From the FDA Drug Label
The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours. The half-life of Sertraline is approximately 26 hours 1.
- The half-life in pediatric patients (6 to 12 years) is 26.2 hours.
- The half-life in pediatric patients (13 to 17 years) is 27.8 hours.
- The half-life in adults is 27.2 hours.
From the Research
Sertraline has a half-life of approximately 22-36 hours in adults, meaning it takes about 22-36 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body. This relatively long half-life allows sertraline to be taken once daily, typically making it convenient for patients. The elimination half-life of sertraline ranges from 22-36 hours, as reported in the study by 2.
Key Points
- The half-life of sertraline is approximately 22-36 hours, as stated in the study by 2.
- This allows for once-daily administration, making it convenient for patients.
- The active metabolite of sertraline, desmethylsertraline, has an even longer half-life, which contributes to the drug's steady-state effects.
- For most patients, it takes about 5-7 days (5-6 half-lives) to reach steady-state blood levels when starting sertraline, and similarly, it takes about 5-7 days for the medication to be mostly cleared from the body after discontinuation.
- The half-life may be longer in elderly patients, those with liver disease, or those taking certain medications that inhibit sertraline's metabolism, potentially requiring dose adjustments in these populations.
Clinical Implications
- The extended elimination time explains why patients should taper off sertraline rather than stopping abruptly, as sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Knowledge of the half-life of sertraline is important for designing dosage regimens and avoiding potentially serious drug-drug interactions.
- The study by 2 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence for the half-life of sertraline, making it the most reliable source for clinical decision-making.