodium levels.

Avoid Use

Children, severe liver or kidney disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, mania, history of epilepsy, urine retention, recent heart attack, poisoning with drugs, alcohol or depressants of central nervous system, conduction defects.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sympathomimetics, SSRIs, altretamine, barbiturates, 1blockers, MAOIs, antiviral drugs, levacetylmethadol, antipsychotics, quinidine, anticholinergic drugs, tramadol, alcohol, opioids, methylphenidate, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics, anaesthetics, diuretics, antidiabetic agents, cimetidine, phenytoin, benzodiazepines adrenergic neurone blockers, muscle relaxants, drugs that induce liver enzymes, coumarins, nefopam, rifampicin.