Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the therapeutically active S-enantiomer of citalopram. It is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in medicines for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Escitalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), reducing the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons and increasing serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
Escitalopram is a synthetic small-molecule antidepressant belonging to the SSRI class. It is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is commonly supplied as escitalopram oxalate in pharmaceutical products.
The molecular formula of Escitalopram is C₂₀H₂₁FN₂O₂, with a molecular weight of approximately 324.39 g/mol. The CAS Registry Number is 128196-01-0.
Escitalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), preventing the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft.
This results in:
Escitalopram is primarily used in pharmaceutical formulations for:
The exact approved indications depend on the applicable regulatory product labeling.
Escitalopram is a small-molecule pharmaceutical API belonging to the SSRI antidepressant class. For commercial pharmaceutical products, it is frequently formulated as escitalopram oxalate.
Pharmaceutical-grade Escitalopram is evaluated for identity, assay, related substances, residual solvents, water content and other applicable quality parameters.
Escitalopram API intended for pharmaceutical manufacturing should comply with the applicable approved specification and relevant pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements.
Typical quality-control parameters include:
A qualified supplier should provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA), specification sheet, SDS/MSDS, batch traceability and applicable regulatory documentation.
Escitalopram should be stored in a tightly closed container, protected from excessive moisture, heat and direct light, according to the applicable approved storage and stability requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |