Imipramine

1 x 6 mL red top tube, NOT SST

Serum separator (gel) vacutainers must be avoided as the drugs may adhere to the gel.

1.5 mL serum

Minimum Whole Blood Volumes for Micro-Collections using Microtainers

Collect 10-14h after last dose for patients on a single daily dose or just before the morning or afternoon dose for those on divided dose schedule.

PSC & RRL: 
Centrifuge and pour off serum into aliquot tube for transport.

Extra-regional:
Centrifuge and pour off serum into aliquot tube. Freeze for transport.

DSC:
Freeze specimens upon receipt in lab; ensure frozen specimens do not thaw.

Record time of last dose on requisition.

Includes analysis of it's metabolite Desipramine.

For additional information, see Half-life and Time to Steady State. 

The correlation between dose and plasma concentration is influenced by age, sex, smoking and pharmacogenetics altered by drug-drug interactions (co-administration).

Therapeutic ranges indicate trough levels in serum under steady state conditions.

Imipramine + Desipramine¹: 639 to 1082 nmol/L

Significant cardiovascular toxicity may be associated with levels >1800 nmol/L.

1. Baumann P, Hiemke C, Ulrich S, et al. The AGNP-TDM expert consensus guidelines: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Psychiatry. Pharmacopsychiatry 2004; 37:242-265.