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This cream is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face, after starting the treatment avoid presence of sun. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more.

Hydroquinone Preparations

This cream contains three active ingredients Fluocinolone Acetonide, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin. All of them are used to treat melasma. However, the mechanism of action of the active ingredients in This cream in the treatment of melasma is unknown but Fluocinolone Acetonide is a corticosteroid for topical dermatological use and is classified therapeutically as an anti-inflammatory. Hydroquinone is classified therapeutically as a depigmenting agent, which may interrupt one or more steps in the tyrosine-tyrosinase pathway of melanin synthesis. Tretinoin is classified therapeutically as a keratolytic agent.

This cream should be applied once daily at night. It should be applied at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply a thin film of the cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal-appearing skin surrounding each lesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin. During the day, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day.

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

A very few patients may get severe allergic reactions from this cream. They may have trouble breathing or severe asthma attacks. While patients use this cream, skin may develop mild to moderate redness, peeling, burning, dryness or itching.

This cream is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity, allergy or intolerance to this product or any of its components.

This cream contains Hydroquinone and Tretinoin that may cause mild to moderate irritation. Local irritation, such as skin reddening, peeling, mild burning sensation, dryness and pruritus may be expected at the site of application. Transient skin reddening or mild burning sensation does not preclude treatment. If a reaction suggests hypersensitivity or chemical irritation, the use of the medication should be discontinued. This cream also contains the corticosteroid Fluocinolone Acetonide. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria can also be produced by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroid while on treatment. If HPA axis suppression is noted, the use of this cream should be discontinued. Recovery of HPA axis function generally occurs upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.

Avoid use of medicated or abrasive soaps, cleansers, soaps, cosmetics with drying effects, products with high concentration of alcohol, astringent & other irritants or keratolytic drugs. Also avoid concomitant use of medications with photosensitizing effects.

Pregnancy Category C. This cream contains the teratogen, tretinoin, which may cause embryo-fetal death, altered fetal growth, congenital malformations and potential neurologic deficits. It is difficult to interpret the animal studies on teratogenicity with this cream, because the availability of the dermal applications in these studies cannot be assured and comparison with clinical dosing is not possible. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. This cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Corticosteroids, when systemically administered, the drug appear in human milk. It is not known whether topical application of this cream could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities of Fluocinolone Acetonide, Hydroquinone or Tretinoin in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this cream is administered to nursing women.

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Anti vertigo drugs, Anti-emetic drugs

Prochlorperazine is a dopamine & histamine antagonist. The mechanism of antiemetic activity is due to the blockade of histamine H, & dopamine D2 neurotransmitter receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting centre. It also has a weak anticholinergic effect and prevents acid reflux by increasing the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Antiemetic-
Children (not recommended in children <10 kg or <2 years):

• 10-14 kg: 2.5 mg every 12-24 hours as needed;maximum: 7.5 mg/day
• 15-18 kg: 2.5 mg every 8-12 hours as needed;maximum:10 mg/day
• 19-39 kg: 2.5 mg every 8 hours or 5 mg every 12 hours as needed; maximum: 15 mg/day.

Adults: 5-10 mg 3-4 times/day;usual maximum:40 mg/day

Antipsychotic-
Children (not recommended in children <10 kg or <2 years):

• 2-12 years: 2.5 mg 2-3 times/day
• Increase dosage as needed to a maximum daily dose of 20 mg for 2-5 years and 25 mg for 6-12 years

Adults: 5-10 mg 3-4 times/day; doses up to 150 mg/day may be required in some patients for treatment of severe disturbances

Nonpsychotic anxiety-

• Adults: Usual dose: 15-20 mg/day in divided doses; do not give doses >20 mg/day or for longer than 12 weeks
• Elderly: Initial: 2.5-5 mg 1-2 times/day; increase dose at 4 to 7 day intervals by 2.5-5 mg/day; increase dosing intervals (twice daily, thrice daily, etc) as necessary to control response or side effects; maximum daily dose should probably not exceed 75 mg in elderly; gradual increases (titration) may prevent some side effects or decrease their severity.

Prochlorperazine may be administered without regard to the meal.

Drowsiness; jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms; fine worm-like tongue movements; rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements; slow or difficult speech; difficulty swallowing; restlessness and pacing; tremors; shuffling walk; skin rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Hypersensitivity to prochlorperazine or any component of the formulation, severe CNS
depression; coma; should not be used in children <2 years of age or <10 kg.

Caution should be taken while performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. The use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen and protective clothing should be taken when anybody is exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making it more susceptible to heatstroke.

Alcohol, barbiturate & other sedatives may increase the CNS depressant action. Some drugs like Antacids, antiparkinson's drug, lithium may interfere the absorption of Prochlorperazine. This drug may interfere with the plasma concentration of Propanolol and Phenobarbital.

No evidence of adverse effects of this drug has been reported during pregnancy & lactation.

Symptoms of overdose include deep sleep, coma, extrapyramidal symptoms, abnormal involuntary muscle movements, and hypotension.

Store below 30°C.Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Anti vertigo drugs, Anti-emetic drugs

Prochlorperazine is a dopamine & histamine antagonist. The mechanism of antiemetic activity is due to the blockade of histamine H, & dopamine D2 neurotransmitter receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting centre. It also has a weak anticholinergic effect and prevents acid reflux by increasing the tone of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Antiemetic-
Children (not recommended in children <10 kg or <2 years):

• 10-14 kg: 2.5 mg every 12-24 hours as needed;maximum: 7.5 mg/day
• 15-18 kg: 2.5 mg every 8-12 hours as needed;maximum:10 mg/day
• 19-39 kg: 2.5 mg every 8 hours or 5 mg every 12 hours as needed; maximum: 15 mg/day.

Adults: 5-10 mg 3-4 times/day;usual maximum:40 mg/day

Antipsychotic-
Children (not recommended in children <10 kg or <2 years):

• 2-12 years: 2.5 mg 2-3 times/day
• Increase dosage as needed to a maximum daily dose of 20 mg for 2-5 years and 25 mg for 6-12 years

Adults: 5-10 mg 3-4 times/day; doses up to 150 mg/day may be required in some patients for treatment of severe disturbances

Nonpsychotic anxiety-

• Adults: Usual dose: 15-20 mg/day in divided doses; do not give doses >20 mg/day or for longer than 12 weeks
• Elderly: Initial: 2.5-5 mg 1-2 times/day; increase dose at 4 to 7 day intervals by 2.5-5 mg/day; increase dosing intervals (twice daily, thrice daily, etc) as necessary to control response or side effects; maximum daily dose should probably not exceed 75 mg in elderly; gradual increases (titration) may prevent some side effects or decrease their severity.

Prochlorperazine may be administered without regard to the meal.

Drowsiness; jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms; fine worm-like tongue movements; rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements; slow or difficult speech; difficulty swallowing; restlessness and pacing; tremors; shuffling walk; skin rash; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Hypersensitivity to prochlorperazine or any component of the formulation, severe CNS
depression; coma; should not be used in children <2 years of age or <10 kg.

Caution should be taken while performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. The use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen and protective clothing should be taken when anybody is exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making it more susceptible to heatstroke.

Alcohol, barbiturate & other sedatives may increase the CNS depressant action. Some drugs like Antacids, antiparkinson's drug, lithium may interfere the absorption of Prochlorperazine. This drug may interfere with the plasma concentration of Propanolol and Phenobarbital.

No evidence of adverse effects of this drug has been reported during pregnancy & lactation.

Symptoms of overdose include deep sleep, coma, extrapyramidal symptoms, abnormal involuntary muscle movements, and hypotension.

Store below 30°C.Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

This cream is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face, after starting the treatment avoid presence of sun. Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more.

Hydroquinone Preparations

This cream contains three active ingredients Fluocinolone Acetonide, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin. All of them are used to treat melasma. However, the mechanism of action of the active ingredients in This cream in the treatment of melasma is unknown but Fluocinolone Acetonide is a corticosteroid for topical dermatological use and is classified therapeutically as an anti-inflammatory. Hydroquinone is classified therapeutically as a depigmenting agent, which may interrupt one or more steps in the tyrosine-tyrosinase pathway of melanin synthesis. Tretinoin is classified therapeutically as a keratolytic agent.

This cream should be applied once daily at night. It should be applied at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply a thin film of the cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal-appearing skin surrounding each lesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin. During the day, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day.

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

A very few patients may get severe allergic reactions from this cream. They may have trouble breathing or severe asthma attacks. While patients use this cream, skin may develop mild to moderate redness, peeling, burning, dryness or itching.

This cream is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity, allergy or intolerance to this product or any of its components.

This cream contains Hydroquinone and Tretinoin that may cause mild to moderate irritation. Local irritation, such as skin reddening, peeling, mild burning sensation, dryness and pruritus may be expected at the site of application. Transient skin reddening or mild burning sensation does not preclude treatment. If a reaction suggests hypersensitivity or chemical irritation, the use of the medication should be discontinued. This cream also contains the corticosteroid Fluocinolone Acetonide. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia and glucosuria can also be produced by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroid while on treatment. If HPA axis suppression is noted, the use of this cream should be discontinued. Recovery of HPA axis function generally occurs upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.

Avoid use of medicated or abrasive soaps, cleansers, soaps, cosmetics with drying effects, products with high concentration of alcohol, astringent & other irritants or keratolytic drugs. Also avoid concomitant use of medications with photosensitizing effects.

Pregnancy Category C. This cream contains the teratogen, tretinoin, which may cause embryo-fetal death, altered fetal growth, congenital malformations and potential neurologic deficits. It is difficult to interpret the animal studies on teratogenicity with this cream, because the availability of the dermal applications in these studies cannot be assured and comparison with clinical dosing is not possible. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. This cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Corticosteroids, when systemically administered, the drug appear in human milk. It is not known whether topical application of this cream could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities of Fluocinolone Acetonide, Hydroquinone or Tretinoin in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when this cream is administered to nursing women.

Store in a cool & dry place, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Regulate Blood sugar level, Improve pancreatic & liver function, boost immunity & natural source of vitamin C.Helps in easy digestion

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

It is a slender, climbing annual vine with long stalked leaves & yellow,solitary male and female flowers borne on the leaf axils. The fruit, usually oblong, resembles a warty gourd or a small cucumber. The young fruit is emerald green, turning to orange-yellow when ripe. At maturity, the fruit splits into three irregular valves that curl backwards and release numerous reddishbrown or white seeds encased in scarlet arils. Bitter melon grows in topical areas, including parts of amazone, East Africa, India,Asia & the Caribbean.

1-2 Capsules twice daily 20-30 minutes after meals or as advised by the registered physician.

A balanced formulation of bitter melon is well tolerated. No Significant side effect has been observed in proper dosage.

Bitter Melon has proven to be relatively safe & effective in controlled clinical studies. No absolute contraindication.

If Bitter Melon and an antidiabetic agent are used together, blood glucose level should be monitored regularly.

Bitter melon should not be used in pregnant & lactating mother.

Keep out of reach of the children, keep away from direct sunlight. Keep store in a cool and dry place.

Meloxicam is indicated in-

• Osteoarthritis,
• Rheumatoid arthritis,
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Drugs for Osteoarthritis, Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam family, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. The bioavailability of Meloxicam following oral administration is 89% on the average. With the doses of 7.5 mg & 15 mg plasma concentrations are proportional to dose: 0.4 to 1.0 mg/litre for 7.5 mg & 0.8 to 2.0 mg/litre for 15 mg, on an average. Meloxicam is very strongly bound to plasma proteins, essentially albumin (99%). Meloxicam is extensively metabolised, chiefly by oxidation of the methyl redical attached to the thiazolyl ring. Elimination in unchanged form accounts for 3% of the dose. Half of the substance is eliminated in urine & the other half in the faeces. The mean elimination half life is 20 hours.

For Adults:

• Osteoarthritis: 7.5 mg/day. If necessary, in the absence of improvement, the dose may be increased to 15 mg/day.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: 15 mg/day. In elderly patients the recommended dose for long term treatment is 7.5 mg/day.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: 15 mg/day. In elderly patients the recommended dose is 7.5 mg/day.

Do not exceed the dose of 15 mg/day. The total daily amount should be taken as a single dose. Patients with increased risks for adverse reactions should start treatment with 7.5 mg/day. In dialysis patients with severe renal failure the dose should not exceed 7.5 mg/day

For Children: The pharmacokinetics of Meloxicam in paediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been investigated.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhoea may occur. Ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding may rarely occur. Skin rash, or urticaria may occur in some individuals. Oedema of the lower limbs may occur during treatment. Onset of an asthma attack has been reported in certain individuals allergic to aspirin or to other NSAIDs. Headache, vertigo or drowsiness may occur.

Meloxicam is contraindicated to patients hypersensitive to this drug. Meloxicam should not be given to patients who have developed signs of asthma, nasal polyps, angioneurotic oedema or urticaria following the administration of aspirin or NSAIDs. Meloxicam is contraindicated to patients with active peptic ulcer during the last six months or a history of recurrent peptic ulcer disease, severe hepatic failure, non-dialysed severe renal failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebrovascular bleeding or other bleeding disorders.

Patient with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease, fluid retention or heart failure, history of GI bleeding or ulceration. Hepatic and renal impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy and lactation.

It is advisable to avoid the administration of Meloxicam during pregnancy. It is unknown whether Meloxicam passes into mother’s milk. Meloxicam should not be given to nursing mothers.

Store Meloxicam tablet in a cool & dry place and away from light. Store Meloxicam suppository below 25˚C protected from light and moisture.

Paroxetine  is indicated in:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

SSRIs & related anti-depressant drugs

The efficacy of Paroxetine is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system resulting from inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine, 5 HT). Studies at clinically relevant doses in humans have demonstrated that paroxetine blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. In vitro studies in animals also suggest that paroxetine is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of neuronal serotonin reuptake and has only very weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake. In vitro radioligand binding studies indicate that paroxetine has little affinity for muscarinic, alpha1, alpha2, beta adrenergic, dopamine (D2), 5-HT1, 5 HT2 and histamine (H1)-receptors; antagonism of muscarinic, histaminergic and alpha1-adrenergic receptors has been associated with various anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects for other psychotropic drugs. Because the relative potencies of paroxetine’s major metabolites are at most 1/50 of the parent compound, they are essentially inactive.

Major Depressive Disorder:

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine (Paroxetine hydrochloride) should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The recommended initial dose is 20 mg/day. Some patients not responding to a 20 mg dose may benefit from dose increases, in 10 mg/day increments, up to a maximum of 50 mg/day. Dose changes should occur at intervals of at least 1 week.
• Maintenance Therapy: Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of Paroxetine hydrochloride has shown that efficacy is maintained for periods of up to 1 year with doses that averaged about 30 mg.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine (Paroxetine hydrochloride) should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The recommended dose of Paroxetine in the treatment of OCD is 40 mg daily. Patients should be started on 20 mg/day and the dose can be increased in 10 mg/day increments. Dose changes should occur at intervals of at least 1 week.
• Maintenance Therapy: Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Panic Disorder:

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The target dose of Paroxetine in the treatment of panic disorder is 40 mg/day. Patients should be started on 10 mg/day. Dose changes should occur in 10 mg/day increments and at intervals of at least 1 week. The maximum dosage should not exceed 60 mg/day.
• Maintenance Therapy: Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The recommended initial dosage is 20 mg/day.
• Maintenance Therapy: Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The recommended starting dosage and the established effective dosage is 20 mg/day.
• Maintenance Therapy: Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

• Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. The recommended starting dosage and the established effective dosage is 20 mg/day. Dose changes, if indicated, should occur in 10 mg/day increments and at intervals of at least 1 week.
• Maintenance Therapy: Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Major depressive disorder: Asthenia, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, somnolence, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, nervousness, ejaculatory disturbance and other male genital disorders.

Obsessive compulsive disorder: Nausea, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, dizziness, somnolence, tremor, sweating, impotence and abnormal ejaculation.

Panic disorder: Asthenia, sweating, decreased appetite, decreased libido , tremor, abnormal ejaculation, female genital disorders and impotence.

Social anxiety disorder: Sweating, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, somnolence, tremor, decreased libido, yawn, abnormal ejaculation, female genital disorders and impotence.

Generalised anxiety disorder: Asthenia, infection, constipation, decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, decreased libido, somnolence, tremor, sweating and abnormal
ejaculation.

Post-traumatic stress disorder: Asthenia, sweating nausea, dry mouth, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, somnolence, decreased libido, abnormal ejaculation, female genital disorders and impotence.

Concomitant use in patients taking either monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or thioridazine is contraindicated. This is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to Paroxetine.

Cardiac conditions: Paroxetine does not produce clinically significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate and ECG. Nevertheless, as with all psychoactive drugs, caution is advised when treating patients with cardiac conditions.

Epilepsy: As with other antidepressants, Paroxetine should be used with caution in-patients with epilepsy.

Seizures: Overall, the incidence of seizures is < 0.1% in patients treated with Paroxetine. Paroxetine should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures.

ECT: There is little clinical experience of concurrent administration of Paroxetine with ECT.

Ability to drive/use machines: Clinical experience has shown that therapy with Paroxetine is not associated with impairment of cognitive or psychomotor function. However, as with all psychoactive drugs, patients should be cautioned about their ability to drive a car and operate machinery.

Discontinuation of Treatment with Paroxetine: Recent clinical trials supporting the various approved indications of Paroxetine employed a taper phase regimen, rather than an abrupt discontinuation of treatment. The taper phase regimen used in GAD and PTSD clinical trials involved an incremental decrease in the daily dose by 10 mg/day at weekly intervals. When a daily dose of 20 mg/day was reached, patients were continued on this dose for 1 week before treatment was stopped.

Food/antacids: The absorption and pharmacokinetics of Paroxetine are not affected by food or antacids.

Tryptophan: As with other 5-HT re uptake inhibitors, animal studies indicate that an interaction between Paroxetine and Tryptophan may occur, resulting in a ‘serotonin syndrome’ suggested by a combination of agitation, restlessness and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhoea. 

Drug metabolizing enzyme inducers /inhibitors: The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Paroxetine may be affected by drugs, which induce or inhibit hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. When Paroxetine is to be coadministered with a known drug metabolizing inhibitor, consideration should be given to using doses at the lower end of the range. No initial dosage adjustment of Paroxetine is considered necessary when it is to be co-administered with known drug metabolizing enzyme inducers. Any subsequent dosage adjustment should be guided by clinical effect (tolerabilityand efficacy).

Alcohol: Although Paroxetine does not increase the impairment of mental and motor skill caused by alcohol, the concomitant use of Paroxetine and alcohol in depressed patients is not advised.

Haloperidol/amylobarbitone/oxazepam: Experience in a limited number of healthy subjects has shown that Paroxetine did not increase the sedation and drowsiness associated with haloperidol, amylobarbitone or oxazepam when given in combination.

MAOls: As with other 5-HT re uptake inhibitors, animal studies indicate that an interaction between Paroxetine and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may occur.

Lithium: Since there is little clinical experience, and there have been reports of interaction of lithium with other 5-HT re-uptake inhibitors, the concurrent administration of Paroxetine and lithium should be undertaken with caution.

Lithium levels should be monitored. Phenytoin / anticonvulsants: Co-administration of Paroxetine and phenytoin is associated with decreased plasma concentrations of Paroxetine and increased adverse experiences. Co-administration of Paroxetine with other anticonvulsants may also be associated with an increased incidence of adverse experiences.

Warfarin: Preliminary data suggest that there may be a pharmacodynamic interaction between Paroxetine and warfarin, which may result in increased bleeding in the presence of unaltered prothrombin times. Paroxetine should therefore be administered with great caution to patients receiving oral anticoagulants.

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Labor and Delivery: The effect of Paroxetine on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.

Nursing Mothers: Like many other drugs, Paroxetine is secreted in human milk, and caution should be exercised when Paroxetine hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman.

Dosage for Elderly or Debilitated, and Patients with Severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment: The recommended initial dose is 10 mg/day for elderly patients, debilitated patients, and/or patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Increases may be made if indicated. Dosage should not exceed 40 mg/day.

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at a cool and dry place. Protect from light and moisture.

Flupentixol and Melitracen tablet is indicated in-

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy
• Psychogenic depression.
• Depressive neurosses.
• Masked depression.
• Psychosomatic affections accompanied by anxiety and apathy.
• Menopausal depressions.
• Dysphoria and depression in alcoholics and drug addicts.

Combined anxiolytics & anti-depressant drugs

This consists of two well known and well proven compounds: flupentixol-a neuroleptic with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of its own when given in small doses, and melitracen-a bipolar thymoleptic with activating properties in low doses. In combination the compounds render a preparation with antidepressant, anxiolytic and activating properties. Maximal serum concentration is reached in about 4 hours after oral administration of flupentixol and in about 4 hours after oral administration of melitracen. The biological half-life of flupentixol is about 35 hours and that of melitracen is about 19 hours. The combination of flupentixol and melitracen does not seem to influence the pharmacokinetic properties of the individual compounds.

Adults: Usually 2 tablets orally daily in the morning and noon. In severe cases, the morning dose may be increased to 2 tablets.

Elderly patients: 1 tablet in the morning.

Maintenance dose: Usually 1 tablet orally in the morning. In cases of insomnia or severe restlessness, additional treatment with a sedative in the acute phase is recommended.

In the recommended doses side effects are rare. These could be transient restlessness and insomnia.

If previously the patient has been treated with tranquillizers with sedative effect these should be withdrawn gradually.

This tablet may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants. Simultaneous administration of MAO-inhibitors may cause hypertensive crises. Neuroleptics and thymoleptics reduce the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine and similar acting compounds and thymoleptics enhance the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

This tablet should preferably not be given during pregnancy and lactation.

In cases of overdosage the symptoms of intoxications by melitracen, especially of anticholinergic nature, dominate. More rarely extrapyramidal symptoms due to flupentixol occur. Symptomatic and Supportive. Gastric lavage should be carried out as soon as possible and activated charcoal may be administered. Measures aimed at supporting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems should be instituted. Epinephrine (adrenaline) must not be used for such patients. Convulsions may be treated with diazepam and extrapyramidal symptoms with biperiden.

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Escitalopram Oxalate is indicated in the-

• Treatment of major depressive episodes.
• Treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
• Treatment of social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
• Treatment of generalised anxiety disorder.
• Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SSRIs & related anti-depressant drugs

Escitalopram is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Escitalopram is the pure S-enantiomer of the racemic bicyclic phthalate derivative citalopram. Escitalopram is at least 100 fold more potent than the R-enantiomer with respect to inhibition of 5-HT reuptake. Escitalopram has no or very low affinity for serotonergic or other receptors including alpha- and beta-adrenergic Dopamine, Histamine, Muscarinic and benzodiazepine receptors.

Safety of daily doses above 20 mg has not been demonstrated. Escitalopram Oxalate is administered as a single daily dose and may be taken with or without food.

Major depressive episodes: Usual dosage is 10 mg once daily. Depending on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily. Usually, 2-4 weeks are necessary to obtain an antidepressant response. After the symptoms resolve, treatment for at least 6 months is required for consolidation of the response.

Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: An initial dose of 5 mg is recommended for the first week before increasing the dose to 10 mg daily. The dose may be further increased, up to a maximum of 20 mg daily, dependent on individual patient response. Maximum effectiveness is reached after about 3 months. The treatment lasts several months.

Social anxiety disorder: Usual dosage is 10 mg once daily. Usually, 2-4 weeks are necessary to obtain symptom relief. The dose may subsequently, depending on individual patient response, be decreased to 5 mg or increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily. Social anxiety disorder is a disease with a chronic course, and treatment for 12 weeks is recommended to consolidate response. Long-term treatment of responders has been studied for 6 months and can be considered on an individual basis to prevent relapse; treatment benefits should be re-evaluated at regular intervals. Social anxiety disorder is a well-defined diagnostic terminology of a specific disorder, which should not be confounded with excessive shyness. Pharmacotherapy is only indicated if the disorder interferes significantly with professional and social activities. The place of this treatment compared to cognitive behavioural therapy has not been assessed. Pharmacotherapy is part of an overall therapeutic strategy.

Generalised anxiety disorder: Initial dosage is 10 mg once daily. Depending on the individual patient response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily. Long term treatment of responders has been studied for at least 6 months in patients receiving 20 mg/day. Treatment benefits and dose should be re-evaluated at regular intervals.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Initial dosage is 10 mg once daily. Depending on the individual patient response, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 20 mg daily. As OCD is a chronic disease, patients should be treated for a sufficient period to ensure that they are symptom-free. Treatment benefits and dose should be re-evaluated at regular intervals.

Escitalopram should generally be administered once daily, morning or evening with or without food.

SSRIs are less sedating and have fewer antimuscarinic and cardiotoxic effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Side-effects of the SSRIs include gastrointestinal effects (dose-related and fairly common include nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation), anorexia with weight loss (increased appetite and weight gain also reported) and hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, arthralgia, myalgia, and photosensitivity; other side-effects include dry mouth, nervousness, anxiety, headache, insomnia, tremor, dizziness, asthenia, hallucinations, drowsiness, convulsions, galactorrhoea, sexual dysfunction, urinary retention, sweating, hypomania or mania, movement disorders and dyskinesias, visual disturbances.

Escitalopram is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Escitalopram or Citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients of the drug product. Concomitant use of escitalopram in patients taking monoamine oxidase/pimozide is contraindicated.

SSRIs should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy (avoid if poorly controlled, discontinue if convulsions develop), concurrent electroconvulsive therapy (prolonged seizures reported with fluoxetine), history of mania, cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus, angle-closure glaucoma, concomitant use of drugs that increase risk of bleeding, history of bleeding disorders (especially gastro-lntestinal bleeding), hepatic and renal impairment.

As SSRI or related antidepressants should not be started until 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. Conversely, an MAOI should not. be started until at least a week after an SSRI or related antidepressant has been stopped (2 weeks in the case of paroxetine and sertraline, at least 5 weeks in the case of fluoxetine).

When treating a pregnant woman with Escitalopram during the third trimester, the physician should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment. It is excreted in human breast milk. The decision whether to continue or discontinue either nursing or Escitalopram therapy should take into account the risk of citalopram exposure for the infant and the benefits Escitalopram treatment for the mother.

Elderly patients (>65 years of age): Initial dosage is 5 mg once daily. Depending on the individual patient response the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. The efficacy of escitalopram in social anxiety disorder has not been studied in elderly patients.

Children and adolescents (<18 years): Escitalopram Oxalate should not be used in the treatment of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years.

Reduced renal function: Dosage adjustment is not necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Caution is advised in patients with severely reduced renal function (CLCR less than 30 ml/min).

Reduced hepatic function: An initial dose of 5 mg daily for the first two weeks of treatment is recommended in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. Depending on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. Caution and extra careful dose titration is advised in patients with severely reduced hepatic function.

Poor metabolizers of CYP2C19: For patients who are known to be poor metabolisers with respect to CYP2C19, an initial dose of 5 mg daily during the first two weeks of treatment is recommended. Depending on individual patient response, the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. Discontinuation symptoms seen when stopping treatment. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided.

When stopping treatment with escitalopram the dose should be gradually reduced over a period of at least one to two weeks in order to reduce the risk of discontinuation symptoms. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose, but at a more gradual rate.

Symptoms: Symptoms seen in a reported overdose of escitalopram include symptoms mainly related to the central nervous system (ranging from dizziness, tremor, and agitation to rare cases of serotonin syndrome, convulsion, and coma), the gastrointestinal system (nausea/vomiting), and the cardiovascular system (hypotension, tachycardia, QT interval, prolongation, and arrhythmia) and electrolyte/fluid balance conditions (hypokalaemia, hyponatremia).

Management: There is no specific antidote. Establish and maintain an airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and respiratory function. Gastric lavage and the use of activated charcoal should be considered. Gastric lavage should be carried out as soon as possible after oral ingestion. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring are recommended along with general symptomatic supportive measures. ECG monitoring is advised in case of overdose, in patients with congestive heart failure/bradyarrhythmias, in patients using concomitant medications that prolong the QT-interval, or in patients with altered metabolism, e.g. liver impairment.

Store below 30°C temperature and protect from light & moisture. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Flupentixol and Melitracen tablet is indicated in-

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy
• Psychogenic depression.
• Depressive neurosses.
• Masked depression.
• Psychosomatic affections accompanied by anxiety and apathy.
• Menopausal depressions.
• Dysphoria and depression in alcoholics and drug addicts.

Combined anxiolytics & anti-depressant drugs

This consists of two well known and well proven compounds: flupentixol-a neuroleptic with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of its own when given in small doses, and melitracen-a bipolar thymoleptic with activating properties in low doses. In combination the compounds render a preparation with antidepressant, anxiolytic and activating properties. Maximal serum concentration is reached in about 4 hours after oral administration of flupentixol and in about 4 hours after oral administration of melitracen. The biological half-life of flupentixol is about 35 hours and that of melitracen is about 19 hours. The combination of flupentixol and melitracen does not seem to influence the pharmacokinetic properties of the individual compounds.

Adults: Usually 2 tablets orally daily in the morning and noon. In severe cases, the morning dose may be increased to 2 tablets.

Elderly patients: 1 tablet in the morning.

Maintenance dose: Usually 1 tablet orally in the morning. In cases of insomnia or severe restlessness, additional treatment with a sedative in the acute phase is recommended.

In the recommended doses side effects are rare. These could be transient restlessness and insomnia.

If previously the patient has been treated with tranquillizers with sedative effect these should be withdrawn gradually.

This tablet may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants. Simultaneous administration of MAO-inhibitors may cause hypertensive crises. Neuroleptics and thymoleptics reduce the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine and similar acting compounds and thymoleptics enhance the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

This tablet should preferably not be given during pregnancy and lactation.

In cases of overdosage the symptoms of intoxications by melitracen, especially of anticholinergic nature, dominate. More rarely extrapyramidal symptoms due to flupentixol occur. Symptomatic and Supportive. Gastric lavage should be carried out as soon as possible and activated charcoal may be administered. Measures aimed at supporting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems should be instituted. Epinephrine (adrenaline) must not be used for such patients. Convulsions may be treated with diazepam and extrapyramidal symptoms with biperiden.

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Meclizine Hydrochloride is indicated in nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, vertigo.

Anti-emetic drugs

Meclizine has antiemetic, anticholinergic and antihistaminic properties. It reduces the sensitivity of the labyrinthine apparatus. The action may be mediated through nerve pathways to the vomiting center (VC) from the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), peripheral nerve pathways, the VC, or other CNS centers. Meclizine has an onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on dosage; their duration of action is 12 to 24 hours.

Adult & children over 12 years of age:

• Nausea and vomiting: 25-50 mg once daily.
• Motion sickness: Take an initial dose of 25 to 50 mg, 1 hour prior to travel. May repeat dose every 24 hours for the duration of the journey. Children: Age 6-12 years, 12.5 mg once daily. Age 2-6 years, 6.25 mg once daily.
• Vertigo: 25 to 100 mg daily in divided doses.
• Radiotherapy induced nausea and vomiting: 50 mg two to twelve hours prior to radiotherapy.
• Emergency contraception: 25-50 mg, 1 hour before first ECP dose; repeat if needed in 24 hours.

Use in children: Clinical studies establishing safety and efficacy in children have not been done; therefore, its use should be determined by physician.

Use in elderly: There is no specific information available. However older people may be especially sensitive to the anticholinergic effects of medicine.

Common side effects are Drowsiness, dry mouth, and on rare occasions, blurred vision have been reported.

Meclizine is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Meclizine or any of its excipeints.

Patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, enlarged prostate, glaucoma or urinary tract blockage should take Meclizine (like other antiemetics) with caution.

Meclizine may increase the toxicity with CNS depressants, neuroleptics and anticholinergic. Alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers can increase the drowsiness of the patient.

Meclizine shows no risk of birth defects or abnormalities when administered during pregnancy. Although Meclizine may excrete into the milk, it causes no harm in nursing babies.

Symptoms: Extreme excitability, seizures, drowsiness and hallucinations.

Treatment: Appropriate supportive and symptomatic treatment. Consider dialysis.

Store in a cool & dry place and away from children.

Mometasone cream is indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid- responsive dermatoses, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Other Topical corticosteroids

Mometasone is a corticosteroid demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties. The precise mechanism of corticosteroids action on allergic rhinitis is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation.

A thin film of Mometasone Furoate cream should be applied to the affected skin areas once daily. Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients below 2 years of age have not been established.

Mometasone Furoate cream is generally well tolerated. Burning, Pruritus and skin atrophy may occur.

The drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reactions to Mometasone or any of the components of the preparation.

If irritation develops with the use of Mometasone Furoate cream, treatment should be discontinued.

Pregnancy: There is no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation: It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.

Mometasone cream is indicated for the relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid- responsive dermatoses, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Other Topical corticosteroids

Mometasone is a corticosteroid demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties. The precise mechanism of corticosteroids action on allergic rhinitis is not known. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and cytokines) involved in inflammation.

A thin film of Mometasone Furoate cream should be applied to the affected skin areas once daily. Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients below 2 years of age have not been established.

Mometasone Furoate cream is generally well tolerated. Burning, Pruritus and skin atrophy may occur.

The drug is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reactions to Mometasone or any of the components of the preparation.

If irritation develops with the use of Mometasone Furoate cream, treatment should be discontinued.

Pregnancy: There is no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Lactation: It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.

Hormone preparations for other uses, Oral nutritional preparations

After administration, melatonin binds with its receptors. Two types of melatonin receptor subtypes - MT1 & MT2 have been identified in humans. Melatonin receptors are found in the brain and some peripheral organs. The MT1 subtype is present in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland and the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. The MT2 subtype is mainly present in the retina. Increased level of Melatonin initiates neural & endocrine signals to optimize the levels of neurotransmitters e.g. increased serotonin, increased GABA & decreased dopamine, which induces & sustains sleep, as well as, maintains the body's circadian rhythm.

Adult:
Insomnia: 3-6 mg one hour before bedtime

Jet lag:

• 0.50 to 5 mg one hour prior to bedtime at final destination or, 1 to 5 mg 1 hour before bedtime for 2 days prior to departure and for 2 to 3 days upon arrival at final destination.
• Eastbound travel- Take a preflight early evening treatment followed by treatment at bedtime for 4 days after arrival.
• Westbound travel- Take for 4 days at bedtime when in the new time zone.

Sarcoidosis: 20 mg per day for 4 to 12 months.

Depression: 0.125 mg twice in the late afternoon, each dose 4 hours apart.

Difficulty falling asleep: 5 mg 3 to 4 hours before an imposed sleep period over a 4-weeks period.

Children (6 months to 14 years of age): For sleep disorders 0.30 mg/day

Possible adverse effects include headache and depression. Drowsiness may be experienced within 30 minutes after taking melatonin and may persist for 1 hour and thus may affect driving skills.

Melatonin should not be used by patients who have autoimmune diseases.

Caffeine and fluvoxamine may increase the effects of melatonin, while melatonin may decrease the antihypertensive effect of nifedipine.

Antidepressant Medications: Melatonin reduces the antidepressant effects of desipramine and fluoxetine. In addition, fluoxetine leads to measurable depletion of melatonin in people.

Antipsychotic Medications: People with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia taking antipsychotic medications with melatonin has significantly reduced mouth movements compared to those who did not take the supplements.

Benzodiazepines: The combination of melatonin and triazolam improves sleep quality. In addition, there have been a few reports suggesting that melatonin supplements may help individuals stop using long-term benzodiazepine therapy.

Blood Pressure Medications: Melatonin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications like methoxamine and clonidine. In addition, calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and bepridil) may decrease melatonin levels. The use of beta-blockers (propranolol, acebutolol, atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, pindolol, nadolol, sotalol, and timolol) may reduce melatonin production in the body.

Blood-Thinning Medications, Anticoagulants: Melatonin may increase the risk of bleeding from anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.

Interleukin-2: In one study of 80 cancer patients, the use of melatonin in conjunction with interleukin-2 led to more tumor regression and better survival rates than treatment with interleukin-2 alone.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce the levels of melatonin in the blood.

Steroids and Immunosuppressant Medications: People should not take melatonin with corticosteroids or other medications used to suppress the immune system because the supplement may cause them to be ineffective.

Tamoxifen: Preliminary research suggests that the combination of tamoxifen (a chemotherapy drug) and melatonin may benefit certain patients with breast and other cancers.

Other Substances: Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can all diminish levels of melatonin in the body while cocaine and amphetamines may increase melatonin production.

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is not available.

There is little or no evidence of any major toxicities with melatonin,even at high doses.

Store below 30°C. Keep away from light. Keep all the medicine out of reach of children.

Anthelmintic

Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, thereby causing sudden contraction, followed by paralysis, of the helminths. This has the result of causing the worm to "lose its grip" on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the system by natural process. Since Pyrantel is poorly absorbed by the host's intestine, the host is unaffected by the small dosage of medication used. Spastic (tetanic) paralyzing agents, in particular pyrantel pamoate, may induce complete intestinal obstruction in a heavy worm load. This obstruction is usually in the form of a worm impaction and happens when a very small, but heavily parasitized animal is treated and tries to pass a large number of dislodged worms at once. Worms usually pass in normal stool or with diarrhea, straining, and occasional vomiting.

Pyrantel Pamoate is given orally at anytime without regard to ingestion of food or beverages. A single dose of 11 mg/kg body weight, to a maximum of 1 gm, should be given to treat infestations caused by the parasites mentioned above. In the case of Pinworm, it is often wise to repeat the dose after an interval of 2 weeks.

Pyrantel Pamoate is well tolerated in recommended dosage. When given in large dosage, Pyrantel Pamoate may cause gastrointestinal upset such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other side effects that may occur in rare occasions are headache, dizziness and rash.

Known hypersensitivity to pyrantel or any ingredient in the formulation.

Since Pyrantel Pamoate and Piperazine appear to be mutually antagonistic, Pyrantel Pamoate should not be given together with Piperazine. Pyrantel Pamoate should be kept out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: Since Pyrantel Pamoate has not been studied in pregnant women, use of Pyrantel Pamoate in such patients is normally contraindicated. Pyrantel Pamoate is not recommended for children below 1 year of age.

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age;a use in this age group only when potential benefits justify possible risks.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with preexisting liver dysfunction.

Anthelmintic

Pyrantel pamoate acts as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, thereby causing sudden contraction, followed by paralysis, of the helminths. This has the result of causing the worm to "lose its grip" on the intestinal wall and be passed out of the system by natural process. Since Pyrantel is poorly absorbed by the host's intestine, the host is unaffected by the small dosage of medication used. Spastic (tetanic) paralyzing agents, in particular pyrantel pamoate, may induce complete intestinal obstruction in a heavy worm load. This obstruction is usually in the form of a worm impaction and happens when a very small, but heavily parasitized animal is treated and tries to pass a large number of dislodged worms at once. Worms usually pass in normal stool or with diarrhea, straining, and occasional vomiting.

Pyrantel Pamoate is given orally at anytime without regard to ingestion of food or beverages. A single dose of 11 mg/kg body weight, to a maximum of 1 gm, should be given to treat infestations caused by the parasites mentioned above. In the case of Pinworm, it is often wise to repeat the dose after an interval of 2 weeks.

Pyrantel Pamoate is well tolerated in recommended dosage. When given in large dosage, Pyrantel Pamoate may cause gastrointestinal upset such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other side effects that may occur in rare occasions are headache, dizziness and rash.

Known hypersensitivity to pyrantel or any ingredient in the formulation.

Since Pyrantel Pamoate and Piperazine appear to be mutually antagonistic, Pyrantel Pamoate should not be given together with Piperazine. Pyrantel Pamoate should be kept out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: Since Pyrantel Pamoate has not been studied in pregnant women, use of Pyrantel Pamoate in such patients is normally contraindicated. Pyrantel Pamoate is not recommended for children below 1 year of age.

Pediatric Use: Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age;a use in this age group only when potential benefits justify possible risks.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with preexisting liver dysfunction.

Glucocorticoids

Pharmacodynamic properties: Methylprednisolone Is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system. Glucocorticoids primarily bind to and activate intracellular glucocorticoid receptors that being activated bind to promoter regions of DMA (which may activate or suppress transcription) and activate transcription factors that result in inactivation of genes through deacetylation of histones. Methylprednisolone influences the kidney and fluid & electrolyte balance, lipid,
protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, skeletal muscle, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system.

Pharmacokinetic properties: The absolute bioavailability of Methylprednisclone is generally high (82% to 89%) following oral administration and rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is achieved around 1.5 to 2.3 hours across doses following oral administration in normal healthy adults. Methylprednisolone is widely distributed into the tissues and its volume of distribution is 41-61.5 liter. It crosses the Wood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and is secreted in breast milk. The plasma protein binding of Methylprednisolone in humans is approximately 77%. Methylprednisolone is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. No dosing adjustments are necessary for renal failure. Methylprednisolone is haemodializable.

The usual range is 2-48 mg daily in divided doses, depending on the specific disease being treated. 

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive initial dosage: As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive, the initial dosage of Methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4-48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated, in situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory dirtied response, Methylprednisolone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. It should be emphasized that dosage requirements are variable and must be Individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient.

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive maintenance dosage: After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

Multiple Sclerosis: In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 160 mg of Methylprednisolone for a week followed by 64 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective.

Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet can be used to treat and to control severe allergy end dermatitis following the guideline listed below to minimize the steroid withdrawal syndromes:

• Day 1: 2 tablets before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 2: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 3: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 4: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 5: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 6: 1 tablet before breakfast

Alternate-day therapy (ADT): Alternate-day therapy is a corticosteroid dosing regimen in which twice the usual daily dose of corticoid is administered every other morning. The purpose of this mode of therapy is to provide the patient requiring long-term pharmacologic dose treatment with the beneficial effects of corticoids, white minimizing certain undesirable effects, including pituitary-adrenal suppression, Cushingoid stats, Corficoid withdrawal symptoms, and growth suppression in children.

The following should be kept in mind when considering alternate-day therapy:

• Basic principles and indications for corticosteroid therapy should be applied.
• Alternate-day therapy is a therapeutic technique primarily designed for pefienis in whom long-term pharmacologic corticoid therapy is anticipated.
• In less severe disease processes in which corticoid therapy is indicated, it may be possible to initiate treatment with alternate-day therapy. More severe disease state usually will require daily divided high dose therapy for initiai control of the disease process. The initial suppressive dose level should be continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, usually four to ten days in the case of many allergic and collagen diseases.

Short courses of Methylprednisolone are usually well-tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of Methyiprednisoione may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of Methylprednisolone should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects. Alternate day dosing also can help reduce side effects. Side effects of Methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth on the face, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances including depression, euphoria, insomnia etc. Prolonged use of Methylprednisolone can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Methylprednisolone in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with accompanying nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of Methylprednisolone usually is accomplished by gradually lowering the dose. Gradually tapering Methylprednisolone not only minimizes the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, it also reduces the risk of an abrupt flare of the disease being treated.

Systemic fungal infections arid known hypersensitivity to components.

Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully observed.

Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin and Ketoconazole inhibit the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. Estrogens, including With control pills, can increase the effect of corticosteroids by 50%. Cyclosporin reduces the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. while Methylprednisolone reduces the metabolism of Cyclosporin. Methylprednisolone may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin). For all these Interactions, the dose of Methylprednisolone may need to be lowered.

Pregnancy category C. Dregs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk te the foetus. Mefhyiprednisofone has not been adequately evaluated in nursing mothers.

Report of acute toxicity and/or death following an overdose of glucocorticoid ere rare. No specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Serum electrolytes should be monitored.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Glucocorticoids

Pharmacodynamic properties: Methylprednisolone Is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system. Glucocorticoids primarily bind to and activate intracellular glucocorticoid receptors that being activated bind to promoter regions of DMA (which may activate or suppress transcription) and activate transcription factors that result in inactivation of genes through deacetylation of histones. Methylprednisolone influences the kidney and fluid & electrolyte balance, lipid,
protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, skeletal muscle, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system.

Pharmacokinetic properties: The absolute bioavailability of Methylprednisclone is generally high (82% to 89%) following oral administration and rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is achieved around 1.5 to 2.3 hours across doses following oral administration in normal healthy adults. Methylprednisolone is widely distributed into the tissues and its volume of distribution is 41-61.5 liter. It crosses the Wood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and is secreted in breast milk. The plasma protein binding of Methylprednisolone in humans is approximately 77%. Methylprednisolone is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. No dosing adjustments are necessary for renal failure. Methylprednisolone is haemodializable.

The usual range is 2-48 mg daily in divided doses, depending on the specific disease being treated. 

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive initial dosage: As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive, the initial dosage of Methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4-48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated, in situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory dirtied response, Methylprednisolone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. It should be emphasized that dosage requirements are variable and must be Individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient.

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive maintenance dosage: After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

Multiple Sclerosis: In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 160 mg of Methylprednisolone for a week followed by 64 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective.

Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet can be used to treat and to control severe allergy end dermatitis following the guideline listed below to minimize the steroid withdrawal syndromes:

• Day 1: 2 tablets before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 2: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 3: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 4: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 5: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 6: 1 tablet before breakfast

Alternate-day therapy (ADT): Alternate-day therapy is a corticosteroid dosing regimen in which twice the usual daily dose of corticoid is administered every other morning. The purpose of this mode of therapy is to provide the patient requiring long-term pharmacologic dose treatment with the beneficial effects of corticoids, white minimizing certain undesirable effects, including pituitary-adrenal suppression, Cushingoid stats, Corficoid withdrawal symptoms, and growth suppression in children.

The following should be kept in mind when considering alternate-day therapy:

• Basic principles and indications for corticosteroid therapy should be applied.
• Alternate-day therapy is a therapeutic technique primarily designed for pefienis in whom long-term pharmacologic corticoid therapy is anticipated.
• In less severe disease processes in which corticoid therapy is indicated, it may be possible to initiate treatment with alternate-day therapy. More severe disease state usually will require daily divided high dose therapy for initiai control of the disease process. The initial suppressive dose level should be continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, usually four to ten days in the case of many allergic and collagen diseases.

Short courses of Methylprednisolone are usually well-tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of Methyiprednisoione may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of Methylprednisolone should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects. Alternate day dosing also can help reduce side effects. Side effects of Methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth on the face, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances including depression, euphoria, insomnia etc. Prolonged use of Methylprednisolone can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Methylprednisolone in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with accompanying nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of Methylprednisolone usually is accomplished by gradually lowering the dose. Gradually tapering Methylprednisolone not only minimizes the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, it also reduces the risk of an abrupt flare of the disease being treated.

Systemic fungal infections arid known hypersensitivity to components.

Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully observed.

Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin and Ketoconazole inhibit the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. Estrogens, including With control pills, can increase the effect of corticosteroids by 50%. Cyclosporin reduces the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. while Methylprednisolone reduces the metabolism of Cyclosporin. Methylprednisolone may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin). For all these Interactions, the dose of Methylprednisolone may need to be lowered.

Pregnancy category C. Dregs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk te the foetus. Mefhyiprednisofone has not been adequately evaluated in nursing mothers.

Report of acute toxicity and/or death following an overdose of glucocorticoid ere rare. No specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Serum electrolytes should be monitored.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Glucocorticoids

Pharmacodynamic properties: Methylprednisolone Is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system. Glucocorticoids primarily bind to and activate intracellular glucocorticoid receptors that being activated bind to promoter regions of DMA (which may activate or suppress transcription) and activate transcription factors that result in inactivation of genes through deacetylation of histones. Methylprednisolone influences the kidney and fluid & electrolyte balance, lipid,
protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, skeletal muscle, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system.

Pharmacokinetic properties: The absolute bioavailability of Methylprednisclone is generally high (82% to 89%) following oral administration and rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is achieved around 1.5 to 2.3 hours across doses following oral administration in normal healthy adults. Methylprednisolone is widely distributed into the tissues and its volume of distribution is 41-61.5 liter. It crosses the Wood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and is secreted in breast milk. The plasma protein binding of Methylprednisolone in humans is approximately 77%. Methylprednisolone is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. No dosing adjustments are necessary for renal failure. Methylprednisolone is haemodializable.

The usual range is 2-48 mg daily in divided doses, depending on the specific disease being treated. 

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive initial dosage: As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive, the initial dosage of Methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4-48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated, in situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory dirtied response, Methylprednisolone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. It should be emphasized that dosage requirements are variable and must be Individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient.

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive maintenance dosage: After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

Multiple Sclerosis: In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 160 mg of Methylprednisolone for a week followed by 64 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective.

Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet can be used to treat and to control severe allergy end dermatitis following the guideline listed below to minimize the steroid withdrawal syndromes:

• Day 1: 2 tablets before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 2: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 3: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 4: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 5: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 6: 1 tablet before breakfast

Alternate-day therapy (ADT): Alternate-day therapy is a corticosteroid dosing regimen in which twice the usual daily dose of corticoid is administered every other morning. The purpose of this mode of therapy is to provide the patient requiring long-term pharmacologic dose treatment with the beneficial effects of corticoids, white minimizing certain undesirable effects, including pituitary-adrenal suppression, Cushingoid stats, Corficoid withdrawal symptoms, and growth suppression in children.

The following should be kept in mind when considering alternate-day therapy:

• Basic principles and indications for corticosteroid therapy should be applied.
• Alternate-day therapy is a therapeutic technique primarily designed for pefienis in whom long-term pharmacologic corticoid therapy is anticipated.
• In less severe disease processes in which corticoid therapy is indicated, it may be possible to initiate treatment with alternate-day therapy. More severe disease state usually will require daily divided high dose therapy for initiai control of the disease process. The initial suppressive dose level should be continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, usually four to ten days in the case of many allergic and collagen diseases.

Short courses of Methylprednisolone are usually well-tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of Methyiprednisoione may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of Methylprednisolone should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects. Alternate day dosing also can help reduce side effects. Side effects of Methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth on the face, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances including depression, euphoria, insomnia etc. Prolonged use of Methylprednisolone can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Methylprednisolone in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with accompanying nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of Methylprednisolone usually is accomplished by gradually lowering the dose. Gradually tapering Methylprednisolone not only minimizes the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, it also reduces the risk of an abrupt flare of the disease being treated.

Systemic fungal infections arid known hypersensitivity to components.

Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully observed.

Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin and Ketoconazole inhibit the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. Estrogens, including With control pills, can increase the effect of corticosteroids by 50%. Cyclosporin reduces the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. while Methylprednisolone reduces the metabolism of Cyclosporin. Methylprednisolone may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin). For all these Interactions, the dose of Methylprednisolone may need to be lowered.

Pregnancy category C. Dregs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk te the foetus. Mefhyiprednisofone has not been adequately evaluated in nursing mothers.

Report of acute toxicity and/or death following an overdose of glucocorticoid ere rare. No specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Serum electrolytes should be monitored.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Glucocorticoids

Pharmacodynamic properties: Methylprednisolone Is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with the capacity to profoundly inhibit the immune system. Glucocorticoids primarily bind to and activate intracellular glucocorticoid receptors that being activated bind to promoter regions of DMA (which may activate or suppress transcription) and activate transcription factors that result in inactivation of genes through deacetylation of histones. Methylprednisolone influences the kidney and fluid & electrolyte balance, lipid,
protein, and carbohydrate metabolism, skeletal muscle, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system.

Pharmacokinetic properties: The absolute bioavailability of Methylprednisclone is generally high (82% to 89%) following oral administration and rapidly absorbed and the maximum plasma concentration is achieved around 1.5 to 2.3 hours across doses following oral administration in normal healthy adults. Methylprednisolone is widely distributed into the tissues and its volume of distribution is 41-61.5 liter. It crosses the Wood-brain barrier and the placental barrier and is secreted in breast milk. The plasma protein binding of Methylprednisolone in humans is approximately 77%. Methylprednisolone is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. No dosing adjustments are necessary for renal failure. Methylprednisolone is haemodializable.

The usual range is 2-48 mg daily in divided doses, depending on the specific disease being treated. 

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive initial dosage: As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive, the initial dosage of Methylprednisolone tablets may vary from 4-48 mg per day depending on the specific disease entity being treated, in situations of less severity lower doses will generally suffice while in selected patients higher initial doses may be required. The initial dosage should be maintained or adjusted until a satisfactory response is noted. If after a reasonable period of time there is a lack of satisfactory dirtied response, Methylprednisolone should be discontinued and the patient transferred to other appropriate therapy. It should be emphasized that dosage requirements are variable and must be Individualized on the basis of the disease under treatment and the response of the patient.

As anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive maintenance dosage: After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached. It should be kept in mind that constant monitoring is needed in regard to drug dosage. If after long-term therapy the drug is to be stopped, it is recommended that it be withdrawn gradually rather than abruptly.

Multiple Sclerosis: In the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, daily doses of 160 mg of Methylprednisolone for a week followed by 64 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective.

Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet can be used to treat and to control severe allergy end dermatitis following the guideline listed below to minimize the steroid withdrawal syndromes:

• Day 1: 2 tablets before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 2: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 2 tablets at bedtime
• Day 3: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet after dinner + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 4: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet after lunch + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 5: 1 tablet before breakfast + 1 tablet at bedtime
• Day 6: 1 tablet before breakfast

Alternate-day therapy (ADT): Alternate-day therapy is a corticosteroid dosing regimen in which twice the usual daily dose of corticoid is administered every other morning. The purpose of this mode of therapy is to provide the patient requiring long-term pharmacologic dose treatment with the beneficial effects of corticoids, white minimizing certain undesirable effects, including pituitary-adrenal suppression, Cushingoid stats, Corficoid withdrawal symptoms, and growth suppression in children.

The following should be kept in mind when considering alternate-day therapy:

• Basic principles and indications for corticosteroid therapy should be applied.
• Alternate-day therapy is a therapeutic technique primarily designed for pefienis in whom long-term pharmacologic corticoid therapy is anticipated.
• In less severe disease processes in which corticoid therapy is indicated, it may be possible to initiate treatment with alternate-day therapy. More severe disease state usually will require daily divided high dose therapy for initiai control of the disease process. The initial suppressive dose level should be continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, usually four to ten days in the case of many allergic and collagen diseases.

Short courses of Methylprednisolone are usually well-tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of Methyiprednisoione may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of Methylprednisolone should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects. Alternate day dosing also can help reduce side effects. Side effects of Methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, hair growth on the face, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances including depression, euphoria, insomnia etc. Prolonged use of Methylprednisolone can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. Abruptly stopping Methylprednisolone in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, with accompanying nausea, vomiting, and even shock. Therefore, withdrawal of Methylprednisolone usually is accomplished by gradually lowering the dose. Gradually tapering Methylprednisolone not only minimizes the symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency, it also reduces the risk of an abrupt flare of the disease being treated.

Systemic fungal infections arid known hypersensitivity to components.

Adrenocortical insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently. There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex because of possible corneal perforation. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully observed.

Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin and Ketoconazole inhibit the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. Estrogens, including With control pills, can increase the effect of corticosteroids by 50%. Cyclosporin reduces the metabolism of Methylprednisolone. while Methylprednisolone reduces the metabolism of Cyclosporin. Methylprednisolone may increase or decrease the effect of blood thinners (e.g. Warfarin). For all these Interactions, the dose of Methylprednisolone may need to be lowered.

Pregnancy category C. Dregs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk te the foetus. Mefhyiprednisofone has not been adequately evaluated in nursing mothers.

Report of acute toxicity and/or death following an overdose of glucocorticoid ere rare. No specific antidote is available; treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Serum electrolytes should be monitored.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.