Sertraline

ATC CodeN06AB06
CAS number79617-96-2
PUB number5203
Drugbank IDDB01104
Empirical formulaC17H17Cl2N
Molar mass (g·mol−1)306,23
Physical statesolid
Density (g·cm−3)1,353
Melting point (°C)290–291
Boiling point (°C)416,3
PKS value9.48

Basics

Sertraline is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is used to treat depressive disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline is usually administered orally and is only available by prescription.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Sertraline acts as a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, sertraline increases extracellular serotonin levels, thereby increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain. This mechanism is responsible for the antidepressant effect.

Pharmacokinetics

Sertraline is slowly absorbed when taken orally and reaches its maximum concentration in plasma 4 to 6 hours after administration. In blood, it is 98.5% bound to plasma proteins and has a half-life of 25 to 26 hours. Sertraline is inactivated in the liver by demethylation. Sertraline is metabolized by several cytochrome 450 isoforms: CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4.

Toxicity

Side effects

Compared to other SSRIs, sertraline tends to be associated with higher rates of psychiatric side effects and diarrhea.

Common and very common side effects:

  • Insomnia
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Ejaculation disorders
  • nervousness
  • Sweating
  • tremor
  • Skin rash
  • Vomiting
  • dyspepsia
  • sexual dysfunction
  • hot flushes
  • micturition disorders
  • palpitations
  • chest pain

Toxicological data

LD50 (rat,oral): 840 mg-kg-1

Sources

  • Drugbank
  • PubChem
  • Aktories, Förstermann, Hofmann, Starke: Allgemeine und spezielle Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Elsvier, 2017
Markus Falkenstätter, BSc

Markus Falkenstätter, BSc

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer



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