Effects of clomipramine hydrochloride on heart rate and rhythm in healthy dogs

Jean-Louis Pouchelon Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Maisons-Alfort, 94704, Maisons-Alfort, France.

Search for other papers by Jean-Louis Pouchelon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Eric Martel Department of Pharmacology, Centre de Recherches Biologiques, 18800, Baugy, France.

Search for other papers by Eric Martel in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
,
Pascal Champeroux Department of Pharmacology, Centre de Recherches Biologiques, 18800, Baugy, France.

Search for other papers by Pascal Champeroux in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
,
Serge Richard Department of Pharmacology, Centre de Recherches Biologiques, 18800, Baugy, France.

Search for other papers by Serge Richard in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD
, and
Jonathan N. King Novartis Animal Health Inc, Werk Rosental, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.

Search for other papers by Jonathan N. King in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 BVSc, PhD

Abstract

Objective—To determine the effects of clomipramine hydrochloride on heart rate and rhythm in dogs.

Animals—17 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—In experiment 1, 8 dogs received placebo or clomipramine (20 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h, PO) for 7 days in a 2-way crossover design. In experiment 2, 9 dogs were evaluated for 48 hours before and 24 hours after oral administration of clomipramine (4 or 12 mg/kg) in a 2-way crossover design. Electrocardiogram and heart rate were monitored continuously by use of telemetry.

Results—A significant diurnal rhythm in heart rate was detected; minimum values were recorded at night. Administration of 20 mg of clomipramine/kg induced a significant reduction in heart rate, with peak effect achieved approximately 12 hours after dosing. Administration of 4 or 12 mg of clomipramine/kg did not result in significant changes in heart rate. Sinoatrial and second-degree atrioventricular block and ventricular escape beats were observed during periods of slow heart rate in more dogs that received clomipramine (3 to 4 of 8 dogs), compared with dogs that received placebo (1 to 2 of 8 dogs), but this difference was not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Short-term administration of clomipramine induced benign cardiovascular effects in dogs rather than the potentially dangerous arrhythmias or tachycardia reported following administration of tricyclic antidepressants to humans. Precautions regarding cardiovascular effects may not be needed for the use of clomipramine in healthy dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:960–964)

Abstract

Objective—To determine the effects of clomipramine hydrochloride on heart rate and rhythm in dogs.

Animals—17 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—In experiment 1, 8 dogs received placebo or clomipramine (20 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h, PO) for 7 days in a 2-way crossover design. In experiment 2, 9 dogs were evaluated for 48 hours before and 24 hours after oral administration of clomipramine (4 or 12 mg/kg) in a 2-way crossover design. Electrocardiogram and heart rate were monitored continuously by use of telemetry.

Results—A significant diurnal rhythm in heart rate was detected; minimum values were recorded at night. Administration of 20 mg of clomipramine/kg induced a significant reduction in heart rate, with peak effect achieved approximately 12 hours after dosing. Administration of 4 or 12 mg of clomipramine/kg did not result in significant changes in heart rate. Sinoatrial and second-degree atrioventricular block and ventricular escape beats were observed during periods of slow heart rate in more dogs that received clomipramine (3 to 4 of 8 dogs), compared with dogs that received placebo (1 to 2 of 8 dogs), but this difference was not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Short-term administration of clomipramine induced benign cardiovascular effects in dogs rather than the potentially dangerous arrhythmias or tachycardia reported following administration of tricyclic antidepressants to humans. Precautions regarding cardiovascular effects may not be needed for the use of clomipramine in healthy dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:960–964)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 107 0 0
Full Text Views 1574 1301 425
PDF Downloads 1094 522 55
Advertisement