Elavil (Amitriptyline) - Description

DESCRIPTION

Amitriptyline HCl is 3-(10,11-dihydro-5 H -dibenzo [a, d ] cycloheptene-5-ylidene)- N,N -dimethyl-1-propanamine hydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₃N·HCl. Its structural formula is:

Amitriptyline HCl, a dibenzocycloheptadiene derivative, has a molecular weight of 313.87. It is a white, odorless, crystalline compound which is freely soluble in water.

Elavil (amitriptyline HCl) is supplied as 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tablets and as a sterile solution for intramuscular use. Inactive ingredients of the tablets are calcium phosphate, cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, stearic acid, talc, and titanium dioxide. 10 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain FD&C Blue 1. 25 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain D&C Yellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, and FD&C Yellow 6. 50 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain D&C Yellow 10, FD&C Yellow 6 and iron oxide. 75 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain FD&C Yellow 6. 100 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain FD&C Blue 2 and FD&C Red 40. 150 mg amitriptyline HCl tablets also contain FD&C Blue 2 and FD&C Yellow 6.

Each Milliliter of the Sterile Solution Contains:
Amitriptyline hydrochloride........... 10 mg
Dextrose.............................. 44 mg
Water for Injection, q.s...............1 ml

Added as Preservatives:
Methylparaben....................... 1.5 mg
Propylparaben....................... 0.2 mg

ELAVIL is an antidepressant with sedative effects. Its mechanism of action in man is not known. It is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system.
Amitriptyline inhibits the membrane pump mechanism responsible for uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in adrenergic and serotonergic neurons. Pharmacologically this action may potentiate or prolong neuronal activity since reuptake of these biogenic amines is important physiologically in terminating transmitting activity. This interference with the reuptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin is believed by some to underlie the antidepressant activity of amitriptyline.