ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/nortriptyline
US brand names:Pamelor
Nortriptyline is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h in dogs, per Verified against Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis), 2nd Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.261' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.233; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.233. — SOURCE EDITION: Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis) — ISBN 9781119226246, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781119226246. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Active metabolite of amitriptyline. Inhibits norepinephrine reuptake preferentially over serotonin. Anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.
Cardiac toxicity risk — monitor ECG in susceptible species. Anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation. Do not combine with MAOIs.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h | Weak | Verified against Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis), 2nd Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.261' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.233; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.233. — SOURCE EDITION: Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis) — ISBN 9781119226246, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781119226246 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.5–1 mg/kg | q12h | Weak | Verified against Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis), 2nd Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.261' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.233; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.233. — SOURCE EDITION: Veterinary Psychopharmacology (Crowell-Davis) — ISBN 9781119226246, |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.