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Imipramine belongs to the dibenzazepines, a subclass of benzazepines within the organic compounds. This exogenous compound has the formula C19H24N2 and an average molecular weight of 280.41 g/mol. At room temperature, it exists as a solid. It is utilized as an antidepressant and functions biologically and chemically as an adrenergic uptake inhibitor and a prolyl oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26) inhibitor.
The compound works by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. It binds the Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and Sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter (SLC6A2), preventing or reducing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters. This mechanism addresses the lack of stimulation of the recipient neuron at a synapse linked to depression. Imipramine interacts with 33 recorded protein targets, including the Histamine H1 receptor (HRH1), Alpha-1A adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1), and Adenosine receptor A1 (ADORA1).
Imipramine is found in 19 recorded sources, including antidepressants within healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary products. Other sources include drinking water, food preservation, household cleaning and consumer products such as perfumes within detergents and soaps, cigar cigarettes, and non-electric simulated smoking devices. It is also associated with electrical and electronic equipment, including amplifiers, antennas, electrodes, and electrically stimulated smoking devices. Recorded exposure routes for the compound include oral and intramuscular administration.
Belongs to the class of organic compounds known as dibenzazepines. Dibenzazepines are compounds with two benzene rings connected by an azepine ring. Azepine is an unsaturated seven-member heterocycle with one nitrogen atom replacing a carbon atom.
Imipramine works by inhibiting the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. It binds the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and sodium-dependent norepinephrine transporter preventing or reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. Depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron by norepinephrine and serotonin. Slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters increases their concentration in the synaptic cleft, which is thought to contribute to relieving symptoms of depression. In addition to acutely inhibiting neurotransmitter re-uptake, imipramine causes down-regulation of cerebral cortical beta-adrenergic receptors and sensitization of post-synaptic serotonergic receptors with chronic use. This leads to enhanced serotonergic transmission.
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Symptoms
Antagonism of the histamine H1 and α1 receptors can lead to sedation and hypotension. Antimuscarinic and anticholinergic side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation and urine retention may occur. Cardiotoxicity may occur with high doses of imipramine. Cardiovascular side effects in postural hypotension, tachycardia, hypertension, ECG changes and congestive heart failure. Psychotoxic effects include impaired memory and delirium. Induction of hypomanic or manic episodes may occur in patients with a history of bipolar disorder. Withdrawal symptoms include GI disturbances (e.g. nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, headache and malaise.
Treatment
Obtain an ECG and immediately initiate cardiac monitoring. Protect the patient's airway, establish an intravenous line and initiate gastric decontamination. A minimum of 6 hours of observation with cardiac monitoring and observation for signs of CNS or respiratory depression, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias and/or conduction blocks, and seizures is necessary. If signs of toxicity occur at anytime during this period, extended monitoring is required. (2)
A glucose metabolism disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. (DO)
An endogenous depression that is characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. (DO)
Soil?Soil serves as a critical medium for plant growth and sustains various ecological functions; however, it can become a reservoir for synthetic chemical contamination.
Drinking water?Drinking water can be a medium for synthetic chemical contamination, often originating from various industrial processes and agricultural practices.
Antidepressants?Antidepressants, a class of synthetic chemicals designed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, can enter the environment through various pathways, leading to contamination of water systems.
Amplifiers?Amplifiers, commonly used in various electronic devices to enhance signal strength, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and processes involved in their production and disposal.
Antennas?Antennas, commonly used in communication technologies, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination through the materials and coatings used in their construction.
Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive Materials?Conductors, or conductive bodies, are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, typically made from metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver.
Electrically Stimulated Smoking Devices?Electrically stimulated smoking devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, utilize electrical components to heat a liquid solution, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, to produce an aerosol for inhalation.
Electrodes?Electrodes, used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials from which they are constructed and the processes involved in their manufacturing.
Fixed Capacitors And Their Manufacture?Fixed capacitors are passive electronic components used to store and release electrical energy, playing a critical role in various circuits.
Hybrid Capacitors?Hybrid capacitors are energy storage devices that combine the properties of electrolytic and supercapacitors, utilizing a combination of electrochemical principles to achieve higher energy density and power density.
Television Systems?Television systems can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the various materials and components used in their manufacture and operation.
Thin Magnetic Films?Thin magnetic films are layers of magnetic material ranging from a few nanometers to several micrometers in thickness, commonly used in applications such as magnetic sensors, data storage devices, and electronic components.
Food Preservation?Food preservation often involves the use of synthetic chemicals, such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and color additives, to extend shelf life and enhance the sensory qualities of food products.
Non Electric Simulated Smoking Devices?Non-electric simulated smoking devices, often designed to mimic the experience of smoking without combustion, can be sources of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and chemicals used in their construction and operation.
Other Smoking Requisites?Other smoking requisites, including items such as lighters, matches, and rolling papers, can introduce synthetic chemical contamination through various components and additives.
Perfumes Within Detergents And Soaps?Perfumes within detergents and soaps are synthetic fragrance compounds added to enhance the sensory experience of cleaning products.
Pipe Accessories?Pipe accessories, such as fittings, connectors, and seals, are components used in plumbing systems to facilitate the flow of liquids and gases.
Tobacco Smoke Filters?Tobacco smoke filters are designed to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances in cigarette smoke, including tar and other particulate matter.
Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco Products?The manufacture and preparation of tobacco products involve various processes that can result in the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
Buoys?Buoys, often used for navigation and marine monitoring, can be sources of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and coatings employed in their construction.
Marine Propulsion Or Steering?Marine propulsion and steering systems often rely on various synthetic chemicals, including lubricants, fuels, and hydraulic fluids.
Molluscicides?Molluscicides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control and eliminate mollusks, such as snails and slugs, which can be detrimental to crops and agricultural productivity.
Nematocides?Nematocides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that can cause significant damage to crops and plants.
Aftersun Products?Aftersun products are designed to soothe and hydrate the skin after sun exposure, often containing various synthetic chemicals such as emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.
Anti Perspirants Or Body Deoderants?Antiperspirants and body deodorants commonly contain synthetic chemicals such as aluminum compounds, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Depilatories?Depilatories are products designed to remove unwanted hair through the application of synthetic chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair, facilitating its removal.
Essential Oils Or Perfumes?Essential oils and perfumes are complex mixtures of volatile compounds derived from natural or synthetic sources, commonly used for their aromatic properties.
Eye Makeup Products?Eye makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as pigments, preservatives, and film-forming agents.
Face Mask Cosmetics?Face mask cosmetics often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances, which can contribute to chemical contamination.
Lip Care Products?Lip care products, including lipsticks, balms, and glosses, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Lip Makeup Products?Lip makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including pigments, preservatives, and emollients.
Footwear?Footwear production often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, such as adhesives, dyes, and treatments, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Headwear?Headwear made from synthetic materials often incorporates chemicals used in the manufacturing and finishing processes, such as dyes, flame retardants, and water repellents.
Purses Luggage Hand Bags?Purses, luggage, and handbags are often manufactured using synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and various types of nylon.
Airplanes And Helicopters?Airplanes and helicopters are significant sources of synthetic chemical contamination primarily through the use of aviation fuels, lubricants, and de-icing agents.
Nitrogenous Fertilisers?Nitrogenous fertilizers are synthetic chemical compounds primarily used to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Silica Glass?Silica glass, primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is widely used in various applications, including windows, glass facades, and insulation materials.
Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the molecular or atomic level, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Fountain Pens?Fountain pens utilize a liquid ink that often contains synthetic chemicals, including dyes, pigments, and solvents, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Ink Reservoir Pens2?Ink reservoir pens are writing instruments that utilize a reservoir to store ink, which is often composed of synthetic dyes, solvents, and additives.
Sludge Treatment?Sludge treatment involves the processing of waste materials generated from wastewater treatment plants, which often contain a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
Water, Wastewater, & Sewage Treatment?Water, wastewater, and sewage treatment processes are critical for managing and mitigating pollutants in water systems.
Imipramine works by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. It binds the Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and Sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter, preventing or reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. As norepinephrine and serotonin are used to stimulate the synapse, and depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the recipient neuron at a synapse, slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters allows them to remain in the synaptic gap longer than it normal, increasing the stimulation of the recipient neuron and relieving the symptoms of depression. However, it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system. The clinical effect is also hypothesized as being due to potentiation of adrenergic synapses by blocking uptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings.
Imipramine works by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. It binds the Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and Sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter, preventing or reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. As norepinephrine and serotonin are used to stimulate the synapse, and depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the recipient neuron at a synapse, slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters allows them to remain in the synaptic gap longer than it normal, increasing the stimulation of the recipient neuron and relieving the symptoms of depression. However, it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system. The clinical effect is also hypothesized as being due to potentiation of adrenergic synapses by blocking uptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings.
Imipramine works by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. It binds the Sodium-dependent serotonin transporter and Sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter, preventing or reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. As norepinephrine and serotonin are used to stimulate the synapse, and depression has been linked to a lack of stimulation of the recipient neuron at a synapse, slowing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters allows them to remain in the synaptic gap longer than it normal, increasing the stimulation of the recipient neuron and relieving the symptoms of depression. However, it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system. The clinical effect is also hypothesized as being due to potentiation of adrenergic synapses by blocking uptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings.
