Find Medicines

Blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, acute meibomianitis, and corneal ulcers caused by susceptible organisms. Otorrhea associated with external otitis, chronic suppurative otitis media or subacute purulent otitis media; or postoperative otorrhea, such as that following fenestration, mastoidectomy or tympanoplasty.

Ophthalmic antibacterial drugs

Gentamicin sulphate  actively transported across the bacterial cell membrane, binds to a specific receptor protein on the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes and interferes with an initiation complex between mRNA (messenger RNA) and the 30 S subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis. DNA may be misread, thus producing nonfunctional proteins; polyribosomes are split apart and are unable to synthesize protein.

Eye drops may be absorbed following topical application to the eye. Ear drops may be absorbed following topical application to the ear, especially if the eardrum is perforated or if tissue damage is present.

Gentamicin sulphate is active against many strains of the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Niesseria gonorrhoea, Pseudomonus aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.

Eye: 1-2 drops instilled in affected eye up to 6 times a day or more frequently if required (severe infections may require 1-2 drops every 15-20 minutes initially, reducing the frequency of instillation gradually as the infection is controlled).

Ear: The area should be cleaned and 2-3 drops should be instilled every 3-4 times a day and at night, or more frequently if required.

In patients with dermatoses treated with gentamicin, irritation (erythema and pruritus) had been reported in small number of cases. Itching, redness, swelling or other signs of irritation may develop. With the eye/ear drop bacterial and corneal ulcer have developed during treatment with gentamicin. Most frequently reported adverse reactions are ocular burning and irritation upon drug instillation, non specific conjunctivitis, conjunctival epithelial defects, and conjunctival hyperemia.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reaction to any of its components. Use of topical Gentamicin may occasionally allow overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi.

If these occurs or if irritation, sensitization develops, treatment with gentamicin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Gentamicin ear/eye drops is not for injection. It should never be injected subconjunctivally, nor it should be directly introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye.

None has been reported so far with topical and Eye/Ear drops.

Consideration should be given the possibility of foetal ototoxicity when gentamicin is applied topically to large denuded areas of skin. For Gentamicin Eye/Ear Drops safety profile in pregnancy is not yet established and should be administered when considered essential.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children. To avoid contamination, do not touch the tip of the container to the eye, eyelid or any surface.

Drugs for Dry eyes

Hypromellose is a semisynthetic, inert and viscoelastic polymer used as an ophthalmic lubricant. Hypromellose acts as a lubricant and artificial tear in the symptomatic treatment of dehydration of the cornea and conjunctiva due to impaired lacrimal secretion and functional disorders as a result of topical or systemic diseases, or caused by deficient or incomplete eyelid closure.

Ophthalmic Solution: Therapy of dry eye syndrome requires an individual dosage regimen.

• The usual dose of 0.3% Hypromellose is 1 drop into the conjunctival sac 3 to 5 times per day or as directed by the physician.
• The dose of 0.5% Hypromellose will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's directions.

Ophthalmic Gel: Instill 1 or 2 drops in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s), as needed. The frequency of administration depends on the severity of the condition. On average, one drop is administered 1-3 times daily. If needed, Hypromellose may be administered more frequently.

Common side effects are brief blurred vision or a slight stinging sensation on instilling Hypromellose. Hypromellose enriched with Carbomer 980 is very well tolerated by users. However, some cases of burning, stinging, allergic reactions or red eyes after instillation have been reported. Transient blurring of vision after administration has also been reported.

Hypersensitivity to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container.

If eye pains, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye are noticed Hypromellose must be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted. If Hypromellose changes color or becomes cloudy, the product should not be used.

Hypromellose can be used in combination with contact lenses. No compatibility study with lens material is available.

There is no experience regarding the safety of Hypromellose in human pregnancy or lactation. Studies in the pediatric population have not been performed.

Store in a cool dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not touch tip of the tube surface since this may contaminate the gel. After one month of the opening do not use the medicine of tube.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, 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. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, 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. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, 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. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Broad spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin. It is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It acts through the inhibition of biosynthesis of cell wall. Amoxicillin is stable in the presence of gastric acid and is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. After an oral dose, peak plasma concentration of Amoxicillin is reached within 1 to 2 hours. Amoxicillin is widely distributed at varying concentration in body tissues and fluids.

Adult: 250 mg three times daily, increasing up to 500 mg three times daily for severe infections.

Children (up to 10 years of age) : 125 mg three times daily, increasing up to 250 mg three times daily for severe infections.

• Severe or recurrent purulent respiratory infection: 3 gm every 12 hours.
• Otitis media: Recommended dose is 1 g three times daily for adult and 40 mg/kg body weight daily in 3 divided doses for children (max. 3 g daily).
• Pneumonia: Recommended dose is 500-1000 mg three times daily.
• Dental abscess: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Urinary tract infections: Recommended dose is 3 gm, repeated after 10-12 hours.
• Gonorrhoea: Single dose of 2-3 gm with Probenecid 1 gm is recommended (Probenecid is contraindicated in children under 2 years).
• In renal impairment: it may be necessary to reduce the total daily dosage.

Reconstituted suspension can be administered by adding the required amount of suspension to milk, fruit juice, water. These preparations should then be taken immediately.

Side effects are mild and transient in nature. This may include diarrhoea, indigestion or occasionally rash. Pseudo-membranous colitis has been reported rarely.

Amoxicillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur, Amoxicillin should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Concurrent use of Amoxicillin and Probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of Amoxicillin. Amoxicillin may affect the gut flora, leading to lower estrogen reabsorption and reduced efficacy of combined oral estrogen/progesterone contraceptives.

US FDA pregnancy category of Amoxicillin is B. There are, however, 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. Amoxicillin has been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Amoxicillin is administered to a lactating mother.

Amoxycillin 500 mg Injection:

• Intramuscular: Add 2.5 ml water for injection to Amoxycillin 500 mg injection vial.
• Intravenous: Dissolve Amoxycillin 500 mg injection in 10 ml water for injection.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Specific combined vitamin preparations

Vitamin-B complex contains the most important members of the vitamin B group in pure form and in therapeutically balanced proportions. The members of the vitamin B group contained in Vitamin-B complex are components of enzyme systems that regulate various stages of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, each of the components playing a specific biological role. Deficiency of B vitamin causes glossitis, stomatitis, cheilosis, polyneuritis, beriberi, pellagra and vascularisation of cornea.

Tablet/ capsule: usual recommended dose is 1-2 tablet/capsule 3 times daily or as directed by the physician.

Syrup: 2-3 teaspoonful daily or as directed by the physician.

Injection: It is for intramuscular and intravenous administration. Usual recommended dose is 2 ml daily or as directed by the physician. In addition with Thiamine, Riboflavin, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine; injectable dosage from contains D-Panthenol 5 mg.

Adverse reactions have been reported with specific vitamins and minerals, but generally at levels substantially higher than those in Vitamin-B complex. However, allergic and idiosyncratic reactions are possible at lower levels. Iron, even at the usual recommended level has been associated with gastrointestinal intolerance in some patients.

Vitamin-B complex is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any of its components.

As little as 5 mg pyridoxine daily can decrease the efficacy of levodopa in the treatment of parkinsonism. Therefore, Vitamin-B complex is not recommended for patients undergoing such therapy

It is safe to use Vitamin-B complex in pregnancy and lactation.

Brinzolamide Ophthalmic Suspension is indicated as monotherapy, or as adjunctive therapy to beta-blockers in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in ocular hypertension, or open-angle glaucoma.

Drugs for miotics and glaucoma

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body including the eye. It catalyses the reversible reaction involving the hydration of carbon dioxide and the dehydration of carbonic acid. It exists as a number of isoenzymes, the most active being carbonic anhydrase II (CA-II), found primarily in red blood cells, but also in other tissues. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes of the eye decreases aqueous humor secretion, presumably by slowing the formation of bicarbonate ions with subsequent reduction in sodium and fuid transport.

Following topical ocular administration, brinzolamide inhibits aqueous humor formation and reduces elevated intraocular pressure. Elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage and glaucomatous visual feld loss.

The recommended dose is one drops of this eye drop in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) twice daily. Some patients may have a better response with one drop three times a day. Shake well before use.

Reported side effects are blurred vision and bitter, sour or unusual taste. Other side effects are blepharitis, dermatitis, dry eye, foreign body sensation, headache, hyperemia, ocular discharge, ocular discomfort, ocular keratitis, ocular pain, ocular pruritus and rhinitis.

It is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product.

In patients treated with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, rare instances to drug interactions have occurred with high-dose salicylate therapy. Therefore, the potential for such drug interactions should be considered in patients receiving Brinzolamide.

Pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Use in lactation: It is not known whether Brinzolamide 1% ophthalmic suspension is excreted in human milk. So, lactating mother should discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, depending upon the importance of the drug to the mother.

Although no human data are available, electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidosis state, and possible nervous system effects may occur following oral administration of an overdose. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored.

Store at room temperature & protect from light. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface. It is desirable that the contents should not be used more than four weeks after first opening of the bottle. Protect from freezing.

This is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Drugs for miotics and glaucoma

Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by decreasing aqueous humor secretion in the ciliary processes of the eye.

Brimonidine Tartrate is an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist which reduces IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production and increasing uveoscleral outflow.

Instill one drop in the affected eye(s) three times daily. If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, the drugs should be administered at least five minutes apart. Shake well before use.

The most commonly reported side effects include blurred vision, eye irritation, bad taste and dry mouth.

It is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitivity to Brinzolamide, Brimonidine Tartrate, or to any ingredient in the formulation and Neonates and Infants (under the age of 2 years).

Shake well before use. For ophthalmic use only. Contact lenses should be removed during instillation of Brinzolamide and Brimonidine Tartrate ophthalmic suspension, but may be reinserted 15 minutes after instillation.

In patients treated with this drop rare instances to drug interactions have occurred with high-dose salicylate therapy, CNS Depressants, Antihypertensives/ Cardiac Glycosides, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Therefore, the potential for such drug interactions should be considered in patients receiving Brinzolamide + Brimonidine Tartrate .

Pregnancy category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Brinzolamide and Brimonidine Tartrate ophthalmic suspension should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether Brinzolamide or Brimonidine Tartrate are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised while giving this ophthalmic suspension to a nursing mother.

Use in children: Safety & effectiveness in children below the age of 2 years have not been established.

Use in elderly patients: No overall differences in safety and effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.

Although no human data are available, electrolyte imbalance, development of an acidotic state, and possible nervous system effects may occur following an oral overdose of Brinzolamide. Serum electrolyte levels (particularly potassium) and blood pH levels should be monitored. Very limited information exists on accidental ingestion of Brimonidine Tartrate in adults; the only adverse event reported to date has been hypotension. Symptoms of Brimonidine Tartrate overdose have been reported in neonates, infants, and children receiving Brimonidine Tartrate as part of medical treatment of congenital glaucoma or by accidental oral ingestion. Treatment of an oral overdose includes supportive and symptomatic therapy; a patent airway should be maintained.

Store at room temperature & protect from light. Do not touch dropper tip to any surface. It is desirable that the contents should not be used more than one month after first opening of the bottle. Shake well before use & do not freeze.

Treatment of elevated IOP in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular HTN for whom monotherapy provides insufficient IOP reduction.

Drugs for miotics and glaucoma

Brinzolamide is a highly specific inhibitor of CA-II, which is the main CA isoenzyme involved in the secretion of aqueous humor. Inhibition of CA in the ciliary process of the eye slows the formation of bicarbonate, and reduces sodium and fluid transport. This results in a reduction in the rate of aqueous humor secretion and the intraocular pressure. Brinzolamide is absorbed systemically following topical ocular administration. Since it has a high affinity for CA-II, brinzolamide binds extensively to red blood cells, where CA-II is primarily found. As sufficient CA-II activity remains, adverse effects resulting from the systemic inhibition of CA by brinzolamide are not observed. The metabolite N-desethyl brinzolamide is also formed. This metabolite binds to CA and accumulates in red blood cells as well. In the presence of brinzolamide, the metabolite binds mainly to carbonic anhydrase I (CA-I).

Like propranolol and nadolol, timolol competes with adrenergic neurotransmitters such as catecholamines for binding at beta(1)-adrenergic receptors in the heart and vascular smooth muscle and beta(2)-receptors in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscle. Beta(1)-receptor blockade results in a decrease in resting and exercise heart rate and cardiac output, a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and, possibly, a reduction in reflex orthostatic hypotension. Beta(2)-blockade results in an increase in peripheral vascular resistance. The exact mechanism whereby timolol reduces ocular pressure is still not known. The most likely action is by decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor.

1 drop into the affected eye(s) twice daily

Dysgeusia, blurred vision, eye pain & irritation, foreign body sensation.

Bronchial asthma, severe COPD, sinus bradycardia, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, overt cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock, severe allergic rhinitis, bronchial hyperreactivity, hyperchloraemic acidosis, severe renal impairment.

Control cardiac failure prior to therapy. History of severe cardiac & resp disease. Patients subject to hypoglycemia or labile insulin-dependent diabetes. May mask hyperthyroidism or worsen Prinzmetal's angina, severe peripheral & central circulatory disorders & hypotension. History of atopy or severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens. Avoid concomitant use of 2 local β-adrenergic blockers or 2 local carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Close monitoring of IOP in patients with pseudoexfoliative or pigmentary glaucoma. Narrow-angle glaucoma. Monitor patients with compromised corneas eg, patients with DM or corneal dystrophies. Remove contact lenses prior to application; reinsert after 15 min. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Pregnancy. Childn <18 yr.

Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, ritonavir, troleandromycin; oral Ca-channel blockers, guanethidine, β-blockers, antiarrhythmics, digitalis glycosides, parasympathomimetics; quinidine, cimetidine.

No data available

Store in cool and dry place

It is a topical eye antiviral that is indicated for the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Ophthalmic Anti-viral Products

This eye gel contains the active ingredient, Ganciclovir, which is a guanosine derivative that, upon phosphorylation, inhibits DNA replication by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Ganciclovir is transformed by viral and cellular thymidine kinases (TK) to ganciclovir triphosphate, which acts as an antiviral agent by inhibiting the synthesis of viral DNA in two ways: competitive inhibition of viral DNA-polymerase and direct incorporation into viral primer strand DNA, resulting in DNA chain termination and prevention of DNA replication.

The recommended dosing regimen for Ganciclovir eye gel 0.15% is 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (approximately every 3 hours while awake) until the corneal ulcer heals and then 1 drop 3 times per day for 7 days.

Most common adverse reactions reported in patients were blurred vision (60%), eye irritation (20%), punctate keratitis (5%), and conjunctival hyperemia (5%).

It is contraindicated to the patients with known hypersensitivity to Ganciclovir.

It is indicated for topical eye use only. Patients should not wear contact lenses if they have signs or symptoms of herpetic keratitis or during the course of therapy with it.

Pregnancy Category C. Ganciclovir has been shown to be embryo toxic in rabbits and mice following intravenous administration and teratogenic in rabbits. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice administered 60 mg/kg/day and 108 mg/kg/day (approximately 10,000x and 17,000x the human ocular dose of 6.25 mcg/kg/day), respectively, assuming complete absorption.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical eye ganciclovir administration could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when it is administered to nursing mothers.

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Overdose through local or accidental oral administration is not likely.

Store at 15°C to 30°C in a dry place protected from light. It is desirable that the contents should not be used more than one month after first opening of the tube.

Entecavir is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevation in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease.

Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis B)

By competing with the natural substrate deoxyguanosine triphosphate, entecavir functionally inhibits all three activities of the HBV polymerase (reverse transcriptase, rt):

• Base priming,
• Reverse transcription of the negative strand from the pregenomic messenger RNA, and
• Synthesis of the positive strand of HBV DNA. Upon activation by kinases, the drug can be incorporated into the DNA which has the ultimate effect of inhibiting the HBV polymerase activity.

The recommended dose of Entecavir for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in nucleoside-treatment-naive adults and adolescents 16 years of age is 0.5 mg once daily. For Lamivudine-refractory or known Lamivudine or Telbivudine resistance mutations, the recommended dose of Entecavir is 1 mg once daily. For patients with decompensated liver disease (adult) the recommended dose of Entecavir is 1 mg once daily. Entecavir should be administered on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal or 2 hours before the next meal).

Missed Dose: If it is almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the proper time. Nobody should take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

The most common adverse events are headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

Entecavir is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to Entecavir or any component of the product.

Lactic acidosis: Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination with antiretrovirals.

Exacerbations of hepatitis after discontinuation of treatment: Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Entecavir.

Co-administration of Entecavir with Lamivudine or Adefovir dipivoxil did not result in significant drug interactions. The effects of co-administration of Entecavir with other drugs that are eliminated through renal or are known to affect renal function have not been evaluated and patients should be monitored closely for adverse events when coadministered with such drugs.

There are no data on the effect of Entecavir on the transmission of HBV from mother to infant. Therefore, appropriate care should be taken. It is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. Mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are taking Entecavir.

Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness of Entecavir in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.

Geriatric: Clinical studies of Entecavir did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. But care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Dose adjustment in renal impairment: Dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CrCl <50 ml/min including patients on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) as shown below:

• CrCl ≥50 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 24 hours
• CrCl 30 to <50 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 48 hours
• CrCl 10 to <30 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 72 hours
• CrCl <10 ml/min or  Hemodialysis or CAPD: 0.5 mg every 7 days

There is no experience of Entecavir overdosage reported in patients. Healthy subjects who received up to 20 mg daily for up to 14 days and single doses up to 40 mg had no unexpected adverse events. If overdosage occurs, the patient must be monitored for evidence of toxicity and standard supportive treatment as necessary.

Keep in a dry place and store below 30°C. Protect from light and keep out of the reach of children.

Entecavir is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevation in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease.

Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis B)

By competing with the natural substrate deoxyguanosine triphosphate, entecavir functionally inhibits all three activities of the HBV polymerase (reverse transcriptase, rt):

• Base priming,
• Reverse transcription of the negative strand from the pregenomic messenger RNA, and
• Synthesis of the positive strand of HBV DNA. Upon activation by kinases, the drug can be incorporated into the DNA which has the ultimate effect of inhibiting the HBV polymerase activity.

The recommended dose of Entecavir for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in nucleoside-treatment-naive adults and adolescents 16 years of age is 0.5 mg once daily. For Lamivudine-refractory or known Lamivudine or Telbivudine resistance mutations, the recommended dose of Entecavir is 1 mg once daily. For patients with decompensated liver disease (adult) the recommended dose of Entecavir is 1 mg once daily. Entecavir should be administered on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal or 2 hours before the next meal).

Missed Dose: If it is almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the proper time. Nobody should take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

The most common adverse events are headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

Entecavir is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to Entecavir or any component of the product.

Lactic acidosis: Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination with antiretrovirals.

Exacerbations of hepatitis after discontinuation of treatment: Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who have discontinued anti-hepatitis B therapy, including Entecavir.

Co-administration of Entecavir with Lamivudine or Adefovir dipivoxil did not result in significant drug interactions. The effects of co-administration of Entecavir with other drugs that are eliminated through renal or are known to affect renal function have not been evaluated and patients should be monitored closely for adverse events when coadministered with such drugs.

There are no data on the effect of Entecavir on the transmission of HBV from mother to infant. Therefore, appropriate care should be taken. It is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. Mothers should be instructed not to breastfeed if they are taking Entecavir.

Pediatric: Safety and effectiveness of Entecavir in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established.

Geriatric: Clinical studies of Entecavir did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. But care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Dose adjustment in renal impairment: Dose adjustment is recommended for patients with CrCl <50 ml/min including patients on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) as shown below:

• CrCl ≥50 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 24 hours
• CrCl 30 to <50 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 48 hours
• CrCl 10 to <30 ml/min: 0.5 mg every 72 hours
• CrCl <10 ml/min or  Hemodialysis or CAPD: 0.5 mg every 7 days

There is no experience of Entecavir overdosage reported in patients. Healthy subjects who received up to 20 mg daily for up to 14 days and single doses up to 40 mg had no unexpected adverse events. If overdosage occurs, the patient must be monitored for evidence of toxicity and standard supportive treatment as necessary.

Keep in a dry place and store below 30°C. Protect from light and keep out of the reach of children.

Targeted Cancer Therapy

Gefitinib inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase by binding to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site of the enzyme. Thus the function of the EGFR tyrosine kinase in activating the Ras signal transduction cascade is inhibited; and malignant cells are inhibited. Gefitinib is the first selective inhibitor of the EGFR tyrosine kinase which is also referred to as Her1 or ErbB-1. EGFR is overexpressed in the cells of certain types of human carcinomas - for example in lung and breast cancers. Overexpression leads to inappropriate activation of the apoptotic Ras signal transduction cascade, eventually leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

The recommended dose of Gefitinib is 250 mg orally once daily with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose.

Common side effects are pruritus, rash, angioedema, urticaria, epistaxis, haematuria, alopecia, dry mouth and skin, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, stomatitis, diarrhoea, nail disorders, asthenia, pyrexia, proteinuria, eye pain, corneal erosion or ulcer, aberrant eyelash growth and elevations in blood creatinine. Rarely, pancreatitis, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, corneal membrane sloughing, ocular ischemia, or ocular haemorrhage.

Hypersensitivity. Lactation.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD): ILD occurred in patients taking Gefitinib. Gefitinib should be withheld for worsening of respiratory symptoms. It should be discontinued if ILD is confirmed.

Hepatotoxicity: Periodic liver function testing should be performed. Gefitinib should be withheld for Grade 2 or higher for ALT and/or AST elevations. It should be discontinued for severe hepatic impairment.

Gastrointestinal perforation: Gefitinib should be discontinued for gastrointestinal perforation. 

Diarrhea: Gefitinib should be withheld for Grade 3 or higher diarrhea.
Ocular Disorders including Keratitis: Gefitinib should be withheld for signs and symptoms of severe or worsening ocular disorders including keratitis. It should be discontinued for persistent ulcerative keratitis.
Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders: Gefitinib should be withheld for Grade 3 or higher skin reactions or exfoliative conditions.

Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Gefitinib can cause fetal harm. Potential risk of Gefitinib to a fetus should be advised and effective contraception should be used.

Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates) may reduce serum gefitinib levels. Plasma concentrations may be increased with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole). Increased INR or bleeding events with warfarin. May increase plasma levels of metoprolol. May exacerbate vinorelbine-induced neutropenia. Decreased plasma levels and potential reduction in efficacy with drugs that affect gastric pH (e.g. PPIs, H2-receptor antagonists).

Pregnancy category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Gefitinib in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use: No overall differences in safety were observed between patients 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years. There is insufficient information to assess for differences in efficacy between older and younger patients.

Administration to patients who have difficulty swallowing solids: Immerse Gefitinib tablets in 4 to 8 ounces of water by dropping the tablet in water, and stir for approximately 15 minutes. Immediately drink the liquid or administer through a naso-gastric tube. Rinse the container with 4 to 8 ounces of water and immediately drink or administer through the naso-gastric tube.

Store between 20-25° C.

General (Intravenous) anesthetics

Thiopental, a barbiturate, is used for the induction of anesthesia prior to the use of other general anesthetic agents and for induction of anesthesia for short surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures associated with minimal painful stimuli. Thiopental is an ultrashort-acting depressant of the central nervous system which induces hypnosis and anesthesia, but not analgesia. It produces hypnosis within 30 to 40 seconds of intravenous injection. Recovery after a small dose is rapid, with some somnolence and retrograde amnesia. Repeated intravenous doses lead to prolonged anesthesia because fatty tissues act as a reservoir; they accumulate Pentothal in concentrations 6 to 12 times greater than the plasma concentration, and then release the drug slowly to cause prolonged anesthesia

Thiopental binds at a distinct binding site associated with a Cl^- ionopore at the GABA_A receptor, increasing the duration of time for which the Cl^- ionopore is open. The post-synaptic inhibitory effect of GABA in the thalamus is, therefore, prolonged.

Thiopental Injection is administered intravenously normally as a 2.5% w/v solution. On occasions it may be administered as a 5% w/v solution (500 mg in 10 ml). The intravenous injection preparation should be used after reconstitution of the sterile powder with Water for Injections, usually to produce a 2.5% w/v solution.

Premedication: Premedication usually consists of atropine or scopolamine to suppress vagal reflexes and inhibit secretions. In addition, a barbiturate or an opiate is often given. Ideally, the peak effect of these medications should be reached shortly before the time of induction.

Test dose: It is advisable to inject a small "test" dose of 25 mg to 75 mg of Thiopental Sodium for Injection to assess tolerance or unusual sensitivity to Thiopental Sodium for Injection, and pausing to observe patient reaction for at least 60 seconds. If unexpectedly deep anesthesia develops or if respiratory depression occurs, consider these possibilities: (1) the patient may be unusually sensitive to Thiopental Sodium for Injection, (2) the solution may be more concentrated than had been assumed, or (3) the patient may have received too much.

Use in anaesthesia: Normal dosage for the induction of anesthesia is 100 mg to 150 mg injected over 10 to 15 seconds. If necessary, a repeat dose of 100 mg to 150 mg may be given after one minute. No fixed dosage recommendations for the intravenous injection can be given, since the dosage will need to be carefully adjusted according to the patient's response. Factors such as age, sex, and weight of the patient should be taken into consideration. Thiopental Sodium reaches effective concentrations in the brain within 30 seconds and anesthesia is normally produced within one minute of an intravenous dose.

• Adult: 100 mg to 150 mg intravenously over 10 to 15 seconds, normally as a 2.5% w/v solution. A repeat dose of 100 mg to 150 mg may be given after one minute. The intravenous injection should be given slowly and the amount given titrated against the patient's response to minimize the risk of respiratory depression or the possibility of over dosage. The average dose for an adult of 70 kg is roughly 200 mg to 300 mg (8 mls to 12 mls of a 2.5% w/v solution) with a maximum of 500 mg.
• Children: 2 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg bodyweight, intravenously over 10 to 15 seconds, normally as a 2.5% w/v solution. A repeat dose of 2 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg may be given after one minute. The dose is 2 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg based on the patient's response. The dose for children should not exceed 7 mg/kg.
• Elderly: Smaller adult doses are advisable.

Use in convulsive states: 75 mg to 125 mg (3 mls to 5 mls of a 2.5% w/v solution) should be given as soon as possible after the convulsion begins. Further doses may be required to control convulsion following the use of a local anesthetic. Other regimens, such as the use of intravenous or rectal diazepam, may be used to control convulsive states.

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Other adverse reactions to thiopental sodium include the followings: respiratory depression, myocardial depression, cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged somnolence and recovery, hypotension, tachycardia, sneezing, coughing, bronchospasm, laryngospasm and shivering. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported. Symptoms, e.g., urticaria, bronchospasm, vasodilation and edema.

Absolute Contraindication:

• Absence of suitable veins for intravenous administration
• Hypersensitivity (allergy) to barbiturates
• Variegate porphyria (South African) or acute intermittent porphyria
• Status asthmaticus

Relative Contraindication:

• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Hypotension or shock
• Conditions in which the hypnotic effect may be prolonged or potentiated, eg, excessive premedication, Addison's disease, hepatic or renal dysfunction, myxedema, increased blood urea, severe anemia, asthma, myasthenia gravis

A person competent in anesthesia management should be in constant attendance and adequate facilities for support of respiration and circulation should be available when Thiopental Sodium for injection is being used. Thiopental Sodium for Injection should be administered with caution to patients with preexisting hypotension or in conditions where the hypnotic effect may be prolonged or intensified, such as in the presence of liver disease and renal disease.

This product may be habit forming. Keep resuscitative and endotracheal intubation equipment and oxygen readily available. Maintain patency of the airway at all times. Only persons qualified in the use of anesthetics should administer this drug. Avoid extravasations or intra-arterial injection.

Possible increase in difficulty in producing anaesthesia in patients taking alcohol or CNS depressants. Additive action with other CNS depressants including sedatives, hypnotics, nitrous oxide or alcohol. Increased hypotension and excitatory effects with phenothiazine antipsychotics. Increased hypnotic effect with antipsychotic. Decreased requirement of thiopental sodium with metoclopramide, sulfisoxazole, aspirin, meprobamate, probenecid and other highly protein bound drugs.

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Thiopental. It is also not known whether Thiopental can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Thiopental should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Thiopental sodium readily crosses the placental barrier and small amounts may appear in the milk of nursing mothers following administration of large doses.

Overdosage may occur from too rapid or repeated administration. Too rapid injection may be followed by an alarming fall in blood pressure even to shock levels. Apnoea, occasional laryngospasm, coughing and other respiratory difficulties with excessive or too rapid injections may occur. In the event of suspected or apparent overdosage, the agent should be discontinued.

Store at controlled room temperature of 15° C to 30° C. Solutions should be freshly prepared and used immediately. Any portion of the contents remaining should be discarded.

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Dexlansoprazole delayed-release capsule is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) which suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the (H⁺/K⁺)-ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. By acting specifically on the proton pump, Dexlansoprazole blocks the final step of acid production. It is the R-enantiomer of lansoprazole (A racemic mixture of the R- and S-enantiomers). Dexlansoprazole is supplied as a Dual Delayed Release (DDR) formulation in a capsule for oral administration. This capsule contains a mixture of two types of enteric coated granules with different pH-dependent dissolution profiles. The dual delayed release formulation in dexlansoprazole, plasma concentration-time profile with two distinct peaks; the first peak occurs 1 to 2 hours after administration, followed by a second peak within 4 to 5 hours. After oral administration, mean C_max and AUC value of Dexlansoprazole increased approximately dose proportionally. Dexlansoprazole is extensively metabolized in the liver and excreated by urine.

Dexlansoprazole dosing recommendations-

• Maintenance of Healed erosive esophagitis and relief of heartburn: 30 mg Once daily
• Symptomatic Non-Erosive GERD: 30 mg Once daily for 4 weeks
• Healing of erosive esophagitis: 60 mg Once daily for up to 8 weeks

Dexlansoprazole can be taken without regard to food. It should be swallowed whole.

Alternatively, Dexlansoprazole capsules can be administered as follows:

• Open capsule
• Sprinkle intact granules on one tablespoon
• Swallow immediately.

Granules should not be chewed.

If a capsule is missed at its usual time, it should be taken as soon as possible. But if it is too close to the time of the next dose, only the prescribed dose should be taken at the appointed time. A double dose should not be taken.

Common side effects: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting & flatulence.

Dexlansoprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

Gastric Malignancy, Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea, Bone fracture, Hypomagnesemia, and concomitant use of Dexlansoprazole with Methotrexate.

With medicine: Atazanavir, Warfarin, Tacrolimus, Clopidogrel & Methotrexate. With food & others: No data available.

Pregnancy Category B. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies with Dexlansoprazole in pregnant women. There is no adequate and well-controlled studies with Dexlansoprazole in Lactating mother.

Use in children & adolescents: Safety and effectiveness of Dexlansoprazole in patients below 12 years age have not been established.

Geriatric use: No dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients.

Renal impairment: No dose adjustment of Dexlansoprazole is necessary for patients with renal
impairment.

Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment for Dexlansoprazole is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment. A maximum daily dose of Dexlansoprazole 30 mg should be considered for patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

There have been no reports of a significant overdose of Dexlansoprazole. Multiple doses of Dexlansoprazole 120 mg and a single dose of Dexlansoprazole 300 mg did not result in death or other severe adverse events.

Store below 30°C temperature & in a dry place, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

4-Quinolone preparations

Levofloxacin eye drops is a sterile topical ophthalmic solution. It is a synthetic, broad spectrum, third generation fluoroquinolone bactericidal antibiotic, which active against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive & Gram-negative ocular pathogens. It functions by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair and recombination.

0.5% eye drop: Adults and children 1 year of age and older:

• Days 1 and 2: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times per day.
• Days 3 through 7: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake, up to 4 times per day.

1.5% eye drop: Adults and children 6 years of age and older:

• Days 1 through 3: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 30 minutes to 2 hours while awake and approximately 4 and 6 hours after retiring.
• Day 4 through treatment completion: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 1 to 4 hours while awake.

Children <1 year: Safety and effectiveness of Levofloxacin below 1 year of age have not been established.

Side effects occurred only approximately 1-3% of patients that may include transient blurred vision, fever, foreign body sensation, headache, transient ocular burning, ocular pain or discomfort, pharyngitis and photophobia. In less than 1% of patients included allergic reactions, lid edema, ocular dryness and ocular itching.

It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin, to other quinolones or to any of the components of this medication

Prolonged use may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy.

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with levofloxacin eye drops. But the systemic administration of some quinolones has been shown to elevate plasma concentrations of theophylline, interfere with the metabolism of caffeine and enhance the effects of the oral anticoagulant warfarin and its derivatives.

Pregnancy Category C. Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levofloxacin has not been measured in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Levofloxacin eye drops is administered to a nursing mother.

Eye drops should be protected from light, store in a cool (15°-25° C) and dry place & keep out of reach of children.

4-Quinolone preparations

Levofloxacin is a synthetic, broad-spectrum, third generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Chemically, Levofloxacin is a chiral fluorinated carboxyquinolone. Levofloxacin exerts antibacterial action by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, the enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription repair and recombination. It has in vitro activity against a wide range of gm-ve and gm+ve microorganisms.

The usual dose of Levofloxacin Tablets is 250 mg or 500 mg or 750 mg administered orally every 24 hours. Levofloxacin tablets can be administered without regard to food. Levofloxacin oral solution should be taken 1 hour before, or  2 hours after eating.

Levofloxacin injection should only be administered by intravenous infusion. It is not for intramuscular, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. The usual dose of Levofloxacin injection is 250 mg or 500 mg administered by slow infusion over 60 minutes every 24 hours or 750 mg administered by slow infusion over 90 minutes every 24 hours. Since the Levofloxacin injections are for single-use only, any unused portion should be discarded. Additives or other medications should not be added to Levofloxacin Injection or infused simultaneously through the same intravenous line.

Adults:

• Acute sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 10-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days
• Exacerbation of chronic bronchitis: 500 mg once daily for 7 days, or 750 mg once daily for 3 days (Uncomplicated), 750 mg once daily for 5 days (Complicated)
• Community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days, or 750 mg once daily for 5 days
• Uncomplicated urinary-tract infections: 250 mg once daily for 3 days
• Complicated urinary-tract infections and acute pyelonephritis: 250 mg once daily for 7-10 days
• Uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections: 500 mg once daily for 7-10 days.
• Complicated skin and soft-tissue infections: 750 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Enteric fever: 500 mg once daily for 7-14 days.
• Diarrhea, cholera, shigellosis & enteritis: Mild to moderate case: 500 mg (single dose). Moderate to sever case: 500 mg once daily for 3 days

Children:

• Children 6 months to <5 years: 10 mg/kg every 12 hours.
• Children >5 years: 10 mg/kg every 24 hours

In each case, sequential therapy (intravenous to oral) may be instituted at the discretion of the physician.

Instructions for the Use of Levofloxacin Infusion-

• Check the container for minute leaks by squeezing the inner bag firmly. If leaks are found, or if the seal is not intact, discard the solution.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy or a precipitate is present.
• Do not use flexible containers in series connections.
• Close flow control clamp of administration set.
• Remove cover from port at bottom of container.
• Insert piercing pin of administration set into port with a twisting motion until the pin is firmly seated.
• Suspend container from hanger.
• Squeeze and release drip chamber to establish proper fluid level in chamber during infusion of Levoxin Injection.
• Open flow control clamp to expel air from set. Close clamp.
• Regulate rate of administration with flow control clamp.

Levofloxacin is generally well tolerated. However, a few side-effects can usually be seen. There is a risk of retinal detachment. Other side-effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence and rare occurrence of phototoxicity (0.1%). Side-effects that may be seen very rarely include tremors, depression, anxiety, confusion etc.

Levofloxacin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to levofloxacin, quinolone antimicrobial agents, or any other components of this product.

The following measures should be taken during administration of Levofloxacin:

• Levofloxacin Injection should only be administered by slow intravenous infusion over a period of 60 or 90 minutes depending on the dosage.
• While administrating Levofloxacin, adequate amount of water should be taken to avoid concentrated form of urine.
• Dose adjustment should be exercised during Levofloxacin administration in presence of renal insufficiency.

No quinolone should be co-administered with any solution containing multivalent cations, e.g., magnesium, through the same intravenous line. Antacids, Iron and Adsorbents reduce absorption of Levofloxacin. NSAID may increase the risk of CNS stimulation. Warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.

Levofloxacin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown.

Levofloxacin exhibits a low potential for acute toxicity. However, in the events of an acute overdosage, the stomach should be emptied. The patients should be kept under observation and appropriate hydration should be maintained.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

4-Quinolone preparations

Levofloxacin eye drops is a sterile topical ophthalmic solution. It is a synthetic, broad spectrum, third generation fluoroquinolone bactericidal antibiotic, which active against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive & Gram-negative ocular pathogens. It functions by inhibiting bacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase enzymes required for DNA replication, transcription, repair and recombination.

0.5% eye drop: Adults and children 1 year of age and older:

• Days 1 and 2: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, up to 8 times per day.
• Days 3 through 7: Instill 1-2 drops in the affected eye(s) every 4 hours while awake, up to 4 times per day.

1.5% eye drop: Adults and children 6 years of age and older:

• Days 1 through 3: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 30 minutes to 2 hours while awake and approximately 4 and 6 hours after retiring.
• Day 4 through treatment completion: Instill one to two drops in the affected eye(s) every 1 to 4 hours while awake.

Children <1 year: Safety and effectiveness of Levofloxacin below 1 year of age have not been established.

Side effects occurred only approximately 1-3% of patients that may include transient blurred vision, fever, foreign body sensation, headache, transient ocular burning, ocular pain or discomfort, pharyngitis and photophobia. In less than 1% of patients included allergic reactions, lid edema, ocular dryness and ocular itching.

It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Levofloxacin, to other quinolones or to any of the components of this medication

Prolonged use may result in the overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy.

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with levofloxacin eye drops. But the systemic administration of some quinolones has been shown to elevate plasma concentrations of theophylline, interfere with the metabolism of caffeine and enhance the effects of the oral anticoagulant warfarin and its derivatives.

Pregnancy Category C. Levofloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levofloxacin has not been measured in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Levofloxacin eye drops is administered to a nursing mother.

Eye drops should be protected from light, store in a cool (15°-25° C) and dry place & keep out of reach of children.

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

Clonazepam exhibits pharmacological properties which are common to benzodiazepines and include anticonvulsive, sedative, muscle relaxing and anxiolytic effects. The central actions of benzodiazepines are mediated through an enhancement of the GABAergic neurotransmission at inhibitory synapses. In the presence of benzodiazepines the affinity of the GABA receptor for the neurotransmitter is enhanced through positive allosteric modulation resulting in an increased action of released GABA on the postsynaptic transmembrane chloride ion flux.

There are also animal data showing an effect of clonazepam on serotonin. Animal data and electroencephalographic investigations in man have shown that clonazepam rapidly suppresses many types of paroxysmal activity including the spike and wave discharge in absences seizures (petit mal), slow spike wave, generalized spike wave, spikes with temporal or other locations as well as irregular spikes and waves. Generalized EEG abnormalities are more regularly suppressed than focal abnormalities. According to these findings clonazepam has beneficial effects in generalized and focal epilepsies.

Oral:

• Adults: The initial dose for adults with seizure disorders should not exceed 1.5 mg/day divided into three doses. Dosage may be increased in increments of 0.5 to 1 mg every 3 days until seizures are adequately controlled or until side effects preclude any further increase. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient depending upon response. Maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg.

• The initial dose for adults with panic disorder is 0.25 mg given in two divided dose. An increase to the target dose for most patients of 1 mg/day may be made after 3 days.
• Pediatric Patients: In order to minimize drowsiness, the initial dose for infants and children (up to 10 years of age or 30 kg of body weight) should be between 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg/day but not to exceed 0.05 mg/kg/day given in two or three divided doses.

Injection:

• Infants and children: half of a vial (0.5 mg) by slow IV injection or by IV infusion.

• Adults: 1 vial (1 mg) by slow IV injection or by IV infusion. This dose can be repeated as required (1-4 mg are usually sufficient to reverse the status). In adults, the rate of injection must not exceed 0.25 - 0.5 mg per minute (0.5-1.0 ml of the prepared solution) and a total dose of 10 mg should not be exceeded.

The most frequently occurring side effects of Clonazepam are referable to CNS depression. Experience in treatment of seizures has shown that drowsiness has occurred in approximately 50% of patients and ataxia in approximately 30%. In some cases, these may diminish with time; behavior problems have been noted in approximately 25% of patients. Abnormal eye movements, aphonia, coma, tremor, vertigo, confusion, depression, amnesia, hallucinations, hysteria, increased libido, insomnia, psychosis & palpitations may also occur.

It should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, nor in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease. It may be used in patients with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy but is contraindicated in acute narrow angle glaucoma.

When used in patients in whom several different types of seizure disorders coexist, Clonazepam may increase the incidence or precipitate the onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. This may require the addition of appropriate anticonvulsants or an increase in their dosages. The concomitant use of valproic acid and Clonazepam may produce absence status.

Clonazepam does not appear to alter the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbital. The effect of Clonazepam on the metabolism of other drugs has not been investigated.

Pregnancy: From preclinical studies it cannot be excluded that clonazepam possesses the possibility of producing congenital malformations. From epidemiological evaluations there is evidence that anticonvulsant drugs act as teratogens. However, it is difficult to determine from published epidemiological reports which drug or combination of drugs is responsible for defects in the newborn. The possibility also exists that other factors e.g. genetic factors or the epileptic condition itself may be more important than drug therapy in leading to birth defects. Under these circumstances, the drug should only be administered to pregnant women if the potential benefits outweigh the risk to the foetus. During pregnancy, Clonazepam may be administered only if there is a compelling indication. Administration of high doses in the last trimester of pregnancy or during labour can cause irregularities in the heartbeat of the unborn child and hypothermia, hypotonia, mild respiratory depression and poor feeding in the neonate. It should be borne in mind that both pregnancy itself and abrupt discontinuation of the medication can cause exacerbation of epilepsy. Withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants have occasionally been reported with benzodiazepines.

Nursing Mothers: Although the active ingredient of Clonazepam has been found to pass into the maternal milk in small amounts only, mothers undergoing treatment with this drug should not breastfeed. If there is a compelling indication for Clonazepam, breastfeeding should be discontinued.

Pediatric Use: In infants and small children Rivotril may cause increased production of saliva and bronchial secretion. Therefore special attention must be paid to maintaining patency of the airways. 

Geriatric Use: Benzodiazepine pharmacologic effects appear to be greater in elderly patients than in younger patients even at similar plasma benzodiazepine concentrations, possibly because of age-related changes in drug–receptor interactions, post-receptor mechanisms and organ function.

Renal Impairment: Renal impairment does not affect the pharmacokinetics of clonazepam. Based on pharmacokinetic criteria, no dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment: Plasma protein binding of clonazepam in cirrhotic patients is significantly different from that in healthy subjects (free fraction 17.1±1.0% vs 13.9±0.2%). Although the influence of hepatic impairment on clonazepam pharmacokinetics has not been further investigated, experience with another closely related nitrobenzodiazepine (nitrazepam) indicates that clearance of unbound clonazepam might be reduced in liver cirrhosis.

Symptoms: Benzodiazepines commonly cause drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria and nystagmus. Overdose of Clonazepam is seldom life-threatening if the drug is taken alone, but may lead to areflexia, apnoea, hypotension, cardiorespiratory depression and coma. Coma, if it occurs, usually lasts a few hours but it may be more protracted and cyclical, particularly in elderly patients. Increased frequency of seizures may occur in patients at supratherapeutic plasma concentrations. Benzodiazepine respiratory depressant effects are more serious in patients with respiratory disease. Benzodiazepines increase the effects of other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol.

Treatment: Monitor the patient’s vital signs and institute supportive measures as indicated by the patient’s clinical state. In particular, patients may require symptomatic treatment for cardiorespiratory effects or central nervous system effects. Further absorption should be prevented using an appropriate method e.g. treatment within 1-2 hours with activated charcoal. If activated charcoal is used airway protection is imperative for drowsy patients. In case of mixed ingestion gastric lavage may be considered, however not as a routine measure. If CNS depression is severe consider the use of flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist. This should only be administered under closely monitored conditions. It has a short half-life (about an hour), therefore patients administered flumazenil will require monitoring after its effects have worn off. Flumazenil is to be used with extreme caution in the presence of drugs that reduce seizure threshold (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants). Refer to the prescribing information for flumazenil, for further information on the correct use of this drug.

Slow intravenous injection: The contents of the vial must be diluted with 1 ml of water for injection prior to administration so as to avoid local irritation of the veins. The injection solution should be prepared immediately before use. IV injection should be administered slowly with continuous monitoring of EEG, respiration and blood pressure.

Intravenous infusion: Clonazepam (the vial) can be diluted for infusion in a ratio of 1 vial (1 mg) to at least 85 ml diluting media. The diluting media can be any of the following: sodium chloride 0.9%; sodium chloride 0.45% + glucose 2.5%; glucose 5% or glucose 10%. These mixtures are stable for 24 hours at room temperature. Infusion bags other than PVC should be used for infusing Clonazepam. If PVC infusion bags are used then the mixture should be infused immediately or within 4 hours. The infusion time should not exceed 8 hours. Do not prepare Clonazepam infusions using sodium bicarbonate solution, as precipitation of the solution may occur.

Intramuscular injection: The IM route should be used only in exceptional cases or if IV administration is not feasible.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.