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Ketorolac Tromethamine is indicated for the short-term management of moderate to severe acute post-operative pain.

Drugs used for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-Opioid Analgesics

Ketorolac Tromethamine is a potent analgesic of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It acts by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme system and hence inhibits the prostaglandin synthesis. It demonstrates a minimal anti-inflammatory effect at its analgesic dose.

Tablet-

Recommended dose is 10 mg every 4-6 hours. It should be used short-term only (up to 7 days) and are not recommended for chronic use. Doses exceeding 40 mg/day is not recommended.

Injection-

Ketorolac injection may be used as a single or multiple doses, on a regular or when necessary schedule for the management of moderately severe, acute pain that requires analgesia at the opioid level, usually in a postoperative setting. When administering Ketorolac injection, the IV bolus must be given over no less than 15 seconds. The IM administration should be given slowly and deeply into the muscle. The analgesic effect begins within 30 minutes with maximum effect in 1 to 2 hours after dosing IV or IM. Duration of analgesic effect is usually 4 to 6 hours.

Single-Dose Treatment-
IM Dosing (Adult):

• Patients <65 years of age: One dose of 60 mg.
• Patients >65 years of age, renally impaired and/or less than 50 kg of body weight: One dose of 30 mg.

IV Dosing (Adult):

• Patients <65 years of age: One dose of 30 mg.
• Patients >65 years of age, renally impaired and/or less than 50 kg of body weight: One dose of 15 mg.

IV or IM Dosing (2 to 16 years of age):

• IM Dosing: One dose of 1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 30 mg.
• IV Dosing: One dose of 0.5 mg/kg up to a maximum of 15 mg.

Multiple-Dose Treatment (IV or IM)-

• Patients <65 years of age: The recommended dose is 30 mg Ketorolac injection every 6 hours. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 120 mg. Patients >65 years of age, renally impaired patients and patients less than 50 kg: The recommended dose is 15 mg Ketorolac injection every 6 hours. The maximum daily dose for these populations should not exceed 60 mg. For breakthrough pain, do not increase the dose or the frequency of Ketorolac Tromethamine.
• Conversion from Parenteral to Oral Therapy: Ketorolac tablets may be used either as monotherapy or as follow-on therapy to parenteral Ketorolac. When Ketorolac tablets are used as a follow-on therapy to parenteral Ketorolac, the total combined daily dose of ketorolac (oral + parenteral) should not exceed 120 mg in younger adult patients or 60 mg in elderly patients on the day the change of formulation is made. On subsequent days, oral dosing should not exceed the recommended daily maximum of 40 mg. Ketorolac IM should be replaced by Ketorolac tablet as soon as feasible. The total duration of combined parenteral and oral treatment should not exceed 5 days.

Commonly occurring side effects are nausea, vomiting, gastro-intestinal bleeding, melana, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, anxiety, drowsiness, headache, excessive thirst, fatigue, bradycardia, hypertension, palpitation, chest pain, infertility in female and pulmonary edema.

Ketorolac is contraindicated in patients having hypersensitivity to this drug or other NSAIDs. It should not be used in children under 16 years of age. lt is also contraindicated as prophylactic analgesic before surgery.

Caution should be exercised in patients over the age of 65 years. Caution should also be taken in patients with active or suspected peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding or asthma and liver dysfunction.

Other NSAIDs or aspirin: Increase the side effects of ketorolac Tromethamine.
Anti-coagulants: Enhance anti-coagulant effect.
Beta Blocker: Reduce the anti-hypertensive effect .
ACE Inhibitors: Increase the risk of renal impairment.
Methotrexate: Enhance the toxicity of methotrexate.

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

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

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Omeprazole, a substituted benzimidazole, is an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. It inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking hydrogen-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (H⁺/K⁺ ATPase) enzyme system in the gastric parietal cell. After oral administration, the onset of the antisecretory effect occurs within one hour, with the maximum effect occurring within two hours and inhibition of secretion lasts up to 72 hours. When the drug is discontinued, secretory activity returns gradually, over 3 to 5 days.

Oral-

• Benign gastric and duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks in duodenal ulceration, 8 weeks in gastric ulceration; in severe or recurrent cases, dose to be increased to 40 mg daily; maintenance dose for recurrent duodenal ulcer, 20 mg once daily; in prevention of relapse in duodenal ulcer, 10-20 mg daily.
• NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, continued for further 4 weeks, if not fully healed. 20 mg once daily is used as prophylaxis in patients with a history of NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcers.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, continued for further 4-8 weeks, if not fully healed; 40 mg once daily has been given for 8 weeks in gastro-esophageal reflux disease, refractory to other treatment; maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily.
• Long-term management of acid reflux disease: 10-20 mg daily.
• Acid-related dyspepsia: 10-20 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks.
• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration: 40 mg on the preceding evening, then 40 mg 2-6 hours before surgery.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Initially 60 mg once daily; usual range 20-120 mg daily (If daily dose is more than 80 mg, 2 divided dose should be used).
• Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen in peptic ulcer disease: Omeprazole is recommended at a dose of 20 mg twice daily in association with antimicrobial agents as detailed below: Amoxicillin 500 mg and Metronidazole 400 mg both three times a day for one week, or Clarithromycin 250 mg and Metronidazole 400 mg both twice a day for one week, or Amoxicillin 1 g and Clarithromycin 500 mg both twice a day for one week.
• Paeditaric use in severe ulcerating reflux esophagitis (Child>1 year): If body-weight 10-20 kg, 10-20 -mg once daily for 4-12 weeks; if body-weight over 20 kg, 20-40 mg once daily for 4-12 weeks.

IV Injection-

• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration: Omeprazole 40 mg to be given slowly (over a period of 5 minutes) as an intravenous injection, one hour before surgery.
• Duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or reflux oesophagitis: In patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or reflux oesophagitis where oral medication is inappropriate, Omeprazole IV 40 mg once daily is recommended.
• Zollinger- Ellison syndrome (ZES): In patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome the recommended initial dose of Omeprazole given intravenously is 60 mg daily. Higher daily doses may be required and the dose should be adjusted individually. When doses exceed 60 mg daily, the dose should be divided & given twice daily.

Direction for use of IV Injection: Omeprazole lyophilized powder and water for injection is for intravenous administration only and must not be given by any other route. Omeprazole IV injection should be given as a slow intravenous injection. The solution for IV injection is obtained by adding 10 ml water for injection to the vial containing powder. After reconstitution the injection should be given slowly over a period of at least 2 to 5 minutes at a maximum rate of 4 ml/minute. Use only freshly prepared solution. The solution should be used within 4 hours of reconstitution.

Direction for use of IV Infusion: Omeprazole IV infusion should be given as an intravenous infusion over a period of 20-30 minutes or more. The contents of one vial must be dissolved in 100 ml saline for infusion or 100 ml 5% Dextrose for infusion. The solution should be used within 12 hours when Omeprazole is dissolved in saline and within 6 hours when dissolved in 5% Dextrose. The reconstituted solution should not be mixed or co-administered in the same infusion set with any other drug.

Omeprazole is generally well tolerated. Nausea, abdominal colic, paresthesia, dizziness and headache have been stated to be generally mild and transient and not requiring a reduction in dosage.

Omeprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation.

When gastric ulcer is suspected, the possibility of gastric malignancy should be excluded before treatment with Omeprazole is instituted, as treatment may alleviate the symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Omeprazole can prolong the elimination of diazepam, warfarin and phenytoin. So, reduction of warfarin or phenytoin dose may be necessary when Omeprazole is added to the treatment. There is no evidence of an interaction of Omeprazole with theophylline, propranolol or antacids.

US FDA pregnancy category of Omeprazole is C. However, results from three prospective epidemiological studies indicate no adverse effects of Omeprazole on pregnancy or on the health of the fetus/newborn child. There is no information available on the passage of Omeprazole into breast milk or its effects on the neonate. Breast-feeding should, therefore, be discontinued, if the use of Omeprazole is considered essential.

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

The is indicated in the following condition-

• Headache
• Migraine
• Toothache
• Neuralgia
• Feverishness
• Period pain
• Sore throat
• Backache
• Help to reduce the temperature
• Aches and pain of colds and flu

Non opioid analgesics

This is a combination of Paracetamol and Caffeine. Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Caffeine is an alkaloid which is a theophylline-like xanthine derivative. By intermolecular association with Paracetamol, Caffeine increases the solubility and transmembrane permeation of Paracetamol. In addition, Caffeine increases the pain threshold and tolerance of pain. Caffeine has also an intrinsic power to raise vessel tone in the brain, which provides another benefit to treat migraine and headache.

Adult dose: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose: 8 tablets daily.
Child dose: Not recommended for children below 12 years.

Side effects of paracetamol are usually mild, though haematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with severe renal function impairment and hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis). Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or caffeine.

Paracetamol & Caffeine should be given cautiously in the following cases: In patients with hepatic or renal failure, in patients taking other hepatotoxic medication. Prolonged use of the drug without consulting a physician should be avoided.

May reduce serum levels with anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine). May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins with prolonged use. Accelerated absorption with metoclopramide and domperidone. May increase serum levels with probenecid. May increase serum levels of chloramphenicol. May reduce absorption with colestyramine within 1 hr of admin. May cause severe hypothermia with phenothiazine.

Pregnant mothers should consult with doctors before taking Paracetamol & Caffeine. Paracetamol & Caffeine can be taken whilst breast feeding.

Symptoms of Paracetamol overdose in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 40 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur.

Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light and moisture.Keep all medicines out of the reach of the children.

H2 receptor antagonist

Ranitidine competitively blocks histamine at H2-receptors of the gastric parietal cells which inhibits gastric acid secretion. It does not affect pepsin secretion, pentagastrin-stimulated intrinsic factor secretion or serum gastrin.

Ranitidine Tablet & Syrup:

Duodenal and gastric ulcer: The usual dosage is 150 mg twice daily taken in the morning and evening or 300 mg as a single daily dose at night for 4 to 8 weeks.

Reflux oesophagitis: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at bed time for up to 8 weeks.

Zollinger Ellison syndrome: 150 mg 3 times daily and increased if necessary up to 6 g daily in divided doses. Dosage should be continued as long as clinically indicated.

Episodic dyspepsia: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at bed time for up to 6 weeks.

Maintenance: 150 mg at night for preventing recurrences.

Child (peptic ulcer): 2-4 mg/kg twice daily, maximum 300 mg daily.

Ranitidine IV injection & IV Infusion:

Ranitidine injection may be given either as a slow (over a period of at least two minutes) intravenous injection of 50 mg, after dilution to a volume of 20 ml per 50 mg dose, which may be repeated every six to eight hours; or as an intermittent intravenous infusion at a rate of 25 mg per hour for two hours; the infusion may be repeated at six to eight hour intervals; or as an intramuscular injection of 50 mg (2 ml) every six to eight hours. In the prophylaxis of haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients or the prophylaxis of recurrent haemorrhage in patients bleeding from peptic ulceration, parenteral administration may be continued until oral feeding commences.

In the prophylaxis of upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patient sapriming dose of 50 mg as low as intravenous injection followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.125-0.250 mg/kg/hour may be preferred. In patients considered to be at risk of developing aspiration syndrome Ranitidine injection 50 mg may be given intramuscularly or by slow intravenous injection 45 to 60 minutes before induction of general anaesthesia.

Children: The recommended oral dose for the treatment of peptic ulcer in children is 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg twice daily to a maximum of 300 mg ranitidine per day. Safety and effectiveness of Ranitidine injection have not been established in case of children.

Ranitidine is well tolerated and side effects are usually uncommon. Altered bowel habit, dizziness, rash, tiredness, reversible confusional states, headache, decreased blood counts, muscle or joint pain have rarely been reported.

Patients hypersensitive to Ranitidine

Ranitidine should be given in reduced dosage to patients with impaired renal and hepatic function.

Delayed absorption and increased peak serum concentration with propantheline bromide. Ranitidine minimally inhibits hepatic metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, theophylline, diazepam and propanolol. May alter absorption of pH-dependent drugs (e.g. ketoconazole, midazolam, glipizide). May reduce bioavailability with antacids.

Pregnancy: Ranitidine crosses the placenta. But there is no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the foetus due to Ranitidine. Like other drugs, Ranitidine should only be used during pregnancy if considered essential.

Lactation: Ranitidine is excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised when the drug is administered to a nursing mother.

Use in elderly patients: In clinical trial the ulcer healing rates have been found similar in patients age 65 and over with those in younger patients. Additionally, there was no difference in the incidence of adverse effects.

Ranitidine is very specific in action and accordingly no particular problems are expected following overdosage with the drug. Symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given as appropriate. If required, the drug may be removed from the plasma by haemodiaiysis.

Slow IV inj: Ranitidine 50 mg diluted to a concentration ≤2.5 mg/mL (e.g. total of 20 mL) with NaCl 0.9% inj or dextrose 5% or 10%, lactated Ringer's, Na bicarbonate 5% soln.

Intermittent slow IV infusion: Ranitidine 50 mg diluted to a concentration ≤0.5 mg/mL (e.g. total of 100 mL) of dextrose 5% inj or NaCl 0.9%, lactated Ringer's, Na bicarbonate 5% soln.

Continuous IV infusion: Ranitidine 150 mg diluted in 250 mL of dextrose 5% inj or NaCl 0.9%, lactated Ringer's, Na bicarbonate 5% soln.

Patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome or other hypersecretory conditions: Ranitidine should be diluted to a concentration ≤2.5 mg/mL with dextrose 5% or NaCl 0.9%, lactated Ringer's, Na bicarbonate 5% soln.

Store in a cool and dry place. protect from light.

Ferric Citrate is a phosphate binder indicated for the control of serum phosphorus levels in adult patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Ferric Citrate is an iron replacement product indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.

Oral Iron preparations

Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease on dialysis: Ferric iron binds dietary phosphate in the GI tract and precipitates as ferric phosphate. This compound is insoluble and is excreted in the stool. By binding phosphate in the GI tract and decreasing absorption, ferric citrate lowers the phosphate concentration in the serum.

Iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: Ferric iron is reduced from the ferric to the ferrous form by ferric reductase in the GI tract. After transport through the enterocytes into the blood, oxidized ferric iron circulates bound to the plasma protein transferrin, and can be incorporated into hemoglobin.

Hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease on dialysis:

• Starting dose is 2 tablets orally 3 times per day with meals.
• Adjust dose by 1 to 2 tablets as needed to maintain serumphosphorus at target levels, up to a maximum of 12 tablets daily. Dose can be titrated at 1-week or longer intervals.

Iron deficiency anemia in chronic kidney disease not on dialysis:

• Starting dose is 1 tablet orally 3 times per day with meals.
• Adjust dose as needed to achieve and maintain hemoglobin goal, up to a maximum of 12 tablets daily.

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are discolored feces, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cough, abdominal pain, and hyperkalemia.

Ferric Citrate is contraindicated in patients with iron overload syndromes.

Iron absorption from Ferric Citrate may lead to excessive elevations in iron stores. Increases in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were observed in clinical trials. In a 56-week safety and efficacy trial evaluating the control of serum phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis in which concomitant use of intravenous iron was permitted, 55 (19%) of patients treated with Ferric Citrate had a ferritin level >1500 ng/mL as compared with 13 (9%) of patients treated with active control. Assess iron parameters (e.g., serum ferritin and TSAT) prior to initiating Ferric Citrate and monitor iron parameters while on therapy. Patients receiving intravenous iron may require a reduction in dose or discontinuation of intravenous iron therapy.

When clinically significant drug interactions are expected, consider separation of the timing of administration. Consider monitoring clinical responses or blood levels of the concomitant medication.

There are no available data on Ferric Citrate use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. There are no human data regarding the effect of Ferric Citrate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production.

Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Ferric Citrate have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use: Clinical studies of Ferric Citrate included 292 subjects aged 65 years and older (104 subjects aged 75 years and older). Overall, the clinical study experience has not identified any obvious differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients in the tolerability or efficacy of Ferric Citrate.

No data are available regarding overdose of Ferric Citrate in patients. In patients with chronic kidney disease, the maximum dose studied was 2,520 mg ferric iron (12 tablets of Ferric Citrate) per day. Iron absorption from Ferric Citrate may lead to excessive elevations in iron stores, especially when concomitant intravenous iron is used.

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

This is an stable clear, colorless, buffered, ginger-lemon flavored, aqueous oral solution, that is used to treat relief of occasional constipation, bowel cleansing regimen in preparing the patient for surgery or for preparing the colon for X-Ray or endoscopic examination.

Enema & bowel cleansing solution

Sodium phosphate can be used in the management of hypophosphataemia. It also acts as a mild osmotic laxative when given orally as dilute solutions or by the rectal route. Phosphate enemas or concentrated oral solutions are used for bowel cleansing before surgery or endoscopy procedures.

Dose for bowel preparation-

Adults and children 5 years of age & over: The recommended dosage for adults and children 5 years of age & over is 45 ml and repeated 10 to 12 hours later. The intake of clear liquids is an essential part of this regimen. On the day before the procedure, the patient should only take clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner and between doses. No solid food, milk or milk products should be taken on the day before the procedure. The patient should not drink anything colored red or purple. Medical procedure is intended to be performed at early morning, mid-morning or later, by two alternative dosage regimens.

Early morning procedure: The first dose is taken at 7 a.m. on the morning before the procedure. The second dose is taken at 7 p.m. on the evening before the procedure.

Mid-morning (or later) procedure: The first dose is taken at 7 p.m. on the evening before the procedure. The second dose is taken at 7 a.m. (or at least 3 hours before leaving for the appointment) on the morning before the procedure.

• First dose: Mix 15 ml (one third of the bottle) of This into a full glass (approximately 250 ml) of clear liquids and drink. Repeat two more times within the next 20 minutes.
• Between Doses: Between the first and second doses, the patient should drink at least three more glasses (approximately 250 ml each) of clear liquids or more if desired to prevent dehydration and to ensure that their bowel remains easily examinable for the procedure.
• Second Dose: Mix 15 ml of This into a full glass of clear liquid and drink. Repeat two more times within the next 20 minutes. Please refer to clear liquids list below. Beverages, water, tea or coffee (no milk or non dairy creamer), sweeteners are acceptable, carbonated or non carbonated soft drinks (not colored red or purple) fruit flavored cordials (not colored red or purple) and strained fruit juices without pulp. Do not drink any alcoholic beverage.

Dose for occasional constipation-

Adult/child over:

• 12 years old: 20-45 ml
• 10-11 years old child: 10-20 ml
• 5-9 years old child: 5-10 ml

Gastrointestinal side effects of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate have included bloating (31% to 41%), nausea (26% to 30%), abdominal pain (23% to 25%), and vomiting (4% to 9%). Nervous system side effects have included dizziness, headache, and seizures. Renal side effects have included renal impairment, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased creatinine, acute renal failure, acute phosphate nephropathy, nephrocalcinosis, and renal tubular necrosis. Hypersensitivity reactions reported have included anaphylaxis, rash, pruritus, urticaria, throat tightness, bronchospasm, dyspnea .

CHF, renal failure or clinically significant impaired renal function, congenital or acquired megacolon, bowel/GI obstructions, ascites, perforation of ileus, active inflammatory bowel disease.

This solution should be used with extreme caution, in the elderly, the frail or debilitated, patients with colostomy and this solution patients on a low salt diet, as they are particularly at risk. These patients should receive additional fluids by mouth, both prior to, and after administration of this solution, to ensure that dehydration does not occur. Patients undergoing major bowel procedures, who are on nil by mouth for significant periods of time, should have their electrolytes monitored and receive intravenous fluids containing potassium and calcium, prior to surgery. Use with caution in patients taking diuretics and in patients using medicines known to prolong the QT interval. Concurrent administration of polyethylene glycol bowel cleansing preparations and this solution may be dangerous and is not recommended. Patients should be advised not to use this solution when nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain are present, unless directed by a physician.

Use with caution in patients taking calcium channel blockers, diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and lithium preparations or other medication that might affect electrolyte levels, as hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia, hypernatraemic dehydration and acidosis may occur. Concurrent administration of polyethylene glycol bowel cleansing preparations and this solution may be dangerous and is not recommended.

Use in pregnancy: Because of potential harm to the fetus from phosphate absorbed across the placenta, the use of this product is not recommended in pregnant women unless the probable clinical benefit outweighs the possible risk.

Use in lactation: Because of potential harm to the infant from phosphate excreted in breast milk, the use of this product is not recommended in nursing mothers unless the probable clinical benefit outweighs the possible risk.

Use in children: This is not to be taken by children under 5 years of age.

Use in diabetics:As the liquid diet during the period of administration and prior to bowel surgery, X-Ray of the colon or colonoscopy may affect the diabetic patients’ glucose blood levels, adjustment of their insulin or oral anti-diabetic medication may be necessary.

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

Doxophylline is used to treat in following indications:

• Bronchial asthma
• Bronchospasm
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary disease with spastic bronchial component.

Bronchodilator, Methyl xanthine derivatives

Doxophylline is a novel bronchodilator. It structurally differs from Theophylline due to the presence of a dioxolane group in position 7. Doxophylline selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4 thereby relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. However, differently from Theophylline, Doxophylline appears to have decreased affinities toward adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, which may account for the better safety profile of the drug. Doxophylline is reported to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF) and generation of leukotriene production.

Elderly: 200 mg tablet two or three times daily.

Adults: 400 mg tablet two or three times daily or as prescribed by the physician.

Children:

• >12 years of age: 10 ml syrup or 200 mg tablet two or three times daily.
• 6-12 years of age: 6-9 mg/kg body weight two times daily, i.e. if body weight is 10 kg, 3 ml (60 mg) two times daily or as prescribed by the physician.

If required daily dose of Doxophylline is 400 mg then Doxophylline SR tablet to be taken once daily or as prescribed by the physician

Doxophylline rarely causes serious side effects, however possible side effects are similar for taking excess amount of caffeine. These include: nausea, vomiting, headache, upset stomach and heartburn.

Doxophylline is contraindicated in acute myocardial infarction. It is also contraindicated in patients with hypotension, in lactating women & patients who have shown hypersensitivity to its components.

The half-life of xanthine derivatives is influenced by a number of known variables. It may be prolonged in patients with liver disease, in patients with congestive heart failure and in those patients taking certain other drugs like erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, propanolol and anti-flu vaccine. In these cases, a lower dose of Doxophylline may be needed. Phenytoin, other anticonvulsants and smoking may cause an increase in clearance with a shorter mean half-life. In these cases higher doses of Doxophylline may be needed.

Doxophylline should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives. Toxic synergism with ephedrine has been documented for xanthines. Like other xanthines, concomitant therapy with troleandomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, ranitidine, propranolol and anti-flu vaccine may decrease the hepatic clearance of xanthines causing an increase in blood levels. No evidence of a relationship between Doxophylline serum concentrations and toxic events have been reported.

Animal reproduction studies indicate that, Doxophylline does not cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant animals or can not affect reproduction capacity. However, since there is limited experience in human during pregnancy, xanthines should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed. Doxophylline is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

In case of overdose severe cardiac arrhythmias and tonic-clonic seizure may occur. These effects may represent the first signs of intoxication. The appearance of side effects may require discontinuation of the treatment which, if necessary, at the physician’s discretion, may be resumed at lower doses after all signs and symptoms of toxicity have subsided.

As there is no specific antidote, in case of overdose a symptomatic treatment of cardiovascular collapse should be instituted.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children. Doxophylline should be used only on prescription of specialist physician.

Doxophylline is used to treat in following indications:

• Bronchial asthma
• Bronchospasm
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary disease with spastic bronchial component.

Bronchodilator, Methyl xanthine derivatives

Doxophylline is a novel bronchodilator. It structurally differs from Theophylline due to the presence of a dioxolane group in position 7. Doxophylline selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase 4 thereby relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. However, differently from Theophylline, Doxophylline appears to have decreased affinities toward adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, which may account for the better safety profile of the drug. Doxophylline is reported to inhibit platelet activating factor (PAF) and generation of leukotriene production.

Elderly: 200 mg tablet two or three times daily.

Adults: 400 mg tablet two or three times daily or as prescribed by the physician.

Children:

• >12 years of age: 10 ml syrup or 200 mg tablet two or three times daily.
• 6-12 years of age: 6-9 mg/kg body weight two times daily, i.e. if body weight is 10 kg, 3 ml (60 mg) two times daily or as prescribed by the physician.

If required daily dose of Doxophylline is 400 mg then Doxophylline SR tablet to be taken once daily or as prescribed by the physician

Doxophylline rarely causes serious side effects, however possible side effects are similar for taking excess amount of caffeine. These include: nausea, vomiting, headache, upset stomach and heartburn.

Doxophylline is contraindicated in acute myocardial infarction. It is also contraindicated in patients with hypotension, in lactating women & patients who have shown hypersensitivity to its components.

The half-life of xanthine derivatives is influenced by a number of known variables. It may be prolonged in patients with liver disease, in patients with congestive heart failure and in those patients taking certain other drugs like erythromycin, troleandomycin, lincomycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, propanolol and anti-flu vaccine. In these cases, a lower dose of Doxophylline may be needed. Phenytoin, other anticonvulsants and smoking may cause an increase in clearance with a shorter mean half-life. In these cases higher doses of Doxophylline may be needed.

Doxophylline should not be administered together with other xanthine derivatives. Toxic synergism with ephedrine has been documented for xanthines. Like other xanthines, concomitant therapy with troleandomycin, lincomycin, clindamycin, allopurinol, cimetidine, ranitidine, propranolol and anti-flu vaccine may decrease the hepatic clearance of xanthines causing an increase in blood levels. No evidence of a relationship between Doxophylline serum concentrations and toxic events have been reported.

Animal reproduction studies indicate that, Doxophylline does not cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant animals or can not affect reproduction capacity. However, since there is limited experience in human during pregnancy, xanthines should be given to pregnant women only if clearly needed. Doxophylline is contraindicated in nursing mothers.

In case of overdose severe cardiac arrhythmias and tonic-clonic seizure may occur. These effects may represent the first signs of intoxication. The appearance of side effects may require discontinuation of the treatment which, if necessary, at the physician’s discretion, may be resumed at lower doses after all signs and symptoms of toxicity have subsided.

As there is no specific antidote, in case of overdose a symptomatic treatment of cardiovascular collapse should be instituted.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children. Doxophylline should be used only on prescription of specialist physician.

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

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

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

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

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

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

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

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

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins

Flucloxacillin is active against Gram-positive organisms including penicillinase producing strains. It has little activity against Gram-negative bacilli. Flucloxacillin acts by inhibiting the formation of cell wall of bacteria. Flucloxacillin is isoxazolyl penicillin which combined the properties of resistance to hydrolysis by penicillinase, gastric acid stability and activity against gram-positive bacteria. Flucloxacillin is a bactericidal antibiotic that is particularly useful against penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Flucloxacillin kills bacterial cellwall, thus interfering with peptidoglycan synthesis. Peptidoglycan is a heteropolymeric structure that provides the cell wall with its mechanical stability. The final stage of peptidoglycan synthesis involves the completion of the cross-linking with the terminal glycine residue of the pentaglycin bridge linking to the fourth residue of the pentapeptide (D-alanine). The transpeptidase enzyme that performs this step is inhibited by Flucloxacillin. As a result the bacterial cellwall is weakened, the cell swells and then ruptures. Flucloxacillin resists the action of bacterial penicillinase probably because of the steric hindrance induced by the acyl side chain which prevents the opening of the β- lactam ring.

Oral administration:

• Adult: 250 mg four times daily. Dosage may be doubled in severe infections. In osteomyelitis and endocarditis, up to 8 gm daily is used in 6-8 hourly divided doses.
• Children (2-10 years): 1/2 of adult dose.
• Children (Under 2 years): 1/4 of adult dose.

Parenteral administration:
Adult or Elderly:

• Intramuscular Injection: 250 mg four times daily.
• Intravenous Injection: 250 mg-1 g four times daily by slow injection over 3 to 4 minutes or by intravenous infusion.
• All systemic doses may be doubled in severe infections: doses up to 8 g daily have been suggested for endocarditis or osteomyelitis.

Children:

• 2-10 years: half of the adult dose.
• Under 2 years: a quarter of the adult dose.

Oral doses should be administered 1 hour before meal.

There have been some common side effects of gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia and other minor gastrointestinal disturbances. Besides these rashes, urticaria, purpura, fever, interstitial nephritis, hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported.

Flucloxacillin is contraindicated in penicillin hypersensitive patients.

Flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of patients with an allergic diathesis.

Concurrent use of Flucloxacillin and may result in increased level of Flucloxacillin in blood for prolonged period.

US FDA Pregnancy Category of Flucloxacillin is B. There are, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Flucloxacillin have been shown to be excreted in human milk. So, caution should be exercised when Flucloxacillin is administered to a lactating mother.

In severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min), a reduction in dose or an extension of dose interval should be considered.

Flucloxacillin has been used in other routes in conjunction with systemic therapy. It has been administered in a dose of 250 mg to 500 mg daily by intraarticular injection, dissolved if necessary in a 0.5% solution of lignocaine hydrochloride, and by intrapleural injection in a dose of 250 mg daily. Using powder for injection, 125 mg-250 mg has been dissolved in 3 ml of sterile water and inhaled by nebuliser four times daily.

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

Repairs, restores & protects dry skin & sensitive skin conditions

Emollients & combined preparations

With physiological lipids to protect & maintain healthy skin.The Derma Membrane Structure (DMS) base, used uniquely in Physiogel products, is made up of natural lipids similar to the skin's (epidermis) physiologic lipids which are natural and essential components of normal healthy skin, hence, revitalizes very dry, irritated and sensitive skin or helps retain skin moisture and prevents skin dryness, thus, regenerates the skin lipid barrier, reduces water loss and provides protection against environmental triggers.

Cream: Apply a thin film once or bd on hands, face & particularly dry areas.
Lotion: Apply once or bd. Ideal for the entire body.

Some possible side effects and reactions include rash, redness and itchiness.

Hypersensitivity.

Discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if undue irritation develops or increases. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Pregnancy Category - Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Repairs, restores & protects dry skin & sensitive skin conditions

Emollients & combined preparations

With physiological lipids to protect & maintain healthy skin.The Derma Membrane Structure (DMS) base, used uniquely in Physiogel products, is made up of natural lipids similar to the skin's (epidermis) physiologic lipids which are natural and essential components of normal healthy skin, hence, revitalizes very dry, irritated and sensitive skin or helps retain skin moisture and prevents skin dryness, thus, regenerates the skin lipid barrier, reduces water loss and provides protection against environmental triggers.

Cream: Apply a thin film once or bd on hands, face & particularly dry areas.
Lotion: Apply once or bd. Ideal for the entire body.

Some possible side effects and reactions include rash, redness and itchiness.

Hypersensitivity.

Discontinue use and consult a dermatologist if undue irritation develops or increases. Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water.

There are no known drug interactions and none well documented.

Pregnancy Category - Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Omeprazole, a substituted benzimidazole, is an inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. It inhibits gastric acid secretion by blocking hydrogen-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (H⁺/K⁺ ATPase) enzyme system in the gastric parietal cell. After oral administration, the onset of the antisecretory effect occurs within one hour, with the maximum effect occurring within two hours and inhibition of secretion lasts up to 72 hours. When the drug is discontinued, secretory activity returns gradually, over 3 to 5 days.

Oral-

• Benign gastric and duodenal ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks in duodenal ulceration, 8 weeks in gastric ulceration; in severe or recurrent cases, dose to be increased to 40 mg daily; maintenance dose for recurrent duodenal ulcer, 20 mg once daily; in prevention of relapse in duodenal ulcer, 10-20 mg daily.
• NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcer: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, continued for further 4 weeks, if not fully healed. 20 mg once daily is used as prophylaxis in patients with a history of NSAID-associated duodenal or gastric ulcers.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease: 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, continued for further 4-8 weeks, if not fully healed; 40 mg once daily has been given for 8 weeks in gastro-esophageal reflux disease, refractory to other treatment; maintenance dose is 20 mg once daily.
• Long-term management of acid reflux disease: 10-20 mg daily.
• Acid-related dyspepsia: 10-20 mg once daily for 2-4 weeks.
• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration: 40 mg on the preceding evening, then 40 mg 2-6 hours before surgery.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Initially 60 mg once daily; usual range 20-120 mg daily (If daily dose is more than 80 mg, 2 divided dose should be used).
• Helicobacter pylori eradication regimen in peptic ulcer disease: Omeprazole is recommended at a dose of 20 mg twice daily in association with antimicrobial agents as detailed below: Amoxicillin 500 mg and Metronidazole 400 mg both three times a day for one week, or Clarithromycin 250 mg and Metronidazole 400 mg both twice a day for one week, or Amoxicillin 1 g and Clarithromycin 500 mg both twice a day for one week.
• Paeditaric use in severe ulcerating reflux esophagitis (Child>1 year): If body-weight 10-20 kg, 10-20 -mg once daily for 4-12 weeks; if body-weight over 20 kg, 20-40 mg once daily for 4-12 weeks.

IV Injection-

• Prophylaxis of acid aspiration: Omeprazole 40 mg to be given slowly (over a period of 5 minutes) as an intravenous injection, one hour before surgery.
• Duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or reflux oesophagitis: In patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer or reflux oesophagitis where oral medication is inappropriate, Omeprazole IV 40 mg once daily is recommended.
• Zollinger- Ellison syndrome (ZES): In patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome the recommended initial dose of Omeprazole given intravenously is 60 mg daily. Higher daily doses may be required and the dose should be adjusted individually. When doses exceed 60 mg daily, the dose should be divided & given twice daily.

Direction for use of IV Injection: Omeprazole lyophilized powder and water for injection is for intravenous administration only and must not be given by any other route. Omeprazole IV injection should be given as a slow intravenous injection. The solution for IV injection is obtained by adding 10 ml water for injection to the vial containing powder. After reconstitution the injection should be given slowly over a period of at least 2 to 5 minutes at a maximum rate of 4 ml/minute. Use only freshly prepared solution. The solution should be used within 4 hours of reconstitution.

Direction for use of IV Infusion: Omeprazole IV infusion should be given as an intravenous infusion over a period of 20-30 minutes or more. The contents of one vial must be dissolved in 100 ml saline for infusion or 100 ml 5% Dextrose for infusion. The solution should be used within 12 hours when Omeprazole is dissolved in saline and within 6 hours when dissolved in 5% Dextrose. The reconstituted solution should not be mixed or co-administered in the same infusion set with any other drug.

Omeprazole is generally well tolerated. Nausea, abdominal colic, paresthesia, dizziness and headache have been stated to be generally mild and transient and not requiring a reduction in dosage.

Omeprazole is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation.

When gastric ulcer is suspected, the possibility of gastric malignancy should be excluded before treatment with Omeprazole is instituted, as treatment may alleviate the symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Omeprazole can prolong the elimination of diazepam, warfarin and phenytoin. So, reduction of warfarin or phenytoin dose may be necessary when Omeprazole is added to the treatment. There is no evidence of an interaction of Omeprazole with theophylline, propranolol or antacids.

US FDA pregnancy category of Omeprazole is C. However, results from three prospective epidemiological studies indicate no adverse effects of Omeprazole on pregnancy or on the health of the fetus/newborn child. There is no information available on the passage of Omeprazole into breast milk or its effects on the neonate. Breast-feeding should, therefore, be discontinued, if the use of Omeprazole is considered essential.

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

Sodium Picosulfate is indicated in the following conditions-

• Constipation of any etiology
• Relief from prolonged & recurrent constipation
• Bowel clearance before surgery, childbirth or radiological investigations.

Osmotic purgatives

Sodium Picosulfate is a triarylmethane group derivative stimulant laxative. After oral administration it is activated by the colonic bacteria and acts locally in the colon. The active form then stimulates the nerve endings of the intestinal wall and results in colonic peristalsis with promotion of accumulation of water and electrolytes in the colonic lumen. This results in stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time and softening of the stool. Stimulation of the rectum causes increased motility and a feeling of rectal fullness. The rectal effect may help to restore the "call to stool".

For oral administration. The following dosages are recommended to be taken at night to produce evacuation the following morning. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose. The dose may be adjusted up to the maximum recommended dose to produce regular stools. The maximum recommended daily dose should not be exceeded:

Adults and children over 10 years of age-

• Tablet: 5-10 mg per day.
• Oral Solution: 5-10 ml or one to two teaspoonful per day.

Children are aged 4-10 years-

• Tablet: 2.5-5 mg per day.
• Oral Solution: 2.5-5 ml or Half to one teaspoonful per day.

Children under 4 years of age-

• Oral Solution: 0.25 ml/kg body weight per day.

Hypersensitivity, dizziness, syncope, vasovagal response, gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting.

Ileus or intestinal obstruction, severe painful and/or feverish acute abdominal conditions (e.g. appendicitis) potentially associated with nausea and vomiting, acute inflammatory bowel diseases, severe dehydration, known hypersensitivity to Sodium Picosulfate or any other component of the product.

Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia. Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.

The concomitant use of diuretics or adreno-corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance if excessive doses are taken. Concurrent administration of antibiotics may reduce the laxative action of this product.

There are no reports of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy or to the foetus attributable to the use of this product. Use of the drug should be avoided during the first trimester. Clinical data show that neither the active moiety of sodium Picosulfate (BHPM or bis-(p hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane) nor its glucuronides are excreted into the milk of healthy lactating females.

Laxatives when taken in chronic overdosage may cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypokalemia, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and renal calculi. Renal tubular damage, metabolic alkalosis, and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.

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

Sodium Picosulfate is indicated in the following conditions-

• Constipation of any etiology
• Relief from prolonged & recurrent constipation
• Bowel clearance before surgery, childbirth or radiological investigations.

Osmotic purgatives

Sodium Picosulfate is a triarylmethane group derivative stimulant laxative. After oral administration it is activated by the colonic bacteria and acts locally in the colon. The active form then stimulates the nerve endings of the intestinal wall and results in colonic peristalsis with promotion of accumulation of water and electrolytes in the colonic lumen. This results in stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time and softening of the stool. Stimulation of the rectum causes increased motility and a feeling of rectal fullness. The rectal effect may help to restore the "call to stool".

For oral administration. The following dosages are recommended to be taken at night to produce evacuation the following morning. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose. The dose may be adjusted up to the maximum recommended dose to produce regular stools. The maximum recommended daily dose should not be exceeded:

Adults and children over 10 years of age-

• Tablet: 5-10 mg per day.
• Oral Solution: 5-10 ml or one to two teaspoonful per day.

Children are aged 4-10 years-

• Tablet: 2.5-5 mg per day.
• Oral Solution: 2.5-5 ml or Half to one teaspoonful per day.

Children under 4 years of age-

• Oral Solution: 0.25 ml/kg body weight per day.

Hypersensitivity, dizziness, syncope, vasovagal response, gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting.

Ileus or intestinal obstruction, severe painful and/or feverish acute abdominal conditions (e.g. appendicitis) potentially associated with nausea and vomiting, acute inflammatory bowel diseases, severe dehydration, known hypersensitivity to Sodium Picosulfate or any other component of the product.

Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia. Harmful for those suffering from alcoholism. To be taken into account in pregnant or breast-feeding women, children and high-risk groups such as patients with liver disease or epilepsy.

The concomitant use of diuretics or adreno-corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance if excessive doses are taken. Concurrent administration of antibiotics may reduce the laxative action of this product.

There are no reports of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy or to the foetus attributable to the use of this product. Use of the drug should be avoided during the first trimester. Clinical data show that neither the active moiety of sodium Picosulfate (BHPM or bis-(p hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane) nor its glucuronides are excreted into the milk of healthy lactating females.

Laxatives when taken in chronic overdosage may cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypokalemia, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and renal calculi. Renal tubular damage, metabolic alkalosis, and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.

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

Clozapine is indicated in-

• Schizophrenia in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of, conventional antipsychotic drugs.
• Psychosis in Parkinson's disease.

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Clozapine is classified as an 'atypical' antipsychotic drug because of its profile of binding to dopamine receptors and its effects on various dopamine-mediated behaviors differ from those exhibited by other typical antipsychotic drug products. In particular, although Clozapine does interfere with the binding of dopamine at D1, D2, D3 and D5 receptors, and has a high affinity for the D4 receptor. This evidence, consistent with the view that Clozapine is preferentially more active at limbic than at striatal dopamine receptors. This may explain the relative freedom of Clozapine from extrapyramidal side effects. Clozapine also acts as an antagonist at adrenergic, cholinergic, histaminergic and serotonergic receptors.

Schizophrenia: Adult over 16 years, 12.5 mg once or twice (elderly 12.5 mg once) on first day then 25-50 mg (elderly 25-37.5 mg) on second day then increased gradually (if well tolerated) in steps of 25-50 mg daily (elderly max. increment 25 mg daily) over 14-21 days up to 300 mg daily in divided doses (larger dose at night, up to 200 mg daily may be taken as a single dose at bedtime); if necessary may be further increased in steps of 50-100 mg once (preferably) or twice weekly; usual dose 200-450 mg daily (max. 900 mg daily)

Psychosis in Parkinson's disease: Adult over 16 years, 12.5 mg at bedtime then increased according to response in steps of 12.5 mg up to twice weekly; usual dose range 25-37.5 mg at bedtime, usual maximum 50 mg daily; exceptionally, dose may be increased further in steps of 12.5 mg weekly to maximum 100 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses.

Common side effects are constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness (mild), drowsiness, headache (mild), increased watering of mouth, nausea or vomiting, unusual weight gain. Less common side effects include abdominal discomfort or heartburn, dryness of mouth.

Severe cardiac disorders (e.g. myocarditis); renal impairment (avoid if creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/minute); history of neutropenia or agranulocytosis; bone-marrow disorders; paralytic ileus; alcoholic and toxic psychoses; history of circulatory collapse; drug intoxication; coma or severe CNS depression; uncontrolled epilepsy; breast-feeding.

Medication should not be stopped abruptly; should be tapered off over 1-2 weeks. If conditions warrant abrupt discontinuation (leukopenia, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy), monitor patient for psychosis and cholinergic rebound (headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse effects  (including agranulocytosis, cardiovascular, anticholinergic, and tardive dyskinesia). Significant risk of agranulocytosis, potentially life-threatening. WBC testing should occur weekly for the first 6 months of therapy; thereafter, if acceptable WBC counts are maintained (WBC 3000/mm3, ANC 1500/mm3) then WBC counts can be monitored every other week. WBCs must be monitored weekly for the first 4 weeks after therapy discontinuation. Use with caution in patients receiving other marrow suppressive agents. Eosinophilia has been reported to occur with Clozapine and may require temporary or permanent interruption of therapy.

Cognitive and/or motor impairment (sedation) is common with Clozapine, resulting in impaired performance of tasks requiring alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures, including those with a history of seizures, head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with medications which may lower seizure threshold. Has been associated with benign, self-limiting fever (<100.4°F, usually within first 3 weeks). However, dozapine may also be associated with severe febrile reactions, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Clozapine's potential for extrapyramidal symptoms appear to be extremely low.

May cause anticholinergic effects; should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, narrow-angle glaucoma, xerostomia, visual problems, constipation, or history of bowel obstruction. May cause hyperglycemia; in some cases may be extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death. Use with caution in patients with diabetes or other disorders of glucose regulation; monitor for worsening of glucose control. Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease or impairment; hepatitis has been reported as a consequence of therapy.

May cause orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia; should be used with caution in patients at risk of hypotension or in patients where transient hypotensive episodes would be poorly tolerated (cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease). Concurrent use of psychotropics and benzodiazepines may increase the risk of severe cardiopulmonary reactions.

Myocarditis, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiomyopathy, and CHF have also been associated with clozapine. Fatalities due to myocarditis have been reported; highest risk in the first month of therapy, however, later cases also reported. Myocarditis or cardiomyopathy should be considered in patients who present with signs/symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, peripheral edema), chest pain, palpitations, new electrocardiographic abnormalities (arrhythmias, ST-T wave abnormalities), or unexplained fever. Patients with tachycardia during the first month of therapy should be closely monitored for other signs of myocarditis. Discontinue clozapine if myocarditis is suspected; do not rechallenge in patients with clozapine-related myocarditis. The reported rate of cardiomyopathy in clozapine treated patients is similar to that in the general population. The majority of patients were over 50 years of age and were taking clozapine for >6 months. Clozapine should be discontinued in patients with confirmed cardiomyopathy unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Rare cases of thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism and stroke resulting in fatalities, have been associated with clozapine.

Myelosuppression may be aggravated with concomitant use of myelosuppressants. Clozapine may interact with other CNS active drugs or alcohol. Orthostatic hypotension may occur with benzodiazepine usage or other psychotropics. Since Clozapine is highly bound to proteins. It may be displaced by other drugs, which are also highly protein bound. Conversely, Clozapine may also displace protein bound drugs (e.g. warfarin, digoxin). Cimetidine may decrease plasma Clozapine levels.

Although concomitant administration of Carbamazepine and Clozapine is not recommended, it should be noted that discontinuation of concomitant Carbamazepine may result in an increase in plasma Clozapine levels. A reduced Clozapine dosage should be used when it is combined with drugs like fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline. The action of hypotensive drugs may be potentiated. Other anticholinergic drug action may also be increased. Administration of adrenaline should generally be avoided due to possibility of reversal of adrenaline effect due to alpha adrenergic blockade by Clozapine. Concomitant use of Clozapine with other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (such as phenothiazines, antidepressants, propafenone, flecainide and encainide) or those that inhibit this enzyme such as quinidine; require lower doses of either Clozapine or the other drugs.

There are no adequate studies of Clozapine in pregnant women. Studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus. Clozapine can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that it is necessary. Animal studies suggest that Clozapine is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, women taking Clozapine should not nurse their infants.

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms associated with Clozapine overdose are: altered states of consciousness, including drowsiness, delirium and coma; tachycardia; hypotension; respiratory depression or failure; hypersalivation. Aspiration pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmias have also been reported. Seizures have occurred in a minority of reported cases. Fatal overdoses have been reported with Clozapine, generally at doses above 2500 mg. There have also been reports of patients recovering from overdoses well in excess of 4 gm.

Management of Overdose: Should be established and maintained an airway; should be ensured adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Activated charcoal, which may be used with sorbitol, may be as or more effective than emesis or lavage, and should be considered in treating overdosage. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring is recommended along with general symptomatic and supportive measures. Additional surveillance should be continued for several days because of the risk of delayed effects. Avoid epinephrine and derivatives when treating hypotension, and quinidine and procainamide when treating cardiac arrhythmia. There are no specific antidotes for Clozapine. Forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit. ln managing overdosage, the physician should consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement.

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

Clozapine is indicated in-

• Schizophrenia in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of, conventional antipsychotic drugs.
• Psychosis in Parkinson's disease.

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Clozapine is classified as an 'atypical' antipsychotic drug because of its profile of binding to dopamine receptors and its effects on various dopamine-mediated behaviors differ from those exhibited by other typical antipsychotic drug products. In particular, although Clozapine does interfere with the binding of dopamine at D1, D2, D3 and D5 receptors, and has a high affinity for the D4 receptor. This evidence, consistent with the view that Clozapine is preferentially more active at limbic than at striatal dopamine receptors. This may explain the relative freedom of Clozapine from extrapyramidal side effects. Clozapine also acts as an antagonist at adrenergic, cholinergic, histaminergic and serotonergic receptors.

Schizophrenia: Adult over 16 years, 12.5 mg once or twice (elderly 12.5 mg once) on first day then 25-50 mg (elderly 25-37.5 mg) on second day then increased gradually (if well tolerated) in steps of 25-50 mg daily (elderly max. increment 25 mg daily) over 14-21 days up to 300 mg daily in divided doses (larger dose at night, up to 200 mg daily may be taken as a single dose at bedtime); if necessary may be further increased in steps of 50-100 mg once (preferably) or twice weekly; usual dose 200-450 mg daily (max. 900 mg daily)

Psychosis in Parkinson's disease: Adult over 16 years, 12.5 mg at bedtime then increased according to response in steps of 12.5 mg up to twice weekly; usual dose range 25-37.5 mg at bedtime, usual maximum 50 mg daily; exceptionally, dose may be increased further in steps of 12.5 mg weekly to maximum 100 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses.

Common side effects are constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness (mild), drowsiness, headache (mild), increased watering of mouth, nausea or vomiting, unusual weight gain. Less common side effects include abdominal discomfort or heartburn, dryness of mouth.

Severe cardiac disorders (e.g. myocarditis); renal impairment (avoid if creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/minute); history of neutropenia or agranulocytosis; bone-marrow disorders; paralytic ileus; alcoholic and toxic psychoses; history of circulatory collapse; drug intoxication; coma or severe CNS depression; uncontrolled epilepsy; breast-feeding.

Medication should not be stopped abruptly; should be tapered off over 1-2 weeks. If conditions warrant abrupt discontinuation (leukopenia, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy), monitor patient for psychosis and cholinergic rebound (headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse effects  (including agranulocytosis, cardiovascular, anticholinergic, and tardive dyskinesia). Significant risk of agranulocytosis, potentially life-threatening. WBC testing should occur weekly for the first 6 months of therapy; thereafter, if acceptable WBC counts are maintained (WBC 3000/mm3, ANC 1500/mm3) then WBC counts can be monitored every other week. WBCs must be monitored weekly for the first 4 weeks after therapy discontinuation. Use with caution in patients receiving other marrow suppressive agents. Eosinophilia has been reported to occur with Clozapine and may require temporary or permanent interruption of therapy.

Cognitive and/or motor impairment (sedation) is common with Clozapine, resulting in impaired performance of tasks requiring alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures, including those with a history of seizures, head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with medications which may lower seizure threshold. Has been associated with benign, self-limiting fever (<100.4°F, usually within first 3 weeks). However, dozapine may also be associated with severe febrile reactions, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Clozapine's potential for extrapyramidal symptoms appear to be extremely low.

May cause anticholinergic effects; should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, narrow-angle glaucoma, xerostomia, visual problems, constipation, or history of bowel obstruction. May cause hyperglycemia; in some cases may be extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death. Use with caution in patients with diabetes or other disorders of glucose regulation; monitor for worsening of glucose control. Use with caution in patients with hepatic disease or impairment; hepatitis has been reported as a consequence of therapy.

May cause orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia; should be used with caution in patients at risk of hypotension or in patients where transient hypotensive episodes would be poorly tolerated (cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease). Concurrent use of psychotropics and benzodiazepines may increase the risk of severe cardiopulmonary reactions.

Myocarditis, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiomyopathy, and CHF have also been associated with clozapine. Fatalities due to myocarditis have been reported; highest risk in the first month of therapy, however, later cases also reported. Myocarditis or cardiomyopathy should be considered in patients who present with signs/symptoms of heart failure (dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, peripheral edema), chest pain, palpitations, new electrocardiographic abnormalities (arrhythmias, ST-T wave abnormalities), or unexplained fever. Patients with tachycardia during the first month of therapy should be closely monitored for other signs of myocarditis. Discontinue clozapine if myocarditis is suspected; do not rechallenge in patients with clozapine-related myocarditis. The reported rate of cardiomyopathy in clozapine treated patients is similar to that in the general population. The majority of patients were over 50 years of age and were taking clozapine for >6 months. Clozapine should be discontinued in patients with confirmed cardiomyopathy unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Rare cases of thromboembolism, including pulmonary embolism and stroke resulting in fatalities, have been associated with clozapine.

Myelosuppression may be aggravated with concomitant use of myelosuppressants. Clozapine may interact with other CNS active drugs or alcohol. Orthostatic hypotension may occur with benzodiazepine usage or other psychotropics. Since Clozapine is highly bound to proteins. It may be displaced by other drugs, which are also highly protein bound. Conversely, Clozapine may also displace protein bound drugs (e.g. warfarin, digoxin). Cimetidine may decrease plasma Clozapine levels.

Although concomitant administration of Carbamazepine and Clozapine is not recommended, it should be noted that discontinuation of concomitant Carbamazepine may result in an increase in plasma Clozapine levels. A reduced Clozapine dosage should be used when it is combined with drugs like fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline. The action of hypotensive drugs may be potentiated. Other anticholinergic drug action may also be increased. Administration of adrenaline should generally be avoided due to possibility of reversal of adrenaline effect due to alpha adrenergic blockade by Clozapine. Concomitant use of Clozapine with other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (such as phenothiazines, antidepressants, propafenone, flecainide and encainide) or those that inhibit this enzyme such as quinidine; require lower doses of either Clozapine or the other drugs.

There are no adequate studies of Clozapine in pregnant women. Studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus. Clozapine can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that it is necessary. Animal studies suggest that Clozapine is secreted in breast milk. Therefore, women taking Clozapine should not nurse their infants.

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms associated with Clozapine overdose are: altered states of consciousness, including drowsiness, delirium and coma; tachycardia; hypotension; respiratory depression or failure; hypersalivation. Aspiration pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmias have also been reported. Seizures have occurred in a minority of reported cases. Fatal overdoses have been reported with Clozapine, generally at doses above 2500 mg. There have also been reports of patients recovering from overdoses well in excess of 4 gm.

Management of Overdose: Should be established and maintained an airway; should be ensured adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Activated charcoal, which may be used with sorbitol, may be as or more effective than emesis or lavage, and should be considered in treating overdosage. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring is recommended along with general symptomatic and supportive measures. Additional surveillance should be continued for several days because of the risk of delayed effects. Avoid epinephrine and derivatives when treating hypotension, and quinidine and procainamide when treating cardiac arrhythmia. There are no specific antidotes for Clozapine. Forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit. ln managing overdosage, the physician should consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement.

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