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Vitamin-B preparations

Thiamine, in the form of thiamine pyrophosphate, is the coenzyme for decarboxylation of α-ketoglutaric acid. Thiamine deficiency affects the peripheral nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular system. This vitamin is necessary for the optimal growth of infants and children. Thiamine is not stored in the body, and is regularly lost from tissues during short periods of deficiency. In order to maintain normal health, an adequate amount of thiamine is required every day. Deficiency of thiamine leads to fatigue, anorexia, gastrointestinal disturbance, tachycardia, irritability and neurological symptoms. Beriberi, a disease due to vitamin B1 deficiency, is common in alcoholics, in pregnant women receiving an inadequate diet, and in people with malabsorption syndrome, prolonged diarrhoea and hepatic disease.

Thiamine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and widely distributed throughout the body. Thiamine is rapidly absorbed from the upper small intestine. Thiamine is not stored in the body to any appreciable extent. Excess ingested thiamine appears in urine as intact thiamine or as pyrimidine, which arises from degradation of the thiamine molecule. The plasma half life of thiamine is 24 hours.

Prophylaxis: 3 to 10 mg daily.
Mild chronic deficiency: 10 to 25 mg daily.
Severe deficiency: 200 to 300 mg daily.

Vitamin B1 does not have adverse effects when given orally, but in a few fatal cases anaphylactic reactions have occurred after intravenous administration of large doses (400 mg) in sensitive patients, especially children, and in one case following an intramuscular dose of 125 mg. The risk of such reactions increases with repeated administration of the drug by parenteral route. Transient mild soreness may occur at the site of intramuscular administration

There is no absolute contraindication but the risk of anaphylaxis is increased by repeated parenteral administration. Mild allergic phenomena, such as sneezing or mild asthma are warning signs that further may give rise to anaphylactic shock. To avoid this possibility it is advisable to start a second course of injection with a dose considerably lower than that previously used. Because of the above, vitamin B1 injection should not be given intravenously except in the case of comatose patients. Once thiamine deficiency is corrected there is no need for parenteral administration or for the administration of amounts in excess of daily requirement.

No hazardous drug interactions have been reported. Vitamin B1 acts synergistically with other vitamins of the B-complex group and its potential for causing adverse effects is considerably reduced.

The drug may be given safely to neonates, children, pregnant and lactating women and elderly patients.

Thiamine injection should be protected from light and moisture.

Flupentixol and Melitracen tablet is indicated in-

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

Combined anxiolytics & anti-depressant drugs

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

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

Elderly patients: 1 tablet in the morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Anti-diarrhoeal Antimicrobial drugs, Macrolides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Known hypersensitivity to Erythromycin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

Reconstitution procedure of suspension-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anti-Thymocyte Globulin is an immunoglobulin G indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute rejection in patients receiving a kidney transplant. Use in conjunction with concomitant immunosuppression.

Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin

The mechanism of action by which polyclonal antilymphocyte preparations suppress immune responses is not fully understood. Possible mechanisms by which Anti-Thymocyte Globulin may induce immunosuppression in vivo include: T-cell clearance from the circulation and modulation of T-cell activation, homing, and cytotoxic activities. Anti-Thymocyte Globulin includes antibodies against T-cell markers such as CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11a, CD18, CD25, CD44, CD45, HLA-DR, HLA Class I heavy chains, and ß2 micro-globulin. In vitro, Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (concentrations >0.1 mg/mL) mediates T-cell suppressive effects via inhibition of proliferative responses to several mitogens. In patients, T-cell depletion is usually observed within a day after initiating Anti-Thymocyte Globulin therapy. Anti-Thymocyte Globulin has not been shown to be effective for treating antibody-mediated (humoral) rejections.

The first dose should be infused over at least 6 hours; doses on subsequent days should be infused over at least 4 hours.

Premedication with corticosteroids, acetaminophen, and/or an antihistamine prior to each infusion is recommended.

The Anti-Thymocyte Globulin dose should be reduced by one half if the white blood cell (WBC) count is between 2,000 and 3,000 cells/mm3 or if the platelet count is between 50,000 and 75,000 cells/mm3. Stopping Anti-Thymocyte Globulin treatment should be considered if the WBC count falls below 2,000 cells/mm3 or if the platelet count falls below 50,000 cells/mm3

• Prophylaxis of acute rejection: 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 4 to 7 days
• Treatment of acute rejection: 1.5 mg/kg of body weight administered daily for 7 to 14 days

The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities (incidence>5% higher than comparator) are urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, hypertension, nausea, shortness of breath, fever, headache, anxiety, chills, increased potassium levels in the blood, low counts of platelets and white blood cells

Allergy or anaphylactic reaction to rabbit proteins or to any product excipients, or active acute or chronic infections which contraindicate any additional immunosuppression

Anti-Thymocyte Globulin should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressant therapy in transplantation.

Immune-mediated reactions: Anti-Thymocyte Globulin infusion could result in an anaphylactic reaction.

Infusion-associated reactions: Close compliance with the recommended infusion time may reduce the incidence and severity of infusion-associated reactions.

Hematologic effects: low counts of platelets and white blood cells have been identified and are reversible following dose adjustments. Monitor total white blood cell and platelet counts.

Infection: Infections and reactivation of infections have been reported. Monitor patients and administer anti-infective prophylaxis.

Malignancy: Incidence of malignancies may increase.

Immunization with attenuated live vaccines is not recommended for patients who have recently received THYMOGLOBULIN. THYMOGLOBULIN may interfere with rabbit antibody–based immunoassays and with cross-match or panel-reactive antibody cytotoxicity assays.

No drug interaction studies have been performed.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Anti-Thymocyte Globulin. It is also not known whether Anti-Thymocyte Globulin can cause fetal harm. Anti-Thymocyte Globulin should be given to a pregnant woman only if the benefit outweighs the risk.

Anti-Thymocyte Globulin has not been studied in nursing women. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because other immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk, breastfeeding should be discontinued during Anti-Thymocyte Globulin therapy.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Anti-Thymocyte Globulin in pediatric patients have not been established in controlled trials. However, based on limited European studies and U.S. compassionate use, the dose, efficacy, and adverse reaction profile are not thought to be different than for adults.

Store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Thyroid drugs & hormone

This tablet contains synthetic Levothyroxine (also called Thyroxine or T4) which is identical to the natural hormone T4, produced in the Thyroid gland. About 30% of T4 is converted to the much more active Triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. TBG (Thyroxine Binding Globulin) is the major carrier of T4. This binding protects T4 from metabolism and excretion resulting in its long half-life in the circulation. Only about 0.03% of total T4 in plasma is unbound. The half-life of elimination of T4 is 6 to 7 days. In hyperthyroidism, the half-life is shortened to 3 or 4 days, whereas in hypothyroidism it may be 9 to 10 days. In conditions associated with reduced protein in plasma as in nephrosis or hepatic cirrhosis or when binding to protein is inhibited by certain drugs the half-life of T4 may be shortened. The liver is the major site of degradation of Thyroid hormones. T4 is conjugated with Glucuronic and Sulphate conjugates through the Phenolic hydroxyl group and excreted in the urine.There is an enterohepatic circulation of the Thyroid hormones, since they are liberated by hydrolysis in the intestine and reabsorbed. Because of the long half-life of T4, a steady blood level of the biologically more active T3 can be obtained from one single daily dose of Levothyroxine. Therefore, variations in the therapeutic effect are unlikely once the correct dosage has been established.

Adult dose:

• Initial starting dose: 25-50 mcg/day, with gradual increments in dose at 6-8 week intervals, as needed. The Levothyroxine Sodium dose is generally adjusted in 12.5-25 mcg increments until the patient with primary hypothyroidism is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH has normalized.
• In patients with severe hypothyroidism: Initial dose is 12.5-25 mcg/day with increases of 25 mcg/day every 2-4 weeks, accompanied by clinical and laboratory assessment,until the TSH level is normalized.
• In patients with secondary (pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism: Levothyroxine Sodium dose should be titrated until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free - T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.
• For patients older than 50 years or for patients under 50 years of age with underlying cardiac disease: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

Pediatric Dosage (Newborns): The recommended starting dose is 10-15 mcg/kg/day. A lower starting dose should be considered in infants at risk for cardiac failure and the dose should be increased in 4-6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response to treatment. In infants with very low (<5 mcg/dL) or undetectable serum T4 concentrations, the recommended initial starting dose is 50 mcg/day of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Pediatric Dosage (Infants and Children): In children with chronic or severe hypothyroidism, initial dose of 25 mcg/day with increments of 25 mcg every 2-4 weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Hyperactivity in an older child can be minimized if the starting dose is one-fourth of the recommended full replacement dose and the dose is then increased on a weekly basis by an amount equal to one-fourth the full recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

• 0-3 months: 10-15 mcg/kg/day
• 3-6 months: 8-10 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 months: 6-8 mcg/kg/day
• 1-5 years: 5-6 mcg/kg/day
• 6-12 years: 4-5 mcg/kg/day
• >12 years but growth and puberty incomplete: 2-3 mcg/kg/day
• Growth and puberty complete: 1.7 mcg/kg/day.

The dose should be adjusted based on clinical response and laboratory parameters.

Adverse reactions associated with Levothyroxine therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose. They include the following:

• General: Fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating;
• Central nervous system: Headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: Tremors, muscle weakness.
• Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure
• Respiratory: Dyspnea.
• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
• Dermatologic: Hair loss, flushing.

Concurrent use of tri/tetracyclic antidepressants and Levothyroxine may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines.Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and CNS stimulation; onset of action of tricyclics may be accelerated. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on Levothyroxine may result in increased Levothyroxine requirements. Addition of Levothyroxine to antidiabetic or insulin therapy may result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitoring of diabetic control is recommended, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may be reduced in hyperthyroidism or when the hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Therapeutic effect of digitalis glycosides may be reduced.

Pregnancy Category A. Pregnancy may increase Levothyroxine requirements. Although Thyroid hormones are excreted only minimally in human milk,caution should be exercised when it is administered to a nursing woman.However, adequate replacement doses of Levothyroxine are generally needed to maintain normal lactation.

The signs and symptoms of overdose are those of hyperthyroidism - agitation, confusion, irritability, hyperactivity, headache, sweating, mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, tachypnoea, pyrexia, increased bowel movements and convulsions. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of Levothyroxine Sodium. Dose of Levothyroxine Sodium should be reduced or temporarily discontinued if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Treatment is symptomatic.

Store below 30°C and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.