CLOMICALM Tablets are to be used as part of a comprehensive
behavioral management program to treat separation anxiety in dogs greater
than 6 months of age. Inappropriate barking or destructive behavior, as well
as inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation) may be alleviated by
the use of CLOMICALM Tablets in conjunction with behavior modification.
Separation anxiety is a complex behavior disorder displayed
when the owner (or other attachment figure) leaves the dog. The signs of
separation anxiety evaluated in controlled trials were vocalization,
destructive behavior, excessive salivation, and inappropriate elimination.
In the absence of the owner or attachment figure, dogs with separation
anxiety may exhibit one or more of these clinical signs. Although the owner
(attachment figure) may inadvertently misinterpret this behavior, which only
happens in their absence, as spiteful, it is thought to be the result of
anxiety experienced by the dog. Punishment is not considered appropriate for
a dog with separation anxiety.
Proper recognition of clinical signs, including a complete
patient history and assessment of the patient's household environment, is
essential to accurately diagnose and treat separation anxiety.
The use of CLOMICALM Tablets should not replace appropriate
behavioral and environmental management but should be used to facilitate a
comprehensive behavior management program.
CLOMICALM (clomipramine hydrochloride) Tablets belong to
the dibenzazepine class of tricyclic antidepressants. Clomipramine
hydrochloride is
3-chloro-5[3-(dimethyl-amino)propyl]-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine
monohydrochloride. CLOMICALM Tablets are oblong, light brown in color and
contain clomipramine hydrochloride formulated together with meat components.
The molecular weight of clomipramine hydrochloride is 351.3. The structural
formula is:
Clinical Pharmacology:
Clomipramine hydrochloride reduces the clinical signs of
separation anxiety by affecting serotonergic and noradrenergic neuronal
transmission in the central nervous system. While clomipramine
hydrochloride can cause lethargy in dogs (see Adverse Reactions) its
mode of action is not as a sedative. Clomipramine hydrochloride's
capacity to inhibit re-uptake of serotonin in the central nervous system
is believed to be the primary mechanism of action.
Clomipramine hydrochloride is rapidly absorbed when
administered orally. A single-dose crossover study involving 12 dogs
evaluated clomipramine hydrochloride bioavailability after IV (2 mg/kg)
and oral (4 mg/kg) administration in either a fed or fasted state. The
administration of clomipramine hydrochloride in the presence of food
resulted in an increase in the rate and extent of drug absorption as
shown in the following table (mean � SD):
|
AUC0-inf
(nmol hr/L) |
Cmax
(nmol/L) |
Tmax
(hr) |
Absolute Bioavailability
(F) |
Fed |
1670�575 |
601�286 |
1.18�0.32 |
0.21�0.07 |
Fasted |
1350�447 |
379�154 |
1.31�0.32 |
0.17�0.05 |
The absolute bioavailability is approximately 25%
greater in fed dogs. The apparent terminal plasma half-life ranges from
approximately 2 to 9 hours in fed and 3 to 21 hours in fasted dogs. The
difference and variability in apparent half-life estimates may be
attributable to prolonged drug absorption in the fasted state. The
relatively large volume of distribution (3.8�0.8 L/kg) suggests that the
drug is widely distributed throughout the body.
Clomipramine is primarily metabolized in the liver.
Contraindications:
CLOMICALM Tablets are contraindicated in dogs with known
hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants.
CLOMICALM Tablets should not be used in male breeding
dogs. Testicular hypoplasia was seen in dogs treated for 1 year at 12.5
times the maximum daily dose.
CLOMICALM Tablets should not be given in combination, or
within 14 days before or after treatment with a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor [e.g., selegiline hydrochloride (L-deprenyl), amitraz].
CLOMICALM Tablets are contraindicated for use in dogs
with a history of seizures or concomitantly with drugs which lower the
seizure threshold.
Human Warnings:
Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach
of children. In case of accidental ingestion seek medical attention
immediately. In children, accidental ingestion should be regarded as
serious. There is no specific antidote for clomipramine. Overdose in
humans causes anticholinergic effects including effects on the central
nervous (e.g., convulsions) and cardiovascular (e.g., arrhythmia,
tachycardia) systems. People with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine
should administer the product with caution.
Precautions:
General: CLOMICALM Tablets are
not recommended for other behavior problems, such as aggression (see
Adverse Reactions). Studies to establish the safety and efficacy of
CLOMICALM Tablets in dogs less than 6 months of age have not been
conducted.
Diagnosis: It is critical to conduct
a comprehensive physical examination, including appropriate laboratory
tests, and to obtain a thorough history and assessment of the patient's
household environment, to rule-out causes of inappropriate behavior
unrelated to separation anxiety before prescribing CLOMICALM Tablets.
Periodic reassessment of hematological and serum biochemical data during
the administration of this medication is advised.
Veterinarians should be familiar with the risks and
benefits of the treatment of behavioral disorders in dogs before
initiating therapy. Inappropriate use of CLOMICALM Tablets, i.e., in the
absence of a diagnosis or without concurrent behavioral modification,
may expose the animal to unnecessary adverse effects and may not provide
any lasting benefit of therapy.
Drug Interactions: Recommendations
on the interaction between clomipramine and other medications are
extrapolated from data generated in humans. Plasma concentrations of
clomipramine have been reported to be increased by the concomitant
administration of phenobarbital. Plasma levels of closely related
tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to be increased by the
concomitant administration of hepatic enzyme inhibitors (e.g.,
cimetidine, fluoxetine). Plasma levels of closely related tricyclic
antidepressants have been reported to be decreased by the concomitant
administration of hepatic enzyme inducers (e.g., barbiturates, phenytoin).
Caution is advised in using clomipramine with anticholinergic or
sympathomimetic drugs or with other CNS-active drugs, including general
anesthetics and neuroleptics.
Prior to elective surgery with general anesthetics,
clomipramine should be discontinued for as long as clinically feasible.
Use in Concomitant Illness: Use with
caution in dogs with cardiovascular disease. At 20 mg/kg/day (5X the
maximum recommended dose), bradycardia and arrhythmias (atrioventricular
node block and ventricular extrasystole) were observed in dogs. Because
of its anticholinergic properties, clomipramine should be used with
caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure, a history of
narrow angle glaucoma, urinary retention or reduced gastrointestinal
motility. Because clomipramine is principally metabolized in the liver,
caution is advised in using this medication in the presence of
preexisting liver disease.
Reproductive Safety: Safety studies
to determine the effects of CLOMICALM Tablets in pregnant or lactating
female dogs have not been conducted. CLOMICALM Tablets should not be
used in breeding males (See Contraindications).
Efficacy:
Dose Establishment: A 12 week,
placebo-controlled, multi-site clinical trial was conducted in the US
and Europe to establish an effective dose of CLOMICALM Tablets in dogs.
Treatment with CLOMICALM Tablets, at 2 - 4 mg/kg/day divided twice
daily, in conjunction with behavioral modification (desensitization and
counterconditioning) was more effective than behavior modification alone
in reducing the signs of separation anxiety in dogs.
Dose Confirmation: In another
placebo-controlled, multi-site clinical trial, CLOMICALM Tablets at 2 -
4 mg/kg/day given either once daily or divided twice daily showed
significant improvement in resolving signs of separation anxiety when
tested against behavioral modification alone (desensitization and
counterconditioning). In this 8 week study, the rate of improvement of
the dogs receiving CLOMICALM Tablets with behavioral modification was
significantly faster than the rate of improvement of the dogs receiving
behavioral modification alone. After one week on trial, 47% of the dogs
receiving CLOMICALM Tablets once or twice (divided dose) daily in
conjunction with behavioral modification showed clinical improvement
compared to improvement in 29% of the dogs receiving behavioral
modification alone.
Safety:
CLOMICALM Tablets were demonstrated to be well-tolerated
in dogs at the recommended label dose of 2-4 mg/kg/day. In a six month
target animal safety study, beagle dogs were dosed daily at 4 (1X), 12
(3X), and 20 (5X) mg/kg/day. Emesis was seen in all groups including the
dogs receiving placebo, but occurred more frequently in dogs receiving
12 and 20 mg/kg. Decreased activity was also seen in dogs receiving the
12 and 20 mg/kg. There were no apparent treatment-related alterations in
the following: body weights, physical examination findings,
electrocardiograph examinations, hematology or biochemistry parameters,
ophthalmoscopic examinations, macroscopic or microscopic organ
examinations and organ weights. Average food and water consumption over
the 26 week period was similar for control and treated groups. In a one
year study, pure bred dogs were dosed daily at 12.5 (3X), 50 (12.5X),
and 100 (25X) mg/kg/day. Emesis and mydriasis were observed within 15
minutes to one hour after dosing in dogs receiving 12.5, 50, and 100
mg/kg/day and lethargy was observed within 1 hour of dosing in dogs
receiving 50 and 100 mg/kg. Testicular hypoplasia was seen in dogs
receiving 50 mg/kg. At 100 mg/kg/day (25X) convulsions and eventual
death occurred in five out of the eight dogs.
Adverse Reactions:
Frequency and category of adverse reactions observed
in dogs dosed with CLOMICALM Tablets or placebo were observed in
multisite clinical studies as follows.
Adverse
Reactions Reported in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Field Trials |
|
CLOMICALM
N=180 |
Placebo
N=88 |
Emesis |
36 (20%) |
8 (9%) |
Lethargy |
26 (14%) |
7 (8%) |
Diarrhea |
17 (9%) |
4 (5%) |
Polydipsia |
6 (3%) |
0 |
Decreased Appetite |
6 (3%) |
3 (3%) |
Aggression* |
3 (2%) |
1 (1%) |
Seizure |
2 (1%) |
0 |
Dry Mouth |
1 (0.5%) |
1 (1%) |
Tremors |
1 (0.5%) |
0 |
Constipation |
1 (0.5%) |
0 |
Anisocoria |
1 (0.5%) |
0 |
Polyuria |
1 (0.5%) |
0 |
Hyperthermia |
1 (0.5%) |
0 |
*These dogs displayed growling behavior towards either
humans or other dogs.
Post-Approval Experience: Although
not all adverse reactions are reported, the following adverse reactions
are based on voluntary post-approval adverse drug experience reporting:
lethargy/depression, anorexia, elevation in liver enzymes, vomiting and
diarrhea. Hepatobiliary disease has occurred, especially in the presence
of pre-existing conditions or with concurrent administration of drugs
metabolized via the hepatic system. Additionally, in an overdose
situation, the following signs have been reported: ataxia,
anticholinergic effects (e.g., mydriasis, bradycardia, tachycardia, and
arrhythmia) and vocalization.
To report suspected adverse reactions or in case of
accidental human ingestion, call 1-800-637-0281.
Dosage and Administration:
The recommended daily dose of CLOMICALM Tablets is 2 to
4 mg/kg/day (0.9-1.8 mg/lb/day) (see dosing table below). It can be
administered as a single daily dose or divided twice daily based on
patient response and/or tolerance of the side effects. It may be prudent
to initiate treatment in divided doses to minimize side effects by
permitting tolerance to side effects to develop or allowing the patient
time to adapt if tolerance does not develop. To reduce the incidence of
vomiting that may be experienced by some dogs, CLOMICALM Tablets may be
given with a small amount of food.
Dog Weight
(lbs) |
CLOMICALM per
Day |
No. Tablets per
Day |
Tablet Strength |
2.75-5.5 |
5 mg |
1 |
5 mg |
5.6-10.9 |
10 mg |
2 |
5 mg |
11-22 |
20 mg |
1 |
20 mg |
22.1-44 |
40 mg |
1 |
40 mg |
44.1-88 |
80 mg |
1 |
80 mg |
88.1-176 |
160 mg |
2 |
80 mg |
The specific methods of behavioral modification used in
clinical trials involved desensitization and counterconditioning
techniques. Since the manifestation of separation anxiety can vary
according to the individual dog, it is advised that a specific behavior
modification plan be developed based on a professional assessment of
each individual case.
Once the desired clinical effect is achieved and the
owners have successfully instituted the appropriate behavioral
modification, the dose of CLOMICALM Tablets may be reduced to maintain
the desired effect or discontinued. Withdrawal side effects were not
reported in studies with CLOMICALM Tablets in dogs. However, in clinical
practice, it is recommended to taper the individual patient dose while
continuing to monitor the dog's behavior and clinical status through the
dose reduction or withdrawal period. Continued behavioral modification
is recommended to prevent recurrence of the clinical signs.
The effectiveness and clinical safety of CLOMICALM
Tablets for long-term use (i.e., for more than 12 weeks) has not been
evaluated.
Professional judgement should be used in monitoring the
patient's clinical status, response to therapy and tolerance to side
effects to determine the need to continue treatment with CLOMICALM
Tablets and to continue to rule-out physiological disorders which may
complicate the diagnosis and treatment of separation anxiety.
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry
place at controlled room temperature, between 59� and 77� F (15-25� C).
Store unused tablets in the original closed container.
How Supplied: CLOMICALM Tablets are
available in 5, 20, 40 and 80 mg tablet strengths in color-coded
packaging for oral administration to dogs.
Caution:
Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on
the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children.
Manufacturer:
Novartis Animal Health