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Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Oral Anti-coagulants

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibits thrombin formation. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin (activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated.

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg:

• The recommended dose: 2.5 mg twice daily. Patients should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin or a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin in addition to either a daily dose of 75 mg clopidogrel or a standard daily dose of ticlopidine.

Rivaroxaban 10-20 mg:

• Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: For patients with Creatinin Clearance >50 mL/min: 20 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal. For patients with Creatinin Clearance 15-50 ml/min: 15 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal.
• Treatment of DVT & PE: 15 mg orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE. After the initial treatment period, 20 mg orally once daily with food for the remaining treatment.
• Prevention in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE: 20 mg once daily with food.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following Hip replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 35 days.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following knee replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 12 days.

May be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban have increased chance of bleeding, spinal or epidural hematoma and increased risk of stroke after discontinuation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Rivaroxaban or any of the excipients of the product. It is also contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding.

Early discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding that can be fatal in presence of following risk factors- bleeding disorders, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease), vascular retinopathy, bronchiectasis, history of pulmonary bleeding. Signs or symptoms of neurological impairment should be monitored in case of neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture as epidural or spinal hematoma can occur. Rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, dronedarone) increases in Rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation), that’s why should be avoided. Co-administration of Rivaroxaban with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) decreases the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and also should be avoided. The concomitant use of other drugs like anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Rivaroxaban is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Rivaroxaban in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. The safety and efficacy of Rivaroxaban has not been established in breastfeeding women.

Overdose of Rivaroxaban may lead to hemorrhage. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. A specific antidote for Rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.

Store in a cool (below 30°C) & dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Oral Anti-coagulants

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibits thrombin formation. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin (activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated.

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg:

• The recommended dose: 2.5 mg twice daily. Patients should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin or a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin in addition to either a daily dose of 75 mg clopidogrel or a standard daily dose of ticlopidine.

Rivaroxaban 10-20 mg:

• Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: For patients with Creatinin Clearance >50 mL/min: 20 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal. For patients with Creatinin Clearance 15-50 ml/min: 15 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal.
• Treatment of DVT & PE: 15 mg orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE. After the initial treatment period, 20 mg orally once daily with food for the remaining treatment.
• Prevention in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE: 20 mg once daily with food.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following Hip replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 35 days.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following knee replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 12 days.

May be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban have increased chance of bleeding, spinal or epidural hematoma and increased risk of stroke after discontinuation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Rivaroxaban or any of the excipients of the product. It is also contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding.

Early discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding that can be fatal in presence of following risk factors- bleeding disorders, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease), vascular retinopathy, bronchiectasis, history of pulmonary bleeding. Signs or symptoms of neurological impairment should be monitored in case of neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture as epidural or spinal hematoma can occur. Rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, dronedarone) increases in Rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation), that’s why should be avoided. Co-administration of Rivaroxaban with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) decreases the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and also should be avoided. The concomitant use of other drugs like anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Rivaroxaban is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Rivaroxaban in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. The safety and efficacy of Rivaroxaban has not been established in breastfeeding women.

Overdose of Rivaroxaban may lead to hemorrhage. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. A specific antidote for Rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.

Store in a cool (below 30°C) & dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Oral Anti-coagulants

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibits thrombin formation. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin (activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated.

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg:

• The recommended dose: 2.5 mg twice daily. Patients should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin or a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin in addition to either a daily dose of 75 mg clopidogrel or a standard daily dose of ticlopidine.

Rivaroxaban 10-20 mg:

• Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: For patients with Creatinin Clearance >50 mL/min: 20 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal. For patients with Creatinin Clearance 15-50 ml/min: 15 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal.
• Treatment of DVT & PE: 15 mg orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE. After the initial treatment period, 20 mg orally once daily with food for the remaining treatment.
• Prevention in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE: 20 mg once daily with food.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following Hip replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 35 days.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following knee replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 12 days.

May be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban have increased chance of bleeding, spinal or epidural hematoma and increased risk of stroke after discontinuation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Rivaroxaban or any of the excipients of the product. It is also contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding.

Early discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding that can be fatal in presence of following risk factors- bleeding disorders, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease), vascular retinopathy, bronchiectasis, history of pulmonary bleeding. Signs or symptoms of neurological impairment should be monitored in case of neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture as epidural or spinal hematoma can occur. Rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, dronedarone) increases in Rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation), that’s why should be avoided. Co-administration of Rivaroxaban with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) decreases the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and also should be avoided. The concomitant use of other drugs like anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Rivaroxaban is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Rivaroxaban in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. The safety and efficacy of Rivaroxaban has not been established in breastfeeding women.

Overdose of Rivaroxaban may lead to hemorrhage. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. A specific antidote for Rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.

Store in a cool (below 30°C) & dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Oral Anti-coagulants

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibits thrombin formation. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin (activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated.

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg:

• The recommended dose: 2.5 mg twice daily. Patients should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin or a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin in addition to either a daily dose of 75 mg clopidogrel or a standard daily dose of ticlopidine.

Rivaroxaban 10-20 mg:

• Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: For patients with Creatinin Clearance >50 mL/min: 20 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal. For patients with Creatinin Clearance 15-50 ml/min: 15 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal.
• Treatment of DVT & PE: 15 mg orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE. After the initial treatment period, 20 mg orally once daily with food for the remaining treatment.
• Prevention in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE: 20 mg once daily with food.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following Hip replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 35 days.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following knee replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 12 days.

May be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban have increased chance of bleeding, spinal or epidural hematoma and increased risk of stroke after discontinuation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Rivaroxaban or any of the excipients of the product. It is also contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding.

Early discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding that can be fatal in presence of following risk factors- bleeding disorders, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease), vascular retinopathy, bronchiectasis, history of pulmonary bleeding. Signs or symptoms of neurological impairment should be monitored in case of neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture as epidural or spinal hematoma can occur. Rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, dronedarone) increases in Rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation), that’s why should be avoided. Co-administration of Rivaroxaban with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) decreases the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and also should be avoided. The concomitant use of other drugs like anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Rivaroxaban is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Rivaroxaban in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. The safety and efficacy of Rivaroxaban has not been established in breastfeeding women.

Overdose of Rivaroxaban may lead to hemorrhage. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. A specific antidote for Rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.

Store in a cool (below 30°C) & dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia. Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Drugs for Dementia

Rivastigmine is a carbamate derivative that is structurally related to physostigmine, but not to donepezil and tacrine. The precise mechanism of rivastigmine has not been fully determined, but it is suggested that rivastigmine binds reversibly with and inactivates chlolinesterase (eg. acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase), preventing the hydrolysis of acetycholine, and thus leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses. The anticholinesterase activity of rivastigmine is relatively specific for brain acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase compared with those in peripheral tissues.

Rivastigmine capsule-

• Initial dose: Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
• Dose titration: The starting dose is Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks of treatment, the dose may be increased to Rivastigmine 3 mg twice a day. Subsequent increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day should also be based on good tolerability of the current dose and may be considered after a minimum of two weeks of treatment at that dose level.
• Maintenance dose: The effective dose is 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day; to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit patients should be maintained on their highest well tolerated dose. The recommended maximum daily dose is 6 mg twice a day. Maintenance treatment can be continued for as long as a therapeutic benefit for the patient exists. 
• Re-initiation of therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, it should be re-initiated at 1.5 mg twice daily. Dose titration should then be carried out as described above.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch: Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours.

• Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours Rivastigmine transdermal patch.
• Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Rivastigmine transdermal patch 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily.
• For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours.

Rivastigmine should be administered twice a day, with morning and evening meals.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are gastrointestinal, including nausea (38%) and vomiting (23%), especially during titration. Female patients in clinical studies were found to be more susceptible than male patients to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and weight loss.

The use of this medicinal product is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or other carbamate derivatives.

Patients with sick sinus syndrome or conduction defects, resp diseases. Cholinergic stimulation may increase gastric acid secretion. May exacerbate urinary obstruction and seizures. Pregnancy. Renal impairment, mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body wt. Asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. May worsen extrapyramidal symptoms. Lactation.

As a cholinesterase inhibitor, Rivastigmine may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anaesthesia. Caution is recommended when selecting anaesthetic agents. Possible dose adjustments or temporarily stopping treatment can be considered if needed. In view of its pharmacodynamic effects, rivastigmine should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and might interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medicinal products. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. No untoward effects on cardiac conduction were observed following concomitant administration of digoxin and Rivastigmine.

For Rivastigmine no clinical data are available. Rivastigmine should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. In animals, rivastigmine is excreted into milk. It is not known if rivastigmine is excreted into human milk. Therefore, women on rivastigmine should not breast-feed.

Renal and hepatic impairment: Due to increased exposure in moderate renal and mild to moderate hepatic impairment, dosing recommendations to titrate according to individual tolerability should be closely followed

Use in children: Rivastigmine is not recommended for use in children.

Most cases of accidental overdose have not been associated with any clinical signs or symptoms and almost all of the patients concerned continued rivastigmine treatment. Where symptoms have occurred, they have included nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, hypertension or hallucinations. Due to the known vagotonic effect of cholinesterase inhibitors on heart rate, bradycardia and/or syncope may also occur. Ingestion of 46 mg occurred in one case; following conservative management the patient fully recovered within 24 hours. As rivastigmine has a plasma half-life of about 1 hour and a duration of acetylcholinesterase inhibition of about 9 hours, it is recommended that in cases of asymptomatic overdose no further dose of rivastigmine should be administered for the next 24 hours. In overdose accompanied by severe nausea and vomiting, the use of antiemetics should be considered. Symptomatic treatment for other adverse reactions should be given as necessary. In massive overdose, atropine can be used. An initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg intravenous atropine sulphate is recommended, with subsequent doses based on clinical response. Use of scopolamine as an antidote is not recommended.

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.

To prevent and to treat deficiencies of vitamin B2 such as cheilosis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, keratitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Vitamin-B preparations

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity. Riboflavin also helps in the prevention or treatment of many types of eye disorders, including some cases of cataracts.

Binds to riboflavin hydrogenase, riboflavin kinase, and riboflavin synthase. Riboflavin is the precursor of flavin mononucleotide (FMN, riboflavin monophosphate) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). The antioxidant activity of riboflavin is principally derived from its role as a precursor of FAD and the role of this cofactor in the production of the antioxidant reduced glutathione. Reduced glutathione is the cofactor of the selenium-containing glutathione peroxidases among other things. The glutathione peroxidases are major antioxidant enzymes. Reduced glutathione is generated by the FAD-containing enzyme glutathione reductase.

For treating low levels of riboflavin (riboflavin deficiency) in adults: 5-30 mg of riboflavin daily in divided doses.

For preventing migraine headaches: 400 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2) per day. It may take up to three months to get best results.

For preventing cataracts: approximately 2.6 mg of riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin is likely safe for most people. In some people, Riboflavin can cause the urine to turn a yellow- orange color. When taken in high doses, Riboflavin might cause diarrhea, an increase in urine, and other side effects.

Hypersensitivity to Riboflavin.

Riboflavin is non-toxic. No warnings or precautions have been established .

Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs), Medications for depression (Tricyclic antidepressants), Phenobarbital, Probenecid.

Riboflavin is likely safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women when taken in the amounts recommended.

Store at a cool and dry place. Protect from light.

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oral Anti-coagulants

Rivaroxaban is a highly selective direct factor Xa inhibitor. Inhibition of factor Xa interrupts the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of the blood coagulation cascade, inhibits thrombin formation. Rivaroxaban does not inhibit thrombin (activated factor II) and no effects on platelets have been demonstrated.

Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg:

• The recommended dose: 2.5 mg twice daily. Patients should also take a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin or a daily dose of 75-100 mg Aspirin in addition to either a daily dose of 75 mg clopidogrel or a standard daily dose of ticlopidine.

Rivaroxaban 10-20 mg:

• Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: For patients with Creatinin Clearance >50 mL/min: 20 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal. For patients with Creatinin Clearance 15-50 ml/min: 15 mg orally, once daily with the evening meal.
• Treatment of DVT & PE: 15 mg orally twice daily with food for the first 21 days for the initial treatment of acute DVT or PE. After the initial treatment period, 20 mg orally once daily with food for the remaining treatment.
• Prevention in the risk of recurrence of DVT and of PE: 20 mg once daily with food.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following Hip replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 35 days.
• Prophylaxis of DVT following knee replacement surgery: 10 mg once daily for 12 days.

May be taken with or without food.

The most common side effects of Rivaroxaban have increased chance of bleeding, spinal or epidural hematoma and increased risk of stroke after discontinuation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity of Rivaroxaban or any of the excipients of the product. It is also contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding.

Early discontinuation of Rivaroxaban, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. Rivaroxaban increases the risk of bleeding that can be fatal in presence of following risk factors- bleeding disorders, uncontrolled severe arterial hypertension, gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, oesophagitis, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease), vascular retinopathy, bronchiectasis, history of pulmonary bleeding. Signs or symptoms of neurological impairment should be monitored in case of neuraxial anesthesia (spinal/epidural anesthesia) or spinal puncture as epidural or spinal hematoma can occur. Rivaroxaban is not recommended in patients with pulmonary embolism who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.

Concomitant use with drugs that are combined P-gp and CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, dronedarone) increases in Rivaroxaban exposure and pharmacodynamic effects (i.e., factor Xa inhibition and PT prolongation), that’s why should be avoided. Co-administration of Rivaroxaban with a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) decreases the efficacy of Rivaroxaban and also should be avoided. The concomitant use of other drugs like anti-platelet agents, heparin, fibrinolytic therapy, NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Rivaroxaban is a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Rivaroxaban in pregnant women, and dosing for pregnant women has not been established. It is not known if Rivaroxaban is excreted in human milk. The safety and efficacy of Rivaroxaban has not been established in breastfeeding women.

Overdose of Rivaroxaban may lead to hemorrhage. Rivaroxaban systemic exposure is not further increased at single doses >50 mg due to limited absorption. A specific antidote for Rivaroxaban is not available. The use of activated charcoal to reduce absorption in case of Rivaroxaban overdose may be considered. Partial reversal of laboratory anticoagulation parameters may be achieved with use of plasma products.

Store in a cool (below 30°C) & dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs, Benzodiazepine hypnotics

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

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

Oral:

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

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

Injection:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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