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Data updated: Mar 29, 2026

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Neurology Approved 1974-06-27

Imipramine hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant indicated for the relief of depressive symptoms, specifically endogenous depression, with therapeutic effects typically manifesting within one to three weeks. It is also indicated as a temporary adjunctive therapy for nocturnal enuresis in children aged six years and older after organic causes have been excluded. Effectiveness in enuresis may diminish with prolonged use.

Source: FDA Label โ€ข Novartis

How IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

Imipramine hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that inhibits the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT) at the presynaptic terminals, thereby increasing their concentration in the synaptic cleft. It also exhibits significant anticholinergic (muscarinic), antihistaminic (H1), and alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activities. Its mechanism in treating enuresis is not fully elucidated but is believed to involve its anticholinergic properties, which increase bladder capacity, and its effects on the arousal threshold.

19
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
51
Years on Market

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

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What IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

2 indications

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 1974. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Depression
  • Enuresis
Source: FDA Label

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of imipramine hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of...

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

IMIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

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Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

Depression -For the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than other depressive states. One to three weeks of treatment may be needed before optimal therapeutic effects are evident. Childhood Enuresis -May be useful as temporary adjunctive therapy in reducing enuresis in children aged 6 years and older, after possible organic causes have been excluded by appropriate tests. In patients having daytime symptoms of frequency and urgency, examination should include voiding cystourethrography and cystoscopy, as necessary. The effectiveness of treatme...

โš ๏ธ BOXED WARNING

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use ...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.