Saturday, April 28, 2012

Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough


Generic Name: dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine (DEX troe me THOR fan, DYE fen HYE dra meen, and FEN il EFF rin)

Brand Names: Dytan-DM, Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough


What is Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.


Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


The combination of diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, cough, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.


This medicine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. You should not use this medication if you have severe constipation, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are unable to urinate. Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have untreated or uncontrolled diseases such as glaucoma, asthma or COPD, high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or overactive thyroid. Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?


Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you have severe constipation, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are unable to urinate. Do not use cough or cold medicine if you have untreated or uncontrolled diseases such as glaucoma, asthma or COPD, high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or overactive thyroid.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:



  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;




  • diabetes;




  • liver or kidney disease;




  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;




  • cough with mucus, or cough caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis;




  • enlarged prostate or urination problems;




  • low blood pressure;




  • pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor); or




  • if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Do not use cough or cold medicine without medical advice if you are pregnant. This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use cough or cold medicine without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?


Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.


Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cough or cold medicine within the past few days. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cough or cold medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.


What should I avoid while taking Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?


This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medication. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, cough, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine, cough suppressant, or decongestant.

Avoid taking this medication if you also take diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. This medication can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;




  • severe headache, mood changes, hallucinations;




  • severe dizziness or anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;




  • tremor, seizure (convulsions);




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;




  • fever;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • feeling short of breath; or




  • dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, uneven heartbeats, seizure).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild headache;




  • mild dizziness, drowsiness;




  • dry mouth, nose, or throat;




  • nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;




  • feeling nervous, restless, or irritable;




  • blurred vision; or




  • sleep problems (insomnia).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine)?


Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as narcotic pain medication, sedatives, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by diphenhydramine or dextromethorphan.


Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you are also using any of the following drugs:



  • atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine);




  • benztropine (Cogentin);




  • diphenhydramine (Benadryl) applied to the skin;




  • topiramate (Topamax);




  • zonisamide (Zonegran);




  • an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor), and others;




  • anti-nausea medications such as belladonna (Donnatal), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), droperidol (Inapsine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm Scop);




  • bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol), or Urogesic Blue;




  • bronchodilators such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);




  • irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Hyomax), or propantheline (Pro Banthine); or




  • ulcer medicine such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul) or mepenzolate (Cantil).



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough resources


  • Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough Drug Interactions
  • Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough - Add your own review/rating


  • Duratuss AC 12 Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Triaminic Day Time Night Time Cold & Cough with other medications


  • Cold Symptoms
  • Cough and Nasal Congestion
  • Hay Fever
  • Sinusitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.



Suprax



cefixime

Dosage Form: powder, for oral suspension
Suprax

CEFIXIME TABLETS USP, 400 mg


CEFIXIME FOR ORAL SUSPENSION USP, 100 mg/5 mL


CEFIXIME FOR ORAL SUSPENSION USP, 200 mg/5 mL


Rx only


To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Suprax (cefixime) and other antibacterial drugs, Suprax should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.



Suprax Description


Suprax (cefixime) is a semisynthetic, cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. Chemically, it is (6R,7R) - 7 - [2 - (2 - Amino - 4 - thiazolyl)glyoxylamido] - 8 - oxo - 3 - vinyl - 5 - thia - 1 - azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct - 2 - ene - 2 - carboxylic acid, 72-(Z)-[O-(carboxymethyl) oxime] trihydrate.


Molecular weight = 507.50 as the trihydrate. Chemical Formula is C16H15N5O7S2.3H2O


The structural formula for cefixime is:



Suprax is available for oral administration as 400 mg film coated tablets and as powder for oral suspension which when reconstituted provides either 100 mg/5 mL or 200 mg/5 mL of cefixime as trihydrate.


Inactive ingredients contained in the 400 mg tablets are: dibasic calcium phosphate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol, triacetin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and pregelatinized starch.


The powder for oral suspension contains the following inactive ingredients: strawberry flavor, sodium benzoate, sucrose, colloidal silicon dioxide and xanthan gum.



Suprax - Clinical Pharmacology


Suprax, given orally, is about 40%-50% absorbed whether administered with or without food; however, time to maximal absorption is increased approximately 0.8 hours when administered with food. A single 200 mg tablet of cefixime produces an average peak serum concentration of approximately 2 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4 mcg/mL); a single 400 mg tablet produces an average peak concentration of approximately 3.7 mcg /mL (range 1.3 to 7.7 mcg /mL). The oral suspension produces average peak concentrations approximately 25%-50% higher than the tablets, when tested in normal adult volunteers. Two hundred and 400 mg doses of oral suspension produce average peak concentrations of 3 mcg/mL (range 1 to 4.5 mcg/mL) and 4.6 mcg/mL (range 1.9 to 7.7 mcg/mL), respectively, when tested in normal adult volunteers. The area under the time versus concentration curve is greater by approximately 10%-25% with the oral suspension than with the tablet after doses of 100 to 400 mg, when tested in normal adult volunteers. This increased absorption should be taken into consideration if the oral suspension is to be substituted for the tablet. Because of the lack of bioequivalence, tablets should not be substituted for oral suspension in the treatment of otitis media. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Cross-over studies of tablet versus suspension have not been performed in children.


Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 6 hours following oral administration of a single 200 mg tablet, a single 400 mg tablet or 400 mg of cefixime suspension. Peak serum concentrations occur between 2 and 5 hours following a single administration of 200 mg of suspension.






































































TABLE
Serum Levels of Cefixime after Administration of Tablets (mcg / mL)
DOSE
1h
2h
4h
6h
8h
12h
24h
100 mg
0.3
0.8
1
0.7
0.4
0.2
0.02
200 mg
0.7
1.4
2
1.5
1
0.4
0.03
400 mg
1.2
2.5
3.5
2.7
1.7
0.6
0.04
Serum Levels of Cefixime after Administration of Oral Suspension (mcg / mL)
DOSE
1h
2h
4h
6h
8h
12h
24h
100 mg
0.7
1.1
1.3
0.9
0.6
0.2
0.02
200 mg
1.2
2.1
2.8
2
1.3
0.5
0.07
400 mg
1.8
3.3
4.4
3.3
2.2
0.8
0.07

Approximately 50% of the absorbed dose is excreted unchanged in the urine in 24 hours. In animal studies, it was noted that cefixime is also excreted in the bile in excess of 10% of the administered dose. Serum protein binding is concentration independent with a bound fraction of approximately 65%. In a multiple dose study conducted with a research formulation which is less bioavailable than the tablet or suspension, there was little accumulation of drug in serum or urine after dosing for 14 days. The serum half-life of cefixime in healthy subjects is independent of dosage form and averages 3-4 hours but may range up to 9 hours in some normal volunteers. Average AUCs at steady state in elderly patients are approximately 40% higher than average AUCs in other healthy adults.


In subjects with moderate impairment of renal function (20 to 40 mL/min creatinine clearance), the average serum half-life of cefixime is prolonged to 6.4 hours. In severe renal impairment (5 to 20 mL/min creatinine clearance), the half-life increased to an average of 11.5 hours. The drug is not cleared significantly from the blood by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. However, a study indicated that with doses of 400 mg, patients undergoing hemodialysis have similar blood profiles as subjects with creatinine clearances of 21-60 mL/min. There is no evidence of metabolism of cefixime in vivo.


Adequate data on CSF levels of cefixime are not available.



Microbiology


As with other cephalosporins, bactericidal action of cefixime results from inhibition of cell-wall synthesis. Cefixime is highly stable in the presence of beta-lactamase enzymes. As a result, many organisms resistant to penicillins and some cephalosporins due to the presence of beta-lactamases, may be susceptible to cefixime. Cefixime has been shown to be active against most strains of the following organisms both in vitro and in clinical infections (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE):


Gram-positive Organisms.


Streptococcus pneumoniae,


Streptococcus pyogenes.


Gram-negative Organisms.


Haemophilus influenzae


(beta-lactamase positive and negative strains),


Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis


(most of which are beta-lactamase positive),


Escherichia coli,


Proteus mirabilis,


Neisseria gonorrhoeae


(including penicillinase- and non-penicillinase-producing strains).


Cefixime has been shown to be active in vitro against most strains of the following organisms; however, clinical efficacy has not been established.


Gram-positive Organisms.


Streptococcus agalactiae.


Gram-negative Organisms.


Haemophilus parainfluenzae


(beta-lactamase positive and negative strains),


Proteus vulgaris,


Klebsiella pneumoniae,


Klebsiella oxytoca,


Pasteurella multocida,


Providencia species,


Salmonella species,


Shigella species,


Citrobacter amalonaticus,


Citrobacter diversus,


Serratia marcescens.


Note: Pseudomonas species, strains of group D streptococci (including enterococci), Listeria monocytogenes, most strains of staphylococci (including methicillin-resistant strains) and most strains of Enterobacter are resistant to cefixime. In addition, most strains of Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridia are resistant to cefixime.



Susceptibility Testing


Susceptibility Tests:


Diffusion Techniques


Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters give an estimate of antibiotic susceptibility. One such procedure1-3 has been recommended for use with disks to test susceptibility to cefixime. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameters obtained in the disk test with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cefixime.


Reports from the laboratory giving results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 5-mcg cefixime disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:


















*

Using GC Agar Base with a defined 1% supplement without cysteine.

Recommended Susceptibility Ranges: Agar Disk Diffusion
Organisms
Resistant
Moderately

Susceptible
Susceptible
Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
--
--
≥ 31 mm
All other organisms
≤ 15 mm
16 - 18 mm
≥ 19 mm

A report of "Susceptible" indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited by generally achievable blood levels. A report of "Moderately Susceptible" indicates that inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic may well be achieved if high dosage is used or if the infection is confined to tissues and fluids (e.g., urine) in which high antibiotic levels are attained. A report of "Resistant" indicates that achievable concentrations of the antibiotic are unlikely to be inhibitory and other therapy should be selected.


Standardized procedures require the use of laboratory control organisms. The 5-mcg disk should give the following zone diameter:









*

Using GC Agar Base with a defined 1% supplement without cysteine.

Organism
Zone diameter (mm)
E. coli ATCC 25922

N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226*
23-27

37-45

The class disk for cephalosporin susceptibility testing (the cephalothin disk) is not appropriate because of spectrum differences with cefixime. The 5-mcg cefixime disk should be used for all in vitro testing of isolates.


Dilution Techniques


Broth or agar dilution methods can be used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for susceptibility of bacterial isolates to cefixime. The recommended susceptibility breakpoints are as follows:


















*

Using GC Agar Base with a defined 1% supplement without cysteine.

MIC Interpretive Standards (mcg/mL)
Organisms
Resistant
Moderately

Susceptible
Susceptible
Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
--
--
≤ 0.25
All other organisms
≥ 4
2
≤ 1

As with standard diffusion methods, dilution procedures require the use of laboratory control organisms. Standard cefixime powder should give the following MIC ranges in daily testing of quality control organisms:









*

Using GC Agar Base with a defined 1% supplement without cysteine.

Organism
MIC range (mcg/mL)
E. coli ATCC 25922

S. aureus ATCC 29213

N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226*
0.25-1

8-32

0.008-0.03

Indications and Usage for Suprax


To reduce the development of drug resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Suprax (cefixime) and other antibacterial drugs, Suprax should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antimicrobial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.


Suprax is indicated in the treatment of the following infections when caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms:


Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections caused by Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis.


Otitis Media caused by Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase positive and negative strains), Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis, (most of which are beta-lactamase positive) and S. pyogenes*.


Note: For information on otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, see CLINICAL STUDIES section.  


Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis, caused by S. pyogenes.


Note: Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment of S. pyogenes infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. Suprax is generally effective in the eradication of S. pyogenes from the nasopharynx; however, data establishing the efficacy of Suprax in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available.


Acute Bronchitis and Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase positive and negative strains).


Uncomplicated gonorrhea (cervical/urethral), caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (penicillinase-and non-penicillinase- producing strains).


Appropriate cultures and susceptibility studies should be performed to determine the causative organism and its susceptibility to cefixime; however, therapy may be started while awaiting the results of these studies. Therapy should be adjusted, if necessary, once these results are known.


* Efficacy for this organism in this organ system was studied in fewer than 10  infections.



Clinical Studies


In clinical trials of otitis media in nearly 400 children between the ages of 6 months to 10 years, Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from 47% of the patients, Haemophilus influenzae from 34%, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis from 15% and S. pyogenes from 4%.  


The overall response rate of Streptococcus pneumoniae to cefixime was approximately 10% lower and that of Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis approximately 7% higher (12% when beta-lactamase positive strains of H. influenzae are included) than the response rates of these organisms to the active control drugs.


In these studies, patients were randomized and treated with either cefixime at dose regimens of 4 mg/kg BID or 8 mg/kg QD, or with a standard antibiotic regimen. Sixty-nine to 70% of the patients in each group had resolution of signs and symptoms of otitis media when evaluated 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment, but persistent effusion was found in 15% of the patients. When evaluated at the completion of therapy, 17% of patients receiving cefixime and 14% of patients receiving effective comparative drugs (18% including those patients who had Haemophilus influenzae resistant to the control drug and who received the control antibiotic) were considered to be treatment failures. By the 2 to 4 week follow-up, a total of 30%-31% of patients had evidence of either treatment failure or recurrent disease.



































(a) Number eradicated/number isolated.



(b) An additional 20 beta-lactamase positive strains of Haemophilus influenzae were isolated, but were excluded from this analysis because they were resistant to the control antibiotic. In nineteen of these, the clinical course could be assessed and a favorable outcome occurred in 10. When these cases are included in the overall bacteriological evaluation of therapy with the control drugs, 140/185 (76%) of pathogens were considered to be eradicated.


Bacteriological Outcome of Otitis Media at Two to Four Weeks Post - Therapy

Based on Repeat Middle Ear Fluid Culture or Extrapolation from Clinical Outcome
Organism
Cefixime(a)

4 mg/kg BID
Cefixime(a)

8 mg/kg QD
Control(a)

drugs
Streptococcus pneumoniae
48/70 (69%)
18/22 (82%)
82/100 (82%)
Haemophilus influenzae

beta-lactamase negative


24/34 (71%)


13/17 (76%)


23/34 (68%)
Haemophilus influenzae

beta-lactamase positive


17/22 (77%)


9/12 (75%)


1/1 (b)
Moraxella (Branhamella)

catarrhalis


26/31 (84%)


5/5


18/24 (75%)
S. pyogenes
5/5
3/3
6/7
All Isolates
120/162 (74%)
48/59 (81%)
130/166 (78%)

Contraindications


Suprax is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to the cephalosporin group of antibiotics.



Warnings


BEFORE THERAPY WITH Suprax IS INSTITUTED, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PATIENT HAS HAD PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO CEPHALOSPORINS, PENICILLINS, OR OTHER DRUGS. IF THIS PRODUCT IS TO BE GIVEN TO PENICILLIN-SENSITIVE PATIENTS, CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED BECAUSE CROSS HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS HAS BEEN CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AND MAY OCCUR IN UP TO 10% OF PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN ALLERGY. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO Suprax OCCURS, DISCONTINUE THE DRUG. SERIOUS ACUTE HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS MAY REQUIRE TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEASURES, INCLUDING OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS, INTRAVENOUS ANTIHISTAMINES, CORTICOSTEROIDS, PRESSOR AMINES AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, AS CLINICALLY INDICATED.


Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities) have been reported with the use of cefixime.


Antibiotics, including Suprax, should be administered cautiously to any patient who has demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to drugs.


Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, including Suprax, alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is a primary cause of severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea including pseudomembranous colitis.


Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with the use of Suprax and other broad-spectrum antibiotics (including macrolides, semisynthetic penicillins, and cephalosporins); therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop diarrhea in association with the use of antibiotics. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may occur during or after antibiotic treatment and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, management should include fluids, electrolytes, and protein supplementation. If the colitis does not improve after the drug has been discontinued, or if the symptoms are severe, oral vancomycin is the drug of choice for antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis produced by C. difficile. Other causes of colitis should be excluded.



Precautions



General


Prescribing Suprax (Cefixime) in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection of a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.


The possibility of the emergence of resistant organisms which might result in overgrowth should be kept in mind, particularly during prolonged treatment. In such use, careful observation of the patient is essential. If superinfection occurs during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.


The dose of Suprax should be adjusted in patients with renal impairment as well as those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD). Patients on dialysis should be monitored carefully. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)


Suprax should be prescribed with caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.


Cephalosporins may be associated with a fall in prothrombin activity. Those at risk include patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or poor nutritional state, as well as patients receiving a protracted course of antimicrobial therapy, and patients previously stabilized on anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in patients at risk and exogenous vitamin K administered as indicated.



Information for Patients


Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including Suprax, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Suprax is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Suprax or other antibacterial drugs in the future.



Drug Interactions


Carbamazepine: Elevated carbamazepine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience when cefixime is administered concomitantly. Drug monitoring may be of assistance in detecting alterations in carbamazepine plasma concentrations.


Warfarin and Anticoagulants: Increased prothrombin time, with or without clinical bleeding, has been reported when cefixime is administered concomitantly.



Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions


A false-positive reaction for ketones in the urine may occur with tests using nitroprusside but not with those using nitroferricyanide.


The administration of cefixime may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in the urine using Clinitest®**, Benedict’s solution, or Fehling’s solution. It is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions (such as Clinistix®** or TesTape®**) be used. A false-positive direct Coombs test has been reported during treatment with other cephalosporin antibiotics; therefore, it should be recognized that a positive Coombs test may be due to the drug.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


Lifetime studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential have not been conducted. Cefixime did not cause point mutations in bacteria or mammalian cells, DNA damage, or chromosome damage in vitro and did not exhibit clastogenic potential in vivo in the mouse micronucleus test. In rats, fertility and reproductive performance were not affected by cefixime at doses up to 125 times the adult therapeutic dose.



Usage in Pregnancy


Pregnancy Category B. Reproduction studies have been performed in mice and rats at doses up to 400 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to cefixime. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.



Labor and Delivery


Cefixime has not been studied for use during labor and delivery. Treatment should only be given if clearly needed.



Nursing Mothers


It is not known whether cefixime is excreted in human milk. Consideration should be given to discontinuing nursing temporarily during treatment with this drug.



Pediatric Use


Safety and effectiveness of cefixime in children aged less than six months old have not been established.


The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in the pediatric patients receiving the suspension, was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.



Adverse Reactions


Most of adverse reactions observed in clinical trials were of a mild and transient nature. Five percent (5%) of patients in the U.S. trials discontinued therapy because of drug-related adverse reactions. The most commonly seen adverse reactions in U.S. trials of the tablet formulation were gastrointestinal events, which were reported in 30% of adult patients on either the BID or the QD regimen. Clinically mild gastrointestinal side effects occurred in 20% of all patients, moderate events occurred in 9% of all patients and severe adverse reactions occurred in 2% of all patients. Individual event rates included diarrhea 16%, loose or frequent stools 6%, abdominal pain 3%, nausea 7%, dyspepsia 3%, and flatulence 4%. The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including diarrhea and loose stools, in pediatric patients receiving the suspension was comparable to the incidence seen in adult patients receiving tablets.


These symptoms usually responded to symptomatic therapy or ceased when cefixime was discontinued.  


Several patients developed severe diarrhea and/or documented pseudomembranous colitis, and a few required hospitalization.


The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of cefixime. Incidence rates were less than 1 in 50 (less than 2%), except as noted above for gastrointestinal events.


Gastrointestinal (see above): Diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, and vomiting. Several cases of documented pseudomembranous colitis were identified during the studies. The onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after therapy.


Hypersensitivity Reactions: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions (including shock and fatalities), skin rashes, urticaria, drug fever, pruritus, angioedema, and facial edema. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and serum sickness-like reactions have been reported.


Hepatic: Transient elevations in SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, hepatitis, jaundice.


Renal: Transient elevations in BUN or creatinine, acute renal failure.


Central Nervous System: Headaches, dizziness, seizures.


Hemic and Lymphatic Systems: Transient thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia. Prolongation in prothrombin time was seen rarely.


Abnormal Laboratory Tests: Hyperbilirubinemia.


Other: Genital pruritus, vaginitis, candidiasis, toxic epidermal necrolysis.


In addition to the adverse reactions listed above which have been observed in patients treated with cefixime, the following adverse reactions and altered laboratory tests have been reported for cephalosporin-class antibiotics:


Adverse reactions: Allergic reactions, superinfection, renal dysfunction, toxic nephropathy, hepatic dysfunction including cholestasis, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, and colitis.


Several cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage was not reduced. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONand OVERDOSAGE.) If seizures associated with drug therapy occur, the drug should be discontinued. Anticonvulsant therapy can be given if clinically indicated.


Abnormal Laboratory Tests: Positive direct Coombs test, elevated LDH, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis.



Overdosage


Gastric lavage may be indicated; otherwise, no specific antidote exists. Cefixime is not removed in significant quantities from the circulation by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Adverse reactions in small numbers of healthy adult volunteers receiving single doses up to 2 g of cefixime did not differ from the profile seen in patients treated at the recommended doses.



Suprax Dosage and Administration


Adults: The recommended dose of cefixime is 400 mg daily. This may be given as a 400 mg tablet daily or as 200 mg tablet every 12 hours. For the treatment of uncomplicated cervical/urethral gonococcal infections, a single oral dose of 400 mg is recommended.


Children: The recommended dose is 8 mg/kg/day of the suspension. This may be administered as a single daily dose or may be given in two divided doses, as 4 mg/kg every 12 hours.

















































PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHART

100 mg/5 mL
200 mg/5 mL
Patient Weight

(kg)
Dose/Day

mg
Dose/Day

mL
Dose/Day

tsp of Suspension
Dose/Day

mL
Dose/Day

tsp of Suspension
6.25
50
2.5
½
1.25
¼
12.5
100
5
1
2.5
½
18.75
150
7.5

3.75
¾
25
200
10
2
5
1
31.25
250
12.5

6.25

37.5
300
15
3
7.5

Children weighing more than 50 kg or older than 12 years should be treated with the recommended adult dose.


Otitis media should be treated with the suspension. Clinical studies of otitis media were conducted with the suspension, and the suspension results in higher peak blood levels than the tablet when administered at the same dose. Therefore, the tablet should not be substituted for the suspension in the treatment of otitis media. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.)


Efficacy and safety in infants aged less than six months have not been established.


In the treatment of infections due to S. pyogenes, a therapeutic dosage of Suprax should be administered for at least 10 days.


Renal Impairment


Suprax may be administered in the presence of impaired renal function. Normal dose and schedule may be employed in patients with creatinine clearances of 60 mL/min or greater. Patients whose clearance is between 21 and 60 mL/min or patients who are on renal hemodialysis may be given 75% of the standard dosage at the standard dosing interval (i.e., 300 mg daily). Patients whose clearance is < 20 mL/min, or patients who are on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis may be given half the standard dosage at the standard dosing interval (i.e., 200 mg daily). Neither hemodialysis nor peritoneal dialysis remove significant amounts of drug from the body.






















Reconstitution Directions For Oral Suspension
Strength
Bottle Size
Reconstitution Directions
100 mg/5 mL and 

200 mg/5 mL
100 mL
To reconstitute, suspend with 68 mL water. 

Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen 

powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add 

approximately half the total amount of water for 

reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder 

of water and shake well.
100 mg/5 mL and 

200 mg/5 mL
75 mL
To reconstitute, suspend with 51 mL water. 

Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen

 powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add 

approximately half the total amount of water for 

reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder 

of water and shake well.
100 mg/5 mL and 

200 mg/5 mL
50 mL
To reconstitute, suspend with 34 mL water. 

Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen 

powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add 

approximately half the total amount of water for 

reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder 

of water and shake well.
200 mg/5 mL
37.5 mL
To reconstitute, suspend with 26 mL water. 

Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen 

powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add 

approximately half the total amount of water for 

reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder 

of water and shake well.
200 mg/5 mL
25 mL
To reconstitute, suspend with 17 mL water. 

Method: Tap the bottle several times to loosen 

powder contents prior to reconstitution. Add 

approximately half the total amount of water for 

reconstitution and shake well. Add the remainder 

of water and shake well.

After reconstitution the suspension may be kept for 14 days either at room temperature, or under refrigeration, without significant loss of potency. Keep tightly closed. Shake well before using. Discard unused portion after 14 days.



How is Suprax Supplied


Suprax®, Cefixime Tablets USP, 400 mg are white to off-white film coated capsule shaped tablets with beveled edges and a divided score line on each side, debossed with "Suprax" across one side and "LUPIN" across other side containing 400 mg of cefixime as the trihydrate and are supplied as follows:


NDC 27437-201-01-Bottle of 100 tablets


NDC 27437-201-08-Bottle of 50 tablets


NDC 27437-201-10-Bottle of 10 tablets with CRC


Store at 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].


Suprax®, Cefixime for Oral Suspension USP, 100 mg/5 mL is an off-white to pale yellow colored powder. After reconstituted as directed, each 5 mL of reconstituted suspension contains 100 mg of cefixime as the trihydrate and is supplied as follows:


NDC 68180-202-03 - 50 mL Bottle


NDC 68180-202-02 - 75 mL Bottle


NDC 68180-202-01 - 100 mL Bottle


Prior to reconstitution: Store drug powder at 20 - 25°C (68 - 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].


After reconstitution: Store at room temperature or under refrigeration.


Keep tightly closed.


Suprax®, Cefixime for Oral Suspension USP, 200 mg/5mL is an off-white to pale yellow colored powder. After reconstituted as directed, each 5 mL of reconstituted suspension contains 200 mg of cefixime as the trihydrate and is supplied as follows:


NDC 27437-206-05 - 25 mL Bottle


NDC 27437-206-06 - 37.5 mL Bottle


NDC 27437-206-03 - 50 mL Bottle


NDC 27437-206-02 - 75 mL Bottle


NDC 27437-206-01 - 100 mL Bottle


Prior to reconstitution: Store drug powder at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].


After reconstitution: Store at room temperature or under refrigeration.


Keep tightly closed.



REFERENCES


  1. Bauer AW, Kirby WMM, Sherris JC, et al.: Antibiotic susceptibility testing by a standard single disk method. Am J Clin Pathol 1966; 45:493.

  2. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Approved Standard: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests (M2-A3), December 1984.

  3. Standardized disk susceptibility test. Federal Register 1974; 39 (May 30): 19182-19184.

**Clinitest® and Clinistix® are registered trademarks of Ames Division, Miles Laboratories, Inc. Tes-Tape® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.



Manufactured for:


Suprax®, Cefixime Tablets USP, 400 mg


and Suprax®, Cefixime for Oral Suspension USP, 200 mg/5 mL


Lupin Pharma


Baltimore, Maryland 21202


United States


Suprax®, Cefixime for Oral Suspension USP, 100 mg/5 mL


Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc.


Baltimore, Maryland 21202


United States


Manufactured by:


Lupin Limited


Mumbai 400 098


INDIA


Revised: October 2008                                                                             (ID: 216394)



PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL


NDC 68180-202-03


Suprax® CEFIXIME FOR ORAL SUSPENSION USP


100 mg/mL


FOR ORAL SUSPENSION


Rx only


Bottle Pack: 50 mL





Sodium chloride Ophthalmic


SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • AK-NaCl

  • Muro-128

  • OcuFresh

  • Sochlor

In Canada


  • Cordema

  • Eye Wash

  • In A Wink Daily Cleaner

  • In A Wink Neutralizing Rinse

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Solution

  • Ointment

Therapeutic Class: Osmotherapy Agent


Uses For sodium chloride


Hypertonic sodium chloride solution for the eye is used to draw water out of a swollen cornea. The extra water in the cornea can cause your vision to be poor. You may also see halos or rings around point light sources. The cornea is the clear cover over the colored part of your eye.


sodium chloride is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using sodium chloride


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 sodium chloride, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium chloride 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


Although there is no specific information comparing use of hypertonic sodium chloride in children with use in other age groups, sodium chloride is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.


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 hypertonic sodium chloride in the elderly with use in other age groups.


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.


Proper Use of sodium chloride


To use:


  • The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.

  • First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.

  • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.

  • Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.

  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed. Serious damage to the eye and possible loss of vision may result from using contaminated eye drops.

Dosing


The dose of sodium chloride 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 sodium chloride. 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 ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
    • For swelling of the cornea:
      • Adults—Use 1 drop every three or four hours.

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



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of sodium chloride, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


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.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Precautions While Using sodium chloride


Use only under the advice and supervision of a doctor.


If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your symptoms continue for more than 3 days or become worse, check with your doctor.


Importance of not contaminating the product. Do not touch the tip of the container to the eye or any surface.


Do not use if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.


Replace cap after each use. Store container upright.


sodium chloride Side Effects


Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


More Common
  • temporary burning sensation of the eye

  • temporary eye irritation

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.



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More sodium chloride Ophthalmic resources


  • Sodium chloride Ophthalmic Support Group
  • 0 Reviews · Be the first to review/rate this drug


Friday, April 20, 2012

Tavist-DA


Generic Name: chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine (klor fen EER a meen and soo doe e FED rin)

Brand Names: AccuHist Drops, Allerest Maximum Strength, Brexin L.A., Colfed-A, D-Amine-SR, Dayquil Allergy, Deconamine, Dicel, Dicel Chewables, Dura-Tap/PD, Durafed, Duratuss DA, Dynahist-ER Pediatric, Genaphed Plus, Histade, Histex, Kronofed-A, Kronofed-A-Jr, LoHist-D, Mintex, Neutrahist Drops, Re2+30, Rescon-Ed, Suclor, SudaHist, Sudal-12 Chewable, Sudal-12 Tannate, Sudogest Cold & Allergy, SudoGest Sinus & Allergy, Tavist-DA, Triaminic Cold and Allergy, Triaminic Softchew Cold and Allergy, Triaminic Softchews Allergy Runny Nose and Congestion


What is Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


The combination of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold or seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes.


Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.


Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medication during an asthma attack.


This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Do not use chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:

  • severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;




  • severe coronary artery disease;




  • narrow angle glaucoma;




  • a stomach ulcer;




  • if you are unable to urinate; or




  • if you are having an asthma attack.



Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:


  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease;


  • diabetes;




  • glaucoma;




  • circulation problems;




  • heart disease or high blood pressure;




  • overactive thyroid;




  • a seizure disorder such as epilepsy;




  • asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis; or




  • urination problems or an enlarged prostate.




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.

Artificially sweetened liquid cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.


How should I take Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.


Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.


Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.


This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.


If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.


Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cold medicine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include some of the serious side effects listed in this medication guide.


What should I avoid while taking Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or sleep medicine. Chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Avoid taking this medication if you also take diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications). Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • fast or pounding heartbeats;




  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, nervousness;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or




  • seizure (black-out or convulsions).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • blurred vision;




  • dry nose or mouth;




  • nausea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite;




  • dizziness, drowsiness;




  • problems with memory or concentration;




  • ringing in your ears; or




  • feeling restless or excited (especially in children).



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.


What other drugs will affect Tavist-DA (chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine)?


Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by chlorpheniramine.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • mecamylamine (Inversine);




  • methyldopa (Aldomet);




  • reserpine;




  • a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others;




  • a barbiturate such as butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton); or




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others.



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Tavist-DA resources


  • Tavist-DA Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Tavist-DA Drug Interactions
  • Tavist-DA Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Tavist-DA - Add your own review/rating


  • AccuHist Drops Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Biohist LA Sustained-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Deconamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Deconamine SR Controlled-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Duotan Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • QDALL 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Tavist-DA with other medications


  • Hay Fever
  • Sinusitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine.



Thursday, April 19, 2012

Sinarest Nasal


Generic Name: oxymetazoline nasal (ox ee me TAZ oh leen)

Brand Names: Afrin, Afrin Nasal Sinus, Allerest 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Duramist Plus, Duration, Four-Way Nasal Spray, Genasal, Neo-Synephrine 12 Hour, Nostrilla, NRS Nasal, NTZ Long Acting Nasal, Oxyfrin, Oxymeta-12, Sinarest Nasal, Sinex Long-Acting, Twice-A-Day


What is Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?

Oxymetazoline is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in your body. The nasal formulation acts directly on the blood vessels in your nasal tissues. Constriction of the blood vessels in your nose and sinuses leads to drainage of these areas and a decrease in congestion.


Oxymetazoline nasal is used to treat congestion associated with allergies, hay fever, sinus irritation, and the common cold.


Oxymetazoline nasal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?


Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.


Do not use more of this medication than is recommended on the package or by your doctor.

Who should not use Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?


Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. This could cause a very dangerous drug interaction with serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have



  • high blood pressure;




  • any type of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or irregular heart beats;




  • thyroid problems;




  • diabetes;




  • glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;




  • an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or




  • liver or kidney disease.



You may not be able to use oxymetazoline nasal, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you have any of the conditions listed above.


It is not known whether oxymetazoline nasal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use oxymetazoline nasal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of oxymetazoline nasal. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from oxymetazoline nasal. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I use Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?


Use oxymetazoline nasal exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.


To apply the nasal spray, keep your head upright, spray, then sniff hard for a few minutes after administering a dose.


To apply the nasal drops, lie on a bed on your back with your head hanging over the edge. Insert the drops and remain in this position for several minutes. Gently turn your head from side to side.


Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the inside of your nose or any other surface. This spreads the infection.


Also, to prevent the spread of infection, do not share this medication with anyone else.


Discard this medication bottle after use. Do not save it for reuse.


Never use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too much oxymetazoline nasal could be very harmful. Oxymetazoline nasal should not be used more often than twice a day (every 12 hours).

Do not use oxymetazoline nasal for longer than 3 to 5 days. Longer use could cause damage to your nasal tissue and lead to chronic congestion. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.


Store oxymetazoline nasal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


What happens if I miss a dose?


Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an oxymetazoline nasal overdose include extreme tiredness, sweating, dizziness, a slow heartbeat, and coma.


What should I avoid while taking Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?


Never use this medication in larger doses or more often than is recommended. Too much oxymetazoline nasal could be very harmful.

Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal) side effects


If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using oxymetazoline nasal and seek emergency medical attention:



  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);




  • seizures;




  • unusual behavior or hallucinations; or




  • an irregular or fast heartbeat.



More commonly, you may experience some sneezing or burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation of the nose. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.


Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Sinarest Nasal (oxymetazoline nasal)?


Do not use oxymetazoline nasal if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

Although drug interactions between topical nasal decongestants and drugs taken by mouth are not expected, they can occur. Rarely, oxymetazoline nasal may interact with the following medicines:



  • furazolidone (Furoxone);




  • guanethidine (Ismelin);




  • indomethacin (Indocin);




  • methyldopa (Aldomet);




  • bromocriptine (Parlodel);




  • caffeine in cola, tea, coffee, chocolate and other products;




  • theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, others);



  • tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor);

  • other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil);

  • phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and

  • other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), mesoridazine (Serentil), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine).

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with oxymetazoline nasal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.



More Sinarest Nasal resources


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


  • Sinarest Nasal Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Afrin Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Sinarest Nasal with other medications


  • Nasal Congestion


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist has additional information about oxymetazoline nasal written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Sinarest Nasal side effects (in more detail)



Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride


Class: Phenothiazines
VA Class: CN701
Chemical Name: 10-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)-10H-phenothiazine
Molecular Formula: C21H24F3N3S
CAS Number: 117-89-5


  • Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis


  • Geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic agents are at an increased risk of death.a e l m o




  • Analyses of 17 placebo-controlled trials in geriatric patients mainly receiving atypical antipsychotic agents revealed an approximate 1.6- to 1.7-fold increase in mortality compared with that in patients receiving placebo.a l m




  • Most fatalities appeared to result from cardiovascular-related events (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infections (mostly pneumonia).a m




  • Observational studies suggest that conventional or first-generation antipsychotic agents also may increase mortality in such patients.a e l




  • Antipsychotic agents, including trifluoperazine, are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.a l m




Introduction

Propylpiperazine-derivative phenothiazine; conventional (prototypical, first-generation) antipsychotic agent.a b c


Uses for Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride


Schizophrenia


Treatment of schizophrenia.a b c e


American Psychiatric Association (APA) considers most atypical antipsychotic agents first-line drugs for management of the acute phase of schizophrenia (including first psychotic episodes).e APA considers conventional antipsychotic agents first-line in patients with acute psychotic episodes who have been treated successfully in the past with, or who prefer, conventional agents.e


Patients who do not respond to or tolerate one drug may be successfully treated with an agent from a different class or with a different adverse effect profile.e i p q


Nonpsychotic Anxiety


Short-term management of nonpsychotic anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.a b c


Not established whether trifluoperazine is useful for the management of other nonpsychotic conditions in which anxiety or manifestations that mimic anxiety are evident (e.g., physical illness, organic mental conditions, agitated depression, character pathologies).a b


Because of the risks of toxicity, use only as an alternative to other less toxic anxiolytic agents (e.g., benzodiazepines) in most patients.a b


Mental Retardation


Efficacy not established for the management of behavioral complications in patients with mental retardation.a b


Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Dosage and Administration


General



  • Adjust dosage carefully according to individual requirements and response; use the lowest possible effective dosage.a b c




  • For symptomatic relief of psychotic disorders, optimum therapeutic response usually occurs within 2–3 weeks.a b




  • Periodically evaluate patients receiving long-term therapy to determine whether maintenance dosage can be decreased or drug therapy discontinued.a b c



Administration


Oral Administration


Administered orally.a b c Has been given parenterally as trifluoperazine hydrochloride, but a parenteral dosage form of the drug is no longer commercially available in the US.b


Because of the long duration of action, may be administered once or twice daily.a b


Dosage


Available as trifluoperazine hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of trifluoperazine.a b


Pediatric Patients


Psychotic Disorders

Oral

Adjust dosage based on weight and severity of symptoms.a b


Children 6–12 years of age: Initially, 1 mg once or twice daily for hospitalized or well-supervised children.a b Gradually increase dosage until symptoms are controlled or adverse effects become troublesome.a b Most children respond to a dosage of ≤15 mg daily.a b


Dosage for children <6 years of age not established.a b


Adults


Psychotic Disorders

Oral

Initially, 2–5 mg given twice daily.a b Gradually increase dosage until symptoms are controlled or adverse effects become troublesome.a b Although most patients exhibit optimum response with 15–20 mg daily, dosages up to 40 mg or more daily may be required in some patients.a b e


Nonpsychotic Anxiety

Oral

Usually, 1 or 2 mg twice daily for ≤12 weeks.a b


Prescribing Limits


Pediatric Patients


Psychotic Disorders

Oral

Maximum 15 mg daily for children 6–12 years of age.a b Dosages >15 mg daily should be used only in older children with severe symptoms.a b


Adults


Nonpsychotic Anxiety

Oral

Maximum 6 mg daily; do not administer for >12 weeks.a b


Special Populations


Geriatric Patients


Generally, select dose at the lower end of recommended range; increase dosage more gradually and monitor closely.a b e (See Geriatric Use under Cautions.)


Debilitated or Emaciated Patients


Increase dosage more gradually.a b


Cautions for Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride


Contraindications



  • Comatose states or in the presence of large amounts of CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, opiates).a c (See Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests under Interactions.)




  • Bone marrow depression or blood dyscrasias.a c




  • Liver damage.a c




  • Known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines.a c



Warnings/Precautions


Warnings


Shares the toxic potentials of other phenothiazines; observe the usual precautions of phenothiazine therapy.a b


Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis

Increased risk of death with use of either conventional (first-generation) or atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis.a e l m o


Antipsychotic agents, including trifluoperazine, are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.a l m (See Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis in Boxed Warning.)


Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, reported with use of antipsychotic agents, including trifluoperazine.a c


Reserve long-term antipsychotic treatment for patients with chronic illness known to respond to antipsychotic agents, and for whom alternative, equally effective, but potentially less harmful treatments are not available or appropriate.a In patients requiring chronic treatment, use smallest dosage and shortest duration of treatment producing a satisfactory clinical response; periodically reassess need for continued therapy.a


APA recommends assessing patients receiving conventional antipsychotic agents for abnormal involuntary movements every 6 months; for patients at increased risk for tardive dyskinesia, assess every 3 months.e Consider discontinuance of trifluoperazine if signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear.a However, some patients may require treatment despite the presence of the syndrome.a


Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially fatal syndrome characterized by hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability, reported with antipsychotic agents.a


Immediately discontinue therapy and initiate supportive and symptomatic therapy if NMS occurs.a Careful monitoring recommended if therapy is reinstituted following recovery; the risk that NMS can recur must be considered.a


Concomitant Therapy with Lithium

Although most patients receiving lithium and an antipsychotic agent concurrently do not develop unusual adverse effects, an acute encephalopathic syndrome occasionally has occurred, especially when high serum lithium concentrations were present.a c (See Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests under Interactions.)


Cognitive and Motor Impairment

May impair mental and/or physical abilities, especially during the first few days of therapy.a c (See Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests under Interactions and see also Advice to Patients.)


Sensitivity Reactions


Possible sensitivity reactions (e.g., cholestatic jaundice, blood dyscrasias, skin reactions, photosensitivity).a c Use generally not recommended in patients who have previously demonstrated a hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., blood dyscrasias, jaundice) to a phenothiazine, unless potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.a c


Contact dermatitis occurs rarely following skin contact with trifluoperazine hydrochloride preparations; use care to avoid skin contact with preparations of the drug.a b c


General Precautions


Hematologic Effects

Leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis temporally related to antipsychotic agents, including trifluoperazine.a r s Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and pancytopenia also reported in patients receiving trifluoperazine.a r


Possible risk factors for leukopenia and neutropenia include preexisting low WBC count and a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia.r s Monitor CBC frequently during the first few months of therapy in patients with such risk factors.r Discontinue trifluoperazine at the first sign of a decline in WBC count in the absence of other causative factors.r


Carefully monitor patients with clinically important neutropenia for fever or other signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly if they occur.r (See Advice to Patients.) In patients with severe neutropenia (ANC <1000/mm3), discontinue trifluoperazine and monitor WBC until recovery occurs.r


Hepatic Effects

Cholestatic jaundice or liver damage reported.a c


Perform hepatic function tests immediately in patients who develop fever accompanied by flu-like symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, anorexia) during therapy; if hepatic function test results are abnormal, discontinue drug.a c


Cardiovascular Effects

Possible hypotension and exacerbation of angina; avoid large dosages in patients with cardiovascular disorders.a c If severe hypotension occurs, may use norepinephrine or phenylephrine to alleviate; epinephrine should not be used.a c (See Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests under Interactions.)


Ocular Effects

Consider possibility of pigmentary retinopathy and lenticular and corneal deposits in patients receiving prolonged therapy.a c Periodic ophthalmic examinations recommended in patients receiving prolonged phenothiazine therapy with moderate to high dosages.a c Discontinue drug if ophthalmic examination or visual field studies demonstrate retinal changes.a c


Hyperprolactinemia

May cause elevated serum prolactin concentrations, which may persist during chronic administration and cause clinical disturbances (e.g., galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, impotence).a c


If contemplating trifluoperazine therapy in patient with previously detected breast cancer, consider that approximately one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin-dependent in vitro.a


Mutagenicity

Chromosomal aberrations in spermatocytes and abnormal sperm have been demonstrated in rodents.a c


Body Temperature Regulation

Phenothiazines depress the hypothalamic mechanism for body temperature regulation; possible hyperthermia or hypothermia when exposed to temperature extremes.a c


Use with caution in patients exposed to extreme heat or cold.a c


Anticholinergic Effects

Possible anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, mydriasis, constipation, obstipation, nausea, adynamic ileus, atonic colon, urinary retention, decreased perspiration, impotence).a c


Use with caution in patients with glaucoma.a c


Other Precautions

Antiemetic effects may mask signs of overdosage of other drugs (e.g., antineoplastic agents) or obscure cause of vomiting in various disorders (e.g., intestinal obstruction, Reye’s syndrome, brain tumor).a c


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category C.d


Risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, feeding disorder) in neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents during the third trimester; monitor neonates exhibiting such symptoms.a h j k Symptoms were self-limiting in some neonates but varied in severity; some infants required intensive support and prolonged hospitalization.a h j k


Lactation

Phenothiazines are distributed into milk.a c d Discontinue nursing or the drug.a c


Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children <6 years of age.a b


Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients appear to be particularly sensitive to adverse CNS (e.g., tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonian manifestations, akathisia, sedation), anticholinergic, and cardiovascular (e.g., orthostatic hypotension) effects of antipsychotic agents.a b c e


Common Adverse Effects


Extrapyramidal reactions (e.g., Parkinson-like symptoms, dystonia, akathisia), drowsiness, fatigue, muscular weakness, insomnia, blurred vision, skin reactions or rash, anorexia, dry mouth, hypotension, amenorrhea, galactorrhea.a b c e


Interactions for Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride


Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests

































Drug or Test



Interaction



Comments



Anticoagulants, oral



Potential decreased effect of oral anticoagulantsa



Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin)



Trifluoperazine may lower seizure thresholda c


Trifluoperazine may interfere with phenytoin metabolism and precipitate phenytoin toxicitya



Dosage adjustments of anticonvulsants may be necessarya c



CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, anesthetics, opiate analgesics, sedative/hypnotics)



Possible additive effects or potentiated action of other CNS depressantsa c



Use with caution to avoid excessive sedation or CNS depressiona c



Epinephrine



Possible further lowering of BPa c



Do not use epinephrine for phenothiazine-induced hypotensiona c (see Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions)



Guanethidine and related compounds



Potential for decreased effectiveness of guanethidine and related compoundsa



Lithium



An acute encephalopathic syndrome reported occasionally, especially when high serum lithium concentrations presenta c



Observe patients receiving combined therapy for evidence of adverse neurologic effects; promptly discontinue if such signs or symptoms appeara c



Propranolol



Increased plasma concentrations of trifluoperazine and propranolola



Test for phenylketonuria (PKU)



Potential false-positive test resultsa c



Thiazide diuretics



Potential for increased orthostatic hypotensiona


Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Phenothiazines are generally well absorbed from the GI tract.c f Considerable interindividual variation in peak concentrations reported.c f g


Distribution


Extent


Not fully characterized.c


Crosses the placenta.c d Distributed into breast milk.a c d


Plasma Protein Binding


Phenothiazines are highly bound to plasma proteins.c


Elimination


Metabolism


Metabolic fate not fully elucidated.c f Appears to be extensively metabolized, principally in the liver.c f


Elimination Route


Phenothiazines and their metabolites are excreted in urine and feces.c


Half-life


12–24 hours.e f g


Stability


Storage


Oral


Tablets

Tight, light-resistant containers at 20–25°C; protect from moisture.a


ActionsActions



  • Precise mechanism(s) of antipsychotic action not determined, but may be principally related to antidopaminergic effects.b c




  • Exhibits weak anticholinergic and sedative effects and strong extrapyramidal effects and antiemetic activity.b c



Advice to Patients



  • Importance of advising patients and caregivers that geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic agents are at an increased risk of death.a e l m Inform patients and caregivers that trifluoperazine is not approved for treating geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis.a m




  • Potential for drug to impair mental alertness or physical coordination; use caution when driving or operating machinery until effects on individual are known.a c




  • Importance of clinicians informing patients in whom chronic trifluoperazine use is contemplated of risk of tardive dyskinesia, taking into account clinical circumstances and competency of patient to understand information provided.a c n Importance of informing patients to report any muscle movements that cannot be stopped.n




  • Importance of avoiding exposure to temperature extremes.a c




  • Importance of informing clinician if sore throat or other signs of infection occur.a c




  • Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., cardiovascular disease).a c




  • Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.a h Importance of clinicians informing patients about the benefits and risks of taking antipsychotics during pregnancy (see Pregnancy under Cautions).a h Importance of advising patients not to stop taking trifluoperazine if they become pregnant without consulting their clinician; abruptly stopping antipsychotic agents may cause complications.h




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.a (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.


* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name




























Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Oral



Tablets, film-coated



1 mg (of trifluoperazine)*



Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Tablets



2 mg (of trifluoperazine)*



Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Tablets



5 mg (of trifluoperazine)*



Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Tablets



10 mg (of trifluoperazine)*



Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Tablets


Comparative Pricing


This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 07/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.


Trifluoperazine HCl 10MG Tablets (SANDOZ): 60/$55.99 or 180/$135.98


Trifluoperazine HCl 2MG Tablets (MYLAN): 60/$35.99 or 180/$85.97


Trifluoperazine HCl 5MG Tablets (SANDOZ): 60/$35.99 or 180/$98.98



Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions June 13, 2011. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.


† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.




References



HID. Trissel LA. Handbook on injectable drugs. 12th ed. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2003:622-3.



a. Sandoz Inc. Trifluoperazine hydrochloride tablets prescribing information. Princeton, NJ; 2010 Sep.



b. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Trifluoperazine hydrochloride. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2457.



c. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Phenothiazines general statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007: 2439-50.



d. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Williams & Wilkins; 2005:1626-7.



e. American Psychiatric Association. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia, second edition. Am J Psychiatry. 2004; 161(Suppl):1-56.



f. Midha KK, Korchinski ED, Verbeeck RK et al. Kinetics of oral trifluoperazine disposition in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1983; 15:380-2. [PubMed 6849769]



g. Midha KK, Hawes EM, Hubbard JW et al. A pharmacokinetic study of trifluoperazine in two ethnic populations. Psychopharmacol. 1988; 95:333-8.



h. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: Antipsychotic drug labels updated in use during pregnancy and risk of abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.. Rockville, MD; 2010 Feb 22. From the FDA website: .



i. Lahti AC, Tamminga CA. Recent developments in the neuropharmacology of schizophrenia. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 1995; 52(Suppl 1):S5-8. [PubMed 7749964]



j. Sexson WR, Barak Y. Withdrawal emergent syndrome in an infant associated with maternal haloperidol therapy. J Perinatol. 1989; 9:170-2. [PubMed 2738729]



k. Coppola D, Russo LJ, Kwarta RF Jr. et al. Evaluating the postmarketing experience of risperidone use during pregnancy: pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Drug Saf. 2007; 30:247-64. [PubMed 17343431]



l. Food and Drug Administration. Information for Healthcare Professionals: Conventional antipsychotics. Rockville, MD; 2008 Jun 16. From the FDA website: .



m. Food and Drug Administration. Public health advisory: deaths with antipsychotics in elderly patients with behavioral disturbances. Rockville, MD; 2005 Apr 11. From the FDA website: ().



n. Food and Drug Administration. Patient information sheet: aripiprazole (marketed as Abilify). 2006 Sep 6.



o. Banerjee S. The use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia: time for action. A report for the Minister of State for Care Services. United Kingdom Department of Health. From the website: .



p. Volavka J, Citrome L. Oral antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia: heterogeneity in efficacy and tolerability should drive decision-making. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2009; 10:1917-28. [PubMed 19558339]



q. Lieberman JA. Atypical antipsychotic drugs as a first-line treatment of schizophrenia: a rationale and hypothesis. J Clin Psychiatry. 1996; 57(Suppl 11):68-71. [PubMed 8941173]



r. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. Trifluoperazine hydrochloride tablets prescribing information. Morgantown, WV; 2010 Sep.



s. Qureshi SU, Rubin E. Risperidone- and aripiprazole-induced leukopenia: a case report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2008; 10:482-3. [PubMed 19287562]



More Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride resources


  • Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Dosage
  • Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Drug Interactions
  • Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride Support Group
  • 3 Reviews for Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride - Add your own review/rating


  • Trifluoperazine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Stelazine Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)



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  • Anxiety
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