Monday, 25 June 2012

Imogen



Generic Name: loperamide (Oral route)

loe-PER-a-mide

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Diamode

  • Imodium

  • Imodium A-D

  • Imogen

  • Imotil

  • Imperim

  • Kaodene A-D

  • Kao-Paverin Caps

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet, Chewable

  • Solution

  • Capsule, Liquid Filled

Therapeutic Class: Antidiarrheal


Uses For Imogen


Loperamide is a medicine used along with other measures to treat diarrhea. Loperamide helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.


In the U.S., loperamide capsules are available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Imogen


In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:


Allergies


Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.


Pediatric


This medicine should not be used in children under 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor. Children, especially very young children, are very sensitive to the effects of loperamide. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. Also, the fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in a serious health problem (dehydration). Loperamide may hide the symptoms of dehydration. For these reasons, do not give medicine for diarrhea to children without first checking with their doctor. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.


Geriatric


The fluid loss caused by diarrhea may result in a serious health problem (dehydration). Loperamide may hide the symptoms of dehydration. For this reason, elderly persons with diarrhea, in addition to using medicine for diarrhea, must receive a sufficient amount of liquids to replace the fluid lost by the body. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersBAnimal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding


Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Saquinavir

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.


  • Gemfibrozil

  • Itraconazole

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.


Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Colitis (severe)—A more serious problem of the colon may develop if you use loperamide

  • Dysentery—This condition may get worse; a different kind of treatment may be needed

  • Liver disease—The chance of severe central nervous system (CNS) side effects may be greater in patients with liver disease

Proper Use of loperamide

This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain loperamide. It may not be specific to Imogen. Please read with care.


Do not use loperamide to treat your diarrhea if you have a fever or if there is blood or mucus in your stools. Contact your doctor.


For safe and effective use of this medicine:


  • Follow your doctor's instructions if this medicine was prescribed.

  • Follow the manufacturer's package directions if you are treating yourself.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.


Importance of diet and fluid intake while treating diarrhea:


  • In addition to using medicine for diarrhea, it is very important that you replace the fluid lost by the body and follow a proper diet. For the first 24 hours, you should eat gelatin, and drink plenty of caffeine-free clear liquids, such as ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, and broth. During the next 24 hours you may eat bland foods, such as cooked cereals, bread, crackers, and applesauce. Fruits, vegetables, fried or spicy foods, bran, candy, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages may make the condition worse.

  • If too much fluid has been lost by the body due to the diarrhea, a serious condition (dehydration) may develop. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following signs or symptoms of too much fluid loss occur:
    • Decreased urination

    • Dizziness and lightheadedness

    • Dryness of mouth

    • Increased thirst

    • Wrinkled skin


Dosing


The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.


The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.


  • For diarrhea:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 milligrams (mg) (2 capsules) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 capsule) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 16 mg (8 capsules) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children 8 to 12 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 capsule) three times a day.

      • Children 6 to 8 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 capsule) two times a day.

      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
      • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 teaspoonfuls (4 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 teaspoonfuls (8 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children 9 to 11 years of age—The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 teaspoonful (1 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 teaspoonfuls (6 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children 6 to 8 years of age—The usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (2 mg) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 teaspoonful (1 mg) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 teaspoonfuls (4 mg) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 4 mg (2 tablets) after the first loose bowel movement, and 2 mg (1 tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 8 mg (4 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children 9 to 11 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 6 mg (3 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children 6 to 8 years of age—The usual dose is 2 mg (1 tablet) after the first loose bowel movement, and 1 mg (½ tablet) after each loose bowel movement after the first dose has been taken. No more than 4 mg (2 tablets) should be taken in any twenty-four-hour period.

      • Children up to 6 years of age—Use is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using Imogen


Loperamide should not be used for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor. If you will be taking this medicine regularly for a long time, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.


Check with your doctor if your diarrhea does not stop after two days or if you develop a fever.


Imogen Side Effects


Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.


Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Bloating

  • constipation

  • loss of appetite

  • stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:


Rare
  • Skin rash

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:


Rare
  • Dizziness or drowsiness

  • dryness of mouth

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.


Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Imogen side effects (in more detail)



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More Imogen resources


  • Imogen Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Imogen Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Imogen Drug Interactions
  • Imogen Support Group
  • 8 Reviews for Imogen - Add your own review/rating


Compare Imogen with other medications


  • Diarrhea
  • Diarrhea, Acute
  • Diarrhea, Chronic
  • Lymphocytic Colitis
  • Traveler's Diarrhea

Sorine


Generic Name: sotalol (SOE ta lol)

Brand Names: Betapace, Sorine


What is Sorine (sotalol)?

Sotalol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).


Sotalol is used to help keep the heart beating normally in people with certain heart rhythm disorders of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow out of the heart). Sotalol is used in people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.


Another form of this medicine, called Sotalol AF, is used to treat heart rhythm disorders of the atrium (the upper chambers of the heart that allow blood to flow into the heart). Sotalol AF is used in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Sotalol (Betapace and Sorine) is not used for the same conditions that sotalol AF (Betapace AF) is used for.


Sotalol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Sorine (sotalol)?


You will receive your first few doses of sotalol in a hospital setting where your heart rhythm can be monitored, in case the medication causes serious side effects.

If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use, your dosage needs may change. Betapace and Sorine are not used for the same conditions that Betapace AF is used for. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine given to you at the pharmacy.


Do not skip doses or stop taking sotalol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

If you need to have any type of surgery, you may need to temporarily stop using sotalol. Be sure the surgeon knows ahead of time that you are using sotalol.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Sorine (sotalol)?


Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sotalol, or if you have:

  • asthma;




  • certain heart conditions, especially "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);




  • a history of "Long QT syndrome"; or




  • severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure.



If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sotalol:



  • breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;




  • a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;




  • diabetes;




  • kidney disease;




  • a thyroid disorder;




  • an electrolyte imbalance such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood; or




  • if you have recently had a heart attack.




FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Sotalol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Sorine (sotalol)?


You will receive your first few doses of sotalol in a hospital setting where your heart can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.

Take sotalol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.


If there are any changes in the brand or strength of sotalol you use, your dosage needs may change. Betapace and Sorine are not used for the same conditions that Betapace AF is used for. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type as prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine given to you at the pharmacy.


Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take sotalol at the same time every day.


Do not skip doses or stop taking sotalol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Tell your doctor if you have an illness that involves diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than a few hours. Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can lower your potassium levels, making it dangerous for you to use sotalol.


To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your heart and kidney function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.


This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using sotalol.


If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using sotalol. You may need to briefly stop using sotalol before having surgery.


Store sotalol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include slow or fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, hunger, weakness, confusion, sweating, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking Sorine (sotalol)?


Do not take an antacid within 2 hours before or after taking sotalol. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb sotalol.


Sorine (sotalol) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath;




  • feeling light-headed, fainting;




  • slow heartbeat;




  • unusual sweating, increased thirst; or




  • swelling, rapid weight gain.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;




  • headache;




  • sleep problems (insomnia); or




  • tired feeling.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Sorine (sotalol)?


Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • clonidine (Catapres);




  • digoxin (digitalis, Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin);




  • reserpine;




  • a diuretic (water pill);




  • drugs that can affect heart rhythm, such as cisapride (Propulsid), droperidol (Inapsine), methadone (Methadose), pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam);




  • any other heart rhythm medications, especially amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), procainamide (Procan), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release);




  • antibiotics such as azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin, Ery-Tab), telithromycin (Ketek);




  • medicines to treat psychiatric disorder, such as pimozide (Orap), haloperidol (Haldol), thioridazine (Mellaril);




  • a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), trifluoperazine (Stelazine);




  • an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip), doxepin (Sinequan), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;




  • a diabetes medication such as insulin, glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), glipizide (Glucotrol), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), metformin (Glucophage);




  • a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others; or




  • medicine for asthma other breathing disorders, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl), and theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl).



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sotalol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Sorine resources


  • Sorine Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Sorine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Sorine Drug Interactions
  • Sorine Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Sorine - Add your own review/rating


  • Sorine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Sorine Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Sotalol Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Betapace Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Betapace MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Betapace AF MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Betapace AF Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Sotalol Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)



Compare Sorine with other medications


  • Ventricular Arrhythmia


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about sotalol.

See also: Sorine side effects (in more detail)


Sunday, 17 June 2012

Faramsil 400 microgram Prolonged-release Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Faramsil 400 microgram Prolonged-release Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each film-coated prolonged-release tablet contains 0.4 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride.



Excipient(s):



Each film-coated prolonged-release tablet contains 18.75 mg lactose monohydrate.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film-coated prolonged-release tablet



Round, bi-convex, brown film-coated tablet with debossing “0.4” on one side and “SZ” on the other side.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Posology



One tablet daily can be taken independently of food.



Method of administration



For oral use.



The tablet should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed as this will interfere with the prolonged release of the active ingredient.



Special populations



Renal impairment: no dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment



Hepatic impairment: no dose adjustment is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (see also section 4.3)



Paediatric population



There is no relevant indication for the use of tamsulosin in the paediatric population.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to tamsulosin, including drug-induced angio-oedema, or to any of the excipients.



A history of orthostatic hypotension.



Severe hepatic insufficiency.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



As with other alpha1-blockers, a reduction in blood pressure can occur in individual cases during treatment with tamsulosin, leading in rare cases to syncope. At the first signs of orthostatic hypotension (dizziness, weakness), the patient should sit or lie down until the symptoms have disappeared.



Prior to commencement of therapy with tamsulosin, the patient should be examined in order to exclude the presence of other conditions which may produce similar symptoms to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Digital rectal examination and, when necessary, determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) should be performed prior to commencement of treatment and at regular intervals afterwards.



The treatment of patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 ml/min) should be approached with caution as these patients have not been studied.



The 'Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome' (IFIS, a variant of small pupil syndrome) has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients on or previously treated with tamsulosin. IFIS may lead to increased procedural complications during the operation. The initiation of therapy with tamsulosin in patients scheduled for cataract surgery is not recommended.



Discontinuing tamsulosin 1-2 weeks prior to cataract surgery has been recommended, however the benefit and duration of stopping the therapy prior to cataract surgery has not yet been established.



During pre-operative assessment, cataract surgeons and ophthalmic teams should consider whether patients scheduled for cataract surgery are being or have been treated with tamsulosin in order to ensure that appropriate measures will be in place to manage the IFIS during surgery.



Tamsulosin prolonged-release tablets contain lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Interaction studies have only been performed in adults. No interactions have been seen when tamsulosin was given concomitantly with atenolol, enalapril or theophylline. Concomitant cimetidine increases and concomitant furosemide lowers plasma levels of tamsulosin, however, as levels remain within the normal range, posology need not be changed. In vitro, neither diazepam nor propranolol, trichlormethiazide, chlormadinon, amitryptyline, diclofenac, glibenclamide, simvastatin and warfarin change the free fraction of tamsulosin in human plasma. Neither does tamsulosin change the free fractions of diazepam, propranolol, trichlormethiazide, and chlormadinon. No interactions at the level of hepatic metabolism have been seen during in vitro studies with liver microsomal fractions (representative of the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolising enzyme system), involving amitriptyline, salbutamol, glibenclamide and finasteride. Diclofenac and warfarin, however, may increase the elimination rate of tamsulosin. There is a theoretical risk of enhanced hypotensive effect when given concomitantly with drugs which may reduce blood pressure, including anaesthetic agents and other alpha1- adrenoreceptors antagonists.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Not applicable, as tamsulosin is intended for male patients only.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However patients should be aware of the fact that drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and syncope can occur.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Tamsulosin prolonged-release tablets were evaluated in two double-blind placebo controlled trials. Adverse events were mostly mild and their incidence was generally low. The most commonly reported ADR was abnormal ejaculation occurring in approximately 2% of patients.



Suspected adverse reactions reported with Tamsulosin prolonged release tablets or an alternative formulation of tamsulosin, were:



Common (








Nervous systems disorders




Common: dizziness




Uncommon: headache




Rare: syncope






Cardiac disorders




Uncommon: palpitations






Vascular disorders




Uncommon: orthostatic hypotension






Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders




Uncommon: rhinitis






Gastrointestinal disorders




Uncommon: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea








Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




Uncommon: rash, pruritus, urticaria




Rare: angioedema




Very rare: Stevens-Johnson syndrome







Reproductive system and breast disorders




Common: ejaculation disorders




Very rare: priapism






General disorders




Uncommon: asthenia



As with other alpha-blockers, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth or oedema can occur.



During cataract surgery a small pupil situation, known as Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS), has been associated with therapy of tamsulosin during post-marketing surveillance (see also section 4.4).



Post-marketing experience: In addition to the adverse events listed above, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, tachycardia and dyspnoea have been reported in association with tamsulosin use. Because these spontaneously reported events are from the worldwide post-marketing experience, the frequency of events and the role of tamsulosin in their causation cannot be reliably determined.



4.9 Overdose



Acute overdose with 5 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride has been reported. Acute hypotension (systolic blood pressure 70 mm Hg), vomiting and diarrhoea were observed, which were treated with fluid replacement and the patient was able to be discharged the same day. In case of acute hypotension occurring after overdose, cardiovascular support should be given. Blood pressure can be restored and heart rate brought back to normal by lying the patient down. If this is insufficient then volume expanders, and when necessary, vasopressors could be employed. Renal function should be monitored and general supportive measures applied. Dialysis is unlikely to be of help, as tamsulosin is very highly bound to plasma proteins.



Measures, such as emesis, can be taken to impede absorption. When large quantities are involved, gastric lavage can be applied and activated charcoal and an osmotic laxative, such as sodium sulphate, can be administered.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Alpha adrenoceptor antagonists.



ATC code: G04C A02. Preparations for the exclusive treatment of prostatic disease.



Mechanism of action



Tamsulosin binds selectively and competitively to postsynaptic alpha1-receptors, in particular to the subtype alpha1A, resulting in relaxation of the smooth muscle of the prostate, whereby tension is reduced.



Pharmacodynamic effects



Tamsulosin increases maximum urinary flow rate by reducing smooth muscle tension in the prostate and urethra, thereby relieving obstruction.



It also improves the complex of irritative and obstructive symptoms in which bladder instability and tension of the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract play an important role. Alpha1-blockers can reduce blood pressure by lowering peripheral resistance. No reduction in blood pressure of any clinical significance was observed during studies with tamsulosin.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



Tamsulosin administered as a prolonged-release tablet is absorbed from the intestine and its bioavailability is approximately 55-59% A consistent slow release of tamsulosin is maintained over the whole pH range encountered in the gastro-intestinal tract with little fluctuation over 24 hours. The rate and extent of absorption of tamsulosin administered as a prolonged release-tablet is not affected by food intake.



Tamsulosin shows linear kinetics.



Following administration of a single dose of tamsulosin in fasting state, plasma levels of tamsulosin peak at a median time of 6 hours. At steady state, which is reached by day 4 of multiple dosing, plasma levels of tamsulosin peak at 4 to 6 hours in fasting and fed state. Peak plasma levels increase from approximately 6 ng/ml after the first dose to 11 ng/ml at steady state.



As a result of the prolonged release characteristics of the tablet the trough concentration of tamsulosin in plasma amounts to 40% of the peak plasma concentration under fasting and fed conditions.



There is a considerable inter-patient variation in plasma levels, both after single and multiple dosing.



Distribution



In male patients, tamsulosin is about 99% bound to plasma proteins and the volume of distribution is small (about 0.2l/kg).



Metabolism



Tamsulosin has a low first pass effect, being metabolised slowly. Most tamsulosin is present in plasma in the form of unchanged drug. It is metabolised in the liver.



In rats, hardly any induction of microsomal liver enzymes was seen to be caused by tamsulosin.



None of the metabolites are more active than the original compound.



Elimination



Tamsulosin and its metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine. The urinary recovery of unchanged drug is estimated to be about 4-6% of the dose, administered as a prolonged release tablet



After a single dose of tamsulosin, and at steady state, elimination half-life of about 19 and 15 hours, respectively, has been measured.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Single and repeat dose toxicity studies were performed in mice, rats and dogs. In addition, reproduction toxicity studies were performed in rats, carcinogenicity in mice and rats, and in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity were examined.



The general toxicity profile, as seen with high doses of tamsulosin, is consistent with the known pharmacological actions of the alpha-adrenergic blocking agents. At very high dose levels, the ECG was altered in dogs. This response is considered to be clinically irrelevant. Tamsulosin showed no relevant genotoxic properties.



Increased incidences of proliferative changes of mammary glands of female rats and mice have been reported. These findings appeared to be related to hyperprolactinaemia and only occurred at high dose levels, are regarded as irrelevant.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients












Tablet core




Cellulose, microcrystalline




Hydroxypropylcellulose




Lactose monohydrate




Polyethylene oxide




Butylhydroxytoluene




Magnesium stearate




Silica, colloidal anhydrous













Tablet film-coating




Hypromellose




Hydroxypropylcellulose




Macrogol 400




Titanium dioxide (E 171)




Talc




Quinoline yellow (E 104)




Carmine (E 120)




Iron oxide, black (E 172)



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



2 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Store in the original package.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Aluminium//Aluminium blisters.



Pack sizes: 10, 14, 20, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 80, 90, 100 and 200 film-coated prolonged-release tablets.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Sandoz Ltd



Frimley Business Park,



Frimley,



Camberley,



Surrey,



GU16 7SR.



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 04416/0987



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



14/07/2011



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



14/07/2011




Saturday, 16 June 2012

Immunologic agents


Immunologic agents are drugs that can modify the immune response, either by enhancing or suppressing the immune system. They are used to fight infections, prevent and treat certain diseases.


Immunologic agents include drugs used for immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. They can be used as cancer chemotherapy agents. Some immunologic agents can down-regulate the inflammatory process and can be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions and so on.

See also

  • BLyS-specific inhibitors
  • immunostimulants
    • interleukins
    • other immunostimulants
    • therapeutic vaccines
  • interferons
  • sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators
  • tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors
  • vaccine combinations

Drug List:

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Pletal




Generic Name: cilostazol

Dosage Form: tablet
Pletal®

(PLAY-tal)

(cilostazol) (sil-OS-tah-zol)

Tablets

CONTRAINDICATION

Cilostazol and several of its metabolites are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase III. Several drugs with this pharmacologic effect have caused decreased survival compared to placebo in patients with class III-IV congestive heart failure. Pletal is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure of any severity.




Pletal Description


Pletal (cilostazol) is a quinolinone derivative that inhibits cellular phosphodiesterase (more specific for phosphodiesterase III). The empirical formula of cilostazol is C20H27N5O2, and its molecular weight is 369.46. Cilostazol is 6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone, CAS-73963-72-1.


The structural formula is:



Cilostazol occurs as white to off-white crystals or as a crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol, and is practically insoluble in water, 0.1 N HCl, and 0.1 N NaOH.


Pletal (cilostazol) tablets for oral administration are available in 50 mg triangular and 100 mg round, white debossed tablets. Each tablet, in addition to the active ingredient, contains the following inactive ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose calcium, corn starch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose.



Pletal - Clinical Pharmacology



Mechanism of Action


The mechanism of the effects of Pletal on the symptoms of intermittent claudication is not fully understood. Pletal and several of its metabolites are cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase III inhibitors (PDE III inhibitors), inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity and suppressing cAMP degradation with a resultant increase in cAMP in platelets and blood vessels, leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation and vasodilation, respectively.


Pletal reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation induced by a variety of stimuli, including thrombin, ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, epinephrine, and shear stress. Effects on circulating plasma lipids have been examined in patients taking Pletal. After 12 weeks, as compared to placebo, Pletal 100 mg b.i.d. produced a reduction in triglycerides of 29.3 mg/dL (15%) and an increase in HDL-cholesterol of 4.0 mg/dL (~10%).


Cardiovascular Effects

Cilostazol affects both vascular beds and cardiovascular function. It produces non-homogeneous dilation of vascular beds, with greater dilation in femoral beds than in vertebral, carotid or superior mesenteric arteries. Renal arteries were not responsive to the effects of cilostazol.


In dogs or cynomolgous monkeys, cilostazol increased heart rate, myocardial contractile force, and coronary blood flow as well as ventricular automaticity, as would be expected for a PDE III inhibitor. Left ventricular contractility was increased at doses required to inhibit platelet aggregation. A-V conduction was accelerated. In humans, heart rate increased in a dose-proportional manner by a mean of 5.1 and 7.4 beats per minute in patients treated with 50 and 100 mg b.i.d., respectively. In 264 patients evaluated with Holter monitors, numerically more cilostazol-treated patients had increases in ventricular premature beats and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia events than did placebo-treated patients; the increases were not dose-related.



Pharmacokinetics


Pletal is absorbed after oral administration. A high fat meal increases absorption, with an approximately 90% increase in Cmax and a 25% increase in AUC. Absolute bioavailability is not known. Cilostazol is extensively metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymes, mainly 3A4, and, to a lesser extent, 2C19, with metabolites largely excreted in urine. Two metabolites are active, with one metabolite appearing to account for at least 50% of the pharmacologic (PDE III inhibition) activity after administration of Pletal. Pharmacokinetics are approximately dose proportional. Cilostazol and its active metabolites have apparent elimination half-lives of about 11-13 hours. Cilostazol and its active metabolites accumulate about 2-fold with chronic administration and reach steady state blood levels within a few days. The pharmacokinetics of cilostazol and its two major active metabolites were similar in healthy normal subjects and patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).


The mean ±SEM plasma concentration-time profile at steady state after multiple dosing of Pletal 100 mg b.i.d. is shown below:



Distribution

Plasma Protein and Erythrocyte Binding


Cilostazol is 95-98% protein bound, predominantly to albumin. The mean percent binding for 3,4‑dehydro‑cilostazol is 97.4% and for 4´-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol is 66%. Mild hepatic impairment did not affect protein binding. The free fraction of cilostazol was 27% higher in subjects with renal impairment than in normal volunteers. The displacement of cilostazol from plasma proteins by erythromycin, quinidine, warfarin, and omeprazole was not clinically significant.


Metabolism and Excretion

Cilostazol is eliminated predominately by metabolism and subsequent urinary excretion of metabolites. Based on in vitro studies, the primary isoenzymes involved in cilostazol's metabolism are CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2C19. The enzyme responsible for metabolism of 3,4‑dehydro‑cilostazol, the most active of the metabolites, is unknown.


Following oral administration of 100 mg radiolabeled cilostazol, 56% of the total analytes in plasma was cilostazol, 15% was 3,4-dehydro-cilostazol (4-7 times as active as cilostazol), and 4% was 4´-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol (one fifth as active as cilostazol). The primary route of elimination was via the urine (74%), with the remainder excreted in feces (20%). No measurable amount of unchanged cilostazol was excreted in the urine, and less than 2% of the dose was excreted as 3,4-dehydro-cilostazol. About 30% of the dose was excreted in urine as 4´-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol. The remainder was excreted as other metabolites, none of which exceeded 5%. There was no evidence of induction of hepatic microenzymes.


Special Populations

Age and Gender


The total and unbound oral clearances, adjusted for body weight, of cilostazol and its metabolites were not significantly different with respect to age and/or gender across a 50-to-80-year-old age range.



Smokers


Population pharmacokinetic analysis suggests that smoking decreased cilostazol exposure by about 20%.



Hepatic Impairment


The pharmacokinetics of cilostazol and its metabolites were similar in subjects with mild hepatic disease as compared to healthy subjects.


Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment have not been studied.



Renal Impairment


The total pharmacologic activity of cilostazol and its metabolites was similar in subjects with mild to moderate renal impairment and in normal subjects. Severe renal impairment increases metabolite levels and alters protein binding of the parent and metabolites. The expected pharmacologic activity, however, based on plasma concentrations and relative PDE III inhibiting potency of parent drug and metabolites, appeared little changed. Patients on dialysis have not been studied, but, it is unlikely that cilostazol can be removed efficiently by dialysis because of its high protein binding (95-98%).


Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions

Cilostazol could have pharmacodynamic interactions with other inhibitors of platelet function and pharmacokinetic interactions because of effects of other drugs on its metabolism by CYP3A4 or CYP2C19. A reduced dose of Pletal should be considered when taken concomitantly with CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors. Cilostazol does not appear to inhibit CYP3A4 (see Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions, Lovastatin).



Aspirin


Short-term (≤4 days) coadministration of aspirin with Pletal increased the inhibition of ADP-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation by 22%-37% when compared to either aspirin or Pletal alone. Short-term (≤4 days) coadministration of aspirin with Pletal increased the inhibition of arachidonic acid-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation by 20% compared to Pletal alone and by 48% compared to aspirin alone. However, short-term coadministration of aspirin with Pletal had no clinically significant impact on PT, aPTT, or bleeding time compared to aspirin alone. Effects of long-term coadministration in the general population are unknown. In eight randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials, aspirin was coadministered with cilostazol to 201 patients. The most frequent doses and mean durations of aspirin therapy were 75-81 mg daily for 137 days (107 patients) and 325 mg daily for 54 days (85 patients). There was no apparent increase in incidence of hemorrhagic adverse effects in patients taking cilostazol and aspirin compared to patients taking placebo and equivalent doses of aspirin.



Warfarin


The cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes involved in the metabolism of R-warfarin are CYP3A4, CYP1A2, and CYP2C19, and in the metabolism of S-warfarin, CYP2C9. Cilostazol did not inhibit either the metabolism or the pharmacologic effects (PT, aPTT, bleeding time, or platelet aggregation) of R- and S-warfarin after a single 25-mg dose of warfarin. The effect of concomitant multiple dosing of warfarin and Pletal on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both drugs is unknown.



Clopidogrel


Multiple doses of clopidogrel do not significantly increase steady state plasma concentrations of cilostazol.



Inhibitors of CYP3A4



Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4

A priming dose of ketoconazole 400 mg (a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4), was given one day prior to coadministration of single doses of ketoconazole 400 mg and cilostazol 100 mg. This regimen increased cilostazol Cmax by 94% and AUC by 117%. Other strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, nefazodone, and sertraline, would be expected to have a similar effect (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).



Moderate Inhibitors of CYP3A4

  1. Erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics: Erythromycin is a moderately strong inhibitor of CYP3A4. Coadministration of erythromycin 500 mg q 8h with a single dose of cilostazol 100 mg increased cilostazol Cmax by 47% and AUC by 73%. Inhibition of cilostazol metabolism by erythromycin increased the AUC of 4´-trans-hydroxy-cilostazol by 141%. Other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), but not all (e.g., azithromycin), would be expected to have a similar effect (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

  2. Diltiazem: Diltiazem 180 mg decreased the clearance of cilostazol by ~30%. Cilostazol Cmax increased ~30% and AUC increased ~40% (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

  3. Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit juice increased the Cmax of cilostazol by ~50%, but had no effect on AUC.


Inhibitors of CYP2C19



Omeprazole

Coadministration of omeprazole did not significantly affect the metabolism of cilostazol, but the systemic exposure to 3,4-dehydro-cilostazol was increased by 69%, probably the result of omeprazole's potent inhibition of CYP2C19 (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).



Quinidine


Concomitant administration of quinidine with a single dose of cilostazol 100 mg did not alter cilostazol pharmacokinetics.



Lovastatin


The concomitant administration of lovastatin with cilostazol decreases cilostazol Css, max and AUCτ by 15%. There is also a decrease, although nonsignificant, in cilostazol metabolite concentrations. Coadministration of cilostazol with lovastatin increases lovastatin and β-hydroxi lovastatin AUC approximately 70%. This is most likely clinically insignificant.



Clinical Studies


The ability of Pletal to improve walking distance in patients with stable intermittent claudication was studied in eight large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials of 12 to 24 weeks' duration using dosages of 50 mg b.i.d. (n=303), 100 mg b.i.d. (n=998), and placebo (n=973). Efficacy was determined primarily by the change in maximal walking distance from baseline (compared to change on placebo) on one of several standardized exercise treadmill tests.


Compared to patients treated with placebo, patients treated with Pletal 50 or 100 mg b.i.d. experienced statistically significant improvements in walking distances both for the distance before the onset of claudication pain and the distance before exercise-limiting symptoms supervened (maximal walking distance). The effect of Pletal on walking distance was seen as early as the first on-therapy observation point of two or four weeks.


The following figure depicts the percent mean improvement in maximal walking distance, at study end for each of the eight studies.



Across the eight clinical trials, the range of improvement in maximal walking distance in patients treated with Pletal 100 mg b.i.d., expressed as the percent mean change from baseline, was 28% to 100%.


The corresponding changes in the placebo group were –10% to 41%.


The Walking Impairment Questionnaire, which was administered in six of the eight clinical trials, assesses the impact of a therapeutic intervention on walking ability. In a pooled analysis of the six trials, patients treated with either Pletal 100 mg b.i.d. or 50 mg b.i.d. reported improvements in their walking speed and walking distance as compared to placebo. Improvements in walking performance were seen in the various subpopulations evaluated, including those defined by gender, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, duration of peripheral artery disease, age, and concomitant use of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Pletal has not been studied in patients with rapidly progressing claudication or in patients with leg pain at rest, ischemic leg ulcers, or gangrene. Its long-term effects on limb preservation and hospitalization have not been evaluated.


A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IV study was conducted to assess the long-term effects of cilostazol, with respect to mortality and safety, in 1,439 patients with intermittent claudication and no heart failure. The trial stopped early due to enrollment difficulties and a lower than expected overall death rate. With respect to mortality, the observed 36-month Kaplan-Meier event rate for deaths on study drug with a median time on study drug of 18 months was 5.6% (95% CI of 2.8 to 8.4%) on cilostazol and 6.8% (95% CI of 1.9 to 11.5%) on placebo. These data appear to be sufficient to exclude a 75% increase in the risk of mortality on cilostazol, which is the a priori study hypothesis.



Indications and Usage for Pletal


Pletal is indicated for the reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication, as indicated by an increased walking distance.



Contraindications


Cilostazol and several of its metabolites are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase III. Several drugs with this pharmacologic effect have caused decreased survival compared to placebo in patients with class III-IV congestive heart failure. Pletal is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure of any severity.


Pletal is contraindicated in patients with haemostatic disorders or active pathologic bleeding, such as bleeding peptic ulcer and intracranial bleeding. Pletal inhibits platelet aggregation in a reversible manner.


Pletal is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of its components.



Precautions



Hematologic adverse reactions


Rare cases have been reported of thrombocytopenia or leukopenia progressing to agranulocytosis when cilostazol was not immediately discontinued. The agranulocytosis, however, was reversible on discontinuation of cilostazol.



Use with Clopidogrel


There is limited information with respect to the efficacy or safety of the concurrent use of cilostazol and clopidogrel, a platelet-aggregation inhibiting drug indicated for use in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Although it cannot be determined whether there was an additive effect on bleeding times during concomitant administration with cilostazol and clopidogrel, caution is advised for checking bleeding times during coadministration.



Information for Patients


Please refer to the patient package insert.


Patients should be advised:


  • to read the patient package insert for Pletal carefully before starting therapy and to reread it each time therapy is renewed in case the information has changed.

  • to take Pletal at least one-half hour before or two hours after food.

  • that the beneficial effects of Pletal on the symptoms of intermittent claudication may not be immediate. Although the patient may experience benefit in 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of therapy, treatment for up to 12 weeks may be required before a beneficial effect is experienced.


Hepatic Impairment


Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment have not been studied in clinical trials.


Special caution is advised when Pletal is used in such patients.



Renal Impairment


Patients on dialysis have not been studied, but, it is unlikely that cilostazol can be removed efficiently by dialysis because of its high protein binding (95-98%).


Special caution is advised when Pletal is used in patients with severe renal impairment: estimated creatinine clearance <25 ml/min.



Drug Interactions


Since Pletal is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes, caution should be exercised when Pletal is coadministered with inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as ketoconazole and erythromycin or inhibitors of CYP2C19 such as omeprazole. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that omeprazole and erythromycin significantly increased the systemic exposure of cilostazol and/or its major metabolites. Population pharmacokinetic studies showed higher concentrations of cilostazol among patients concurrently treated with diltiazem, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interactions). Pletal does not, however, appear to cause increased blood levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, as it had no effect on lovastatin, a drug with metabolism very sensitive to CYP3A4 inhibition.



Use with other antiplatelet agents


Pletal inhibits platelet aggregation but in a reversible manner. Caution is advised in patients at risk of bleeding from surgery or pathologic processes. Platelet aggregability returns to normal within 96 hours of stopping Pletal. Caution is advised in patients receiving both Pletal and any other antiplatelet agent, or in patients with thrombocytopenia.



Cardiovascular Toxicity


Repeated oral administration of cilostazol to dogs (30 or more mg/kg/day for 52 weeks, 150 or more mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, and 450 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks), produced cardiovascular lesions that included endocardial haemorrhage, hemosiderin deposition and fibrosis in the left ventricle, haemorrhage in the right atrial wall, haemorrhage and necrosis of the smooth muscle in the wall of the coronary artery, intimal thickening of the coronary artery, and coronary arteritis and periarteritis. At the lowest dose associated with cardiovascular lesions in the 52-week study, systemic exposure (AUC) to unbound cilostazol was less than that seen in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg b.i.d. Similar lesions have been reported in dogs following the administration of other positive inotropic agents (including PDE III inhibitors) and/or vasodilating agents. No cardiovascular lesions were seen in rats following 5 or 13 weeks of administration of cilostazol at doses up to 1500 mg/kg/day. At this dose, systemic exposures (AUCs) to unbound cilostazol were only about 1.5 and 5 times (male and female rats, respectively) the exposure seen in humans at the MRHD. Cardiovascular lesions were also not seen in rats following 52 weeks of administration of cilostazol at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day. At this dose, systemic exposures (AUCs) to unbound cilostazol were about 0.5 and 5 times (male and female rats, respectively) the exposure in humans at the MRHD. In female rats, cilostazol AUCs were similar at 150 and 1500 mg/kg/day. Cardiovascular lesions were also not observed in monkeys after oral administration of cilostazol for 13 weeks at doses up to 1800 mg/kg/day. While this dose of cilostazol produced pharmacologic effects in monkeys, plasma cilostazol levels were less than those seen in humans given the MRHD, and those seen in dogs given doses associated with cardiovascular lesions.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


Dietary administration of cilostazol to male and female rats and mice for up to 104 weeks, at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day in rats and 1000 mg/kg/day in mice, revealed no evidence of carcinogenic potential. The maximum doses administered in both rat and mouse studies were, on a systemic exposure basis, less than the human exposure at the MRHD of the drug. Cilostazol tested negative in bacterial gene mutation, bacterial DNA repair, mammalian cell gene mutation, and mouse in vivo bone marrow chromosomal aberration assays. It was, however, associated with a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations in the in vitro Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell assay.


Cilostazol did not affect fertility or mating performance of male and female rats at doses as high as 1000 mg/kg/day. At this dose, systemic exposures (AUCs) to unbound cilostazol were less than 1.5 times in males, and about 5 times in females, the exposure in humans at the MRHD.



Pregnancy


Pregnancy Category C

In a rat developmental toxicity study, oral administration of 1000 mg cilostazol/kg/day was associated with decreased fetal weights, and increased incidences of cardiovascular, renal, and skeletal anomalies (ventricular septal, aortic arch and subclavian artery abnormalities, renal pelvic dilation, 14th rib, and retarded ossification). At this dose, systemic exposure to unbound cilostazol in nonpregnant rats was about 5 times the exposure in humans given the MRHD. Increased incidences of ventricular septal defect and retarded ossification were also noted at 150 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD on a systemic exposure basis). In a rabbit developmental toxicity study, an increased incidence of retardation of ossification of the sternum was seen at doses as low as 150 mg/kg/day. In nonpregnant rabbits given 150 mg/kg/day, exposure to unbound cilostazol was considerably lower than that seen in humans given the MRHD, and exposure to 3,4-dehydro-cilostazol was barely detectable.


When cilostazol was administered to rats during late pregnancy and lactation, an increased incidence of stillborn and decreased birth weights of offspring was seen at doses of 150 mg/kg/day (5 times the MRHD on a systemic exposure basis).


There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.



Nursing Mothers


Transfer of cilostazol into milk has been reported in experimental animals (rats). Because of the potential risk to nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Pletal.



Pediatric Use


The safety and effectiveness of Pletal in pediatric patients have not been established.



Geriatric Use


Of the total number of subjects (n=2274) in clinical studies of Pletal, 56 percent were 65-years-old and over, while 16 percent were 75-years-old and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Pharmacokinetic studies have not disclosed any age-related effects on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of cilostazol and its metabolites.



Adverse Reactions


Adverse events were assessed in eight placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 2274 patients exposed to either 50 or 100 mg b.i.d. Pletal (n=1301) or placebo (n=973), with a median treatment duration of 127 days for patients on Pletal and 134 days for patients on placebo.


The only adverse event resulting in discontinuation of therapy in ≥3% of patients treated with Pletal 50 or 100 mg b.i.d. was headache, which occurred with an incidence of 1.3%, 3.5%, and 0.3% in patients treated with Pletal 50 mg b.i.d., 100 mg b.i.d, or placebo, respectively. Other frequent causes of discontinuation included palpitation and diarrhea, both 1.1% for cilostazol (all doses) versus 0.1% for placebo.


The most commonly reported adverse events, occurring in ≥2% of patients treated with Pletal 50 or 100 mg b.i.d., are shown in the table (below).


Other events seen with an incidence of ≥2%, but occurring in the placebo group at least as frequently as in the 100 mg b.i.d. group were: asthenia, hypertension, vomiting, leg cramps, hypesthesia, paresthesia, dyspnea, rash, hematuria, urinary tract infection, flu syndrome, angina pectoris, arthritis, and bronchitis.






















































































Most Commonly Reported AEs (Incidence ≥2%) in Patients on Pletal (PLT) 50 mg b.i.d. or 100 mg b.i.d. and Occurring at a Rate in the 100 mg b.i.d. Group Higher Than in Patients on Placebo
Adverse Events (AEs)

by Body System
PLT 50 mg b.i.d.

(N=303)

%
PLT 100 mg b.i.d.

(N=998)

%
Placebo

(N=973)

%
BODY AS A WHOLE
Abdominal pain453
Back pain676
Headache273414
Infection14108
CARDIOVASCULAR
Palpitation5101
Tachycardia441
DIGESTIVE
Abnormal stools12154
Diarrhea12197
Dyspepsia664
Flatulence232
Nausea676
METABOLIC & NUTRITIONAL
Peripheral edema974
MUSCULO-SKELETAL
Myalgia232
NERVOUS
Dizziness9106
Vertigo311
RESPIRATORY
Cough increased343
Pharyngitis7107
Rhinitis1275

Less frequent adverse events (<2%) that were experienced by patients exposed to Pletal 50 mg b.i.d. or 100 mg b.i.d. in the eight controlled clinical trials and that occurred at a frequency in the 100 mg b.i.d. group greater than in the placebo group, regardless of suspected drug relationship, are listed below.


Body as a whole: Chills, face edema, fever, generalized edema, malaise, neck rigidity, pelvic pain, retroperitoneal haemorrhage.


Cardiovascular: Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, cerebral infarct, cerebral ischemia, congestive heart failure, heart arrest, haemorrhage, hypotension, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, nodal arrhythmia, postural hypotension, supraventricular tachycardia, syncope, varicose vein, vasodilation, ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia.


Digestive: Anorexia, cholelithiasis, colitis, duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, esophageal haemorrhage, esophagitis, increased GGT, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gum haemorrhage, hematemesis, melena, peptic ulcer, periodontal abscess, rectal haemorrhage, stomach ulcer, tongue edema.


Endocrine: Diabetes mellitus.


Hemic and Lymphatic: Anemia, ecchymosis, iron deficiency anemia, polycythemia, purpura.


Metabolic and Nutritional: Increased creatinine, gout, hyperlipemia, hyperuricemia.


Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, bone pain, bursitis.


Nervous: Anxiety, insomnia, neuralgia.


Respiratory: Asthma, epistaxis, hemoptysis, pneumonia, sinusitis.


Skin and Appendages: Dry skin, furunculosis, skin hypertrophy, urticaria.


Special Senses: Amblyopia, blindness, conjunctivitis, diplopia, ear pain, eye haemorrhage, retinal haemorrhage, tinnitus.


Urogenital: Albuminuria, cystitis, urinary frequency, vaginal haemorrhage, vaginitis.



Post-Marketing Experience


The following events have been reported spontaneously from worldwide post-marketing experience since the launch of Pletal in the US.


  • Blood and lymphatic system disorders:
    -

    Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, granulocytopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, bleeding tendency


  • Cardiac disorders:
    -

    Torsades de pointes, QTc prolongation (torsades de pointes and QTc prolongation occurred in patients with cardiac disorders, e.g. complete atrioventricular block, cardiac failure and bradyarrythmia, when treated with cilostazol. Cilostazol was used "off label" due to its positive chronotropic action)


  • Gastrointestinal disorders:
    -

    Gastrointestinal haemorrhage


  • General disorders and administration site conditions:
    -

    Pain, chest pain, hot flushes


  • Hepatobiliary disorders:
    -

    Hepatic dysfunction/abnormal liver function tests, jaundice


  • Injury, poisoning and procedural complications:
    -

    Extradural haematoma and subdural haematoma


  • Investigations:
    -

    Blood glucose increased, blood uric acid increased, platelet count decreased, white blood cell count decreased, increase in BUN (blood urea increased), blood pressure increase


  • Nervous system disorders:
    -

    Intracranial haemorrhage, cerebral haemorrhage, cerebrovascular accident


  • Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:
    -

    Pulmonary haemorrhage, interstitial pneumonia


  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
    -

    Haemorrhage subcutaneous, pruritus, skin eruptions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, skin drug eruption (dermatitis medicamentosa)


  • Vascular disorders:
    -

    Subacute thrombosis (these cases of subacute thrombosis occurred in patients treated with aspirin and "off label" use of cilostazol for prevention of thrombotic complication after coronary stenting)



Overdosage


Information on acute overdosage with Pletal in humans is limited. The signs and symptoms of an acute overdose can be anticipated to be those of excessive pharmacologic effect: severe headache, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, and possibly cardiac arrhythmias. The patient should be carefully observed and given supportive treatment. Since cilostazol is highly protein-bound, it is unlikely that it can be efficiently removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The oral LD50 of cilostazol is >5.0 g/kg in mice and rats and >2.0 g/kg in dogs.



DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION


The recommended dosage of Pletal is 100 mg b.i.d. taken at least half an hour before or two hours after breakfast and dinner. A dose of 50 mg b.i.d. should be considered during coadministration of such inhibitors of CYP3A4 as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin and diltiazem, and during coadministration of such inhibitors of CYP2C19 as omeprazole.


Patients may respond as early as 2 to 4 weeks after the initiation of therapy, but treatment for up to 12 weeks may be needed before a beneficial effect is experienced.



Discontinuation of Therapy


The available data suggest that the dosage of Pletal can be reduced or discontinued without rebound (i.e., platelet hyperaggregability).



How is Pletal Supplied


Pletal is supplied as 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. The 50 mg tablets are white, triangular, debossed with Pletal 50, and provided in bottles of 60 tablets (NDC #59148-003-16).


The 100 mg tablets are white, round, debossed with Pletal 100, and provided in bottles of 60 tablets (NDC #59148-002-16).


Rx ONLY.



STORAGE


Store Pletal tablets at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].



Manufactured for

OTSUKA AMERICA PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.

Rockville, MD 20850


Manufactured by

OTSUKA PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.

Tokushima 771-0192, Japan


0207L-0002

May 2007

U.S. Patent No. 4,277,479



PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 50mg Bottle Label


NDC 59148-003-16


Tablets

Pletal®

(cilostazol)


50mg


OTSUKA AMERICA

PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.


60 TABLETS




PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100mg Bottle Label


NDC 59148-002-16


Tablets

Pletal®

(cilostazol)


100mg


OTSUKA AMERICA

PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.


60 TABLETS










Pletal 
cilostazol  tablet










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)59148-003
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
cilostazol (cilostazol)cilostazol50 mg














Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
carboxymethylcellulose calcium 
starch, corn 
carboxymethylcellulose 
magnesium stearate 
cellulose, microcrystalline 


















Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScoreno score
ShapeTRIANGLESize7mm
FlavorImprint CodePletal;50
Contains      










Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
159148-003-1660 TABLET In 1 BOTTLE, PLASTICNone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02086301/15/1999







Pletal 
cilostazol  tablet










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)59148-002
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
cilostazol (cilostazol)cilostazol100 mg














Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
carboxymethylcellulose calcium 
starch, corn 
carboxymethylcellulose 
magnesium stearate 
cellulose, microcrystalline 


















Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScoreno score
ShapeROUNDSize8mm
FlavorImprint CodePletal;100
Contains      










Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
159148-002-1660 TABLET In 1 BOTTLE, PLASTICNone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02086301/15/1999


Labeler - Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (008314390)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.695733295MANUFACTURE
Revised: 11/2007Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.

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  • Cilostazol Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)



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