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PERTOFRANE vs ZONALON

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 19, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. PERTOFRANE and ZONALON are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

70/100
66/100

Pharmacy pays

~$8.39 /30
~$4.84 /30

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

DESIPRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
DOXEPIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Capsule
Topical

Drug class

Tricyclic Antidepressant
Tricyclic Antidepressant

Boxed warning

None
None

Half-life

about 8 to 24 hours (average about 17 hours)

Treats

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder, Pain
Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Atopic Dermatitis

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Pertofrane or Zonalon?

By our independent rating, Pertofrane scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.3 out of 5 for Zonalon. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Pertofrane or Zonalon?

Zonalon costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $4.84 vs $8.39 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Pertofrane and Zonalon?

Pertofrane contains Desipramine Hydrochloride, while Zonalon contains Doxepin Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.