Home/Medicines/Imipramine
All medicines

Imipramine

Prescription
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Metabolized to desipramine (active metabolite with predominantly norepinephrine reuptake inhibition).

At a glance

Class
Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for separation anxiety, cataplexy/narcolepsy, and urinary incontinence (inc
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Used for feline inappropriate elimination, anxiety, and cataplexy
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12–24h
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

💊

Other — 2

Strength
—
Strength
—

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Behavioral response at 4–6 weeksBody weightCardiac rhythmCBC periodically
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/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) + MAO inhibitor: serotonin syndrome.
Management: NEVER combine. Allow 2-week washout between agents.

Major — 2

Fluoxetine
major
Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 metabolism of imipramine, increasing TCA levels. Both serotonergic — serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Avoid. Allow 5-week fluoxetine washout before imipramine.
Tramadol
major
Both inhibit serotonin reuptake. Additive serotonin syndrome risk.
Management: Avoid combination. Use non-serotonergic opioid for pain.
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

Other markets

Tofranil

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Imipramine?
Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (tca) used in pets. Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Has anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. Metabolized to desipramine (active metabolite with predominantly norepinephrine reuptake inhibition).
›What is Imipramine used for in pets?
Imipramine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for separation anxiety, cataplexy/narcolepsy, and urinary incontinence (inc; Used for feline inappropriate elimination, anxiety, and cataplexy.
›What is the Imipramine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Imipramine is typically dosed as follows — Used for separation anxiety, cataplexy/narcolepsy, and urinary incontinence (inc: 0.5–2 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Imipramine dose for cats?
For cats, Imipramine is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline inappropriate elimination, anxiety, and cataplexy: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q12–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Imipramine need a prescription?
Yes. Imipramine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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
Clomipramine
Rx
Potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor with moderate norepinephrine reuptake inhibition; also has antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties; reduces anxiety-related behaviours
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
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp