Friday, 21 September 2012

Mezzopram 40 mg Dispersible Gastro-resistant Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Mezzopram 40 mg Dispersible Gastro-resistant Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 40 mg omeprazole (as omeprazole magnesium)



Excipients: glucose, sucrose



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Gastro-resistant tablet



Reddish oval film-coated tablet with a score line on both sides. The tablet can be divided into equal halves.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Mezzopram Dispersible gastro-resistant tablets are indicated for:



Adults



• Treatment of duodenal ulcers



• Prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcers



• Treatment of gastric ulcers



• Prevention of relapse of gastric ulcers



• In combination with appropriate antibiotics, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in peptic ulcer disease



• Treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers



• Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk



• Treatment of reflux oesophagitis



• Long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis



• Treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease



• Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome



Paediatric use



Children over 1 year of age and



• Treatment of reflux oesophagitis



• Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease



Children and adolescents over 4 years of age



• In combination with antibiotics in treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Posology in adults



Treatment of duodenal ulcers



The recommended dose in patients with an active duodenal ulcer is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within two weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further two weeks treatment period. In patients with poorly responsive duodenal ulcer Mezzopram 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within four weeks.



Prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcers



For the prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcer in H. pylori negative patients or when H. pylori eradication is not possible the recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. In some patients a daily dose of 10 mg may be sufficient. In case of therapy failure, the dose can be increased to 40 mg.



Treatment of gastric ulcers



The recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period. In patients with poorly responsive gastric ulcer Mezzopram 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within eight weeks.



Prevention of relapse of gastric ulcers



For the prevention of relapse in patients with poorly responsive gastric ulcer the recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. If needed the dose can be increased to Mezzopram 40 mg once daily.



H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease



For the eradication of H. pylori the selection of antibiotics should consider the individual patient's drug tolerance, and should be undertaken in accordance with national, regional and local resistance patterns and treatment guidelines.



• Mezzopram 20 mg + clarithromycin 500 mg + amoxicillin 1,000 mg, each twice daily for one week, or



• Mezzopram 20 mg + clarithromycin 250 mg (alternatively 500 mg) + metronidazole 400 mg (or 500 mg or tinidazole 500 mg), each twice daily for one week, or



• Mezzopram 40 mg once daily with amoxicillin 500 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (or 500 mg or tinidazole 500 mg), both three times a day for one week.



In each regimen, if the patient is still H. pylori positive, therapy may be repeated.



Treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers



For the treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period.



Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk



For the prevention of NSAID associated gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers in patients at risk (age> 60, previous history of gastric and duodenal ulcers, previous history of upper GI bleeding) the recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily.



Treatment of reflux oesophagitis



The recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period.



In patients with severe oesophagitis Mezzopram 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within eight weeks.



Long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis



For the long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis the recommended dose is Mezzopram 10 mg once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased to Mezzopram 20-40 mg once daily.



Treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease



The recommended dose is Mezzopram 20 mg daily. Patients may respond adequately to 10 mg daily, and therefore individual dose adjustment should be considered.



If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks treatment with Mezzopram 20 mg daily, further investigation is recommended.



Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome



In patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome the dose should be individually adjusted and treatment continued as long as clinically indicated. The recommended initial dose is Mezzopram 60 mg daily. All patients with severe disease and inadequate response to other therapies have been effectively controlled and more than 90% of the patients maintained on doses of Mezzopram 20–120 mg daily. When dose exceed Mezzopram 80 mg daily, the dose should be divided and given twice daily.



Posology in children



Children over 1 year of age and



Treatment of reflux oesophagitis



Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease



The posology recommendations are as follows:













Age




Weight




Posology







10-20 kg




10 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 20 mg once daily if needed







> 20 kg




20 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 40 mg once daily if needed



Reflux oesophagitis: The treatment time is 4–8 weeks.



Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: The treatment time is 2–4 weeks. If symptom control has not been achieved after 2–4 weeks the patient should be investigated further.



Children and adolescents over 4 years of age



Treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori



When selecting appropriate combination therapy, consideration should be given to official national, regional and local guidance regarding bacterial resistance, duration of treatment (most commonly 7 days but sometimes up to 14 days), and appropriate use of antibacterial agents.



The treatment should be supervised by a specialist.



The posology recommendations are as follows:












Weight




Posology




15-30 kg




Combination with two antibiotics: Mezzopram 10 mg, amoxicillin 25 mg/kg body weight and clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg body weight are all administrated together two times daily for one week




31-40 kg




Combination with two antibiotics: Mezzopram 20 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg and clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg body weight are all administrated two times daily for one week




> 40 kg




Combination with two antibiotics: Mezzopram 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g and clarithromycin 500 mg are all administrated two times daily for one week.



Special populations



Impaired renal function



Dose adjustment is not needed in patients with impaired renal function (see section 5.2).



Impaired hepatic function



In patients with impaired hepatic function a daily dose of 10–20 mg may be sufficient (see section 5.2).



Elderly (> 65 years old)



Dose adjustment is not needed in the elderly (see section 5.2).



Method of administration



It is recommended to take Mezzopram tablets in the morning, swallowed whole with half a glass of water. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed.



For patients with swallowing difficulties and for children who can drink or swallow semi-solid food



Patients can break the tablet and disperse it in a spoonful of non-carbonated water and if so wished, mix with some fruit juices or applesauce. Patients should be advised that the dispersion should be taken immediately (or within 15 minutes)and always be stirred just before drinking and rinsed down with half a glass of water. DO NOT USE milk or carbonated water. The enteric-coated pellets must not be chewed.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to omeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles or to any of the excipients.



Omeprazole like other proton pump inhibitors must not be used concomitantly with nelfinavir (see section 4.5).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



In the presence of any alarm symptom (e.g. significant unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, haematemesis or melena) and when gastric ulcer is suspected or present, malignancy should be excluded, as treatment may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.



Co-administration of atazanavir with proton pump inhibitors is not recommended (see section 4.5). If the combination of atazanavir with a proton pump inhibitor is judged unavoidable, close clinical monitoring (e.g virus load) is recommended in combination with an increase in the dose of atazanavir to 400 mg with 100 mg of ritonavir; omeprazole 20 mg should not be exceeded.



Omeprazole, as all acid-blocking medicines, may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) due to hypo- or achlorhydria. This should be considered in patients with reduced body stores or risk factors for reduced vitamin B12 absorption on long-term therapy.



Omeprazole is a CYP2C19 inhibitor. When starting or ending treatment with omeprazole, the potential for interactions with drugs metabolised through CYP2C19 should be considered. An interaction is observed between clopidogrel and omeprazole (see section 4.5). The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution, concomitant use of omeprazole and clopidogrel should be discouraged.



Some children with chronic illnesses may require long-term treatment although it is not recommended.



Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter (see section 5.1).



As in all long-term treatments, especially when exceeding a treatment period of 1 year, patients should be kept under regular surveillance.



Mezzopram Dispersible gastro-resistant tablets contain sucrose and glucose. Patients with rare fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Effects of omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other active substances



Active substances with pH dependent absorption



The decreased intragastric acidity during treatment with omeprazole might increase or decrease the absorption of active substances with a gastric pH dependent absorption.



Nelfinavir, atazanavir



The plasma levels of nelfinavir and atazanavir are decreased in case of co-administration with omeprazole.



Concomitant administration of omeprazole with nelfinavir is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Co-administration of omeprazole (40 mg once daily) reduced mean nelfinavir exposure by ca. 40% and the mean exposure of the pharmacologically active metabolite M8 was reduced by ca. 75-90%. The interaction may also involve CYP2C19 inhibition.



Concomitant administration of omeprazole with atazanavir is not recommended (see section 4.4). Concomitant administration of omeprazole (40 mg once daily) and atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a 75% decrease of the atazanavir exposure. Increasing the atazanavir dose to 400 mg did not compensate for the impact of omeprazole on atazanavir exposure. The co-administration of omeprazole (20 mg once daily) with atazanavir 400 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a decrease of approximately 30% in the atazanavir exposure as compared to atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg once daily.



Digoxin



Concomitant treatment with omeprazole (20 mg daily) and digoxin in healthy subjects increased the bioavailability of digoxin by 10%. Digoxin toxicity has been rarely reported. However caution should be exercised when omeprazole is given at high doses in elderly patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring of digoxin should be then be reinforced.



Clopidogrel



In a crossover clinical study, clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg/day) alone and with omeprazole (80 mg at the same time as clopidogrel) were administered for 5 days. The exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel was decreased by 46% (Day 1) and 42% (Day 5) when clopidogrel and omeprazole were administered together. Mean inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) was diminished by 47% (24 hours) and 30% (Day 5) when clopidogrel and omeprazole were administered together. In another study it was shown that administering clopidogrel and omeprazole at different times did not prevent their interaction that is likely to be driven by the inhibitory effect of omeprazole on CYP2C19. Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this PK/PD interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from observational and clinical studies.



Other active substances



The absorption of posaconazole, erlotinib, ketoconazol and itraconazol is significantly reduced and thus clinical efficacy may be impaired. For posaconazol and erlotinib concomitant use should be avoided.



Active substances metabolised by CYP2C19



Omeprazole is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C19, the major omeprazole metabolising enzyme. Thus, the metabolism of concomitant active substances also metabolised by CYP2C19, may be decreased and the systemic exposure to these substances increased. Examples of such drugs are R-warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists, cilostazol, diazepam and phenytoin.



Cilostazol



Omeprazole, given in doses of 40 mg to healthy subjects in a cross-over study, increased Cmax and AUC for cilostazol by 18% and 26% respectively, and one of its active metabolites by 29% and 69% respectively.



Phenytoin



Monitoring phenytoin plasma concentration is recommended during the first two weeks after initiating omeprazole treatment and, if a phenytoin dose adjustment is made, monitoring and a further dose adjustment should occur upon ending omeprazole treatment.



Unknown mechanism



Saquinavir



Concomitant administration of omeprazole with saquinavir/ritonavir resulted in increased plasma levels up to approximately 70% for saquinavir associated with good tolerability in HIV-infected patients.



Tacrolimus



Concomitant administration of omeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of tacrolimus. A reinforced monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations as well as renal function (creatinine clearance) should be performed, and dosage of tacrolimus adjusted if needed.



Effects of other active substances on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole



Inhibitors of CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4



Since omeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, active substances known to inhibit CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 (such as clarithromycin and voriconazole) may lead to increased omeprazole serum levels by decreasing omeprazole's rate of metabolism. Concomitant voriconazole treatment resulted in more than doubling of the omeprazole exposure. As high doses of omeprazole have been well-tolerated adjustment of the omeprazole dose is not generally required. However, dose adjustment should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment and if long-term treatment is indicated.



Inducers of CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4



Active substances known to induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 or both (such as rifampicin and St John's wort) may lead to decreased omeprazole serum levels by increasing omeprazole's rate of metabolism.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Results from three prospective epidemiological studies (more than 1000 exposed outcomes) indicate no adverse effects of omeprazole on pregnancy or on the health of the foetus/newborn child. Omeprazole can be used during pregnancy.



Omeprazole is excreted in breast milk but is not likely to influence the child when therapeutic doses are used.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



Mezzopram is not likely to affect the ability to drive or use machines. Adverse drug reactions such as dizziness and visual disturbances may occur (see section 4.8). If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The most common side effects (1-10% of patients) are headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and nausea/vomiting.



The following adverse drug reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical trials programme for omeprazole and post-marketing. None was found to be dose-related. Adverse reactions listed below are classified according to frequency and System Organ Class (SOC). Frequency categories are defined according to the following convention: Very common (




























































































SOC/frequency




Adverse reaction




Blood and lymphatic system disorders


 


Rare:




Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia




Very rare:




Agranulocytosis, pancytopenia




Immune system disorders


 


Rare:




Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction/shock




Metabolism and nutrition disorders


 


Rare:




Hyponatraemia




Very rare:




Hypomagnesaemia




Psychiatric disorders


 


Uncommon:




Insomnia




Rare:




Agitation, confusion, depression




Very rare:




Aggression, hallucinations




Nervous system disorders


 


Common:




Headache




Uncommon:




Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence




Rare:




Taste disturbance




Eye disorders


 


Rare:




Blurred vision




Ear and labyrinth disorders


 


Uncommon:




Vertigo




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders


 


Rare:




Bronchospasm




Gastrointestinal disorders


 


Common:




Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea/vomiting




Rare:




Dry mouth, stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis




Hepatobiliary disorders


 


Uncommon:




Increased liver enzymes




Rare:




Hepatitis with or without jaundice




Very rare:




Hepatic failure, encephalopathy in patients with pre-existing liver disease




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders


 


Uncommon:




Dermatitis, pruritus, rash, urticaria




Rare:




Alopecia, photosensitivity




Very rare:




Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)




Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders


 


Rare:




Arthralgia, myalgia




Very rare:




Muscular weakness




Renal and urinary disorders


 


Rare:




Interstitial nephritis




Reproductive system and breast disorders


 


Very rare:




Gynaecomastia




General disorders and administration site conditions


 


Uncommon:




Malaise, peripheral oedema




Rare:




Increased sweating



Paediatric population



The safety of omeprazole has been assessed in a total of 310 children aged 0 to 16 years with acid-related disease. There are limited long term safety data from 46 children who received maintenance therapy of omeprazole during a clinical study for severe erosive oesophagitis for up to 749 days. The adverse event profile was generally the same as for adults in short- as well as in long-term treatment. There are no long term data regarding the effects of omeprazole treatment on puberty and growth.



4.9 Overdose



There is limited information available on the effects of overdoses of omeprazole in humans. In the literature, doses of up to 560 mg have been described, and occasional reports have been received when single oral doses have reached up to 2,400 mg omeprazole (120 times the usual recommended clinical dose). Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and headache have been reported. Also apathy, depression and confusion have been described in single cases.



The symptoms described in connection to omeprazole overdose have been transient, and no serious outcome has been reported. The rate of elimination was unchanged (first order kinetics) with increased doses. Treatment, if needed, is symptomatic.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Proton pump inhibitors, ATC code: A02BC01



Mechanism of action



Omeprazole, a racemic mixture of two enantiomers reduces gastric acid secretion through a highly targeted mechanism of action. It is a specific inhibitor of the acid pump in the parietal cell. It is rapidly acting and provides control through reversible inhibition of gastric acid secretion with once daily dosing.



Omeprazole is a weak base and is concentrated and converted to the active form in the highly acidic environment of the intracellular canaliculi within the parietal cell, where it inhibits the enzyme H+ K+-ATPase - the acid pump. This effect on the final step of the gastric acid formation process is dose-dependent and provides for highly effective inhibition of both basal acid secretion and stimulated acid secretion, irrespective of stimulus.



Pharmacodynamic effects



All pharmacodynamic effects observed can be explained by the effect of omeprazole on acid secretion.



Effect on gastric acid secretion



Oral dosing with omeprazole once daily provides for rapid and effective inhibition of daytime and night-time gastric acid secretion with maximum effect being achieved within 4 days of treatment. With omeprazole 20 mg, a mean decrease of at least 80% in 24-hour intragastric acidity is then maintained in duodenal ulcer patients, with the mean decrease in peak acid output after pentagastrin stimulation being about 70% 24 hours after dosing.



Oral dosing with omeprazole 20 mg maintains an intragastric pH of



As a consequence of reduced acid secretion and intragastric acidity, omeprazole dose-dependently reduces/normalizes acid exposure of the oesophagus in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.



The inhibition of acid secretion is related to the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of omeprazole and not to the actual plasma concentration at a given time.



No tachyphylaxis has been observed during treatment with omeprazole.



Effect on H. pylori



H. pylori is associated with peptic ulcer disease, including duodenal and gastric ulcer disease. H. pylori is a major factor in the development of gastritis. H. pylori together with gastric acid are major factors in the development of peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori is a major factor in the development of atrophic gastritis which is associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.



Eradication of H. pylori with omeprazole and antimicrobials is associated with high rates of healing and long-term remission of peptic ulcers



Dual therapies have been tested and found to be less effective than triple therapies. They could, however, be considered in cases where known hypersensitivity precludes use of any triple combination.



Other effects related to acid inhibition



During long-term treatment gastric glandular cysts have been reported in a somewhat increased frequency. These changes are a physiological consequence of pronounced inhibition of acid secretion, are benign and appear to be reversible.



Decreased gastric acidity due to any means including proton pump inhibitors, increases gastric counts of bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with acid-reducing drugs may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.



Paediatric use



In a non-controlled study in children (1 to 16 years of age) with severe reflux oesophagitis, omeprazole at doses of 0.7 to 1.4 mg/kg improved oesophagitis level in 90% of the cases and significantly reduced reflux symptoms. In a single-blind study, children aged 0–24 months with clinically diagnosed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were treated with 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg omeprazole/kg. The frequency of vomiting/regurgitation episodes decreased by 50% after 8 weeks of treatment irrespective of the dose.



Eradication of H. pylori in children



A randomised, double blind clinical study (Héliot study) concluded that omeprazole, in combination with two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin), was safe and effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection in children age 4 years old and above with gastritis: H. pylori eradication rate: 74.2% (23/31 patients) with omeprazole + amoxicillin + clarithromycin versus 9.4% (3/32 patients) with amoxicillin + clarithromycin. However, there was no evidence of any clinical benefit with respect to dyspeptic symptoms. This study does not support any information for children aged less than 4 years.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



Omeprazole and omeprazole magnesium are acid labile and are therefore administered orally as enteric-coated granules in capsules or tablets. Absorption of omeprazole is rapid, with peak plasma levels occurring approximately 1-2 hours after dose. Absorption of omeprazole takes place in the small intestine and is usually completed within 3-6 hours. Concomitant intake of food has no influence on the bioavailability. The systemic availability (bioavailability) from a single oral dose of omeprazole is approximately 40%. After repeated once-daily administration, the bioavailability increases to about 60%.



Distribution



The apparent volume of distribution in healthy subjects is approximately 0.3 l/kg body weight. Omeprazole is 97% plasma protein bound.



Metabolism



Omeprazole is completely metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP). The major part of its metabolism is dependent on the polymorphically expressed CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of hydroxyomeprazole, the major metabolite in plasma. The remaining part is dependent on another specific isoform, CYP3A4, responsible for the formation of omeprazole sulphone. As a consequence of high affinity of omeprazole to CYP2C19, there is a potential for competitive inhibition and metabolic drug-drug interactions with other substrates for CYP2C19. However, due to low affinity to CYP3A4, omeprazole has no potential to inhibit the metabolism of other CYP3A4 substrates. In addition, omeprazole lacks an inhibitory effect on the main CYP enzymes.



Approximately 3% of the Caucasian population and 15-20% of Asian populations lack a functional CYP2C19 enzyme and are called poor metabolisers. In such individuals the metabolism of omeprazole is probably mainly catalysed by CYP3A4. After repeated once-daily administration of 20 mg omeprazole, the mean AUC was 5 to 10 times higher in poor metabolisers than in subjects having a functional CYP2C19 enzyme (extensive metabolisers). Mean peak plasma concentrations were also higher, by 3 to 5 times. These findings have no implications for the posology of omeprazole.



Excretion



The plasma elimination half-life of omeprazole is usually shorter than one hour both after single and repeated oral once-daily dosing. Omeprazole is completely eliminated from plasma between doses with no tendency for accumulation during once-daily administration. Almost 80% of an oral dose of omeprazole is excreted as metabolites in the urine, the remainder in the faeces, primarily originating from bile secretion.



The AUC of omeprazole increases with repeated administration. This increase is dose-dependent and results in a non-linear dose-AUC relationship after repeated administration. This time- and dose-dependency is due to a decrease of first pass metabolism and systemic clearance probably caused by an inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme by omeprazole and/or its metabolites (e.g. the sulphone).



No metabolite has been found to have any effect on gastric acid secretion.



Special populations



Impaired hepatic function



The metabolism of omeprazole in patients with liver dysfunction is impaired, resulting in an increased AUC. Omeprazole has not shown any tendency to accumulate with once-daily dosing.



Impaired renal function



The pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, including systemic bioavailability and elimination rate, are unchanged in patients with reduced renal function.



Elderly



The metabolism rate of omeprazole is somewhat reduced in elderly subjects (75-79 years of age).



Paediatric patients



During treatment with the recommended doses to children from the age of 1 year, similar plasma concentrations were obtained as compared to adults. In children younger than 6 months, clearance of omeprazole is low due to low capacity to metabolise omeprazole.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Gastric ECL-cell hyperplasia and carcinoids, have been observed in life-long studies in rats treated with omeprazole. These changes are the result of sustained hypergastrinaemia secondary to acid inhibition. Similar findings have been made after treatment with H2-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and after partial fundectomy. Thus, these changes are not from a direct effect of any individual active substance.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Tablet core



Sucrose



Maize starch



Glucose



Copovidone



Povidone



Talc



Titanium dioxide (E 171)



Methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1)



Glycerol monostearate



Propylene glycol



Stearic acid



Polysorbate 80



Simeticone



Cellulose, microcrystalline



Macrogol 6000



Crospovidone



Silica colloidal anhydrous



Magnesium stearate



Tablet coating



Hypromellose



Macrogol 6000



Titanium dioxide (E 171)



Talc



Iron oxide, red (E 172)



Iron oxide, yellow (E 172)



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



HDPE containers:



2 years



shelf life after first opening: 6 months



Do not store above 25 °C after first opening of the container. Keep the container tightly closed, in order to protect from moisture.



Aluminium/aluminium blister:



2 years



Aclar/aluminium blister:



2 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



HDPE containers:



This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.



For storage conditions of the medicinal product after first opening of the HDPE container, see section 6.3.



Aluminium/aluminium blister:



This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.



Aclar/aluminium blister:



This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



HDPE container with a polypropylene screw-cap with 7, 14, 15, 28, 30, 56, 98, 100 gastro-resistant tablets



Aluminium/aluminium blister with 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 20, 28, 30, 49, 50, 56, 60, 90, 98, 100 gastro-resistant tablets.



Aclar/aluminium blister with 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 20, 28, 30, 49, 50, 56, 60, 90, 98, 100 gastro-resistant tablets.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Sandoz Limited



Frimley Business Park,



Frimley,



Camberley,



Surrey,



GU16 7SR.



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 04416/1079



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



05/07/2010



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



26/04/2011




Guiadex DM


Pronunciation: DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan/poe-TASS-ee-um gywe-a-kole-SUL-foe-nate
Generic Name: Dextromethorphan/Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
Brand Name: Examples include Guiadex DM and Prolex DM


Guiadex DM is used for:

Temporarily relieving cough due to minor throat and airway irritation associated with upper respiratory tract infections or inhaled irritants.


Guiadex DM is a combination of an expectorant and a cough suppressant. It works by loosening mucus and lung secretions in the chest and making coughs more productive.


Do NOT use Guiadex DM if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Guiadex DM

  • you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, selegiline) within the last 14 days

  • you are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (eg, fluoxetine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Guiadex DM:


Some medical conditions may interact with Guiadex DM. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have chronic cough, chronic bronchitis, or any breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Guiadex DM. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • MAO inhibitors (eg, selegiline) and SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of toxic side effects may be increased by Guiadex DM

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Guiadex DM may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Guiadex DM:


Use Guiadex DM as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Guiadex DM may be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs.

  • Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose.

  • To help Guiadex DM work, drink plenty of extra fluids while taking Guiadex DM, unless your health care provider instructed otherwise.

  • If you miss a dose of Guiadex DM and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Guiadex DM.



Important safety information:


  • Guiadex DM may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Guiadex DM. Using Guiadex DM alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

  • If your cough lasts for more than 1 week or comes back, or if you also have a fever, rash, or persistent headache, contact your health care provider. A persistent cough could be a sign of a serious condition.

  • Guiadex DM contains dextromethorphan. Before you being taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, read the ingredients to see if it also contains dextromethorphan. If it does or if you are not sure, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

  • Diabetes patients - Some brands of Guiadex DM may contain sugar and affect your blood sugar level. Read the label carefully before using Guiadex DM.

  • Guiadex DM is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Guiadex DM, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Guiadex DM during pregnancy. It is unknown if Guiadex DM is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Guiadex DM, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Guiadex DM:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Dizziness; drowsiness; stomach upset.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Guiadex DM side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; excitement; hallucinations; slowed breathing.


Proper storage of Guiadex DM:

Store Guiadex DM at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Guiadex DM out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Guiadex DM, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Guiadex DM is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Guiadex DM. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Guiadex DM resources


  • Guiadex DM Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Guiadex DM Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Guiadex DM Drug Interactions
  • Guiadex DM Support Group
  • 0 Reviews · Be the first to review/rate this drug

Thursday, 20 September 2012

Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge





Dosage Form: lozenge
Amerisource Bergen Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge 4 mg (nicotine) Drug Facts

Active ingredient (in each lozenge)


Nicotine polacrilex, 4 mg (nicotine)



Purpose


Stop smoking aid



Uses


  • reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving associated with quitting smoking


Warnings



If you are pregnant or breast-feeding,


only use this medicine on the advice of your health care provider. Smoking can seriously harm your child. Try to stop smoking without using any nicotine replacement medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known.



Do not use


  • if you continue to smoke, chew tobacco, use snuff, or use a nicotine patch or other nicotine containing products


Ask a doctor before use if you have


  • a sodium-restricted diet

  • heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Nicotine can increase your heart rate.

  • high blood pressure not controlled with medication. Nicotine can increase your blood pressure.

  • stomach ulcer or diabetes


Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are


  • using a non-nicotine stop smoking drug

  • taking prescription medicine for depression or asthma. Your prescription dose may need to be adjusted.


Stop use and ask a doctor if


  • mouth problems occur

  • persistent indigestion or severe sore throat occurs

  • irregular heartbeat or palpitations occur

  • you get symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness or rapid heartbeat


Keep out of reach of children and pets.


Nicotine lozenges may have enough nicotine to make children and pets sick. If you need to remove the lozenge, wrap it in paper and throw away in the trash. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.



Directions


  • if you are under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before use

  • before using this product, read the enclosed User’s Guide for complete directions and other important information

  • stop smoking completely when you begin using the lozenge

  • if you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use 2 mg nicotine lozenge

  • if you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, use 4 mg nicotine lozenge according to the following 12 week schedule:








Weeks 1 to 6Weeks 7 to 9Weeks 10 to 12

1 lozenge every


1 to 2 hours

1 lozenge every


2 to 4 hours

1 lozenge every


4 to 8 hours
  • nicotine lozenge is a medicine and must be used a certain way to get the best results

  • place the lozenge in your mouth and allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve (about 20-30 minutes). Minimize swallowing. Do not chew or swallow lozenge.

  • you may feel a warm or tingling sensation

  • occasionally move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other until completely dissolved (about 20-30 minutes)

  • do not eat or drink 15 minutes before using or while the lozenge is in your mouth

  • to improve your chances of quitting, use at least 9 lozenges per day for the first 6 weeks

  • do not use more than one lozenge at a time or continuously use one lozenge after another since this may cause you hiccups, heartburn, nausea or other side effects

  • do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours. Do not use more than 20 lozenges per day.

  • stop using the nicotine lozenge at the end of 12 weeks. If you still feel the need to use nicotine lozenges, talk to your doctor.


Other information


  • each lozenge contains: sodium 15 mg

  • Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine 5.1 mg per lozenge

  • sugar alcohol content: 1 g mannitol per lozenge

  • store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)

  • keep vial closed and protect from light


Inactive ingredients


aspartame, flavor, magnesium stearate, mannitol, potassium bicarbonate, sodium alginate, sodium carbonate, xanthan gum



Questions or comments?


call toll-free 1-866-751-9303



Principal Display Panel


Compare to active ingredient in Commit® Lozenge


Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge 4 mg (nicotine)


Stop Smoking Aid


For those who smoke their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up.


If you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge, 2 mg


Mint


Includes User’s Guide


Actual Size


4 mg


QuitTube


(# QuitTube™ containers of #)


4 mg each


Nicotine Polacrilex Lozenge 4 mg (nicotine) Carton










GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY NICOTINE 
nicotine polacrilex  lozenge










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)24385-976
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
NICOTINE (NICOTINE)NICOTINE4 mg





Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
No Inactive Ingredients Found


















Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScoreno score
ShapeROUNDSize16mm
FlavorMINTImprint CodeL873
Contains      














Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
124385-976-672 VIAL In 1 CARTONcontains a VIAL
124 LOZENGE In 1 VIALThis package is contained within the CARTON (24385-976-67)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA07700709/21/2009


Labeler - Amerisource Bergen (007914906)
Revised: 09/2009Amerisource Bergen




More Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge resources


  • Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge Drug Interactions
  • Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge Support Group
  • 42 Reviews for Good Neighbor Nicotine - Add your own review/rating


Compare Good Neighbor Nicotine Lozenge with other medications


  • Smoking Cessation

Sunday, 16 September 2012

Serostim


Pronunciation: soe-ma-TROE-pin
Generic Name: Somatropin (rDNA origin - Nonrefrigerated)
Brand Name: Serostim


Serostim is used for:

Increasing lean body weight, body mass, and physical endurance in certain patients with HIV infection. It is usually used along with other medicines that treat HIV infection. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Serostim is a growth hormone that produces effects that are identical to the body's naturally occurring growth hormone. It affects the growth of bones, muscles, internal organs, and other tissues of the body.


Do NOT use Serostim if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Serostim

  • you have or are currently being treated for cancer or any unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain) that may still be growing

  • you have premature epiphyseal closure (your bone growth is complete) or a serious illness caused by complications from surgery, trauma, or severe breathing problems (eg, respiratory failure)

  • you have Prader-Willi syndrome and are severely overweight or have severe breathing problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Serostim:


Some medical conditions may interact with Serostim. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have pituitary or adrenal gland problems, diabetes or a family history of diabetes, an underactive thyroid, curvature of the spine (scoliosis), kidney or liver problems, breathing problems, or Prader-Willi syndrome

  • if you have a history of leukemia, unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain), or cancer

  • if you are severely overweight or have had recent major surgery or trauma

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Serostim. However, no specific interactions with Serostim are known at this time.


This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Serostim may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Serostim:


Use Serostim as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Serostim is sometimes used at home as an injection. Before you use Serostim, a health care provider will provide detailed instructions for its appropriate use. Ask any questions that you may have about Serostim or giving injections.

  • If you are using Serostim at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider. If the medicine contains particles, is discolored, or if the vial/container is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.

  • Always change the location where you inject Serostim.

  • Do not shake Serostim. Swirl the vial gently to mix it.

  • If you miss a dose of Serostim, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Serostim.



Important safety information:


  • Serostim may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.

  • Rare, sometimes fatal, lung and breathing problems may be caused by Serostim in CHILDREN with Prader-Willi syndrome. Those at higher risk include males, severely overweight children, or children with existing serious lung or breathing problems. Children should be checked for certain breathing problems before and during treatment. If your child develops a limp or complains of hip or knee pain during treatment with Serostim, contact your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if your child becomes very sick or is hospitalized while using Serostim. Serostim may need to be stopped.

  • Rarely, children using Serostim have experienced a slipped growth plate in the hip. Contact the doctor right away if the patient develops hip or knee pain or a limp.

  • Never reuse needles and syringes. Follow your health care provider's instructions for proper disposal of needles and syringes. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.

  • Serostim may contain benzyl alcohol. Tell your doctor if you have ever had sensitivity or an allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol.

  • Diabetes patients - Serostim may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.

  • Lab tests, including blood electrolytes, thyroid function, and eye exams, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

  • Use Serostim with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss the benefits and risks of using Serostim during pregnancy with your doctor. It is unknown if Serostim is excreted in breast milk. If you plan to breast-feed while you are using Serostim, talk with your doctor about the risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Serostim:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Breast enlargement; headache; mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain; nausea; nerve tingling; numbness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); body pain or stiffness; burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm of the hand, fingers, or wrist; change in appearance or size of a mole; chest pain; constant feeling of need to empty the bowel; curvature of the spine; depression; ear infection; excessive thirst or hunger; fast heartbeat; fever; frequent urination; infection; nausea; severe or persistent stomach or back pain; severe or persistent swelling of the ankles, legs, hands, or feet; severe, persistent, or unusual headaches; visual changes; vomiting.


Children: Ear discomfort or infection; fatigue or weakness; fever, persistent cough, or trouble breathing; hip or knee pain; leukemia; limp; seizures; snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; worsening of psoriasis.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Serostim side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include: excessive thirst or hunger; frequent urination; headache; nausea or vomiting; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.


Proper storage of Serostim:

Store unmixed medicine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat and light. Use Serostim immediately after mixing. Discard any unused medicine. Contact your pharmacist if you have questions about the proper storage of Serostim. Keep Serostim, as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Serostim, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Serostim is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Serostim. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Serostim resources


  • Serostim Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Serostim Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Serostim Drug Interactions
  • Serostim Support Group
  • 1 Review for Serostim - Add your own review/rating


  • Serostim Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Serostim Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Somatropin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Genotropin Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Genotropin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Humatrope Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Norditropin Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Nutropin Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Nutropin AQ Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Nutropin Depot Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Omnitrope Consumer Overview

  • Omnitrope Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Saizen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Tev-Tropin Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Zorbtive Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Zorbtive Consumer Overview



Compare Serostim with other medications


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Synalar Cream


Pronunciation: floo-oh-SIN-oh-lone
Generic Name: Fluocinolone
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.


Synalar Cream is used for:

Relieving itching and inflammation of the skin. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Synalar Cream is a topical corticosteroid. Exactly how it works is unknown.


Do NOT use Synalar Cream if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Synalar Cream

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Synalar Cream:


Some medical conditions may interact with Synalar Cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have measles, chickenpox, or tuberculosis

  • if you have hardening or thinning of the skin or a skin infection

  • if you have recently been vaccinated or you have had a positive tuberculin skin test

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Synalar Cream. Because little, if any, of Synalar Cream is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.


Ask your health care provider if Synalar Cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Synalar Cream:


Use Synalar Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Synalar Cream is for external use only.

  • Apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after applying Synalar Cream, unless your hands are part of treated area.

  • If Synalar Cream is applied to a hairy site, the hair should be parted to allow the medicine direct contact with the skin.

  • Do not bandage or wrap the affected area unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

  • If you miss a dose of Synalar Cream, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Synalar Cream.



Important safety information:


  • Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, wash eyes immediately with water.

  • If Synalar Cream was prescribed to treat the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • Synalar Cream has a corticosteroid in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has a corticosteroid in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • Do not use Synalar Cream for any conditions other than the one for which it was prescribed.

  • Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Synalar Cream.

  • Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Synalar Cream.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Synalar Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if Synalar Cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Synalar Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Synalar Cream:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Dryness; itching.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); acne-like rash; excessive hair growth; inflamed hair follicles; inflammation around the mouth; irritation, burning, redness, or swelling not present before using Synalar Cream; thinning, softening, or discoloration of the skin.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Synalar side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include increased thirst or urination; muscle weakness; unusual weight gain, especially in the face.


Proper storage of Synalar Cream:

Store Synalar Cream at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Avoid temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Synalar Cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Synalar Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Synalar Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Synalar Cream. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Synalar resources


  • Synalar Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Synalar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Synalar Drug Interactions
  • Synalar Support Group
  • 2 Reviews for Synalar - Add your own review/rating


Compare Synalar with other medications


  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • Dermatitis
  • Lichen Sclerosus

Saturday, 15 September 2012

crotamiton Topical


kroe-TAM-i-ton


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Eurax

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Cream

  • Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Scabicide


Uses For crotamiton


Crotamiton is used to treat scabies infection. It is also used to relieve the itching of certain skin conditions.


crotamiton is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using crotamiton


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For crotamiton, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to crotamiton or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


Studies on crotamiton have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of crotamiton in children with use in other age groups.


Geriatric


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of crotamiton in the elderly with use in other age groups.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.


Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of crotamiton. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Severely inflamed skin or raw oozing areas of the skin—Use of crotamiton on these areas may make the condition worse

Proper Use of crotamiton


Keep crotamiton away from the mouth. It may be harmful if swallowed.


Use crotamiton only as directed. Do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.


Keep crotamiton away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the inside of the nose. It may cause irritation. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.


crotamiton usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using.


If you take a bath or shower before using crotamiton, dry the skin well before applying crotamiton.


For patients using crotamiton for scabies:


  • Apply enough medicine to cover the entire skin surface from the chin down, and rub in well. This applies especially to folds and creases in the skin and to the hands, feet (including the soles), between fingers and toes, and moist areas (such as underarms and groin).

  • Do not wash off the first coat of crotamiton.

  • Apply a second coat of crotamiton 24 hours after the first one.

  • The next day, put on freshly washed or dry-cleaned clothing and change bedding in order to prevent reinfection.

  • Then, 48 hours after the second application of crotamiton, take a cleansing bath to remove the medicine.

  • Your sexual partners, especially, and all members of your household may need to be treated also, since the infection may spread to persons in close contact. If these persons are not being treated or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing


The dose of crotamiton will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of crotamiton. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For topical dosage forms (cream and lotion):
    • For scabies:
      • Adults—Use two times. Apply one time the first day, and one time the second day. For severe cases, treatment may be repeated one time after one week.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.


    • For pruritus:
      • Adults—Use when necessary according to the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.



Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using crotamiton


If your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.


For patients using crotamiton for scabies:


  • To prevent reinfection or spreading of the infection to other people, good health habits are also required. These include machine washing all underwear, pajamas, sheets, pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in very hot water and drying them using the hot cycle of a dryer. Clothing or bedding that cannot be washed in this way should be dry cleaned.

crotamiton Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Skin irritation or rash not present before use of crotamiton

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: crotamiton Topical side effects (in more detail)



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More crotamiton Topical resources


  • Crotamiton Topical Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Crotamiton Topical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Crotamiton Topical Support Group
  • 1 Review for Crotamiton Topical - Add your own review/rating


  • Eurax Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Eurax Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Eurax Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Eurax Consumer Overview



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