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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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).
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Tricyclic antidepressant).

Amitriptyline
Rx
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine at presynaptic nerve terminals. Also has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Used for behavior disorders, neuropathic pain, and feline idiopathic cystitis.
dogcat
Doxepin
Rx
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine with potent H1 and H2 antihistamine activity (most antihistaminic of all TCAs). Also has anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Used for pruritus, anxiety, and allergic conditions.
dogcat
Imipramine
Rx
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Metabolized to desipramine (active metabolite with predominantly norepinephrine reuptake inhibition).
dogcat
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