Escitalopram (Lexapro TM)
Antidepressant. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) .S-enantiomer
of racemic citalopram. Molecular weight: 414.40.
CATEGORY: C
"Escitalopram is metabolized to S-DCT and S-didemethylcitalopram (S-DDCT).
In humans, unchanged escitalopram is the predominant compound in plasma. At
steady state, the concentration of the escitalopram metabolite S-DCT in
plasma is approximately one-third that of escitalopram."
Oral administration of escitalopram to pregnant rats during the
period of organogenesis resulted in decreased fetal body weight and
associated delays in ossification at approximately >/=56 times the maximum
recommended human dose [MRHD]* of 20 mg/day. The developmental no effect
dose of 56 mg/kg/day is approximately 28 times the MRHD*. No teratogenicity
was observed at any of the doses tested (as high as 75 times the MRHD*).
When female rats were treated with escitalopram during pregnancy and
through weaning, slightly increased offspring mortality and growth
retardation were noted at approximately 24 times the MRHD*. The no effect
dose was 12 mg/kg/day which is approximately 6 times the MRHD*.
We were unable to locate reports describing the use of escitalopram
during human pregnancy.
BREAST FEEDING: No reports were located describing the use of
escitalopram during human lactation. However, racemic citalopram is excreted into
human breast milk. The manufacturer recommends the
decision whether to continue or discontinue either nursing or LEXAPRO
therapy should take into account the risks of exposure for the
infant and the benefits of LEXAPRO treatment for the mother.
*On a body surface area mg/m 2 basis
SEARCH LITERATURE
1. Physicians Desk Reference 57th ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004: 1304
Created: 1/10/2004
Updated: 1/10/2004
