Find Medicines

Ifosfamide is indicated for use in combination with certain other approved antineoplastic agents for third-line chemotherapy of germ cell testicular cancer. It should be used in combination with Mesna for prophylaxis of hemorrhagic cystitis.

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

Ifosfamide is converted to its active metabolites via hepatic microsomal enzymes. These active metabolites act as alkylating agents, disrupting DNA and protein synthesis of the target cells. It is routinely given with mesna to reduce urothelial toxicity.

Lymphoma, Sarcoma, Solid tumours: Different licensed dosage regimens are available.

• Regimen 1: 8-12 gm/m² divided over 3-5 days, repeat course every 2-4 wk.
• Regimen 2: 6 gm/m² divided over 5 days, repeat course every 3 wk.
• Regimen 3: 5-6 gm/m² (max: 10 gm), give as a single 24-hr infusion, repeat course every 3-4 wkly.

Germ cell testicular carcinoma: 1.2 gm/m²/day for 5 days via slow infusion over at least 30 minutes, repeat treatment every 3 wk or after recovery from haematological toxicity. To be given with mesna and adequate hydration of at least 2 L of oral or IV fluid per day.

Confusion, alopoecia, nausea, vomiting, phloebitis, somnolence, depression, hallucinations. Wound healing may be impaired during ifosfamide use.

Potentially Fatal: Severe myelosuppression, haemorrhagic cystitis, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, coma.

Hypersensitivity; severe bone-marrow depression. Pregnancy, lactation.

Hepatic or renal dysfunction, compromised bone marrow reserve. Use with mesna and ensure high oral/IV fluid intake to reduce urotoxic effects.

Causes enhanced toxicity with allopurinol, cisplatin. Ifosfamide enhances the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. CYP2A6 inducers (e.g. amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, rifampin and secobarbital) may reduce serum levels of ifosfamide while the inhibitors (e.g. isoniazid, methoxsalen and miconazole) may increase its serum levels. CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. aminoglutethimide, carbamazepine, nafcillin, nevirapine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifamycins) may reduce serum levels of ifosfamide while the inhibitors (e.g. azole antifungals, clarithromycin, diclofenac, doxycycline, erythromycin, imatinib, isoniazid) may increase its serum levels.

Category D: There is positive evidence of human fetal 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).

Renal Impairment: CrCl <10: Administer 75% of dose.

Add 20 ml of sterile water for inj or sterile bacteriostatic water for inj containing benzyl alcohol or parabens for each 1 g of the drug to produce solutions of 50 mg/ml.

Store at 20-25° C.

This is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of Iron, Folic Acid and Zinc deficiency especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined preparation

Adult or Elderly: 1 capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules daily may be required.

Children: Aged over 1 year: 1 capsule daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft cool food, but they must not be chewed.

Dark stools are usual during iron therapy and nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation such as anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea are sometimes encountered. Zinc may also produce a gastrointestinal upset. These timed-release capsules are designed to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions

Do not use in patients hypersensitive to the components of the product or those with iron overload.

Care should be taken in patients who may develop Iron overloads, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia. Failure to respond to treatment may indicate other causes of anaemia and should be further investigated. Iron & Zinc chelate with tetracycline and absorption of all three agents may be impaired. The absorption of Zinc may be reduced in the presence of Iron. Absorption of Iron may be impaired by penicillamine and by antacids. Such potential interactions can be reduced by separating the administration of each product by several hours. In patients with renal failure a risk of Zinc accumulation could exist.

Use of any drug during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Thus administration of Iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of Iron deficiency where inadequate diet calls for supplementary Zinc and Folic acid is justified during the remainder of the pregnancy.

Iron overdosage is dangerous, particularly in children and requires immediate attention. Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible vomiting should be induced. These procedures should not be undertaken where signs of the corrosive effects of zinc are present. Give oral desferrioxamine (2 gm for a child or 5 gm for an adult) and demulcent. If serum Iron levels at 4 hours or more post-ingestion are over 5mg/l in a child or 8 mg/l in adults, or if the patient is in shock of coma, intravenous desferrioxamine should be used. Zinc Sulphate in gross over dosage is corrosive. Symptoms are those of gastrointestinal irritation leading in severe cases to haemorrhage, corrosion of the mucosa and possible later stricture formation. Gastric lavage or emesis should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as Dimercaprol, Penicillamine or Edetic Acid have been recommended.

Symptomatic and supportive measures should be given as required. The timed-release capsule presentation may delay excessive absorption of Iron and Zinc and allow more time for initiation of appropriate counter-measure.

Protected from light and moisture, store below 30˚C. Keep out of reach of children.

Mesna is a cytoprotective agent indicated as a prophylactic agent in reducing the incidence of ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Antidote preparations

Mesna is used to prevent urothelial toxicity associated with oxazaphosphorine, ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide. It acts in the kidney; reacting with thiol groups of urotoxic metabolites (e.g. acrolein) of ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide. It is used as a mucolytic in the management of some respiratory tract conditions e.g. cystic fibrosis where other mucolytics have failed. It acts by reducing the viscosity of pulmonary secretions; the drug's free sulfhydryl group is thought to reduce disulfide linkages of mucoproteins.

Intravenous-
Prophylaxis against urothelial toxicity:

• Adult: Refer to individual and local protocol. Dose calculated according to cytotoxic dose. Normally given at a dose ≥cytotoxic dose. Duration of treatment should be as long as cytotoxic treatment; plus the time it takes for concentration of antineoplastic metabolites in urine to fall. Administered either by short (15-30 minutes) or continuous (24 hr) infusion.
• Child: Refer to individual and local protocol. Has been used in children >4 mth.

Oral-
Prophylaxis against urothelial toxicity:

• Adult: Refer to individual and local protocol. Dose calculated according to cytotoxic dose. Normally given at a dose ≥cytotoxic dose. Duration of treatment should be as long as cytotoxic treatment; plus the time it takes for concentration of antineoplastic metabolites in urine to fall.
• Child: Refer to individual and local protocol.

Nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhoea, anorexia, dyspepsia, unpleasant taste, constipation; headache, malaise, fatigue, depression, irritability, somnolence, hyperaesthesia, dizziness, confusion; rash, pruritus, generalised urticaria, alopecia, inj site reactions, flushing; leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, granulocytopenia, chest pain, oedema (peripheral, facial and periorbital), hypotension, tachycardia, hypertension, increased heart rate, ST-segment elevation; dyspnoea, coughing, pneumonia, tachypnea; fever; hypocalcaemia; increased sweating; back pain, limb pain, myalgia; increased hepatic enzyme concentrations; pharyngitis; ulceration of mucous membranes. In patients receiving oral and/or IV mesna and were specifically not treated with concurrent cytotoxic therapy: flatulence; rhinitis; rigors; back pain; rash; conjunctivitis; arthralgia. Inhalation: bronchospasm.

Hypersensitivity to thiol-containing compounds.

Protective effect applies only to the urinary tract; pregnancy, lactation. Patients with auto-immune disorders. IV formulation may contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative; avoid in neonates or infants. Instruct patients to seek medical attention if discolouration of urine occurs. During treatment, monitor urine for erythrocytes and haematuria. Maintain adequate hydration in all patients. Patients who vomit within 2 hr of oral dose should repeat dose or receive IV dose.

Pregnancy Category B. Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

Dilute in 50-1000 ml normal saline, 5% dextrose or lactated Ringer's.

Should be stored at 15-30° C.

This is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of Iron, Folic Acid and Zinc deficiency especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Iron, Vitamin & Mineral Combined preparation

Adult or Elderly: 1 capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules daily may be required.

Children: Aged over 1 year: 1 capsule daily. The capsule may be opened and the pellets to be mixed with soft cool food, but they must not be chewed.

Dark stools are usual during iron therapy and nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation such as anorexia, vomiting, discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea are sometimes encountered. Zinc may also produce a gastrointestinal upset. These timed-release capsules are designed to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions

Do not use in patients hypersensitive to the components of the product or those with iron overload.

Care should be taken in patients who may develop Iron overloads, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia. Failure to respond to treatment may indicate other causes of anaemia and should be further investigated. Iron & Zinc chelate with tetracycline and absorption of all three agents may be impaired. The absorption of Zinc may be reduced in the presence of Iron. Absorption of Iron may be impaired by penicillamine and by antacids. Such potential interactions can be reduced by separating the administration of each product by several hours. In patients with renal failure a risk of Zinc accumulation could exist.

Use of any drug during the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided if possible. Thus administration of Iron during the first trimester requires definite evidence of Iron deficiency where inadequate diet calls for supplementary Zinc and Folic acid is justified during the remainder of the pregnancy.

Iron overdosage is dangerous, particularly in children and requires immediate attention. Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible vomiting should be induced. These procedures should not be undertaken where signs of the corrosive effects of zinc are present. Give oral desferrioxamine (2 gm for a child or 5 gm for an adult) and demulcent. If serum Iron levels at 4 hours or more post-ingestion are over 5mg/l in a child or 8 mg/l in adults, or if the patient is in shock of coma, intravenous desferrioxamine should be used. Zinc Sulphate in gross over dosage is corrosive. Symptoms are those of gastrointestinal irritation leading in severe cases to haemorrhage, corrosion of the mucosa and possible later stricture formation. Gastric lavage or emesis should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as Dimercaprol, Penicillamine or Edetic Acid have been recommended.

Symptomatic and supportive measures should be given as required. The timed-release capsule presentation may delay excessive absorption of Iron and Zinc and allow more time for initiation of appropriate counter-measure.

Protected from light and moisture, store below 30˚C. Keep out of reach of children.

Anti-diarrhoeal Antimicrobial drugs, Macrolides

Erythromycin inhibits microsomal protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by inhibiting the translocation process. Specific binding to the 50S subunit or 70S ribosome occurs in these organisms but there is no binding to the stable 80S mammalian ribosome. Erythromycin is active against many Grampositive bacteria, some Gram-negative bacteria and against mycoplasmas and chlamydia.

Absorption: Erythromycin base is destroyed by acid and is therefore administered in the form of stable ester. The rates of absorption of the base and esters are diminished by the presence of food. The stearate is hydrolyzed in the intestine and the free erythromycin absorbed.

Blood concentration: After an oral dose of 500 mg. of the base of stearate, peak serum concentrations of 0.9 to 1.4 or 0.4 to 1.8 mg/ml. respectively are attained in 1 to 4 hours. Half-life: The serum half-life is 1.2 to 4 hours. In subjects with oliguria, the half-life is about 5 hours.

Distribution: Erythromycin is widely distributed throughout body tissue and fluids with some retention in the liver and spleen, protein binding of erythromycin base is 73%. Erythromycin enters the cerebrospinal fluid when the meninges are inflamed. It also crosses the placenta and is excreted in the milk.

Excretion: 5 to 15 % of the dose of erythromycin is excreted in the urine and large amounts of the unchanged active substance are excreted in the bile.

Adult and Children over 8 years: 250-500 mg every six hours for mild to moderate infections. This may be increased upto 4 gm. or more daily in severe cases.

Elderly: No special dosage recommendation. Erythromycin may be administered if desired, three times daily or twice daily by giving one-third or half of the total daily requirement 8 hourly or 12 hourly respectively.

Children aged 2 to 8 years: 250 mg. every six hours or 30-50 mg/kg body weight per day divided into four equal dosage.

Infants and Children upto 2 years: 500 mg. in divided doses or 30-50 mg/kg body weight in divided doses.

Allergic reactions are rare and mild although anaphylaxis has occurred. Occasionally there is abdominal discomfort after oral administration, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. This discomfort usually subsides after a few days without it being necessary to reduce the dosage.

Known hypersensitivity to Erythromycin.

Erythromycin should be given with care in patients with impaired hepatic function, as erythromycin is excreted principally in the bile.

Recent data from studies of erythromycin reveals that its use in patients who are receiving high dosage of theophylline may be associated with an increase of serum theophylline levels and potential theophylline toxicity. In such cases this dose of theophylline should be reduced.

Clinical and Laboratory studies have been shown no evidence in human of teratogenicity or toxicity. However, caution should be exercised when prescribing this drug to pregnant patients and lactating mothers since erythromycin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.

In case of overdosage, Erythromycin should be discontinued. Overdosage should be handled with the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and all other appropriate measures should be instituted. Erythromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.

Direction for reconstitution of suspension: Shake the bottle to loosen powder. Add 60 ml or 100 ml of boiled and cooled water to the dry powder of the bottle. For ease of preparation, add water to the bottle in two proportions. Shake well after each addition until all the powder is in suspension.

Shake the suspension well before each use. Keep the bottle tightly closed. The reconstituted suspension should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably in refrigerator and unused portion should be discarded after 7 days.

Keep below 25°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Anti-diarrhoeal Antimicrobial drugs, Macrolides

Erythromycin inhibits microsomal protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by inhibiting the translocation process. Specific binding to the 50S subunit or 70S ribosome occurs in these organisms but there is no binding to the stable 80S mammalian ribosome. Erythromycin is active against many Grampositive bacteria, some Gram-negative bacteria and against mycoplasmas and chlamydia.

Absorption: Erythromycin base is destroyed by acid and is therefore administered in the form of stable ester. The rates of absorption of the base and esters are diminished by the presence of food. The stearate is hydrolyzed in the intestine and the free erythromycin absorbed.

Blood concentration: After an oral dose of 500 mg. of the base of stearate, peak serum concentrations of 0.9 to 1.4 or 0.4 to 1.8 mg/ml. respectively are attained in 1 to 4 hours. Half-life: The serum half-life is 1.2 to 4 hours. In subjects with oliguria, the half-life is about 5 hours.

Distribution: Erythromycin is widely distributed throughout body tissue and fluids with some retention in the liver and spleen, protein binding of erythromycin base is 73%. Erythromycin enters the cerebrospinal fluid when the meninges are inflamed. It also crosses the placenta and is excreted in the milk.

Excretion: 5 to 15 % of the dose of erythromycin is excreted in the urine and large amounts of the unchanged active substance are excreted in the bile.

Adult and Children over 8 years: 250-500 mg every six hours for mild to moderate infections. This may be increased upto 4 gm. or more daily in severe cases.

Elderly: No special dosage recommendation. Erythromycin may be administered if desired, three times daily or twice daily by giving one-third or half of the total daily requirement 8 hourly or 12 hourly respectively.

Children aged 2 to 8 years: 250 mg. every six hours or 30-50 mg/kg body weight per day divided into four equal dosage.

Infants and Children upto 2 years: 500 mg. in divided doses or 30-50 mg/kg body weight in divided doses.

Allergic reactions are rare and mild although anaphylaxis has occurred. Occasionally there is abdominal discomfort after oral administration, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. This discomfort usually subsides after a few days without it being necessary to reduce the dosage.

Known hypersensitivity to Erythromycin.

Erythromycin should be given with care in patients with impaired hepatic function, as erythromycin is excreted principally in the bile.

Recent data from studies of erythromycin reveals that its use in patients who are receiving high dosage of theophylline may be associated with an increase of serum theophylline levels and potential theophylline toxicity. In such cases this dose of theophylline should be reduced.

Clinical and Laboratory studies have been shown no evidence in human of teratogenicity or toxicity. However, caution should be exercised when prescribing this drug to pregnant patients and lactating mothers since erythromycin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk.

In case of overdosage, Erythromycin should be discontinued. Overdosage should be handled with the prompt elimination of unabsorbed drug and all other appropriate measures should be instituted. Erythromycin is not removed by peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis.

Direction for reconstitution of suspension: Shake the bottle to loosen powder. Add 60 ml or 100 ml of boiled and cooled water to the dry powder of the bottle. For ease of preparation, add water to the bottle in two proportions. Shake well after each addition until all the powder is in suspension.

Shake the suspension well before each use. Keep the bottle tightly closed. The reconstituted suspension should be stored in a cool and dry place, preferably in refrigerator and unused portion should be discarded after 7 days.

Keep below 25°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Piperidinyl-benzisoxazole derivative

Iloperidone shows high affinity and maximal receptor occupancy for dopamine D2 receptors in the caudate nucleus and putamen of the brains of schizophrenic patients. The improvement in cognition is attributed to iloperidone's high affinity for α adrenergic receptors. Iloperidone also binds with high affinity to serotonin 5-HT2a and dopamine 3 receptors. Iloperidone binds with moderate affinity to dopamine D4, serotonin 5-HT6 and 5-HT7, and norepinephrine NEα1 receptors. Furthermore, iloperidone binds with weak affinity to serotonin 5-HT1A, dopamine D1, and histamine H1 receptors.

Initial dose: 1 mg orally twice a day
Titration: Increase in increments of not more than 2 mg twice daily as tolerated.
Target dose: 6 to 12 mg twice a day
Maximum dose: 24 mg/day

This drug must be titrated slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension; because of the need to titrate slowly, control of symptoms may be delayed during the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.

Dizziness (20%), Dry mouth (15%), Nausea (10%), Somnolence (10%), Tachycardia, Diarrhea, Ejaculation failure, Myalgia, Nasal congestion, Orthostatic hypotension, Palpitations, Urinary incontinence, Weight gain

Hypersensitivity.

This drug is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Prolongs QT interval; caution with other drugs/conditions that increase QTc. Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and extrapyramidal symptoms. May cause anticholinergic side effects (eg., confusion, agitation). Blood dyscrasias (leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis) may occur. Orthostatic hypotension may occur.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Pregnancy Category-C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk, do not nurse.

Renal Dose Adjustments: No adjustment recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments-

• Mild hepatic impairment: No adjustment recommended.
• Moderate hepatic impairment: Use with caution.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Not recommended.

Piperidinyl-benzisoxazole derivative

Iloperidone shows high affinity and maximal receptor occupancy for dopamine D2 receptors in the caudate nucleus and putamen of the brains of schizophrenic patients. The improvement in cognition is attributed to iloperidone's high affinity for α adrenergic receptors. Iloperidone also binds with high affinity to serotonin 5-HT2a and dopamine 3 receptors. Iloperidone binds with moderate affinity to dopamine D4, serotonin 5-HT6 and 5-HT7, and norepinephrine NEα1 receptors. Furthermore, iloperidone binds with weak affinity to serotonin 5-HT1A, dopamine D1, and histamine H1 receptors.

Initial dose: 1 mg orally twice a day
Titration: Increase in increments of not more than 2 mg twice daily as tolerated.
Target dose: 6 to 12 mg twice a day
Maximum dose: 24 mg/day

This drug must be titrated slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension; because of the need to titrate slowly, control of symptoms may be delayed during the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.

Dizziness (20%), Dry mouth (15%), Nausea (10%), Somnolence (10%), Tachycardia, Diarrhea, Ejaculation failure, Myalgia, Nasal congestion, Orthostatic hypotension, Palpitations, Urinary incontinence, Weight gain

Hypersensitivity.

This drug is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Prolongs QT interval; caution with other drugs/conditions that increase QTc. Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and extrapyramidal symptoms. May cause anticholinergic side effects (eg., confusion, agitation). Blood dyscrasias (leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis) may occur. Orthostatic hypotension may occur.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Pregnancy Category-C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk, do not nurse.

Renal Dose Adjustments: No adjustment recommended.

Liver Dose Adjustments-

• Mild hepatic impairment: No adjustment recommended.
• Moderate hepatic impairment: Use with caution.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Not recommended.

Azithromycin is acid-stable and can therefore be taken orally with no need of protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed; its absorption is greater on an empty stomach. Time to peak concentration in adults is 2.1 to 3.2 hours for oral dosage forms. Due to the high concentration in phagocytes, azithromycin is actively transported to the site of infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of azithromycin are released. The concentration of azithromycin in the tissues can be over 50 times higher than in plasma. This is due to ion trapping and the high lipid solubility.

Azithromycin's half-life allows a large single dose to be administered and yet maintain bacteriostatic levels in the infected tissue for several days. Following a single 500 mg dose, plasma concentrations of azithromycin declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and a terminal elimination half life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues. Biliary excretion of azithromycin, predominantly unchanged, is a major route of elimination. Over the course of a week, approximately 6% of the administered dose appears as unchanged drug in urine.

Microbiology: Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected. Azithromycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections:

• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Other microorganisms: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Betalactamase production should have no effect on azithromycin activity.
• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Streptococci (Groups C,F,G), Viridans group streptococci
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila
• Anaerobic microorganisms: Peptostreptococcus species, Prevotella bivia

Oral-
Adult: 500 mg once daily orally for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, then 250 mg once on days 2-5 for 4 days. For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in adults, the dose is 1 gm given as a single dose or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 2 days may also be given.

Children:

• 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days for child over 6 months
• 200 mg (1 teaspoonful) for 3 days if body weight is 15-25 kg
• 300 mg (1½ teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 26-35 kg; 400 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 36-45 kg.
• In typhoid fever, 500 mg (2½ teaspoonfuls) once daily for 7-10 days is given.

Azithromycin Injection (For IV Infusion only): The recommended dose of Azithromycin for injection for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to the indicated organisms is:

• 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for at least two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 500 mg, administered as two 250-mg tablets to complete a 7 to 10-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response.
• The recommended dose of Azithromycin for the treatment of adult patients with pelvic inflammatory disease due to the indicated organisms is: 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for one or two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 250 mg to complete a 7-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response. If anaerobic microorganisms are suspected of contributing to the infection, an antimicrobial agent with anaerobic activity should be administered in combination with Azithromycin.
• Safety and effectiveness of azithromycin for injection in children or adolescents under 16 years have not been established.

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

• Step 01: Shake the bottle well to loosen the powder.
• Step 02: Add boiled and cooled water up to the water mark of the bottle label.
• Step 03: Shake until powder is completely mixed with water.

Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

Azithromycin is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (pain/cramps), flatulence, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes and are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Azithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotic. Co-administration of ergot derivatives and Azithromycin is contraindicated. Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic diseases.

As with any antibiotic, observation for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with renal impairment.

Azithromycin absorption is reduced in presence of food and antacid. In patients receiving ergot alkaloids Azithromycin should be avoided because of the possibility of ergotism resulting from interaction of Azithromycin with the cytochrome P-450 system. As macrolides increase the plasma concentration of digoxin and cyclosporin, caution should be exercised while co-administration. There have been no drug interactions between Azithromycin and Warfarin, Theophylline, Carbamazepine, Methylprednisolone or Cimetidine.

Pregnancy Category of Azithromycin is B. Animal reproduction studies have demonstrated that Azithromycin has no evidence of harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Since animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if adequate alternatives are not available. It is not known whether Azithromycin is secreted in breast milk. So, caution should be exercised when Azithromycin is administered to nursing women.

There is no data on overdosage with Azithromycin. Typical symptoms of overdosage with macrolide antibiotics include hearing loss, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures are indicated.

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

Azithromycin is acid-stable and can therefore be taken orally with no need of protection from gastric acids. It is readily absorbed; its absorption is greater on an empty stomach. Time to peak concentration in adults is 2.1 to 3.2 hours for oral dosage forms. Due to the high concentration in phagocytes, azithromycin is actively transported to the site of infection. During active phagocytosis, large concentrations of azithromycin are released. The concentration of azithromycin in the tissues can be over 50 times higher than in plasma. This is due to ion trapping and the high lipid solubility.

Azithromycin's half-life allows a large single dose to be administered and yet maintain bacteriostatic levels in the infected tissue for several days. Following a single 500 mg dose, plasma concentrations of azithromycin declined in a polyphasic pattern with a mean apparent plasma clearance of 630 mL/min and a terminal elimination half life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues. Biliary excretion of azithromycin, predominantly unchanged, is a major route of elimination. Over the course of a week, approximately 6% of the administered dose appears as unchanged drug in urine.

Microbiology: Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected. Azithromycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections:

• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Haemophilus ducreyi, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Other microorganisms: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Betalactamase production should have no effect on azithromycin activity.
• Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Streptococci (Groups C,F,G), Viridans group streptococci
• Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila
• Anaerobic microorganisms: Peptostreptococcus species, Prevotella bivia

Oral-
Adult: 500 mg once daily orally for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, then 250 mg once on days 2-5 for 4 days. For sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in adults, the dose is 1 gm given as a single dose or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily for next 2 days may also be given.

Children:

• 10 mg/kg body weight once daily for 3 days for child over 6 months
• 200 mg (1 teaspoonful) for 3 days if body weight is 15-25 kg
• 300 mg (1½ teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 26-35 kg; 400 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) for 3 days if body weight is 36-45 kg.
• In typhoid fever, 500 mg (2½ teaspoonfuls) once daily for 7-10 days is given.

Azithromycin Injection (For IV Infusion only): The recommended dose of Azithromycin for injection for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia due to the indicated organisms is:

• 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for at least two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 500 mg, administered as two 250-mg tablets to complete a 7 to 10-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response.
• The recommended dose of Azithromycin for the treatment of adult patients with pelvic inflammatory disease due to the indicated organisms is: 500 mg as a single daily dose by the intravenous route for one or two days. Intravenous therapy should be followed by Azithromycin by the oral route at a single, daily dose of 250 mg to complete a 7-day course of therapy. The timing of the switch to oral therapy should be done at the discretion of the physician and in accordance with clinical response. If anaerobic microorganisms are suspected of contributing to the infection, an antimicrobial agent with anaerobic activity should be administered in combination with Azithromycin.
• Safety and effectiveness of azithromycin for injection in children or adolescents under 16 years have not been established.

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

• Step 01: Shake the bottle well to loosen the powder.
• Step 02: Add boiled and cooled water up to the water mark of the bottle label.
• Step 03: Shake until powder is completely mixed with water.

Azithromycin should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

Azithromycin is well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. The side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort (pain/cramps), flatulence, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes and are reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Azithromycin or any other macrolide antibiotic. Co-administration of ergot derivatives and Azithromycin is contraindicated. Azithromycin is contraindicated in patients with hepatic diseases.

As with any antibiotic, observation for signs of superinfection with non-susceptible organisms, including fungi, is recommended. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with renal impairment.

Azithromycin absorption is reduced in presence of food and antacid. In patients receiving ergot alkaloids Azithromycin should be avoided because of the possibility of ergotism resulting from interaction of Azithromycin with the cytochrome P-450 system. As macrolides increase the plasma concentration of digoxin and cyclosporin, caution should be exercised while co-administration. There have been no drug interactions between Azithromycin and Warfarin, Theophylline, Carbamazepine, Methylprednisolone or Cimetidine.

Pregnancy Category of Azithromycin is B. Animal reproduction studies have demonstrated that Azithromycin has no evidence of harm to the fetus. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Since animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Azithromycin should be used during pregnancy only if adequate alternatives are not available. It is not known whether Azithromycin is secreted in breast milk. So, caution should be exercised when Azithromycin is administered to nursing women.

There is no data on overdosage with Azithromycin. Typical symptoms of overdosage with macrolide antibiotics include hearing loss, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastric lavage and general supportive measures are indicated.

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

Fluconazole is indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal & esophageal candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. It is also effective for the treatment of urinary tract infection caused by candida, peritonitis and systemic candida infections (including candidemia, disseminated candidiasis and pneumonia).

Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is a potent inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes. Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system is essential component of fungal cell membrane which is responsible for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Adult (oral)-

• Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg as a single dose.
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Clinical evidence of this infection generally resolves within several days, but treatment should be continued for at least 2 weeks to decrease the likelihood of relapse.
• Esophageal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Doses up to 400 mg/day may be used. Patients should be treated for a minimum of three weeks and for at least two weeks following resolution of symptoms.
• Systemic candida infections: Optimal therapeutic dosage and duration of therapy have not been established. Sometimes, doses of up to 400 mg daily have been used.
• Urinary tract infections caused by candida and peritonitis: 50-200 mg daily have been used.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily.
• Prophylaxis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation: 400 mg once daily.

Child (oral):

• Doses of 3-6 mg/kg daily have been used. Doses up to 12 mg/kg is recommended.

Intravenous-

• Adult: Invasive candidal infections including candidaemia and disseminated candidiasis and cryptococcal infections including meningitis, by IV, 400 mg initially then 200 mg daily, increased if necessary to 400 mg daily, treatment continued according to response (at least 6-8 weeks for cryptococcal meningitis)
• Child: 6-12 mg/kg daily (every 72 hours in neonate up to 2 weeks old, every 48 hours in neonate 2-4 weeks old); maximum 400 mg daily. Prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis, by IV, 100-200 mg daily.

Fluconazole is well tolerated. Most common side effects of using Fluconazole includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache and skin rash.

Fluconazole should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to Fluconazole or to related triazole compounds.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients having proarrhythmic conditions.

Concomitant use of cyclosporin or phenytoin with Fluconazole increases the plasma level of cyclosporin or phenytoin. Concomitant use of Fluconazole & warfarin prolongs the prothrombin time. Rifampicin level is decreased when used with Fluconazole.

US FDA Pregnancy category of Fluconazole is C. So, Fluconazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the other outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

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

Fluconazole is indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal & esophageal candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. It is also effective for the treatment of urinary tract infection caused by candida, peritonitis and systemic candida infections (including candidemia, disseminated candidiasis and pneumonia).

Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is a potent inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes. Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system is essential component of fungal cell membrane which is responsible for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Adult (oral)-

• Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg as a single dose.
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Clinical evidence of this infection generally resolves within several days, but treatment should be continued for at least 2 weeks to decrease the likelihood of relapse.
• Esophageal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Doses up to 400 mg/day may be used. Patients should be treated for a minimum of three weeks and for at least two weeks following resolution of symptoms.
• Systemic candida infections: Optimal therapeutic dosage and duration of therapy have not been established. Sometimes, doses of up to 400 mg daily have been used.
• Urinary tract infections caused by candida and peritonitis: 50-200 mg daily have been used.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily.
• Prophylaxis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation: 400 mg once daily.

Child (oral):

• Doses of 3-6 mg/kg daily have been used. Doses up to 12 mg/kg is recommended.

Intravenous-

• Adult: Invasive candidal infections including candidaemia and disseminated candidiasis and cryptococcal infections including meningitis, by IV, 400 mg initially then 200 mg daily, increased if necessary to 400 mg daily, treatment continued according to response (at least 6-8 weeks for cryptococcal meningitis)
• Child: 6-12 mg/kg daily (every 72 hours in neonate up to 2 weeks old, every 48 hours in neonate 2-4 weeks old); maximum 400 mg daily. Prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis, by IV, 100-200 mg daily.

Fluconazole is well tolerated. Most common side effects of using Fluconazole includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache and skin rash.

Fluconazole should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to Fluconazole or to related triazole compounds.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients having proarrhythmic conditions.

Concomitant use of cyclosporin or phenytoin with Fluconazole increases the plasma level of cyclosporin or phenytoin. Concomitant use of Fluconazole & warfarin prolongs the prothrombin time. Rifampicin level is decreased when used with Fluconazole.

US FDA Pregnancy category of Fluconazole is C. So, Fluconazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the other outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

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

Fluconazole is indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal & esophageal candidiasis and cryptococcal meningitis. It is also effective for the treatment of urinary tract infection caused by candida, peritonitis and systemic candida infections (including candidemia, disseminated candidiasis and pneumonia).

Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses

Fluconazole is a triazole antifungal agent. It is a potent inhibitor of fungal cytochrome P-450 dependent enzymes. Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system is essential component of fungal cell membrane which is responsible for the synthesis of ergosterol.

Adult (oral)-

• Vaginal candidiasis: 150 mg as a single dose.
• Oropharyngeal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Clinical evidence of this infection generally resolves within several days, but treatment should be continued for at least 2 weeks to decrease the likelihood of relapse.
• Esophageal candidiasis: 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg once daily. Doses up to 400 mg/day may be used. Patients should be treated for a minimum of three weeks and for at least two weeks following resolution of symptoms.
• Systemic candida infections: Optimal therapeutic dosage and duration of therapy have not been established. Sometimes, doses of up to 400 mg daily have been used.
• Urinary tract infections caused by candida and peritonitis: 50-200 mg daily have been used.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: 400 mg on the first day, followed by 200 mg once daily.
• Prophylaxis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation: 400 mg once daily.

Child (oral):

• Doses of 3-6 mg/kg daily have been used. Doses up to 12 mg/kg is recommended.

Intravenous-

• Adult: Invasive candidal infections including candidaemia and disseminated candidiasis and cryptococcal infections including meningitis, by IV, 400 mg initially then 200 mg daily, increased if necessary to 400 mg daily, treatment continued according to response (at least 6-8 weeks for cryptococcal meningitis)
• Child: 6-12 mg/kg daily (every 72 hours in neonate up to 2 weeks old, every 48 hours in neonate 2-4 weeks old); maximum 400 mg daily. Prevention of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis, by IV, 100-200 mg daily.

Fluconazole is well tolerated. Most common side effects of using Fluconazole includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache and skin rash.

Fluconazole should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to Fluconazole or to related triazole compounds.

Fluconazole should be administered with caution to patients having proarrhythmic conditions.

Concomitant use of cyclosporin or phenytoin with Fluconazole increases the plasma level of cyclosporin or phenytoin. Concomitant use of Fluconazole & warfarin prolongs the prothrombin time. Rifampicin level is decreased when used with Fluconazole.

US FDA Pregnancy category of Fluconazole is C. So, Fluconazole should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation unless the potential benefits to the other outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

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

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Third generation Cephalosporins

Ceftriaxone is a 3rd generation broad-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. It has potent bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Like other cephalosporins and penicillins, Ceftriaxone kills bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Ceftriaxone has a high degree of stability in the presence of beta lactamases. A remarkable feature of Ceftriaxone is its relatively long plasma elimination half-life of about 6 to 9 hours, which makes single or once-daily dosage of the drug appropriate for most patients. Ceftriaxone is not metabolized in the body. About 40-65% of a dose of Ceftriaxone is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remainder is excreted in the bile and ultimately found in the feces as unchanged drug and microbiologically inactive compound. The drug is highly protein bound (95%).

Adult: The usual dose is 1 to 2 gm by intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Acute bacterial otitis media, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections, Meningitis: 1 to 2 g IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day
• Uncomplicated gonococcal infections: 250 mg IM as a single dose
• Surgical prophylaxis: 1 g IV as a single dose 30 to 120 minutes before surgery

Infants and Children (01 month or older): The usual dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg intravenous or intramuscular administration once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day).

• Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Skin and skin structure infection, Urinary tract infections, Bacterial Septicemia, Bone and joint infections: 50 to 75 mg/kg IV or IM once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 2 gm/day
• Acute bacterial otitis media: 50 mg/kg IM in single dose; Maximum dose: 1 gm/day
• Meningitis: 100 mg/kg IV or IM in single daily dose or (or in equally divided doses twice a day); Maximum dose: 4 gm/day

Duration of therapy: Continue for more than 2 days after signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. Usual duration is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

Preparation of Solutions for Intramuscular / Intravenous Injections:

• For Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 2 ml Lidocaine HCI 1% injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 3.5 ml of Lidocaine HCI 1% injection.
• For Intravenous Injection: 250 mg or 500 mg Ceftriaxone should be dissolved in 5 ml of Water for injection or 1 g Ceftriaxone in 10 ml of Water for injection USP or 2 g Ceftriaxone in 20 ml of Water for injection.

The injection should be administered over 2-4 minutes, by Intramuscular or Intravenous injection or by tubing infusion over a period of 30 minutes at concentration between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. Before starting treatment through Ceftriaxone injection, patient tolerance test should be checked by administration of a test dose. (The use of freshly reconstituted solution is recommended. However, it maintains potency for at least 6 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 5°C).

Ceftriaxone is generally well tolerated. A few side effects such as gastro-intestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis and glossitis; cutaneous reactions including rash, pruritus, urticaria, edema and erythema multiforme; hematologic reactions including eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, anemia and neutropenia; hepatic reactions including elevations of SGOT or SGPT, bilirubinemia; CNS reactions including nervousness, confusion, sleep disturbances, headache, hyperactivity, convulsion, hypertonia and dizziness were reported. Local phlebitis occurs rarely following intravenous administration but can be minimized by slow injections over 2-4 minutes.

Ceftriaxone should not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics.

As with other cephalosporins, anaphylactic shock cannot be ruled out even if a thorough patient history is taken. Anaphylactic shock requires immediate countermeasures such as intravenous epinephrine followed by a glucocorticoid. In rare cases, shadows suggesting sludge have been detected by sonograms of the gallbladder. This condition was reversible on discontinuation or completion of Ceftriaxone therapy. Even if such findings are associated with pain, conservative, nonsurgical management is recommended. During prolonged treatment the blood picture should be checked at regular intervals.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should not be used in pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Low concentrations of Ceftriaxone are excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when Ceftriaxone is administered to a lactating mother.

Ceftriaxone must not be given to neonates if the neonates is premature and newborn (up to 28 days of age).

There is no specific antidote. Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic.

Vial store in a cool, dry place (below 30° C), away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Targeted Cancer Therapy, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

Imatinib is a small molecule protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that potently inhibits the activity of the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase (TK), as well as several receptor TKs: Kit, the receptor for stem cell factor (SCF) coded for by the c-Kit proto-oncogene, the discoidin domain receptors (DDR1 and DDR2), the colony stimulating factor receptor (CSF-1R) and the platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta (PDGFR-alpha and PDGFR beta). Imatinib can also inhibit cellular events mediated by activation of these receptor kinases.

Absorption and Distribution: Imatinib is well absorbed after oral administration with Cmax achieved within 2 4 hours post-dose. Mean absolute bioavailability is 98%. Mean Imatinib AUC increases proportionally with increasing doses ranging from 25 mg to 1,000 mg. There is no significant change in the pharmacokinetics of Imatinib on repeated dosing, and accumulation is 1.5- to 2.5- fold at a steady state when Imatinib is dosed once daily. At clinically relevant concentrations of Imatinib, binding to plasma proteins in in vitro experiments is approximately 95%, mostly to albumin and 1-acid glycoprotein.

Metabolism: CYP3A4 is the major enzyme responsible for metabolism of Imatinib. Other cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19, play a minor role in its metabolism. The main circulating active metabolite in humans is the N-demethylated piperazine derivative, formed predominantly by CYP3A4. It shows in vitro potency similar to the parent Imatinib. The plasma AUC for this metabolite is about 15% of the AUC for Imatinib. The plasma protein binding of N-demethylated metabolite CGP74588 is similar to that of the parent compound.

Excretion: Imatinib elimination is predominately in the feces, mostly as metabolites. Based on the recovery of compound(s) after an oral 14C-labeled dose of Imatinib, approximately 81% of the dose was eliminated within 7 days, in feces (68% of dose) and urine (13% of dose). Unchanged Imatinib accounted for 25% of the dose (5% urine, 20% feces), the remainder being metabolites. Following oral administration in healthy volunteers, the elimination half-lives of Imatinib and its major active metabolite, the N-demethyl derivative (CGP74588), are approximately 18 and 40 hours, respectively.

Adults with Ph+ CML CP: 400 mg/day
Adults with Ph+ CML AP or BC: 600 mg/day
Pediatrics with Ph+ CML CP: 340 mg/m2/day
Adults with Ph+ ALL: 600 mg/day
Pediatrics with Ph+ ALL: 340 mg/m2/day
Adults with MDS/MPD: 400 mg/day
Adults with ASM: 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day
Adults with HES/CEL: 100 mg/day or 400 mg/day
Adults with DFSP: 800 mg/day
Adults with metastatic and/or unresectable GIST: 400 mg/day
Adjuvant treatment of adults with GIST: 400 mg/day
Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment: 400 mg/day
Patients with severe hepatic impairment: 300 mg/day

All doses of Imatinib should be taken with a meal and a large glass of water. Doses of 400 mg or 600 mg should be administered once daily, whereas a dose of 800 mg should be administered as 400 mg twice a day. Imatinib can be dissolved in water or apple juice for patients having difficulty swallowing. Daily dosing of 800 mg and above should be accomplished using the 400-mg tablet to reduce exposure to iron.

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Fluid Retention and Edema
• Hematologic Toxicity
• Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction
• Hepatotoxicity
• Hemorrhage
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity
• Dermatologic Toxicities
• Hypothyroidism
• Growth Retardation in Children and Adolescents
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome
• Impairments Related to Driving and Using Machinery
• Renal Toxicity

Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism: Concomitant administration of Imatinib and strong CYP3A4 inducers may reduce total exposure of imatinib; consider alternative agents.

Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism: Concomitant administration of Imatinib and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in a significant imatinib exposure increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of imatinib; avoid grapefruit juice).

Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4: Imatinib will increase plasma concentration of CYP3A4 metabolized drugs (e.g., triazolo-benzodiazepines, dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, etc.). Use caution when administering Imatinib with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window. Because warfarin is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, use low-molecular weight or standard heparin instead of warfarin in patients who require anticoagulation.

Interactions with Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Use caution when administering Imatinib with CYP2D6 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic window.

Women of childbearing potential: Women of childbearing potential must be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 15 days after stopping treatment with Imatinib.

Pregnancy: There are limited data on the use of imatinib in pregnant women. There have been post-marketing reports of spontaneous abortions and infant congenital anomalies from women who have taken Imatinib. Studies in animals have however shown reproductive toxicity and the potential risk for the foetus is unknown. Imatinib should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. If it is used during pregnancy, the patient must be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding: There is limited information on imatinib distribution on human milk. Studies in two breast feeding women revealed that both imatinib and its active metabolite can be distributed into human milk. The milk plasma ratio studied in a single patient was determined to be 0.5 for imatinib and 0.9 for the metabolite, suggesting greater distribution of the metabolite into the milk. Considering the combined concentration of imatinib and the metabolite and the maximum daily milk intake by infants, the total exposure would be expected to be low (-10% of a therapeutic dose). However, since the effects of low-dose exposure of the infant to imatinib are unknown, women should not breast-feed during treatment and for at least 15 days after stopping treatment with Imatinib.

Fertility: In non-clinical studies, the fertility of male and female rats was not affected, although effects on reproductive parameters were observed. Studies on patients receiving Imatinib and its effect on fertility and gametogenesis have not been performed. Patients concerned about their fertility on Imatinib treatment should consult with their physician.

Experience with doses higher than the recommended therapeutic dose is limited. In the event of overdose the patient should be observed and an appropriate symptomatic treatment given. Generally, the reported outcome in these cases was "improved" or "recovered". Events that have been reported at different dose ranges are as follows:

Adult Population:

• 1200 to 1600 mg (duration varying between 1 to 10 days): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, erythema, oedema, swelling, fatigue, muscle spasms, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, abdominal pain, headache, decreased appetite.
• 1800 to 3200 mg (as high as 3200 mg daily for 6 days): Weakness, myalgia, increased creatine phosphokinase,
• increased bilirubin, gastrointestinal pain.
• 6400 mg (single dose): One case reported in the literature of one patient who experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pyrexia, facial swelling, decreased neutrophil count, and increased transaminases.
• 8 to 10 g (single dose): Vomiting and gastrointestinal pain have been reported.

Paediatric population: One 3-year-old male exposed to a single dose of 400 mg experienced vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia and another 3-year-old male exposed to a single dose of 980 mg experienced decreased white blood cell count and diarrhoea. In the event of overdose, the patient should be observed and appropriate supportive treatment given.

Store below 30°C, in a cool and dry place. Keep away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.