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Clomipramine

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) — primarily serotonergic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
4 documented
Formulations
6

Mechanism of action

Potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor with moderate norepinephrine reuptake inhibition; also has antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties; reduces anxiety-related behaviours

At a glance

Class
Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) — primarily serotonergic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1998-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Separation anxiety / Compulsive disorders / Noise phobia
Dose
1–3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
BID
Max dose
100 mg/dose; 200 mg/day
Duration: Minimum 8 weeks; long-term with behaviour modification
🐈

Cat

Urine spraying / Anxiety / Compulsive grooming
Dose
0.25–0.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
5 mg
Duration: Minimum 8 weeks; long-term

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 3

Strength
5mg
Strength
20mg
Strength
80mg
💊

Tablet (human) — 3

Strength
10mg
Available in India
Strength
25mg
Available in India
Strength
50mg
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Concurrent MAO inhibitors
    Serotonin syndrome — 14-day washout
    SelegilineAmitraz
  • Seizure disorders (uncontrolled)
    Lowers seizure threshold

Use with caution

  • Cardiac arrhythmias
    TCA cardiac effects
  • Urinary retention / Glaucoma
    Anticholinergic effects

Adverse effects

Common
Sedation
Dry mouth
Constipation
Urinary retention
Serious
Cardiac arrhythmias
Seizures
Serotonin syndrome

Monitoring parameters

Behaviour assessmentHeart rate/ECGBody weightHepatic function

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)
contraindicated
TCA (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) + MAO inhibitor: serotonin syndrome.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 2-week washout between agents.

Major — 3

Fluoxetine
major
Both are serotonergic; fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 increasing clomipramine levels. High risk of serotonin syndrome.
Management: Do NOT use concurrently. Allow 5-week washout when switching between SSRIs and TCAs.
Tramadol
major
Tramadol (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) + clomipramine (TCA with strong serotonin reuptake inhibition): high serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Do not combine. Use pure mu-agonist opioid instead of tramadol.
Trazodone
major
Both serotonergic: trazodone (SARI) + clomipramine (potent SRI). High serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Avoid combination.

Brands

International

Clomicalm
Elanco
Anafranil
Novartis

India

Clonil
Intas
Clofranil
Sun Pharma

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Clomipramine?
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (tca) — primarily serotonergic used in pets. Potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor with moderate norepinephrine reuptake inhibition; also has antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties; reduces anxiety-related behaviours
›What is Clomipramine used for in pets?
Clomipramine is used in veterinary medicine for: Separation anxiety / Compulsive disorders / Noise phobia; Urine spraying / Anxiety / Compulsive grooming.
›What is the Clomipramine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Clomipramine is typically dosed as follows — Separation anxiety / Compulsive disorders / Noise phobia: 1–3 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Clomipramine dose for cats?
For cats, Clomipramine is typically dosed as follows — Urine spraying / Anxiety / Compulsive grooming: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Clomipramine?
Common: Sedation, Dry mouth, Constipation, Urinary retention. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cardiac arrhythmias, Seizures, Serotonin syndrome.
›Does Clomipramine need a prescription?
Yes. Clomipramine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Clomipramine not be used?
Do not use Clomipramine if: Concurrent MAO inhibitors; Seizure disorders (uncontrolled).

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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