Promil

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Promil

Promil: Identity and Pharmacological Classification

Property Description
Active ingredient Clomipramine Hydrochloride
Form Capsule, Tablet
Pharmacological class Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Common use Modulating mood and obsessive behaviors
Origin Synthetic compound

Promil is a medication whose active component is the substance Clomipramine Hydrochloride, a synthetic therapeutic agent classified within the Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) class of pharmacologic agents. Clomipramine is an established medication, included on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The compound is a tertiary amine and a dibenzazepine derivative, chemically distinguished as a chlorinated analogue of the Tricyclic Antidepressant imipramine.

Its powerful effects on the central nervous system necessitate that it is a prescription-only medication. Unlike many newer agents, Clomipramine is clinically recognized for its unique efficacy in stabilizing severe, chronic patterns of anxious thought and related emotional distress.

Composition, Form, and General Purpose

The medication is supplied as a single-ingredient product, featuring Clomipramine Hydrochloride as the sole active substance, delivered for oral administration primarily in capsule or tablet form. The fundamental purpose of this compound is to modulate the balance of specific neurotransmitters, achieving a stabilizing effect on mood and obsessive behaviors.

Clomipramine is unique among tricyclics for being an exceptionally potent Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (S-RI), demonstrating a stronger affinity for the serotonin transporter than its metabolites or other related TCAs. The unique chemical structure makes it a highly selective tool for addressing serotonin-related brain signals. This selective yet robust action forms the basis of its general therapeutic benefit: to provide effective, targeted relief in severe chronic conditions linked to the deficient signaling of key neurochemicals. Its primary differentiating factor is its strong antiobsessional activity, a property often highlighted in therapeutic guidelines.

Regulatory References

  1. World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Promil?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Promil

The safety profile of a medicine, as detailed in official government regulatory documents (e.g., FDA, EMA), is structured to formally categorize all documented unintended effects and risks. This structure allows healthcare professionals and patients to understand the medicine’s risk profile based solely on scientific data.

Adverse Reaction Categorization

Adverse reactions associated with the medicine are officially documented and classified by two key criteria:

Classification Type Regulatory Purpose
Frequency Classification Adverse reactions are grouped by their rate of occurrence in clinical trials (e.g., Very Common, Common, Uncommon) to indicate the estimated likelihood of experiencing an effect.
System-Organ Class (SOC) Adverse reactions are grouped by the specific body system they affect (e.g., Nervous System Disorders, Gastrointestinal Disorders) to provide a clear, standardized overview of the medicine’s impact on the body.

Clinically Significant Safety Information

  • Serious Adverse Reactions: The regulatory document explicitly defines and lists reactions that meet specific criteria for severity, such as those that are life-threatening, result in persistent disability, or require hospitalization. These events require immediate and careful attention.
  • Safety-Related Restrictions (Contraindications): The official labeling specifies absolute contraindications—conditions, patient groups, or co-administered drugs for which Promil must not be used because the documented risks are deemed to outweigh any potential benefit.
  • Population-Specific Considerations: The safety profile includes specific notes for defined patient populations, such as those with pre-existing organ impairment (e.g., severe hepatic or renal disease), or other specific groups where the risk-benefit balance may differ.
  • Warnings and Precautions: These formal statements detail non-use restrictions or require special monitoring during treatment, often appearing in a dedicated section of the regulatory document to ensure critical safety issues are highlighted.

This structured regulatory documentation provides the authoritative basis for determining the drug’s overall safety and risk management plan.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Promil overdose is officially documented to present with severe manifestations primarily affecting the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Recognized clinical signs listed in regulatory labeling include severe cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, along with marked ECG abnormalities such as QRS complex and QT interval prolongation. Overdose also commonly presents with CNS disturbances, including agitation, delirium, stupor, coma, and potentially tonic-clonic seizures. Anticholinergic signs, such as mydriasis and urinary retention, are additional documented features.

In any suspected or confirmed overdose, regulatory guidance strictly mandates that individuals must seek immediate medical attention and contact emergency services without delay. This is due to the life-threatening potential of the documented complications, including severe hypotension and shock. Official prescribing information also notes an increased risk of severe outcomes in children and elderly patients.

Regarding management, the official labeling states that no specific antidote is known for Clomipramine overdose. Therefore, treatment is described as symptomatic and supportive, involving continuous ECG monitoring for an extended period, typically 48 to 72 hours, along with necessary supportive measures such as airway management and, in certain cases, gastric decontamination procedures.

Therapeutic Uses of Promil

What Promil Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Promil (Clomipramine) is applied in addressing certain symptoms and is commonly used to manage severe, disruptive, and persistent symptom patterns across distinct neurobehavioral and affective domains. Its utility plays a role in managing symptoms, providing supportive relief that helps ease symptoms that significantly interfere with daily functioning. The medication is considered relevant for core indications such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), certain chronic patterns of severe anxiety and low mood in affective disorders, and specialized conditions like cataplexy associated with narcolepsy.


This support helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, offering symptomatic relief that helps patients cope more steadily. The application of this medication is relevant for managing the burden of manifestations that impact quality of life. This assistance with addressing mental and physical symptoms is particularly relevant in clinical settings that involve chronic, unstable symptom patterns, helping to maintain functional stability.


Quick Fact: Supportive Management for Obsessions and Compulsions Promil is commonly used to help with symptoms that create noticeable functional strain related to intrusive thoughts and repetitive ritualistic actions.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls overview of Clomipramine’s therapeutic uses

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Promil?

Promil (Clomipramine) is subject to strict eligibility rules defined by regulatory authorities to ensure use only in appropriate populations.

Contraindicated Populations

Use is contraindicated and must be avoided in patients with known hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other tricyclic antidepressants. The medicine is also strictly contraindicated concurrently with or within 14 days of discontinuing a psychiatric Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Further absolute non-eligibility includes the acute recovery period following a Myocardial Infarction, the presence of significant Cardiac Arrhythmias or Heart Block, and Severe Liver Disease.

Age and Special Population Restrictions

Population Regulatory Status
Adults (18+ years) Eligible for labeled indications.
Adolescents (10–17 years) Eligible only for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Children (<10 years) Use not established for safety or efficacy in any indication.

Use requires particular caution in older adults (aged ge 65) and patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disorders. Promil is not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to drug distribution into breast milk, and use during pregnancy is advised only after weighing the potential benefit against the risk to the fetus.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Promil documents several absolute restrictions. Co-administration with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is formally contraindicated due to the risk of life-threatening Serotonin Syndrome. This prohibition includes a mandatory administration separation, requiring a minimum of 14 days to elapse between discontinuing an MAOI and initiating Promil, or vice versa. Furthermore, the combination with substances such as Thioridazine and Cisapride is also prohibited due to documented risks of severe cardiac events.

Many documented drug interactions are based on changes to Promil’s plasma concentration (pharmacokinetic interaction). Co-administration with potent inhibitors of the CYP2D6 or CYP1A2 metabolic enzymes, including specific agents like Fluoxetine or Fluvoxamine, may significantly increase the systemic exposure of Promil and its active metabolite. Conversely, co-exposure to substances that induce CYP1A2, such as nicotine from smoking, may result in reduced plasma exposure.

The medication also carries a risk of pharmacodynamic interactions due to additive effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Co-use with other serotonergic agents, such as Triptans, may escalate the risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Similarly, combining Promil with alcohol or other CNS depressants is noted to enhance sedation and impairment. Regulatory cautions also address population-specific risks, noting that elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment may have heightened sensitivity to the effects of these documented interactions due to altered clearance.

Mechanism of Action

How Promil Works: Understanding the Mechanism of Action

Modulating Gene Expression and Cell Fate

Promil’s primary molecular focus involves binding as a targeted ligand to specific nuclear receptors and aberrant fusion proteins within the cell nucleus. This interaction induces a fundamental conformational change that releases the transcriptional blockade on differentiation genes. The resulting intracellular physiological effect is the induction of differentiation of targeted cell populations.

️ Triggering Targeted Protein Degradation

Additionally, Promil activates the cell’s natural waste disposal system, the proteasomal degradation pathway. The drug causes specific, aberrant proteins to be chemically marked for destruction via ubiquitination. This mechanistic action ensures the physical removal of the molecules which maintain the immature, undifferentiated phenotype, resulting in an enforced cellular clearance.

Cascade to Physiological Modulation

The synergy between transcriptional re-programming and protein clearance initiates a rapid mechanistic cascade. This molecular sequence results in a systemic shift in cell lineage composition toward mature phenotypes within the body. This core physiological change modulates the underlying cellular dynamics, influencing activity within the targeted biological system.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Promil (Clomipramine Hydrochloride)

This section outlines instructions for the administration and dosing of Promil. Promil is exclusively for oral administration and is available in capsule and tablet forms, including strengths such as 25 mg and 75 mg.

Standard Administration Instructions

Instruction Type Guidelines
Route and Form Oral administration (capsules or tablets)
Contextual Intake Best taken with food and may be taken as a single dose at bedtime to minimize daytime drowsiness.
Preparation Note Capsules can be opened and the contents mixed with soft foods for patients with difficulty swallowing, without chewing the contents.

Official Dosing and Usage Regimens

The treatment protocol involves gradual dose adjustment, or titration, to reach the appropriate maintenance level. Abrupt discontinuation is not permitted and must be replaced by a gradual reduction (tapering) of the dose.

Indication / Population Starting Dose and Schedule Maximum Daily Dose
Adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 25 mg once daily at bedtime 250 mg/day
Older Adults 10 mg daily (with close monitoring) Typically 75 mg/day
Pediatric Patients (OCD, ge 10 years) 25 mg once daily at bedtime 200 mg/day

The long-term usefulness of the medication requires periodic reevaluation by a healthcare professional. Dosing recommendations and specific available strengths may vary by region; the regimens provided are based on standardized therapeutic guidance.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Promil

Evidence for Use in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Primary research for Promil in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves controlled studies where patients were observed over defined time intervals. These short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) compared individuals taking the medicine to those taking an inactive placebo. Research examined outcomes related to symptom intensity or variability, with studies exploring changes measured during the study period. Specialized rating scales, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), were used in research to monitor symptom evolution. The populations studied included adults as well as children and adolescents (aged 10 years and older) with OCD.

Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, with findings describing patterns observed in the studies over the 8 to 12 weeks of short-term observation. Research monitored changes in the severity of both obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Evidence also includes data from systematic reviews, which compile the findings from multiple trials to contribute to the broader evidence landscape.

Evidence for Managing Cataplexy Associated with Narcolepsy

The research exploring this application of Promil was evaluated in studies examining episodic or acute changes. This evidence is relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns, focusing on a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. Studies monitored outcomes describing episodic or acute changes, namely the frequency and severity of cataplexy attacks in patients with narcolepsy.

Studies monitored how symptoms evolved in the observed populations during the defined time intervals of the trials, with findings describing patterns observed in the studies related to attack frequency. This evidence is included in summaries of available therapeutic options.

The Research Landscape: Gaps and Uncertainties

The research landscape highlights certain areas where certainty remains low. A key limitation is that many of the core trials for Promil and its class are considered older studies, meaning evidence quality varies across studies and may not align with modern research standards. The results apply only to the populations studied and may not predict individual outcomes.

Additionally, long-term effects are not fully established by controlled evidence, and follow-up durations were limited in the main RCTs. Comparative evidence is lacking for several indications, meaning studies directly comparing Promil to all alternative therapies are not universally available. Research so far indicates findings that describe group patterns, not personal outcomes, and evidence highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain.

Key Studies & References

  1. Clomipramine Hydrochloride: NIH StatPearls

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Promil (FAQ)


Q: How long does it typically take for a person to experience the main effects of Promil?

The full therapeutic benefit of Promil is generally monitored over defined short-term periods, such as 8 to 12 weeks, as established in clinical studies. The initial dose adjustments to reach a stable level are usually completed over the first two weeks of treatment, with the effects then assessed over time.


Q: How is the mechanism of action for Promil generally described in official documents?

The official mechanism of action is thought to be related to the drug's effect on certain chemical messengers in the brain. Specifically, Promil influences behavior by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which is a key process in nerve communication.


Q: Are changes in appetite or body weight mentioned as potential side effects of Promil?

Yes, changes in appetite are noted in the official adverse reaction lists for Promil. This includes documentation of both weight gain and weight loss as possible side effects associated with the use of the medicine.


Q: What happens if a person forgets to take a scheduled dose of Promil?

According to official patient instructions, if a dose is missed, a person should take it as soon as they remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely. Official instructions indicate that two doses should not be taken at the same time.


Q: Is a person with a history of seizures eligible to use Promil according to official guidelines?

The official prescribing information includes a precaution regarding the potential risk of seizures during treatment. Therefore, the use of Promil in people with a history of seizures or other predisposing conditions is noted in official documents as requiring special monitoring.


Q: Are there any common non-drug factors that can affect how Promil works?

Yes, the official drug information documents some non-drug factors that can influence the body's processing of Promil. Factors such as nicotine from smoking and certain dietary components, like grapefruit juice, are documented to potentially affect the medicine’s concentration in the bloodstream.


Q: What information is available about long-term safety data for Promil?

Regulatory documents indicate that the long-term effects of Promil are not fully established by controlled evidence. The follow-up duration in the main clinical trials for the drug was limited, and research results apply primarily to short-term observation.


Q: What does the clinical research say about the long-term use of Promil?

Research evidence primarily comes from short-term trials that studied the medicine over periods of a few months. Because of this, the official labeling states that the long-term usefulness of the medication requires periodic reevaluation by a healthcare professional.


Q: Is it necessary to take Promil with food, based on official instructions?

Official administration guidelines state that Promil is best taken with food. Taking it with food may help to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. It may also be taken as a single dose at bedtime, which can help to reduce daytime drowsiness.


Q: What kind of sleep disturbances are sometimes reported with Promil?

Documented sleep disturbances include both insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and excessive drowsiness. Official adverse reaction reports also include the occurrence of unusual dreams as a reported side effect.


Q: Does Promil cause a persistent dry mouth?

Yes, according to the official product labeling, dry mouth is listed as a very common side effect. Side effects are categorized by frequency, and this one is noted among the most frequently reported events associated with the use of Promil.


Q: What are the signs of a serious or rare side effect related to Promil?

Official patient information specifies signs of serious adverse reactions, such as the symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome (including agitation, fast heart rate, and sweating) or an acute allergic reaction (such as swelling or rash). The emergence of any serious event is described in regulatory documents as needing immediate medical attention.


Q: Does Promil interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Official drug interaction texts note that Promil may interact with certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are common over-the-counter pain relievers. This combination may potentially increase the risk of bleeding.


Q: Can certain herbal supplements affect the safety of Promil?

Yes, official drug warnings caution against combining Promil with certain herbal supplements. Specific attention is given to supplements like St. John's Wort, which can affect serotonin levels in the body and potentially cause a dangerous drug interaction.


Q: What is the official safety classification of Promil use during pregnancy?

Promil has been assigned a Pregnancy Category C by the U.S. FDA and other international regulatory bodies. This category indicates that use during pregnancy is advised only after weighing the potential benefit of the medicine against the risk to the fetus.


Q: Does regulatory information address the use of Promil by breastfeeding parents?

Yes, regulatory documents advise that the drug is not recommended for use by breastfeeding parents. This advisory is based on evidence that the medicine is distributed into breast milk and its effects on the nursing infant are not fully established.


Q: What is the definition of a 'box warning' that might apply to a drug like Promil?

A Boxed Warning is the most serious warning required by the FDA to call attention to severe risks. For a drug like Promil, this warning highlights serious concerns such as the potential for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults.


Q: Does Promil contain lactose or other common inactive ingredients that may cause sensitivity?

Yes, the official inactive ingredients list notes that the medicine's formulation includes lactose monohydrate. This information is important for people with lactose sensitivity and is detailed in the full product formulation documents.


Q: Are there official warnings about the use of Promil with certain blood thinners?

Official regulatory information notes potential interactions with certain blood thinners, such as warfarin. Combining these agents may increase the risk of bleeding and requires careful consideration.


Q: How is a person's mood generally monitored while they are taking Promil?

Regulatory documents require that patients be monitored for changes in mood and behavior, particularly when treatment begins or when doses are adjusted. This monitoring focuses on the emergence or worsening of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.


Q: Are there any official instructions for what to do in case of a suspected overdose of Promil?

Yes, official patient information provides clear instructions for this scenario. In the event of a suspected overdose, the official instruction is to immediately seek emergency medical attention or call a Poison Help line.


Q: Is Promil intended for use as a short-term or long-term treatment?

The medication is not strictly limited to a short-term course, but official labeling emphasizes the need for periodic reevaluation. A healthcare professional must regularly assess the long-term usefulness of the drug to determine if continued treatment is appropriate.


Q: Why do some patients stop taking Promil suddenly (descriptive/non-directive)?

Official documents include a warning against stopping Promil abruptly. This is because sudden discontinuation may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or irritability. These symptoms may be a factor in why some patients try to stop taking the medicine suddenly.

How should Promil be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Promil (Clomipramine Hydrochloride) must be stored strictly according to its official labeling to maintain stability. The medicine is required to be kept at Controlled Room Temperature, specifically between 20 C and 25 C (68 F to 77 F), with temporary excursions permitted up to 30 C.

Handling and Safety: The product must be protected from moisture and dispensed in a tight, light-resistant container. Regulatory requirements mandate that the medicine be stored locked up and dispensed with a child-resistant closure to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal: Unused or expired product must be disposed of through an approved waste disposal plant, adhering to all local and national hazardous waste regulations. It is strictly prohibited to release the product to the environment or allow it to enter sewers or water drains.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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