Escitalopram Oxalate

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Cat Number

API219861082

CAS Number

219861-08-2

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

219861-08-2

EINECS

620-544-8

Storage

Store at room temperature

Synonyms

Citalopram oxalate, (s)-; 5U85DBW7LO; NSC-758934; DTXSID1046003

Molecular Formula

C22H23FN2O5

Molecular Weight

414.4

Smiles

CN(C)CCC[C@@]1(C2=C(CO1)C=C(C=C2)C#N)C3=CC=C(C=C3)F.C(=O)(C(=O)O)O

Appearance

White to off-white powder

General Description

Escitalopram oxalate is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for depression and anxiety disorders. It is the most selective SSRI available, with minimal effects on norepinephrine or dopamine reuptake. The oxalate salt improves tablet stability and dissolution.

Mechanism of Action

Escitalopram binds to the primary and allosteric sites on the serotonin transporter (SERT), blocking the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron. This dual binding site action enhances its potency and selectivity compared to racemic citalopram. Increased synaptic serotonin enhances mood, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep regulation. Therapeutic effects typically take 2-4 weeks, despite immediate serotonin elevation.

Application

Escitalopram is indicated for major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. It has a favorable tolerability profile with fewer drug-drug interactions than older SSRIs due to minimal CYP450 inhibition.

In a randomized noninferiority trial (276 adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders, 208 completers), 8 weeks of mindfulness‑based stress reduction (MBSR) was compared with flexible‑dose escitalopram (10–20 mg). The primary outcome, Clinical Global Impression‑Severity scale change at 8 weeks, showed a mean reduction of 1.35 points with MBSR and 1.43 points with escitalopram. The between‑group difference was –0.07 (95% CI –0.38 to 0.23), falling within the prespecified noninferiority margin of –0.495. Dropouts due to adverse events were 8% for escitalopram and 0% for MBSR. MBSR is noninferior to a first‑line pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders.

Fig. 1 Effect sizes and noninferiority confidence intervals of primary outcome for mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) vs escitalopram (week 8 end point). (Hoge EA, et al., 2023)

References

Hoge EA, et al. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2023;80(1):13-21.

Does Escitalopram Oxalate require protection from light during long-term storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. UV light can cause photodegradation and discoloration. Store in light-resistant, tightly sealed containers, preferably original packaging.

What is the recommended storage temperature for Escitalopram Oxalate?

Store at controlled room temperature (15-25°C). Avoid excessive heat above 30°C, which can accelerate oxidative degradation and loss of the oxalate counterion.

Is Escitalopram Oxalate stable under high-humidity conditions?

It is slightly hygroscopic. Under high humidity (>70% RH), it may absorb moisture and form a hydrate, potentially affecting dissolution. Store with desiccant.

How is the impurity S- and R-enantiomer ratio monitored during stability?

We use a validated chiral HPLC method to ensure that the enantiomeric purity (S-enantiomer) remains above 99.5%, with no racemization detected during storage.