Find Medicines

Osmotic purgatives

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide. Lactulose is metabolized in the colon by the saccharolytic bacteria, producing low molecular weight organic acids (mainly lactic acid), which lowers the pH of the colon contents, promote the retention of water by an osmotic effect; thus increasing peristaltic activity. Lactulose is minimally absorbed; therefore, the pharmacokinetics of the absorbed material are not relevant to the principal therapeutic action.

In constipation ( chronic constipation):

• Adults: Initially 3-6 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1½-6 tea-spoons daily
• Children up to 14 years: Initially 3 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1-2 tea-spoons daily
• Infants and toddlers: Initially 1-2 tea-spoons daily, In long-term therapy 1 tea-spoon daily

In damaged intestinal flora:

• Adults: 1-2 tea-spoons daily
• Children: 1 tea-spoon daily

For reduction of blood ammonia level:

• Hyper-ammoniemia in hepatopathy: a maximum of 18-30 tea-spoons daily.
• In portal systemic encephalopathy: hourly doses of 6-9 tea-spoons of Lactulose solution may be used to induce the rapid laxation. When the laxative effect has been achieved, the dose may then be reduced.

Occasionally flatulence, cramp and abdominal discomfort can occur at the beginning of treatment; this is rapidly eliminated by reducing the dose. Overdose can result in diarrhoea. In abuse, loss of electrolytes (primarily potassium).

Hypersensitivity to either galactose and or lactose; galactose-free diet, gastro-cardial symptom complex, suspected intestinal obstruction.

Lactulose should be administered with care to patients who are intolerant to lactulose. The dose used in the treatment of (pre) coma hepaticum is usually much higher and may need to be taken into consideration for diabetics.

There is no significant drug interactions with lactulose. The glycosidic effect of cardiac glycosides can be intensified by potassium deficiency in abuse.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Lactulose is B. Studies show that Lactulose has no adverse effects. Decisions regarding use during pregnancy and lactation must be made by registered physician.

There have been no reports of accidental overdosage. In the event of acute overdosage it is expected that diarrhoea and abdominal cramps would be the major symptoms.

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

Bilastine is indicated for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (seasonal and perennial) and urticaria.

Non-sedating antihistamines

Bilastine is a non-sedating, long-acting histamine antagonist with selective peripheral H 1 receptor antagonist affinity and no affinity for muscarinic receptors. Bilastine inhibits histamine-induced wheal and flare skin reactions for 24 hours following single doses.

Adults & adolescents (12 years of age and over): 20 mg tablet once daily for symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, urticaria and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg Bilastine (1 tablet) and should not be exceeded. If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken. An extra dose should not be taken. 20 mg Bilastine tablet (1 tablet) once daily should be swallowed with water on an empty stomach to achieve optimal exposure to Bilastine.

Children between 6 to 11 years: 10 mg mouth dissolving tablet for the symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria. The Mouth dissolving tablet is for oral use only. It should be placed in the mouth. It will disperse rapidly in saliva and can be easily swallowed. Alternatively, the mouth dissolving tablet can be dispersed in a tea spoon of water before being swallowed by the children. The maximum recommended daily dose for children in between 6 to 11 years is 10 mg Bilastine mouth dissolving tablet (1 tablet) and should not be exceeded. If a dose is missed, the next scheduled dose should be taken. An extra dose should not be taken.

Children between 2 to 11 years: 4 ml once daily.

The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trial are headache, dizziness, somnolence and fatigue. These adverse events occurred with a comparable frequency in patients receiving placebo.

Bilastine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients of the tablet.

Co-administration of Bilastine and P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g. Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Cyclosporine, Ritonavir or Diltiazem) should be avoided in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.

Concomitant intake of Bilastine and Ketoconazole or Erythromycin or Diltiazem increased C max of Bilastine. The psychomotor performance after concomitant intake of alcohol and Bilastine was similar to that observed after intake of alcohol and placebo. Concomitant intake of Bilastine and Lorazepam 3 mg for 8 days did not potentiate the depressant CNS effects of Lorazepam.

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of Bilastine in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity, parturition or postnatal development. As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Bilastine during pregnancy. The excretion of Bilastine in milk has not been studied in humans. A decision must be made taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of Bilastine therapy for the mother.

Efficacy and safety of Bilastine in children under 2 years of age have not been established and there is little clinical experience in children aged 2 to 5 years, therefore Bilastine should not be used in these age groups.

In clinical trials, after administration of Bilastine at doses 10 to 11 times the therapeutic dose (220 mg as single dose; or 200 mg/day for 7 days) frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events was two times higher than with placebo. The adverse reactions most frequently reported were dizziness, headache and nausea. No serious adverse events and no significant prolongation in the QTc interval were reported.

Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Busulfan is indicated for Chronic myeloid leukaemia, Polycythemia vera, Essential thrombocythemia, Conditioning regimens for bone marrow transplantation, Conditioning regimens for bone marrow transplantation

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

Busulfan is an alkylating agent that contains 2 labile methanesulfonate groups attached to opposite ends of a 4-carbon alkyl chain. Once busulfan is hydrolyzed, the methanesulfonate groups are released and carbonium ions are produced. These carbonium ions alkylate DNA, which results in the interference of DNA replication and RNA transcription, ultimately leading to the disruption of nucleic acid function. Specifically, its mechanism of action through alkylation produces guanine-adenine intrastrand crosslinks. This occurs through an SN2 reaction in which the relatively nucleophilic guanine N7 attacks the carbon adjacent to the mesylate leaving group. This kind of damage cannot be repaired by cellular machinery and thus the cell undergoes apoptosis.

Polycythemia vera:

• Adult: 4-6 mg daily continued for 4-6 wk with blood count monitoring, particularly platelet. Further courses may be given if relapse occurs; alternatively, a maintenance therapy approx half the induction dose may be given.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia:

• Adult: Remission induction: Initially, 0.06 mg/kg daily. Max: 4 mg daily. May increase dose if response is inadequate after 3 wk. Continue until WBC count falls to 15,000-25,000 cells/mm³ (usually 12-20 wk); may stop earlier if platelet count is <100,000 cells/mm³. Maintenance: If WBC count rises to 50,000 cells/mm³ or symptoms return: Resume induction dose; if remission is <3 mth: 0.5-2 mg daily, given as continuous maintenance.
• Child: Same as adult dose.

Essential thrombocythemia:

• Adult: 2-4 mg daily.

Bone marrow depression, manifested as leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia; hyperpigmentation, GI disturbances, impaired fertility and gonadal function. Rarely, dry skin, gynaecomastia, cataract formation, at high doses, CNS effects including convulsions.

Patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia whose disease was resistant to prior therapy with the drug; definitive diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia has not firmly established.

Discontinue if lung toxicity develops. Severe hepatic or renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Additive myelosuppression with other myelosuppressive agents. Cytotoxic agents may increase risk of pulmonary toxicity. May reduce response to vaccines, possibility of generalised infections with live vaccines. Increased risk of adverse effects if given in conjunction with or soon after radiotherapy. Decreased clearance when used wit cyclophosphamide, itraconazole or paracetamol. Combination with thioguanine may result in oesophageal varices, hepatotoxicity and portal HTN. Increased clearance by phenytoin.

Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk

Symptoms: Myelosuppression, bone marrow depression, pancytopenia.
Management: Supportive treatment. Consider haemodialysis.

Tab: Store below 25°C.
Inj concentrate: Store between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze.

Vitamin B1, B6 & B12 is indicated for the treatment of vitamin B1, B6 & B12 deficiency syndrome. It is also indicated for the supportive treatment of neuritis & non-inflammatory diseases of the nerves, e.g.- Diabetic neuropathy, Peripheral neuralgin, Lumbago, Myalgia, Optic neuritis, Sciatica, Facial neuralgia, Intercostal neuralgia, Spinal pain.

Specific combined vitamin preparations

Vitamin B1 converts carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids into energy, promotes healthy nerves, improves mood, strengthens the heart. Vitamin B6 forms RBCs, helps cells to make proteins, manufactures neurotransmitters e.g. serotonin and releases stored forms of energy, helps to prevent CVS diseases and stroke, helps to lift depression and eases insomnia. Vitamin B12 is essential for cell replication and important for RBC production, prevents anemia, helps to prevent depression, reduces nerve pain, numbness, tingling and lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The vitamin ingredients are absorbed well in per oral reception. It is widely distributed to most tissues and appears in breast milk. Within the cell, thiamine is mostly present as diphosphate. Thiamine is not stored to any appreciable extent in the body and amounts in excess of the body’s requirements are excreted in the urine as unchanged thiamine or as metabolites. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are readily absorbed from the GIT following oral administration and are converted to the active forms of pyridoxal phosphate an pyridoxamine phosphate. They are stored mainly in liver where there is oxidation to 4-pyridoxic acid and other inactive metabolites, which are excreted in urine. As the dose increases, proportionally greater amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine.

Tablet: 1-3 Tablets per day or as advised by the physician.

Injection:

• In severe (acute) cases: 1 injection daily until the acute symptoms subside or taken as advised by the physician.
• In mild cases: 1 injection 2-3 times per week. Ampoules are preferably injected intramuscularly.

Use in children: There is no information on the use of this drug in children.

Generally well tolerated but allergic reactions may be observed in few cases.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 is contraindicated in patients on levodopa therapy, and in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the preparation.

Cyanocobalamin should not be given in patients with subacute degeneration of the spinal cord. Cyanocobalamin is not suitable form of vitamin B12 for the treatment of optic neuropathies associated with raised plasma concentrations of cyanocobalamin.

No drug interaction has been reported yet.

Oral tablet form is recommended but due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, injection is not recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

No overdosage symptoms are to be expected in the recommended dosage. If there is known overdose then treatment is symptomatic & supportive.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool (below 25°C temperature) and dry place, protected from light.

Baclofen is indicated in-

• spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
• flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus and muscular rigidity
• skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders
• spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
• cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease

Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating the GABA_B receptors, which inhibits the release of glutamate and aspartate. It may also act at intraspinal sites producing CNS depression. Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect.

Adult & children over 10 years: 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily.

Children <10 years: Treatment is usually started with 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) given 4 times daily then raised according to requirement. Daily maintenance dose-

• 12 month-2 years: 10-20 mg (10-20 ml)
• 2 years-6 years: 20-30 mg (20-30 ml)
• 6 years-10 years: 30-60 mg (30-60 ml)

The most common adverse reactions associated with Baclofen are transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.

• Central Nervous System: Headache (<10%), insomnia (<10%), and rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, co-ordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizures, respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%), rare instances of dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and positive test for occult blood in stool.
• Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, haematuria.
• Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle oedema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, hepatic function disorders and paradoxical increase in spasticity. Muscular hypotonia of a degree sufficient to make walking or movement difficult may occur but is usually relieved by readjusting the dosage. For this purpose, the daytime dosage may be reduced and the evening dosage increased.

Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Pregnancy category B3. Safe use of Baclofen during pregnancy has not been established. Baclofen crosses the placental barrier. Baclofen should only be administered to pregnant women when in the judgement of the physician concludes that the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Baclofen is excreted in breast milk however evidence to date suggests that the quantities are so small that no undesirable effects on the infant would be expected.

Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.

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

Baclofen is indicated in-

• spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
• flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus and muscular rigidity
• skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders
• spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
• cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease

Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating the GABA_B receptors, which inhibits the release of glutamate and aspartate. It may also act at intraspinal sites producing CNS depression. Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect.

Adult & children over 10 years: 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily.

Children <10 years: Treatment is usually started with 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) given 4 times daily then raised according to requirement. Daily maintenance dose-

• 12 month-2 years: 10-20 mg (10-20 ml)
• 2 years-6 years: 20-30 mg (20-30 ml)
• 6 years-10 years: 30-60 mg (30-60 ml)

The most common adverse reactions associated with Baclofen are transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.

• Central Nervous System: Headache (<10%), insomnia (<10%), and rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, co-ordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizures, respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%), rare instances of dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and positive test for occult blood in stool.
• Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, haematuria.
• Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle oedema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, hepatic function disorders and paradoxical increase in spasticity. Muscular hypotonia of a degree sufficient to make walking or movement difficult may occur but is usually relieved by readjusting the dosage. For this purpose, the daytime dosage may be reduced and the evening dosage increased.

Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Pregnancy category B3. Safe use of Baclofen during pregnancy has not been established. Baclofen crosses the placental barrier. Baclofen should only be administered to pregnant women when in the judgement of the physician concludes that the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Baclofen is excreted in breast milk however evidence to date suggests that the quantities are so small that no undesirable effects on the infant would be expected.

Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.

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

Lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of Lenalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos, Ikaros, and CK1α) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Lenalidomide inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of certain hematopoietic tumor cells including MM, mantle cell lymphoma, and del (5q) myelodysplastic syndromes in vitro. Lenalidomide causes a delay in tumor growth in some in vivo nonclinical hematopoietic tumor models including MM. Immunomodulatory properties of Lenalidomide include increased number and activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells leading to direct and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, increased numbers of NKT cells, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. In MM cells, the combination of Lenalidomide and Dxamethasone synergizes the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.

Absorption: Lenalidomide is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. Following single and multiple doses of Lenalidomide in patients with MM or MDS, the maximum plasma concentrations occurred between 0.5 and 6 hours post-dose. The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of Lenalidomide is linear with AUC and Cmax values increasing proportionally with dose. Multiple doses of Lenalidomide at the recommended dosage does not result in drug accumulation. Administration of a single 25 mg dose of Lenalidomide with a high-fat meal in healthy subjects reduces the extent of absorption, with an approximate 20% decrease in AUC and 50% decrease in Cmax. In the trials where the efficacy and safety were established for Lenalidomide, the drug was administered without regard to food intake. Lenalidomide can be administered with or without food. The oral absorption rate of Lenalidomide in patients with MCL is similar to that observed in patients with MM or MDS.

Distribution: In vitro [14 C]-Lenalidomide binding to plasma proteins is approximately 30%. Lenalidomide is present in semen at 2 hours (1379 ng/ejaculate) and 24 hours (35 ng/ejaculate) after the administration of Lenalidomide 25 mg daily.

Elimination: The mean half-life of Lenalidomide is 3 hours in healthy subjects and 3 to 5 hours in patients with MM, MDS or MCL.

Metabolism: Lenalidomide undergoes limited metabolism. Unchanged Lenalidomide is the predominant circulating component in humans. Two identified metabolites are 5¬ Hydroxy-Lenalidomide and N-Acetyl Lenalidomide; each constitutes less than 5% of parent levels in circulation.

Excretion: Elimination is primarily renal. Following a single oral administration of [14 C]-Lenalidomide 25 mg to healthy subjects, approximately 90% and 4% of the radioactive dose was eliminated within ten days in urine and feces, respectively. Approximately 82% of the radioactive dose was excreted as Lenalidomide in the urine within 24 hours. Hydroxy-Lenalidomide and N-Acetyl-Lenalidomide represented 4.6% and 1.8% of the excreted dose, respectively. The renal clearance of Lenalidomide exceeds the glomerular filtration rate.

Lenalidomide Combination Therapy: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with Dexamethasone. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of Dexamethasone may be reduced. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a Lenalidomide-containing therapy.

Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT: Following auto-HSCT, initiate Lenalidomide maintenance therapy after adequate hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1000/mcL and/or platelet counts at least 75,000/mcL). The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 10 mg once daily continuously (Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycles) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After 3 cycles of maintenance therapy, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily if tolerated.

Recommended Dosage for Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Recommended Dosage for Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 25 mg/day orally on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Treatment is continued, modified or discontinued based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma or Marginal Zone Lymphoma: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 20 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles of treatment in combination with a Rituximab-product.

Patients should be advised to take Lenalidomide orally at about the same time each day, either with or without food. Patients should be advised to swallow Lenalidomide capsules whole with water and not to open, break, or chew them.

Embryo-fetal toxicity, hematologic toxicity, venous and arterial thromboembolism, increased mortality in patients with CLL, second primary malignancies, hepatotoxicity, severe cutaneous reaction tumor lysis syndrome, tumor flare reactions, impaired stem cell mobilization, thyroid disorders. early mortality in patients with MCL, hypersensitivity. Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Lenalidomide is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to Lenalidomide.

Pregnancy: Lenalidomide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide’s structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus 

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Lenalidomide is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity

Lenalidomide REMS Program: Because of the embryo-fetal risk, Lenalidomide is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), the Lenalidomide REMS
program. Required components of the Lenalidomide REMS program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• Patients must sign a Patient-Physician agreement form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements and males must comply with contraception requirements.
• Pharmacies must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive Lenalidomide and comply with REMS requirements.

Hematologic Toxicity: Lenalidomide can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Advise patients to observe for bleeding or bruising, especially with use of concomitant medication that may increase risk of bleeding. Patients taking Lenalidomide should have their complete blood counts assessed periodically as described below. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide in combination with Dexamethasone or as Lenalidomide maintenance therapy for MM every 7 days (weekly) for the first 2 cycles, on Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 3, and every 28 days (4 weeks) thereafter. A dose interruption and/or dose reduction may be required. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for MDS weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for MCL weekly for the first cycle (28 days), every 2 weeks during cycles 2-4, and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for FL or MZL weekly for the first 3 weeks of Cycle 1 (28 days), every 2 weeks during Cycles 24, and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE [DVT and PE]) and arterial thromboembolic events (ATE, myocardial infarction and stroke) are increased in patients treated with Lenalidomide. Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g. hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. The regimen of thromboprophylaxis should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks. Instruct patients to report immediately any signs and symptoms suggestive of thrombotic events. ESAs and estrogens may further increase the risk of thrombosis and their use should be based on a benefit-risk decision in patients receiving Lenalidomide.

Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL: Lenalidomide is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL outside of controlled clinical trials.

Second Primary Malignancies: Monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies. Take into account both the potential benefit of Lenalidomide and the risk of second primary malignancies when considering treatment with Lenalidomide.

Increased Mortality in Patients with MM When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone: Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus Dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with Lenalidomide in combination with Dexamethasone. The mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity is unknown. Pre-existing viral liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may be risk factors. Monitor liver enzymes periodically. Stop Lenalidomide upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

Severe Cutaneous Reactions Including Hypersensitivity Reactions: Angioedema and severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever, and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or pericarditis. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive Lenalidomide. Lenalidomide interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. Lenalidomide must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS, TEN or DRESS is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Monitor patients at risk closely and take appropriate preventive approaches. Tumor Flare Reaction: Monitoring and evaluation for TFR is recommended in patients with MCL, FL, or MZL. Tumor flare reaction may mimic the progression of disease (PD).

Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization: A decrease in the number of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (>4 cycles) with Lenalidomide has been reported. In patients who are auto-HSCT candidates, referral to a transplant center should occur early in treatment to optimize the timing of the stem cell collection. In patients who received more than 4 cycles of a Lenalidomide-containing treatment or for whom inadequate numbers of CD 34+ cells have been collected with G-CSF alone, G-CSF with cyclophosphamide or the combination of GCSF with a CXCR4 inhibitor may be considered.

Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported. Measure thyroid function before the start of Lenalidomide treatment and during therapy.

Digoxin: When Digoxin was co-administered with multiple doses of Lenalidomide (10 mg/day) the Digoxin Cmax and AUCinf were increased by 14%. Periodic monitoring of Digoxin plasma levels, in accordance with clinical judgment and based on standard clinical practice in patients receiving this medication, is recommended during administration of Lenalidomide.

Concomitant Therapies That May Increase the Risk of Thrombosis: Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thrombosis, such as estrogen-containing therapies, should be used with caution after making a benefit-risk assessment in patients receiving Lenalidomide.

Warfarin: Co-administration of multiple doses of Lenalidomide (10 mg/day) with a single dose of Warfarin (25 mg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of Lenalidomide or R- and S-Warfarin. It is not known whether there is an interaction between Dexamethasone and Warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant Warfarin.

Based on the mechanism of action, Lenalidomide can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. There is no information regarding the presence of Lenalidomide in human milk, the effects of Lenalidomide on the breastfed infant, or the effects of Lenalidomide on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed infants from Lenalidomide, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Lenalidomide.

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

There is no specific experience in the management of Lenalidomide overdose in patients with MM, MDS, or MCL.

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

Lenalidomide is an analogue of thalidomide with immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic, and antineoplastic properties. Cellular activities of Lenalidomide are mediated through its target cereblon, a component of a cullin ring E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme complex. In vitro, in the presence of drug, substrate proteins (including Aiolos, Ikaros, and CK1α) are targeted for ubiquitination and subsequent degradation leading to direct cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. Lenalidomide inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of certain hematopoietic tumor cells including MM, mantle cell lymphoma, and del (5q) myelodysplastic syndromes in vitro. Lenalidomide causes a delay in tumor growth in some in vivo nonclinical hematopoietic tumor models including MM. Immunomodulatory properties of Lenalidomide include increased number and activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells leading to direct and enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) via increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma, increased numbers of NKT cells, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-6) by monocytes. In MM cells, the combination of Lenalidomide and Dxamethasone synergizes the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.

Absorption: Lenalidomide is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. Following single and multiple doses of Lenalidomide in patients with MM or MDS, the maximum plasma concentrations occurred between 0.5 and 6 hours post-dose. The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic disposition of Lenalidomide is linear with AUC and Cmax values increasing proportionally with dose. Multiple doses of Lenalidomide at the recommended dosage does not result in drug accumulation. Administration of a single 25 mg dose of Lenalidomide with a high-fat meal in healthy subjects reduces the extent of absorption, with an approximate 20% decrease in AUC and 50% decrease in Cmax. In the trials where the efficacy and safety were established for Lenalidomide, the drug was administered without regard to food intake. Lenalidomide can be administered with or without food. The oral absorption rate of Lenalidomide in patients with MCL is similar to that observed in patients with MM or MDS.

Distribution: In vitro [14 C]-Lenalidomide binding to plasma proteins is approximately 30%. Lenalidomide is present in semen at 2 hours (1379 ng/ejaculate) and 24 hours (35 ng/ejaculate) after the administration of Lenalidomide 25 mg daily.

Elimination: The mean half-life of Lenalidomide is 3 hours in healthy subjects and 3 to 5 hours in patients with MM, MDS or MCL.

Metabolism: Lenalidomide undergoes limited metabolism. Unchanged Lenalidomide is the predominant circulating component in humans. Two identified metabolites are 5¬ Hydroxy-Lenalidomide and N-Acetyl Lenalidomide; each constitutes less than 5% of parent levels in circulation.

Excretion: Elimination is primarily renal. Following a single oral administration of [14 C]-Lenalidomide 25 mg to healthy subjects, approximately 90% and 4% of the radioactive dose was eliminated within ten days in urine and feces, respectively. Approximately 82% of the radioactive dose was excreted as Lenalidomide in the urine within 24 hours. Hydroxy-Lenalidomide and N-Acetyl-Lenalidomide represented 4.6% and 1.8% of the excreted dose, respectively. The renal clearance of Lenalidomide exceeds the glomerular filtration rate.

Lenalidomide Combination Therapy: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 25 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles in combination with Dexamethasone. For patients greater than 75 years old, the starting dose of Dexamethasone may be reduced. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In patients who are not eligible for auto-HSCT, treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. For patients who are auto-HSCT-eligible, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization should occur within 4 cycles of a Lenalidomide-containing therapy.

Lenalidomide Maintenance Therapy Following Auto-HSCT: Following auto-HSCT, initiate Lenalidomide maintenance therapy after adequate hematologic recovery (ANC at least 1000/mcL and/or platelet counts at least 75,000/mcL). The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 10 mg once daily continuously (Days 1-28 of repeated 28-day cycles) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After 3 cycles of maintenance therapy, the dose can be increased to 15 mg once daily if tolerated.

Recommended Dosage for Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 10 mg daily. Treatment is continued or modified based upon clinical and laboratory findings. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Recommended Dosage for Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 25 mg/day orally on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. Treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Treatment is continued, modified or discontinued based upon clinical and laboratory findings.

Recommended Dosage for Follicular Lymphoma or Marginal Zone Lymphoma: The recommended starting dose of Lenalidomide is 20 mg orally once daily on Days 1-21 of repeated 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles of treatment in combination with a Rituximab-product.

Patients should be advised to take Lenalidomide orally at about the same time each day, either with or without food. Patients should be advised to swallow Lenalidomide capsules whole with water and not to open, break, or chew them.

Embryo-fetal toxicity, hematologic toxicity, venous and arterial thromboembolism, increased mortality in patients with CLL, second primary malignancies, hepatotoxicity, severe cutaneous reaction tumor lysis syndrome, tumor flare reactions, impaired stem cell mobilization, thyroid disorders. early mortality in patients with MCL, hypersensitivity. Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Lenalidomide is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) to Lenalidomide.

Pregnancy: Lenalidomide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female. Limb abnormalities were seen in the offspring of monkeys that were dosed with lenalidomide during organogenesis. This effect was seen at all doses tested. Due to the results of this developmental monkey study, and lenalidomide’s structural similarities to thalidomide, a known human teratogen, lenalidomide is contraindicated in females who are pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to a fetus 

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions: Lenalidomide is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated severe hypersensitivity

Lenalidomide REMS Program: Because of the embryo-fetal risk, Lenalidomide is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), the Lenalidomide REMS
program. Required components of the Lenalidomide REMS program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program by enrolling and complying with the REMS requirements.
• Patients must sign a Patient-Physician agreement form and comply with the REMS requirements. In particular, female patients of reproductive potential who are not pregnant must comply with the pregnancy testing and contraception requirements and males must comply with contraception requirements.
• Pharmacies must be certified with the Lenalidomide REMS program, must only dispense to patients who are authorized to receive Lenalidomide and comply with REMS requirements.

Hematologic Toxicity: Lenalidomide can cause significant neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Advise patients to observe for bleeding or bruising, especially with use of concomitant medication that may increase risk of bleeding. Patients taking Lenalidomide should have their complete blood counts assessed periodically as described below. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide in combination with Dexamethasone or as Lenalidomide maintenance therapy for MM every 7 days (weekly) for the first 2 cycles, on Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 3, and every 28 days (4 weeks) thereafter. A dose interruption and/or dose reduction may be required. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for MDS weekly for the first 8 weeks and at least monthly thereafter. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for MCL weekly for the first cycle (28 days), every 2 weeks during cycles 2-4, and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction. Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) in patients taking Lenalidomide for FL or MZL weekly for the first 3 weeks of Cycle 1 (28 days), every 2 weeks during Cycles 24, and then monthly thereafter. Patients may require dose interruption and/or dose reduction.

Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE [DVT and PE]) and arterial thromboembolic events (ATE, myocardial infarction and stroke) are increased in patients treated with Lenalidomide. Patients with known risk factors, including prior thrombosis, may be at greater risk and actions should be taken to try to minimize all modifiable factors (e.g. hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking). Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. The regimen of thromboprophylaxis should be based on an assessment of the patient’s underlying risks. Instruct patients to report immediately any signs and symptoms suggestive of thrombotic events. ESAs and estrogens may further increase the risk of thrombosis and their use should be based on a benefit-risk decision in patients receiving Lenalidomide.

Increased Mortality in Patients with CLL: Lenalidomide is not indicated and not recommended for use in CLL outside of controlled clinical trials.

Second Primary Malignancies: Monitor patients for the development of second primary malignancies. Take into account both the potential benefit of Lenalidomide and the risk of second primary malignancies when considering treatment with Lenalidomide.

Increased Mortality in Patients with MM When Pembrolizumab Is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone: Treatment of patients with MM with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus Dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials.

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatic failure, including fatal cases, has occurred in patients treated with Lenalidomide in combination with Dexamethasone. The mechanism of drug-induced hepatotoxicity is unknown. Pre-existing viral liver disease, elevated baseline liver enzymes, and concomitant medications may be risk factors. Monitor liver enzymes periodically. Stop Lenalidomide upon elevation of liver enzymes. After return to baseline values, treatment at a lower dose may be considered.

Severe Cutaneous Reactions Including Hypersensitivity Reactions: Angioedema and severe cutaneous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported. DRESS may present with a cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, fever, and/or lymphadenopathy with systemic complications such as hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, and/or pericarditis. These events can be fatal. Patients with a prior history of Grade 4 rash associated with thalidomide treatment should not receive Lenalidomide. Lenalidomide interruption or discontinuation should be considered for Grade 2-3 skin rash. Lenalidomide must be discontinued for angioedema, Grade 4 rash, exfoliative or bullous rash, or if SJS, TEN or DRESS is suspected and should not be resumed following discontinuation for these reactions.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Monitor patients at risk closely and take appropriate preventive approaches. Tumor Flare Reaction: Monitoring and evaluation for TFR is recommended in patients with MCL, FL, or MZL. Tumor flare reaction may mimic the progression of disease (PD).

Impaired Stem Cell Mobilization: A decrease in the number of CD34+ cells collected after treatment (>4 cycles) with Lenalidomide has been reported. In patients who are auto-HSCT candidates, referral to a transplant center should occur early in treatment to optimize the timing of the stem cell collection. In patients who received more than 4 cycles of a Lenalidomide-containing treatment or for whom inadequate numbers of CD 34+ cells have been collected with G-CSF alone, G-CSF with cyclophosphamide or the combination of GCSF with a CXCR4 inhibitor may be considered.

Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been reported. Measure thyroid function before the start of Lenalidomide treatment and during therapy.

Digoxin: When Digoxin was co-administered with multiple doses of Lenalidomide (10 mg/day) the Digoxin Cmax and AUCinf were increased by 14%. Periodic monitoring of Digoxin plasma levels, in accordance with clinical judgment and based on standard clinical practice in patients receiving this medication, is recommended during administration of Lenalidomide.

Concomitant Therapies That May Increase the Risk of Thrombosis: Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thrombosis, such as estrogen-containing therapies, should be used with caution after making a benefit-risk assessment in patients receiving Lenalidomide.

Warfarin: Co-administration of multiple doses of Lenalidomide (10 mg/day) with a single dose of Warfarin (25 mg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of Lenalidomide or R- and S-Warfarin. It is not known whether there is an interaction between Dexamethasone and Warfarin. Close monitoring of PT and INR is recommended in patients with MM taking concomitant Warfarin.

Based on the mechanism of action, Lenalidomide can cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female and is contraindicated during pregnancy. There is no information regarding the presence of Lenalidomide in human milk, the effects of Lenalidomide on the breastfed infant, or the effects of Lenalidomide on milk production. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in breastfed infants from Lenalidomide, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Lenalidomide.

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

There is no specific experience in the management of Lenalidomide overdose in patients with MM, MDS, or MCL.

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

Hydroxyurea is indicated for the treatment of resistant chronic myeloid leukemia, locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (excluding the lip) in combination with chemoradiation.

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

Hydroxyurea is converted to a free radical nitroxide (NO) in vivo, and transported by diffusion into cells where it quenches the tyrosyl free radical at the active site of the M2 protein subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, inactivating the enzyme. The entire replicase complex, including ribonucleotide reductase, is inactivated and DNA synthesis is selectively inhibited, producing cell death in S phase and synchronization of the fraction of cells that survive. Repair of DNA damaged by chemicals or irradiation is also inhibited by hydroxyurea, offering potential synergy between hydroxyurea and radiation or alkylating agents. Hydroxyurea also increases the level of fetal hemoglobin, leading to a reduction in the incidence of vasoocclusive crises in sickle cell anemia. Levels of fetal hemoglobin increase in response to activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) by hydroxyurea-derived NO.

Malignancies Chronic myeloid leukaemia: 20-30 mg/kg/day.

Solid tumours: 80 mg/kg every third day. With radiotherapy, start treatment 7 days before initiation of radiotherapy.

Sickle-cell disease: Initial: 15 mg/kg/day. Max: 35 mg/kg/ day. Adjust based on response and blood counts.

Essential thrombocythemia: 15 mg/kg/day. Adjust based on platelet counts.

Gl disturbances, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperuricemia, Renal failure, Rash, Hyperpigmentation. Pulmonary oedema, dermatological reactions, headache, dizziness. Disorientation, drowsiness, hallucinations, convulsions, alopecia.

Severe bone-marrow suppression, severe anaemia, WBC <3000/mm3 or platelet count <100,000/mm3. Pregnancy and lactation. Hypersensitivity.

Regular monitoring of uric acid concentrations, blood counts, renal and hepatic function is recommended. Prior irradiation therapy. Elderly. Avoid use of live vaccines.

Impairs immune response to vaccines; possible infection with live vaccines, zidovudine, zalcitabine. May alter action of oral anticoagulants and phenytoin.

Pregnancy category D. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Lactation: Excreted in breast milk, do not nurse

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

Iron & Vitamin Combined preparations

This is a special preparation of Iron Polymaltose Complex, Folic Acid, Zinc, and B vitamins. Iron Polymaltose Complex is a water soluble, macromolecular complex of poly nuclear iron (III) hydroxide and partially hydrolysed dextrin (Polymaltose). It does not interact with the food components and other medications and so there is no decrease in bioavailability of Iron Polymaltose Complex. This makes sure that with the consumption of this complex, iron gets utilized at a faster rate in the haemoglobin synthesis. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects. Zinc is essential for many metabolic processes, blood formation, wound healing and for immune system. Thiamine is essential for the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. Riboflavin is important for digestion, immune system support and energy production. Pyridoxin is important for brain development, production of red blood cells, metabolism of proteins and to reduce morning sickness. Nicotinamide is important for energy, blood pressure and circulation.

One capsule daily. In more severe cases, 2 capsules a day may be required or as directed by the physician.

Generally well tolerated. However, a few allergic reactions may be seen.

This product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Care should be taken in patients who may develop iron overloads, such as those with haemochromatosis, haemolytic anaemia or red cell aplasia. Iron chelates with tetracycline and absorption may be impaired.

No drug interactions have been reported.

Recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children below 6 years. Avoid higher doses if you have liver disease or hemochromatosis; excess can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, acidosis, darkened stools, abdominal pain. Symptoms may clear in a few hours. Riboflavin is reported to be completely safe and no toxic symptoms have been reported so far. Higher doses of Nicotinamide may cause vomiting, diarrhea. Sensory neuropathy was observed in individuals consuming more than 200 mg Pyridoxine for very long periods. No case of Folic acid overdose has been reported. Zinc toxicity has been seen in both acute and chronic forms. Ingestion of 150 to 450 mg of zinc per day has been associated with low copper status, altered iron function, reduced immune function, and reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins. So, Zinc at its RDA dosage does not cause any significant effect.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.

Baclofen is indicated in-

• spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
• flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus and muscular rigidity
• skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders
• spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
• cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease

Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating the GABA_B receptors, which inhibits the release of glutamate and aspartate. It may also act at intraspinal sites producing CNS depression. Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect.

Adult & children over 10 years: 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily.

Children <10 years: Treatment is usually started with 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) given 4 times daily then raised according to requirement. Daily maintenance dose-

• 12 month-2 years: 10-20 mg (10-20 ml)
• 2 years-6 years: 20-30 mg (20-30 ml)
• 6 years-10 years: 30-60 mg (30-60 ml)

The most common adverse reactions associated with Baclofen are transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.

• Central Nervous System: Headache (<10%), insomnia (<10%), and rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, co-ordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizures, respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%), rare instances of dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and positive test for occult blood in stool.
• Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, haematuria.
• Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle oedema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, hepatic function disorders and paradoxical increase in spasticity. Muscular hypotonia of a degree sufficient to make walking or movement difficult may occur but is usually relieved by readjusting the dosage. For this purpose, the daytime dosage may be reduced and the evening dosage increased.

Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Pregnancy category B3. Safe use of Baclofen during pregnancy has not been established. Baclofen crosses the placental barrier. Baclofen should only be administered to pregnant women when in the judgement of the physician concludes that the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Baclofen is excreted in breast milk however evidence to date suggests that the quantities are so small that no undesirable effects on the infant would be expected.

Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.

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

Baclofen is indicated in-

• spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis
• flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus and muscular rigidity
• skeletal muscle spasm resulting from rheumatic disorders
• spinal cord injuries and other spinal cord diseases
• cerebrovascular accidents or neoplastic or degenerative brain disease

Centrally acting Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

Baclofen inhibits both monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes at the spinal level by stimulating the GABA_B receptors, which inhibits the release of glutamate and aspartate. It may also act at intraspinal sites producing CNS depression. Baclofen also exerts an antinociceptive effect.

Adult & children over 10 years: 5 mg 3 times daily, preferably with or after food, gradually increased; max. 100 mg daily.

Children <10 years: Treatment is usually started with 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) given 4 times daily then raised according to requirement. Daily maintenance dose-

• 12 month-2 years: 10-20 mg (10-20 ml)
• 2 years-6 years: 20-30 mg (20-30 ml)
• 6 years-10 years: 30-60 mg (30-60 ml)

The most common adverse reactions associated with Baclofen are transient drowsiness, daytime sedation, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.

• Central Nervous System: Headache (<10%), insomnia (<10%), and rarely, euphoria, excitement, depression, confusion, hallucinations, paraesthesia, nightmares, muscle pain, tinnitus, slurred speech, co-ordination disorder, tremor, rigidity, dystonia, ataxia, blurred vision, nystagmus, strabismus, miosis, mydriasis, diplopia, dysarthria, epileptic seizures, respiratory depression.
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension (<10%), rare instances of dyspnoea, palpitation, chest pain, syncope.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea (approximately 10%), constipation (<10%) and rarely, dry mouth, anorexia, taste disorder, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and positive test for occult blood in stool.
• Genitourinary: Urinary frequency (<10%) and rarely, enuresis, urinary retention, dysuria, impotence, inability to ejaculate, nocturia, haematuria.
• Other: Instances of rash, pruritus, ankle oedema, excessive perspiration, weight gain, nasal congestion, visual disturbances, hepatic function disorders and paradoxical increase in spasticity. Muscular hypotonia of a degree sufficient to make walking or movement difficult may occur but is usually relieved by readjusting the dosage. For this purpose, the daytime dosage may be reduced and the evening dosage increased.

Baclofen is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component of this product.

Pregnancy category B3. Safe use of Baclofen during pregnancy has not been established. Baclofen crosses the placental barrier. Baclofen should only be administered to pregnant women when in the judgement of the physician concludes that the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards. Baclofen is excreted in breast milk however evidence to date suggests that the quantities are so small that no undesirable effects on the infant would be expected.

Gastric lavage is important in case of severe overdose.

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

Vitamin B1, B6 & B12 is indicated for the treatment of vitamin B1, B6 & B12 deficiency syndrome. It is also indicated for the supportive treatment of neuritis & non-inflammatory diseases of the nerves, e.g.- Diabetic neuropathy, Peripheral neuralgin, Lumbago, Myalgia, Optic neuritis, Sciatica, Facial neuralgia, Intercostal neuralgia, Spinal pain.

Specific combined vitamin preparations

Vitamin B1 converts carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids into energy, promotes healthy nerves, improves mood, strengthens the heart. Vitamin B6 forms RBCs, helps cells to make proteins, manufactures neurotransmitters e.g. serotonin and releases stored forms of energy, helps to prevent CVS diseases and stroke, helps to lift depression and eases insomnia. Vitamin B12 is essential for cell replication and important for RBC production, prevents anemia, helps to prevent depression, reduces nerve pain, numbness, tingling and lowers the risk of heart diseases.

The vitamin ingredients are absorbed well in per oral reception. It is widely distributed to most tissues and appears in breast milk. Within the cell, thiamine is mostly present as diphosphate. Thiamine is not stored to any appreciable extent in the body and amounts in excess of the body’s requirements are excreted in the urine as unchanged thiamine or as metabolites. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine are readily absorbed from the GIT following oral administration and are converted to the active forms of pyridoxal phosphate an pyridoxamine phosphate. They are stored mainly in liver where there is oxidation to 4-pyridoxic acid and other inactive metabolites, which are excreted in urine. As the dose increases, proportionally greater amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine.

Tablet: 1-3 Tablets per day or as advised by the physician.

Injection:

• In severe (acute) cases: 1 injection daily until the acute symptoms subside or taken as advised by the physician.
• In mild cases: 1 injection 2-3 times per week. Ampoules are preferably injected intramuscularly.

Use in children: There is no information on the use of this drug in children.

Generally well tolerated but allergic reactions may be observed in few cases.

Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 is contraindicated in patients on levodopa therapy, and in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the preparation.

Cyanocobalamin should not be given in patients with subacute degeneration of the spinal cord. Cyanocobalamin is not suitable form of vitamin B12 for the treatment of optic neuropathies associated with raised plasma concentrations of cyanocobalamin.

No drug interaction has been reported yet.

Oral tablet form is recommended but due to the presence of benzyl alcohol, injection is not recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

No overdosage symptoms are to be expected in the recommended dosage. If there is known overdose then treatment is symptomatic & supportive.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool (below 25°C temperature) and dry place, protected from light.

Minerals in bone formation, Specific mineral preparations

Calcium carbonate reacts with gastric acid to produce a salt and water. For calcium carbonate the postulated chemical reaction is: CaCO₃+2HCl = CaCl₂+H₂O+CO₂. Two grams of calcium carbonate will readily bring 100 ml of hydrochloric acid to a pH above 6. The increase in gastric pH diminishes the activity of pepsin in the gastric secretion. Up to 30% of the oral calcium load may be absorbed.

250 mg or 500 mg tablet: Calcium Carbonate is always used orally and when used as an antacid the recommended doses for adults are equivalent to 540-2000 mg Calcium Carbonate per day, doses for children being half of those for adults. As a dietary supplement, such as for the prevention of osteoporosis, 1250-3750 mg Calcium Carbonate (500-1500 mg calcium) daily is recommended in general, but again this will need to be tailored to the individual patient depending on any specific disease such as Calcium deficiency, malabsorption or parathyroid function. In pregnancy and lactation the recommended daily dose of calcium is 1200-1500 mg. In chronic renal failure the doses used vary from 2.5-9.0 gm Calcium Carbonate per day and need to be adjusted according to the individual patient. To maximize effective phosphate binding in this context the Calcium Carbonate should be given with meals.

1000 mg tablet: 2000-3000 mg tablet when symptoms occur; may be repeated hourly if needed or as directed by the physician.

Orally administered Calcium Carbonate may be irritating to the GI tract. It may also cause constipation. Hypercalcaemia is rarely produced by administration of calcium alone, but may occur when large doses are given to patients with chronic renal failure.

• Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism
• Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Concomitant digoxin therapy (requires careful monitoring of serum calcium level)

When hypercalcaemia occurs, discontinuation of the drug is usually sufficient to return serum calcium concentrations to normal. Calcium salts should be used cautiously in patients with sarcoidosis, renal or cardiac disease, and in patients receiving cardiac glycosides.

Calcium Carbonate may enhance the cardiac effects of digoxin and other cardiac glycosides, if systemic hypercalcaemia occurs. Calcium Carbonate may interfere with the absorption of concomitantly administered tetracycline preparations and in chronic renal failure modification of vitamin D therapy may be required to avoid hypercalcaemia when Calcium Carbonate is used as the primary phosphate binder.

Calcium containing drugs have been widely used in pregnancy by way of oral calcium supplementation or antacid therapy. Calcium Carbonate can be used in lactating women too.

Use in children: Calcium carbonate has been extensively studied in children and infants with chronic renal failure and is both safe and effective.

Use in elderly: In case of elderly patients with renal failure when calcium carbonate is taken constipation may be troublesome one for this group. For this reason, monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate is of course indicated for elderly patients.

Store in a cool, dry place in controlled room temperature.

Specific mineral & vitamin combined preparations

This is the preparation of Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of our body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin D3 helps for the absorption & reabsorption of Calcium. Vitamin D3 also stimulates bone formation. Clinical studies showed that Calcium and Vitamin D3 all together helps in bone growth, and in prevention of osteoporosis & bone fracture.

Calcium 500 mg and Vitamin D3 200 IU Tablet: 2 tablets daily or 1 tablet twice daily. It is best taken with or just after a meal to improve absorption.

Calcium 500 mg and Vitamin D3 400 IU Tablet: 1 tablet twice daily. It is best taken with or just after a meal to improve absorption.

It is generally well tolerated. If there is experience like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dry mouth, increased thirst, increased urination while taking, noticed to physicians. Constipation may occur.

It is contraindicated in case of hypercalcaemia, hyperthyroidism, renal calculi & nephrolithiasis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

If there is any pre-existing heart disease or kidney disease, precautions should be taken.

It has possible interaction with calcium, aluminium or magnesium containing antacids &  other calcium supplements, calcitriol & other vitamin D3 supplements; digoxin, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline or oxytetracycline.

This combination should be used as directed by physician during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

Symptoms of overdosage may include nausea and vomiting, severe drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, metallic taste, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache, constipation.

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

Bisoprolol is indicated in-

• Hypertension
• Angina
• Moderate to severe heart failure

Bisoprolol is not recommended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Anti adrenergic agent (Beta blockers), Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, Beta-blockers

Bisoprolol Hemifumarate is the most selective ß1 blocker. It displays highest level of affinity for the ß1 receptor than any other beta-blocker available up to now. Selectively blocks ß1 adrenergic receptor in the heart and vascular smooth muscle and reduces heart rate and cardiac output resulting in decrease of arterial hypertension. Lipid metabolism can be adversely affected by ß-blockers, in patients with non-ß1 selective ß1-blocker, but Bisoprolol does not cause any change in the cholesterol fraction including the cardioprotective HDL-cholesterol, in long-term therapy.

Adult: In the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, Bisoprolol fumarate must be individualized to the needs of the patient. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily either added to a diuretic or alone. If the response to 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily. An appropriate interval for dose titration is 2 weeks. Increasing the dose beyond 20 mg once daily produces only a small incremental benefit.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Patients With Renal or Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min) as in other patients, the initial daily dose should be 5 mg. Because of the possibility of accumulation, caution must be used in dose titration. Since limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialysable, drug replacement is not necessary in patients undergoing dialysis.

Geriatrics: In the elderly, it is not usually necessary to adjust the dose, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction

Bisoprolol, like any medication, may have some side effects. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects especially if you experience one of the following for several days. The most common side effects, whether or not caused by Bisoprolol, are: headache, fatigue, urinary tract infection, rhinitis or sinusitis (inflammation in the nose), diarrhea, dizziness, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles), joint pain, cough, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea (feeling like vomiting), and sore throat. You must seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction with symptoms of rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other patients does not mean you will get them. Discuss how you feel on Bisoprolol with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or restart Bisoprolol on your own.

In patients with cardiogenic shock, overt heart failure, second or third degree A-V block, right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension and sinus bradycardia.

Monitoring of renal, hepatic and hematopoietic function should be performed at regular intervals during long-term treatment with bisoprolol.

Other β-blocking Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should not be combined with other β-blocking agents.

Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine or guanethidine, should be monitored closely because the added β-adrenergic blocking action of bisoprolol fumarate may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.

Centrally Active Antihypertensive Agents: β-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If the two drugs are coadministered, the β-blocker should be withdrawn several days before discontinuing clonidine. If replacing clonidine by β-blocker therapy, the introduction of β-blockers should be delayed for several days after clonidine administration has stopped (see also prescribing information for clonidine).

Antiarrhythmic Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of A-V conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists (particularly of the phenyl alkylamine (verapamil) and benzothiazepine (diltiazem) classes), or antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, are used concurrently.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Combined use of β-blockers and calcium channel blockers with negative inotropic effects can lead to prolongation of S-A and A-V conduction, particularly in patients with impaired ventricular function or conduction abnormalities. This may result in severe hypotension, bradycardia and cardiac failure.

Pregnancy: Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day, which is 375 times the maximum recommended human daily dose. Bisoprolol fumarate was fetotoxic (increased late resorptions) at 50 mg/kg/day and maternotoxic (decreased food intake and body-weight gain) at 150 mg/kg/day. Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 12.5 mg/kg/day, which is 31 times the maximum recommended human daily dose, but was embryolethal (increased early resorptions) at 12.5 mg/kg/day. There are no studies in pregnant women. Bisoprolol fumarate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (<2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. If use of bisoprolol fumarate is considered essential, then mothers should stop nursing.

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

Bisoprolol is indicated in-

• Hypertension
• Angina
• Moderate to severe heart failure

Bisoprolol is not recommended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Anti adrenergic agent (Beta blockers), Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, Beta-blockers

Bisoprolol Hemifumarate is the most selective ß1 blocker. It displays highest level of affinity for the ß1 receptor than any other beta-blocker available up to now. Selectively blocks ß1 adrenergic receptor in the heart and vascular smooth muscle and reduces heart rate and cardiac output resulting in decrease of arterial hypertension. Lipid metabolism can be adversely affected by ß-blockers, in patients with non-ß1 selective ß1-blocker, but Bisoprolol does not cause any change in the cholesterol fraction including the cardioprotective HDL-cholesterol, in long-term therapy.

Adult: In the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, Bisoprolol fumarate must be individualized to the needs of the patient. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily either added to a diuretic or alone. If the response to 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily. An appropriate interval for dose titration is 2 weeks. Increasing the dose beyond 20 mg once daily produces only a small incremental benefit.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Patients With Renal or Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min) as in other patients, the initial daily dose should be 5 mg. Because of the possibility of accumulation, caution must be used in dose titration. Since limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialysable, drug replacement is not necessary in patients undergoing dialysis.

Geriatrics: In the elderly, it is not usually necessary to adjust the dose, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction

Bisoprolol, like any medication, may have some side effects. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects especially if you experience one of the following for several days. The most common side effects, whether or not caused by Bisoprolol, are: headache, fatigue, urinary tract infection, rhinitis or sinusitis (inflammation in the nose), diarrhea, dizziness, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles), joint pain, cough, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea (feeling like vomiting), and sore throat. You must seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction with symptoms of rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other patients does not mean you will get them. Discuss how you feel on Bisoprolol with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or restart Bisoprolol on your own.

In patients with cardiogenic shock, overt heart failure, second or third degree A-V block, right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension and sinus bradycardia.

Monitoring of renal, hepatic and hematopoietic function should be performed at regular intervals during long-term treatment with bisoprolol.

Other β-blocking Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should not be combined with other β-blocking agents.

Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine or guanethidine, should be monitored closely because the added β-adrenergic blocking action of bisoprolol fumarate may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.

Centrally Active Antihypertensive Agents: β-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If the two drugs are coadministered, the β-blocker should be withdrawn several days before discontinuing clonidine. If replacing clonidine by β-blocker therapy, the introduction of β-blockers should be delayed for several days after clonidine administration has stopped (see also prescribing information for clonidine).

Antiarrhythmic Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of A-V conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists (particularly of the phenyl alkylamine (verapamil) and benzothiazepine (diltiazem) classes), or antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, are used concurrently.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Combined use of β-blockers and calcium channel blockers with negative inotropic effects can lead to prolongation of S-A and A-V conduction, particularly in patients with impaired ventricular function or conduction abnormalities. This may result in severe hypotension, bradycardia and cardiac failure.

Pregnancy: Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day, which is 375 times the maximum recommended human daily dose. Bisoprolol fumarate was fetotoxic (increased late resorptions) at 50 mg/kg/day and maternotoxic (decreased food intake and body-weight gain) at 150 mg/kg/day. Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 12.5 mg/kg/day, which is 31 times the maximum recommended human daily dose, but was embryolethal (increased early resorptions) at 12.5 mg/kg/day. There are no studies in pregnant women. Bisoprolol fumarate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (<2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. If use of bisoprolol fumarate is considered essential, then mothers should stop nursing.

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

Anti-platelet drugs

Clopidogrel is a prodrug. It inhibits platelet activation and aggregation through the irreversible binding of its active metabolite to the P2Y12 class of ADP receptors on platelets. Dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation can be seen 2 hours after single oral doses. Repeated doses of 75 mg per day inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation on the first day, and inhibition reaches steady state between Day 3 and Day 7.

Acute Coronary Syndrome: In patients who need an antiplatelet effect within hours, initiate clopidogrel with a single 300 mg (4 tablets) oral loading dose and then continue at 75 mg once daily. Initiating it without a loading dose will delay establishment of an antiplatelet effect by several days.

Recent MI, Recent Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease: 75 mg once daily orally without a loading dose.

It is given orally with or without food.

Clopidogrel is generally well tolerated drug.

• Common side effects: Bleeding, Diarrhoea, gastrointestinal discomfort, haemorrhage, Skin reactions.
• Rare side effects: Acquired haemophilia, anaemia, angioedema, arthralgia, arthritis, bone marrow disorders.

Clopidogrel is contraindicated in the following conditions: Hypersensitivity to the drug substance or any component of the product. Active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is unknown whether clopidogrel is excreted in human breast milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric populations have not been established. No dosage adjustment is necessary in elderly patients.

Overdose following clopidogrel administration may lead to bleeding complications. Based on biological plausibility, platelet transfusion may restore clotting ability.

Keep below 30°C temperature in a dry place. Protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.

Bisoprolol is indicated in-

• Hypertension
• Angina
• Moderate to severe heart failure

Bisoprolol is not recommended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Anti adrenergic agent (Beta blockers), Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, Beta-blockers

Bisoprolol Hemifumarate is the most selective ß1 blocker. It displays highest level of affinity for the ß1 receptor than any other beta-blocker available up to now. Selectively blocks ß1 adrenergic receptor in the heart and vascular smooth muscle and reduces heart rate and cardiac output resulting in decrease of arterial hypertension. Lipid metabolism can be adversely affected by ß-blockers, in patients with non-ß1 selective ß1-blocker, but Bisoprolol does not cause any change in the cholesterol fraction including the cardioprotective HDL-cholesterol, in long-term therapy.

Adult: In the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, Bisoprolol fumarate must be individualized to the needs of the patient. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily either added to a diuretic or alone. If the response to 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily. An appropriate interval for dose titration is 2 weeks. Increasing the dose beyond 20 mg once daily produces only a small incremental benefit.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Patients With Renal or Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min) as in other patients, the initial daily dose should be 5 mg. Because of the possibility of accumulation, caution must be used in dose titration. Since limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialysable, drug replacement is not necessary in patients undergoing dialysis.

Geriatrics: In the elderly, it is not usually necessary to adjust the dose, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction

Bisoprolol, like any medication, may have some side effects. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects especially if you experience one of the following for several days. The most common side effects, whether or not caused by Bisoprolol, are: headache, fatigue, urinary tract infection, rhinitis or sinusitis (inflammation in the nose), diarrhea, dizziness, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles), joint pain, cough, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea (feeling like vomiting), and sore throat. You must seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction with symptoms of rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other patients does not mean you will get them. Discuss how you feel on Bisoprolol with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or restart Bisoprolol on your own.

In patients with cardiogenic shock, overt heart failure, second or third degree A-V block, right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension and sinus bradycardia.

Monitoring of renal, hepatic and hematopoietic function should be performed at regular intervals during long-term treatment with bisoprolol.

Other β-blocking Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should not be combined with other β-blocking agents.

Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine or guanethidine, should be monitored closely because the added β-adrenergic blocking action of bisoprolol fumarate may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.

Centrally Active Antihypertensive Agents: β-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If the two drugs are coadministered, the β-blocker should be withdrawn several days before discontinuing clonidine. If replacing clonidine by β-blocker therapy, the introduction of β-blockers should be delayed for several days after clonidine administration has stopped (see also prescribing information for clonidine).

Antiarrhythmic Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of A-V conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists (particularly of the phenyl alkylamine (verapamil) and benzothiazepine (diltiazem) classes), or antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, are used concurrently.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Combined use of β-blockers and calcium channel blockers with negative inotropic effects can lead to prolongation of S-A and A-V conduction, particularly in patients with impaired ventricular function or conduction abnormalities. This may result in severe hypotension, bradycardia and cardiac failure.

Pregnancy: Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day, which is 375 times the maximum recommended human daily dose. Bisoprolol fumarate was fetotoxic (increased late resorptions) at 50 mg/kg/day and maternotoxic (decreased food intake and body-weight gain) at 150 mg/kg/day. Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 12.5 mg/kg/day, which is 31 times the maximum recommended human daily dose, but was embryolethal (increased early resorptions) at 12.5 mg/kg/day. There are no studies in pregnant women. Bisoprolol fumarate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (<2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. If use of bisoprolol fumarate is considered essential, then mothers should stop nursing.

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

Bisoprolol is indicated in-

• Hypertension
• Angina
• Moderate to severe heart failure

Bisoprolol is not recommended for the emergency treatment of hypertensive crises.

Anti adrenergic agent (Beta blockers), Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, Beta-blockers

Bisoprolol Hemifumarate is the most selective ß1 blocker. It displays highest level of affinity for the ß1 receptor than any other beta-blocker available up to now. Selectively blocks ß1 adrenergic receptor in the heart and vascular smooth muscle and reduces heart rate and cardiac output resulting in decrease of arterial hypertension. Lipid metabolism can be adversely affected by ß-blockers, in patients with non-ß1 selective ß1-blocker, but Bisoprolol does not cause any change in the cholesterol fraction including the cardioprotective HDL-cholesterol, in long-term therapy.

Adult: In the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, Bisoprolol fumarate must be individualized to the needs of the patient. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily either added to a diuretic or alone. If the response to 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily. An appropriate interval for dose titration is 2 weeks. Increasing the dose beyond 20 mg once daily produces only a small incremental benefit.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Patients With Renal or Hepatic Impairment: In patients with hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min) as in other patients, the initial daily dose should be 5 mg. Because of the possibility of accumulation, caution must be used in dose titration. Since limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialysable, drug replacement is not necessary in patients undergoing dialysis.

Geriatrics: In the elderly, it is not usually necessary to adjust the dose, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction

Bisoprolol, like any medication, may have some side effects. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects especially if you experience one of the following for several days. The most common side effects, whether or not caused by Bisoprolol, are: headache, fatigue, urinary tract infection, rhinitis or sinusitis (inflammation in the nose), diarrhea, dizziness, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles), joint pain, cough, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea (feeling like vomiting), and sore throat. You must seek medical attention immediately if you experience an allergic reaction with symptoms of rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other patients does not mean you will get them. Discuss how you feel on Bisoprolol with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or restart Bisoprolol on your own.

In patients with cardiogenic shock, overt heart failure, second or third degree A-V block, right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension and sinus bradycardia.

Monitoring of renal, hepatic and hematopoietic function should be performed at regular intervals during long-term treatment with bisoprolol.

Other β-blocking Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should not be combined with other β-blocking agents.

Catecholamine-Depleting Drugs: Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine or guanethidine, should be monitored closely because the added β-adrenergic blocking action of bisoprolol fumarate may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.

Centrally Active Antihypertensive Agents: β-blockers may exacerbate the rebound hypertension which can follow the withdrawal of clonidine. If the two drugs are coadministered, the β-blocker should be withdrawn several days before discontinuing clonidine. If replacing clonidine by β-blocker therapy, the introduction of β-blockers should be delayed for several days after clonidine administration has stopped (see also prescribing information for clonidine).

Antiarrhythmic Agents: Bisoprolol fumarate should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of A-V conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists (particularly of the phenyl alkylamine (verapamil) and benzothiazepine (diltiazem) classes), or antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, are used concurrently.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Combined use of β-blockers and calcium channel blockers with negative inotropic effects can lead to prolongation of S-A and A-V conduction, particularly in patients with impaired ventricular function or conduction abnormalities. This may result in severe hypotension, bradycardia and cardiac failure.

Pregnancy: Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rats at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day, which is 375 times the maximum recommended human daily dose. Bisoprolol fumarate was fetotoxic (increased late resorptions) at 50 mg/kg/day and maternotoxic (decreased food intake and body-weight gain) at 150 mg/kg/day. Bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 12.5 mg/kg/day, which is 31 times the maximum recommended human daily dose, but was embryolethal (increased early resorptions) at 12.5 mg/kg/day. There are no studies in pregnant women. Bisoprolol fumarate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation: Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (<2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. If use of bisoprolol fumarate is considered essential, then mothers should stop nursing.

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