Long-term efficacy of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants for children with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the study was to determine the long-term efficacy of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) drugs amitriptyline or imipramine in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in pediatric patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective chart review of children with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain diagnosed on the basis of the Rome III criteria was performed. Charts were analyzed for response to the medication and the duration of the response.

RESULTS:

A total of 98 patients took a TCA for an FGID. Of the 98 patients, 77 patients (78.6%) responded to the treatment for an average of 10.73 (range 1-45) months.

CONCLUSIONS:

TCAs are effective in treating FGIDs in pediatric patients for a long duration.

• Authors: Jonathan E Teitelbaum, Ruchi Arora
• Journal: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr) Vol. 53 Issue 3 Pg. 260-4 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1536-4801 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21865971 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
• Amitriptyline
• Imipramine

Topics

• Abdominal Pain (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Adolescent
• Amitriptyline (therapeutic use)
• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Evaluation
• Dyspepsia (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Imipramine (therapeutic use)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Male
• Retrospective Studies