The interaction of sertraline hydrochloride (SRT) with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) in aqueous solutions was investigated using the methods of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The interaction parameters, such as the association constant, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy of complexation of SRT by beta-CD and DM-beta-CD in water at T = 298.15 K have been evaluated. Both enthalpic and entropic effects make a contribution to SRT association with beta-CD or DM-beta-CD. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.