Aricept ODT

donepezil hydrochloride

Dosage Form: tablet, film coated; orally disintegrating tablet
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE

ARICEPT is indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease.

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

ARICEPT should be taken in the evening, just prior to retiring.

ARICEPT can be taken with or without food.

The 23 mg tablet should not be split, crushed or chewed because this may increase its rate of absorption.

Allow Aricept ODT to dissolve on the tongue and follow with water.

. Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

The dosages of ARICEPT shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials are 5 mg and 10 mg administered once per day.

The higher dose of 10 mg did not provide a statistically significantly greater clinical benefit than 5 mg. There is a suggestion, however, based upon order of group mean scores and dose trend analyses of data from these clinical trials, that a daily dose of 10 mg of ARICEPT might provide additional benefit for some patients. Accordingly, whether or not to employ a dose of 10 mg is a matter of prescriber and patient preference.

. Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease

ARICEPT has been shown to be effective in controlled clinical trials at doses of 10 mg and 23 mg administered once daily. Results of a controlled clinical trial in moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease that compared ARICEPT 23 mg once daily to 10 mg once daily suggest that a 23 mg dose of ARICEPT provided additional benefit.

. Titration

The recommended starting dose of ARICEPT is 5 mg once daily. Evidence from the controlled trials in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease indicates that the 10 mg dose, with a one week titration, is likely to be associated with a higher incidence of cholinergic adverse events compared to the 5 mg dose. In open-label trials using a 6 week titration, the type and frequency of these same adverse events were similar between the 5 mg and 10 mg dose groups. Therefore, because ARICEPT steady state is achieved about 15 days after it is started and because the incidence of untoward effects may be influenced by the rate of dose escalation, a dose of 10 mg should not be administered until patients have been on a daily dose of 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks. A dose of 23 mg once daily can be administered once patients have been on a dose of 10 mg once daily for at least 3 months.

3. DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

ARICEPT is supplied as film-coated, round tablets containing 5 mg, 10 mg, or 23 mg of donepezil hydrochloride.

The 5 mg tablets are white. The strength, in mg (5), is debossed on one side and ARICEPT is debossed on the other side.

The 10 mg tablets are yellow. The strength, in mg (10), is debossed on one side and ARICEPT is debossed on the other side.

The 23 mg tablets are reddish. The strength, in mg (23), is debossed on one side, and ARICEPT is debossed on the other side.

Aricept ODT is supplied as round tablets containing either 5 mg or 10 mg of donepezil hydrochloride.

The 5 mg orally disintegrating tablets are white. The strength, in mg (5), is debossed on one side and ARICEPT is debossed on the other side.

The 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets are yellow. The strength, in mg (10), is debossed on one side and ARICEPT is debossed on the other side.

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS

ARICEPT is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to donepezil hydrochloride or to piperidine derivatives.

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

. Anesthesia

ARICEPT, as a cholinesterase inhibitor, is likely to exaggerate succinylcholine-type muscle relaxation during anesthesia.

. Cardiovascular Conditions

Because of their pharmacological action, cholinesterase inhibitors may have vagotonic effects on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. This effect may manifest as bradycardia or heart block in patients both with and without known underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported in association with the use of ARICEPT.

. Nausea and Vomiting

ARICEPT, as a predictable consequence of its pharmacological properties, has been shown to produce diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These effects, when they occur, appear more frequently with the 10 mg/day dose than with the 5 mg/day dose, and more frequently with the 23 mg dose than with the 10 mg dose. Specifically, in a controlled trial that compared a dose of 23 mg/day to 10 mg/day in patients who had been treated with donepezil 10 mg/day for at least three months, the incidence of nausea in the 23 mg group was markedly greater than in the patients who continued on 10 mg/day (11.8% vs. 3.4%, respectively), and the incidence of vomiting in the 23 mg group was markedly greater than in the 10 mg group (9.2% vs. 2.5%, respectively). The percent of patients who discontinued treatment due to vomiting in the 23 mg group was markedly higher than in the 10 mg group (2.9% vs. 0.4%, respectively).

Although in most cases, these effects have been mild and transient, sometimes lasting one to three weeks, and have resolved during continued use of ARICEPT, patients should be observed closely at the initiation of treatment and after dose increases.

. Peptic Ulcer Disease and GI Bleeding

Through their primary action, cholinesterase inhibitors may be expected to increase gastric acid secretion due to increased cholinergic activity. Therefore, patients should be monitored closely for symptoms of active or occult gastrointestinal bleeding, especially those at increased risk for developing ulcers, e.g., those with a history of ulcer disease or those receiving concurrent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical studies of ARICEPT in a dose of 5 mg/day to 10 mg/day have shown no increase, relative to placebo, in the incidence of either peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. Results of a controlled clinical study with 23 mg/day showed an increase, relative to 10 mg/day, in the incidence of peptic ulcer disease (0.4% vs. 0.2%) and gastrointestinal bleeding from any site (1.1% vs. 0.6%)

. Weight Loss

Weight loss was reported as an adverse event in 4.7% of patients assigned to ARICEPT in a dose of 23 mg/day compared to 2.5% of patients assigned to 10 mg/day. Compared to their baseline weights, 8.4% of patients taking 23 mg/day were found to have a weight decrease of ≥ 7% by the end of the study, while 4.9% of patients taking 10 mg/day were found to have weight loss of ≥ 7% at the end of the study.

. Genitourinary Conditions

Although not observed in clinical trials of ARICEPT, cholinomimetics may cause bladder outflow obstruction.

. Neurological Conditions: Seizures

Cholinomimetics are believed to have some potential to cause generalized convulsions. However, seizure activity also may be a manifestation of Alzheimer's disease.

. Pulmonary Conditions

Because of their cholinomimetic actions, cholinesterase inhibitors should be prescribed with care to patients with a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.

6. ADVERSE REACTIONS

. Clinical Studies Experience

ARICEPT 5 mg/day and 10 mg/day

Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation

The rates of discontinuation from controlled clinical trials of ARICEPT due to adverse events for the ARICEPT 5 mg/day treatment groups were comparable to those of placebo treatment groups at approximately 5%. The rate of discontinuation of patients who received 7-day escalations from 5 mg/day to 10 mg/day was higher at 13%.

The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation, defined as those occurring in at least 2% of patients and at twice or more the incidence seen in placebo patients, are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Most Frequent Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation from Controlled Clinical Trials by Dose Group
Dose Group	Placebo	5 mg/day ARICEPT	10 mg/day ARICEPT
Patients Randomized	355	350	315
Event/%Discontinuing
Nausea	1%	1%	3%
Diarrhea	0%	<1%	3%
Vomiting	<1%	<1%	2%

Most Frequent Adverse Events Seen in Association with the Use of ARICEPT

The most common adverse events, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in patients receiving 10 mg/day and twice the placebo rate, are largely predicted by ARICEPT's cholinomimetic effects. These include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, muscle cramp, fatigue and anorexia. These adverse events were often of mild intensity and transient, resolving during continued ARICEPT treatment without the need for dose modification.

There is evidence to suggest that the frequency of these common adverse events may be affected by the rate of titration. An open-label study was conducted with 269 patients who received placebo in the 15 and 30-week studies. These patients were titrated to a dose of 10 mg/day over a 6-week period. The rates of common adverse events were lower than those seen in patients titrated to 10 mg/day over one week in the controlled clinical trials and were comparable to those seen in patients on 5 mg/day.

See Table 2 for a comparison of the most common adverse events following one and six week titration regimens.

Table 2. Comparison of Rates of Adverse Events in Mild to Moderate Patients Titrated to 10 mg/day over 1 and 6 Weeks
	No titration		One week titration	Six week titration
Adverse Event	Placebo (n=315)	5 mg/day (n=311)	10 mg/day (n=315)	10 mg/day (n=269)
Nausea	6%	5%	19%	6%
Diarrhea	5%	8%	15%	9%
Insomnia	6%	6%	14%	6%
Fatigue	3%	4%	8%	3%
Vomiting	3%	3%	8%	5%
Muscle cramps	2%	6%	8%	3%
Anorexia	2%	3%	7%	3%

Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Trials

The events cited reflect experience gained under closely monitored conditions of clinical trials in a highly selected patient population. In actual clinical practice or in other clinical trials, these frequency estimates may not apply, as the conditions of use, reporting behavior, and the kinds of patients treated may differ. Table 3 lists treatment emergent signs and symptoms that were reported in at least 2% of patients in placebo-controlled trials who received ARICEPT and for which the rate of occurrence was greater for patients treated with ARICEPT than with placebo. In general, adverse events occurred more frequently in female patients and with advancing age.

Table 3. Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Clinical Trials in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease in at Least 2% of Patients Receiving ARICEPT and at a Higher Frequency than Placebo Treated Patients
Body System/Adverse Event	Placebo (n=355)	ARICEPT (n=747)
Percent of Patients with any Adverse Event	72	74
Body as a Whole
Headache	9	10
Pain, various locations	8	9
Accident	6	7
Fatigue	3	5
Cardiovascular System
Syncope	1	2
Digestive System
Nausea	6	11
Diarrhea	5	10
Vomiting	3	5
Anorexia	2	4
Hemic and Lymphatic System
Ecchymosis	3	4
Metabolic and Nutritional Systems
Weight Decrease	1	3
Musculoskeletal System
Muscle Cramps	2	6
Arthritis	1	2
Nervous System
Insomnia	6	9
Dizziness	6	8
Depression	<1	3
Abnormal Dreams	0	3
Somnolence	<1	2
Urogenital System
Frequent Urination	1	2

Other Adverse Events Observed During Clinical Trials

ARICEPT has been administered to over 1700 individuals during clinical trials worldwide. Approximately 1200 of these patients have been treated for at least 3 months and more than 1000 patients have been treated for at least 6 months. Controlled and uncontrolled trials in the United States included approximately 900 patients. In regards to the highest dose of 10 mg/day, this population includes 650 patients treated for 3 months, 475 patients treated for 6 months and 116 patients treated for over 1 year. The range of patient exposure is from 1 to 1214 days.

Treatment emergent signs and symptoms that occurred during three controlled clinical trials and two open-label trials in the United States were recorded as adverse events by the clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. To provide an overall estimate of the proportion of individuals having similar types of events, the events were grouped into a smaller number of standardized categories using a modified COSTART dictionary, and event frequencies were calculated across all studies. These categories are used in the listing below. The frequencies represent the proportion of 900 patients from these trials who experienced that event while receiving ARICEPT. All adverse events occurring at least twice are included, except for those already listed in Tables 2 or 3, COSTART terms too general to be informative, or events less likely to be drug related. Events are classified by body system and listed using the following definitions: Frequent adverse events - those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; Infrequent adverse events - those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients. These adverse events are not necessarily related to ARICEPT treatment and in most cases were observed at a similar frequency in placebo treated patients in the controlled studies. No important additional adverse events were seen in studies conducted outside the United States.

Body as a Whole: Frequent: influenza, chest pain, toothache; Infrequent: fever, edema face, periorbital edema, hernia hiatal, abscess, cellulitis, chills, generalized coldness, head fullness, listlessness.

Cardiovascular System: Frequent: hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension; Infrequent: angina pectoris, postural hypotension, myocardial infarction, AV block (first degree), congestive heart failure, arteritis, bradycardia, peripheral vascular disease, supraventricular tachycardia, deep vein thrombosis.

Digestive System: Frequent: fecal incontinence, gastrointestinal bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain; Infrequent: eructation, gingivitis, increased appetite, flatulence, periodontal abscess, cholelithiasis, diverticulitis, drooling, dry mouth, fever sore, gastritis, irritable colon, tongue edema, epigastric distress, gastroenteritis, increased transaminases, hemorrhoids, ileus, increased thirst, jaundice, melena, polydipsia, duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer.

Endocrine System: Infrequent: diabetes mellitus, goiter.

Hemic and Lymphatic System: Infrequent: anemia, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, erythrocytopenia.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Frequent: dehydration; Infrequent: gout, hypokalemia, increased creatine kinase, hyperglycemia, weight increase, increased lactate dehydrogenase.

Musculoskeletal System: Frequent: bone fracture; Infrequent: muscle weakness, muscle fasciculation.

Nervous System: Frequent: delusions, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, increased libido, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia; Infrequent: cerebrovascular accident, intracranial hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack, emotional lability, neuralgia, coldness (localized), muscle spasm, dysphoria, gait abnormality, hypertonia, hypokinesia, neurodermatitis, numbness (localized), paranoia, dysarthria, dysphasia, hostility, decreased libido, melancholia, emotional withdrawal, nystagmus, pacing.

Respiratory System: Frequent: dyspnea, sore throat, bronchitis; Infrequent: epistaxis, post nasal drip, pneumonia, hyperventilation, pulmonary congestion, wheezing, hypoxia, pharyngitis, pleurisy, pulmonary collapse, sleep apnea, snoring.

Skin and Appendages: Frequent: pruritus, diaphoresis, urticaria; Infrequent: dermatitis, erythema, skin discoloration, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, fungal dermatitis, herpes zoster, hirsutism, skin striae, night sweats, skin ulcer.

Special Senses: Frequent: cataract, eye irritation, vision blurred; Infrequent: dry eyes, glaucoma, earache, tinnitus, blepharitis, decreased hearing, retinal hemorrhage, otitis externa, otitis media, bad taste, conjunctival hemorrhage, ear buzzing, motion sickness, spots before eyes.

Urogenital System: Frequent: urinary incontinence, nocturia; Infrequent: dysuria, hematuria, urinary urgency, metrorrhagia, cystitis, enuresis, prostate hypertrophy, pyelonephritis, inability to empty bladder, breast fibroadenosis, fibrocystic breast, mastitis, pyuria, renal failure, vaginitis.

Severe Alzheimer's Disease

Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation

The rates of discontinuation from controlled clinical trials of ARICEPT due to adverse events for the ARICEPT patients were approximately 12% compared to 7% for placebo patients. The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation, defined as those occurring in at least 2% of ARICEPT patients and at twice or more the incidence seen in placebo, were anorexia (2% vs. 1% placebo), nausea (2% vs. <1% placebo), diarrhea (2% vs. 0% placebo) and urinary tract infection (2% vs. 1% placebo).

Most Frequent Adverse Events Seen in Association with the Use of ARICEPT

The most common adverse events, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in patients receiving ARICEPT and at twice or more the placebo rate, are largely predicted by ARICEPT's cholinomimetic effects. These include diarrhea, anorexia, vomiting, nausea, and ecchymosis. These adverse events were often of mild intensity and transient, resolving during continued ARICEPT treatment without the need for dose modification.

Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Trials

Table 4 lists adverse events that were reported in at least 2% of patients in placebo-controlled trials who received ARICEPT and for which the rate of occurrence was greater for patients treated with ARICEPT than with placebo.

Table 4. Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Clinical Trials in Severe Alzheimer's Disease in at Least 2% of Patients Receiving ARICEPT and at a Higher Frequency than Placebo Treated Patients
Body System/Adverse Event	Placebo (n=392)	ARICEPT (n=501)
Percent of Patients with any Adverse Event	73	81
Body as a Whole
Accident	12	13
Infection	9	11
Headache	3	4
Pain	2	3
Back Pain	2	3
Fever	1	2
Chest Pain	<1	2
Cardiovascular System
Hypertension	2	3
Hemorrhage	1	2
Syncope	1	2
Digestive System
Diarrhea	4	10
Vomiting	4	8
Anorexia	4	8
Nausea	2	6
Hemic and Lymphatic System
Ecchymosis	2	5
Metabolic and Nutritional Systems
Creatine Phosphokinase Increased	1	3
Dehydration	1	2
Hyperlipemia	<1	2
Nervous System
Insomnia	4	5
Hostility	2	3
Nervousness	2	3
Hallucinations	1	3
Somnolence	1	2
Dizziness	1	2
Depression	1	2
Confusion	1	2
Emotional Lability	1	2
Personality Disorder	1	2
Skin And Appendages
Eczema	2	3
Urogenital System
Urinary Incontinence	1	2

Other Adverse Events Observed During Clinical Trials

ARICEPT has been administered to over 600 patients with severe Alzheimer's disease during clinical trials of at least 6 months duration, including three double-blind placebo-controlled trials, two of which had an open label extension. All adverse events occurring at least twice are included, except for those already listed in Table 4, COSTART terms too general to be informative, or events less likely to be drug related. Events are classified by body system using the COSTART dictionary and listed using the following definitions: Frequent adverse events - those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; Infrequent adverse events - those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients. These adverse events are not necessarily related to ARICEPT treatment and in most cases were observed at a similar frequency in placebo treated patients in the controlled studies.

Body as a Whole: Frequent: abdominal pain, asthenia, fungal infection, flu syndrome; Infrequent: allergic reaction, cellulitis, malaise, sepsis, face edema, hernia.

Cardiovascular System: Frequent: hypotension, bradycardia, ECG abnormal, heart failure; Infrequent: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disorder, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles, cardiomegaly.

Digestive System: Frequent: constipation, gastroenteritis, fecal incontinence, dyspepsia; Infrequent: gamma glutamyl transpeptidase increase, gastritis, dysphagia, periodontitis, stomach ulcer, periodontal abscess, flatulence, liver function tests abnormal, eructation, esophagitis, rectal hemorrhage.

Endocrine System: Infrequent: diabetes mellitus.

Hemic and Lymphatic System: Frequent: anemia; Infrequent: leukocytosis.

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Frequent: weight loss, peripheral edema, edema, lactic dehydrogenase increased, alkaline phosphatase increased; Infrequent: hypercholesteremia, hypokalemia, hypoglycemia, weight gain, bilirubinemia, BUN increased, B12 deficiency anemia, cachexia, creatinine increased, gout, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, iron deficiency anemia, SGOT increased, SGPT increased.

Musculoskeletal System: Frequent: arthritis; Infrequent: arthrosis, bone fracture, arthralgia, leg cramps, osteoporosis, myalgia.

Nervous System: Frequent: agitation, anxiety, tremor, convulsion, wandering, abnormal gait; Infrequent: apathy, vertigo, delusions, abnormal dreams, cerebrovascular accident, increased salivation, ataxia, euphoria, vasodilatation, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, cerebral ischemia, dementia, extrapyramidal syndrome, grand mal convulsion, hemiplegia, hypertonia, hypokinesia.

Respiratory System: Frequent: pharyngitis, pneumonia, cough increased, bronchitis; Infrequent: dyspnea, rhinitis, asthma.

Skin and Appendages: Frequent: rash, skin ulcer, pruritus; Infrequent: psoriasis, skin discoloration, herpes zoster, dry skin, sweating, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash.

Special Senses: Infrequent: conjunctivitis, glaucoma, abnormal vision, ear pain, lacrimation disorder.

Urogenital System: Frequent: urinary tract infection, cystitis, hematuria, glycosuria; Infrequent: vaginitis, dysuria, urinary frequency, albuminuria.

ARICEPT 23 mg/day

Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease

ARICEPT 23 mg/day has been administered to over 1300 individuals globally in clinical trials. Approximately 1050 of these patients have been treated for at least three months and more than 950 patients have been treated for at least six months. The range of patient exposure was from 1 to over 500 days.

Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation

The rate of discontinuation from a controlled clinical trial of ARICEPT 23 mg/day due to adverse events was higher (18.6%) than for the 10 mg/day treatment group (7.9%). The most common adverse events leading to discontinuation, defined as those occurring in at least 1% of patients and greater than those occurring with 10 mg/day are shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Most Frequent Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation from a Controlled Clinical Trial by Treatment Group
Dose Group	23 mg/day ARICEPT	10 mg/day ARICEPT
Safety Population	963	471
Event/%Discontinuing
Vomiting	3	0
Diarrhea	2	0
Nausea	2	0
Dizziness	1	0

The majority of discontinuations due to adverse events in the 23 mg group occurred during the first month of treatment.

Most Frequent Adverse Events Seen in Association with the Use of 23 mg

The most common adverse events, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5%, include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and anorexia. These adverse events were often of mild to moderate intensity.

Adverse Events Reported in Controlled Trials

The events cited reflect experience gained under closely monitored conditions of a controlled clinical trial in a highly selected patient population. In actual clinical practice or in other clinical trials, these frequency estimates may not apply, as the conditions of use, reporting behavior, and the kinds of patients treated may differ. Table 6 lists adverse events that were reported in at least 2% of patients who received 23 mg/day of ARICEPT and at a higher frequency than those receiving 10 mg/day of ARICEPT in a controlled clinical trial that compared the two doses. In this study, there were no important differences in the type of adverse events in patients taking ARICEPT with or without memantine.

Table 6. Adverse Events Reported in a Controlled Clinical Trial in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease in at Least 2% of Patients and Higher in the 23 mg/day Group
Body System/Adverse Event	23 mg/day ARICEPT	10 mg/day ARICEPT
Safety Population	963	471
Percent of Patients with any Adverse Event	74	64
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea	12	3
Vomiting	9	3
Diarrhea	8	5
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue	2	1
Asthenia	2	1
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Contusion	2	0
Investigations
Weight decreased	5	3
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia	5	2
Nervous system
Dizziness	5	3
Headache	4	3
Somnolence	2	1
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia	3	2
Renal and urinary disorders
Urinary incontinence	3	1

. Postmarketing Experience

Voluntary reports of adverse events temporally associated with ARICEPT that have been received since market introduction that are not listed above, and for which there are inadequate data to determine the causal relationship with the drug include the following: abdominal pain, agitation, cholecystitis, confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, heart block (all types), hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, hyponatremia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, pancreatitis, and rash.

7. DRUG INTERACTIONS

. Effect of ARICEPT on the Metabolism of Other Drugs

No in vivo clinical trials have investigated the effect of ARICEPT on the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP 3A4 (e.g. cisapride, terfenadine) or by CYP 2D6 (e.g. imipramine). However, in vitro studies show a low rate of binding to these enzymes (mean Ki about 50-130 μM), that, given the therapeutic plasma concentrations of donepezil (164 nM), indicates little likelihood of interference.

Whether ARICEPT has any potential for enzyme induction is not known. Formal pharmacokinetic studies evaluated the potential of ARICEPT for interaction with theophylline, cimetidine, warfarin, digoxin and ketoconazole. No effects of ARICEPT on the pharmacokinetics of these drugs were observed.

. Effect of Other Drugs on the Metabolism of ARICEPT

Ketoconazole and quinidine, inhibitors of CYP450, 3A4 and 2D6, respectively, inhibit donepezil metabolism in vitro. Whether there is a clinical effect of quinidine is not known. In a 7-day crossover study in 18 healthy volunteers, ketoconazole (200 mg q.d.) increased mean donepezil (5 mg q.d.) concentrations (AUC0-24 and Cmax) by 36%. The clinical relevance of this increase in concentration is unknown.

A small effect of CYP2D6 inhibitors was identified in a population pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma donepezil concentrations measured in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil clearance was reduced by approximately 17% in patients taking 10 or 23 mg in combination with a known CYP2D6 inhibitor. This result is consistent with the conclusion that CYP2D6 is a minor metabolic pathway of donepezil.

Inducers of CYP 2D6 and CYP 3A4 (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, rifampin, and phenobarbital) could increase the rate of elimination of ARICEPT.

Formal pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the metabolism of ARICEPT is not significantly affected by concurrent administration of digoxin or cimetidine.

. Use with Anticholinergics

Because of their mechanism of action, cholinesterase inhibitors have the potential to interfere with the activity of anticholinergic medications.

. Use with Cholinomimetics and Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors

A synergistic effect may be expected when cholinesterase inhibitors are given concurrently with succinylcholine, similar neuromuscular blocking agents or cholinergic agonists such as bethanechol.

8. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

. Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate or well-controlled studies in pregnant women. ARICEPT should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Oral administration of donepezil to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis did not produce any teratogenic effects at doses up to 16 mg/kg/day (approximately 6 times the maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] of 23 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis) and 10 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis), respectively. Oral administration of donepezil (1, 3, 10 mg/kg/day) to rats during late gestation and throughout lactation to weaning produced an increase in stillbirths and reduced offspring survival through postpartum day 4 at the highest dose. The no-effect dose of 3 mg/kg/day is approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.

. Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether donepezil is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when ARICEPT is administered to a nursing woman.

. Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of ARICEPT in children have not been established.

. Geriatric Use

Alzheimer's disease is a disorder occurring primarily in individuals over 55 years of age. The mean age of patients enrolled in the clinical studies with ARICEPT was 73 years; 80% of these patients were between 65 and 84 years old, and 49% of patients were at or above the age of 75. The efficacy and safety data presented in the clinical trials section were obtained from these patients. There were no clinically significant differences in most adverse events reported by patient groups ≥ 65 years old and < 65 years old.

. Lower Weight Individuals

In the controlled clinical trial, among patients in the ARICEPT 23 mg treatment group, those patients weighing < 55 kg reported more nausea, vomiting, and decreased weight than patients weighing 55 kg or more. There were more withdrawals due to adverse events as well. This finding may be related to higher plasma exposure associated with lower weight.

10. OVERDOSAGE

Because strategies for the management of overdose are continually evolving, it is advisable to contact a Poison Control Center to determine the latest recommendations for the management of an overdose of any drug.

As in any case of overdose, general supportive measures should be utilized. Overdosage with cholinesterase inhibitors can result in cholinergic crisis characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, collapse and convulsions. Increasing muscle weakness is a possibility and may result in death if respiratory muscles are involved. Tertiary anticholinergics such as atropine may be used as an antidote for ARICEPT overdosage. Intravenous atropine sulfate titrated to effect is recommended: an initial dose of 1.0 to 2.0 mg IV with subsequent doses based upon clinical response. Atypical responses in blood pressure and heart rate have been reported with other cholinomimetics when co-administered with quaternary anticholinergics such as glycopyrrolate. It is not known whether ARICEPT and/or its metabolites can be removed by dialysis (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or hemofiltration).

Dose-related signs of toxicity in animals included reduced spontaneous movement, prone position, staggering gait, lacrimation, clonic convulsions, depressed respiration, salivation, miosis, tremors, fasciculation and lower body surface temperature.

11. DESCRIPTION

ARICEPT (donepezil hydrochloride) is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, known chemically as (±)-2, 3-dihydro-5, 6-dimethoxy-2-[[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl]methyl]-1H-inden-1-one hydrochloride. Donepezil hydrochloride is commonly referred to in the pharmacological literature as E2020. It has an empirical formula of C24H29NO3HCl and a molecular weight of 415.96. Donepezil hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder and is freely soluble in chloroform, soluble in water and in glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in ethanol and in acetonitrile and practically insoluble in ethyl acetate and in n-hexane.

 

ARICEPT is available for oral administration in film-coated tablets containing 5, 10, or 23 mg of donepezil

Cortane-B otic

Generic Name: chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic) (KLOR oh ZYE nol, HYE droe KOR ti sone, pra MOX een)

Brand Names: Aero Otic HC, Cortamox, Cortane-B, Cortane-B Aqueous, Cortane-B Otic, Cortic-ND, Cyotic, Exotic-HC, Hydro Ear, IvDerm, Otirx, Oto-End, Otomar HC, Tri-Otic, Zolene HC, Zoto-HC Drops

What is Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic))?

Chloroxylenol is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic. It works by interfering with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

The combination of chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic (for the ear) are used to treat pain, and swelling caused by ear infections.

Chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic))?

Do not use this medication if you have a ruptured (torn) ear drum, or the medication could leak into the inner ear. A ruptured ear drum usually causes moderate to severe ear pain, with or without a decrease in hearing. Call your doctor if you think you have a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will use a special scope to see any tear in your ear drum.

Before using chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of illness or infection (other than an ear infection).

Chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic is for use only in your ear. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a loss of balance. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else hazardous if you feel dizzy or off balance. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have ear drainage or discharge, severe burning or itching in your ear, or worsening pain, irritation, or rash.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic))?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, or pramoxine.

Do not use this medication if you have a ruptured (torn) ear drum, or the medication could leak into the inner ear. A ruptured ear drum usually causes moderate to severe ear pain, with or without a decrease in hearing. Call your doctor if you think you have a ruptured ear drum. Your doctor will use a special scope to see any tear in your ear drum.

Before using chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of illness or infection (other than an ear infection).

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use my Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic))?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not use the medication in your eyes or take it by mouth. Chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic is for use in the ears only.

For best results, remove any ear wax or other debris before using the ear drops. Ask your doctor about safe methods of ear wax removal.

To use the ear drops, first remove the cap from the dropper bottle. Lie down or tilt your head with your ear facing upward. Pull back on your ear gently to open up the ear canal. Hold the dropper upside down over your ear canal and place enough drops of the medicine in your ear to fill the ear canal.

Do not place the dropper tip into your ear, or allow the tip to touch any surface. It may become contaminated.

After using the ear drops, keep the ear tilted upward for about 5 minutes. You may also be able to soak a small cotton wick with the medication and leave it in place. Ask your doctor of pharmacist for instructions on using a cotton wick.

Wipe the dropper tip with a clean tissue. Do not wash the tip with water or soap.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medication.

Store the ear drops at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use 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.

An overdose of chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine applied into the ear is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Do not use other ear drops during treatment with chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic without first talking to your doctor. Ear infections may sometimes cause dizziness or a loss of balance. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else hazardous if you feel dizzy or off balance. Chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic is for use only in your ear. Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.

Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic)) 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. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• 
  

  ear drainage or discharge;

  
  


• 
  

  severe burning or itching in your ear; or

  
  


• 
  

  worsening pain, irritation, or rash.

  
  

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect my Cortane-B (chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine (otic))?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and hydrocortisone otic. But many drugs can interact with each other. 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 Cortane-B resources

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

• Cortane-B Lotion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Otozone Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Cortane-B with other medications

• Acute Otitis Externa
• Ear Conditions
• Otitis Externa

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about chloroxylenol, hydrocortisone, and pramoxine otic.

See also: Cortane-B side effects (in more detail)

Canesten Internal Cream / Canesten 10% VC

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

Canesten Internal Cream

also available as Canesten 10% VC.

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

Clotrimazole 10% w/w

For excipients, see 6.1

3. Pharmaceutical Form

Vaginal cream.

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Legal Category POM

Canesten 10% VC is recommended for the treatment of candidal vaginitis and mixed vaginal infections where Trichomonas is present or suspected. This product is not recommended as sole treatment for pure Trichomoniasis except in cases where systemic therapy is contra-indicated.

Legal Category P

Canesten Internal Cream is recommended for the treatment of candidal vaginitis.

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

The cream should be administered intravaginally using the applicator supplied.

Adults:

The contents of the filled applicator (5g) should be inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina, preferably at night. A second treatment may be carried out if necessary.

Generally:

treatment during the menstrual period should not be performed due to the risk of the cream being washed out by the menstrual flow. The treatment should be finished before the onset of menstruation.

Do not use tampons, intravaginal douches, spermicides or other vaginal products while using this product.

Children:

Not for use in children under 16.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or any other ingredient in this medicine.

Hypersensitivity to cetostearyl alcohol.

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

Legal Category P Only

Medical advice should be sought if this is the first time the patient has experienced symptoms of candidal vaginitis.

Before using Canesten Internal Cream, medical advice must be sought if any of the following are applicable:

• more than two infections of candidal vaginitis in the last 6 months.

• previous history of a sexually transmitted disease or exposure to partner with sexually transmitted disease

• pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

• aged under 16 or over 60 years

• known hypersensitivity to imidazoles or other vaginal antifungal products

Canesten Internal Cream should not be used if the patient has any of the following symptoms whereupon medical advice should be sought:

• irregular vaginal bleeding

• abnormal vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge

• vulval or vaginal ulcers, blisters or sores

• lower abdominal pain or dysuria

• any adverse events such as redness, irritation or swelling associated with the treatment

• fever or chills

• nausea or vomiting

• diarrhoea

• foul smelling vaginal discharge

Patients should be advised to consult their physician if the symptoms have not been relieved within one week of using Canesten Internal Cream. Canesten Internal Cream can be used again if the candidal infection returns after 7 days. However, if the candidal infection recurs more than twice within six months, patients should be advised to consult their physician.

This product contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

Laboratory tests have suggested that, when used together, this product may cause damage to latex contraceptives. Consequently the effectiveness of such contraceptives may be reduced. Patients should be advised to use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product.

Concomitant medication with vaginal clotrimazole and oral tacrolimus (FK-506; immunosuppressant) might lead to increased tacrolimus plasma levels. Patients should thus be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of tacrolimus overdosage, if necessary by determination of the respective plasma levels.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

Data on a large number of exposed pregnancies indicate no adverse effects of Clotrimazole on pregnancy or on the health of the foetus/newborn child. To date, no relevant epidemiological data are available.

Clotrimazole can be used during pregnancy, but only under the supervision of a physician or midwife.

During pregnancy the treatment should be carried out with clotrimazole pessary, since these can be inserted without using an applicator.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

None applicable.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

As the listed undesirable effects are based on spontaneous reports, assigning accurate frequency of occurrence for each is not possible.

Immune system disorders:

allergic reaction (syncope, hypotension, dyspnea, urticaria, pruritus)

Reproductive system and breast disorders:

genital peeling, pruritus, rash, oedema, discomfort, burning, irritation, pelvic pain

Gastrointestinal disorders:

abdominal pain

4.9 Overdose

In the event of accidental oral ingestion, routine measures such as gastric lavage should be performed only if clinical symptoms of overdose become apparent (e.g. dizziness, nausea or vomiting). It should be carried out only if the airway can be protected adequately.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

ATC Code: G01A F02

Clotrimazole is an imidazole derivative with a broad spectrum of antimycotic activity.

Mechanism of Action

Clotrimazole acts against fungi by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis leads to structural and functional impairment of the cytoplasmic membrane.

Pharmacodynamic Effects

Clotrimazole has a broad antimycotic spectrum of action in vitro and in vivo, which includes dermatophytes, yeasts, moulds, etc.

The mode of action of clotrimazole is fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration of clotrimazole at the site of infection. In-vitro activity is limited to proliferating fungal elements; fungal spores are only slightly sensitive.

Primarily resistant variants of sensitive fungal species are very rare; the development of secondary resistance by sensitive fungi has so far only been observed in very isolated cases under therapeutic conditions.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Pharmacokinetic investigations after vaginal application have shown that only a small amount of clotrimazole (3 – 10% of the dose) is absorbed. Due to the rapid hepatic metabolism of absorbed clotrimazole into pharmacologically inactive metabolites the resulting peak plasma concentrations of clotrimazole after vaginal application of a 500mg dose were less than 10 ng/ml, reflecting that clotrimazole applied intravaginally does not lead to measurable systemic effects or side effects.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to the information included in other sections of the SPC.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Sorbitan stearate

Polysorbate 60

Cetyl palmitate

Cetostearyl alcohol

Isopropyl myristate

Benzyl alcohol

Purified water

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf Life

24 months.

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

A single dose applicator consisting of a body of HDPE (lupolene or hostalene), piston of LDPE, cap of LDPE, with a separate plunger of polystyrene. One applicator is contained in a blister pack. Pack size 5gm.

The filled applicator of cream is also available in a combination pack with a 10 g tube of Canesten Thrush Cream as Canesten Complete Cream (Legal Category: P) and Canesten Cream Combi 10% VC & 2% External Cream (Legal Category: POM).

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

1. Remove applicator from package. Insert plunger (A) into applicator (B).

2. Remove red cap (C) by turning.

3. Introduce applicator (B) as deeply as possible into the vagina (this is best done with the patient lying on her back with the knees bent up) and empty its contents into the vagina by pushing the plunger (A).

4. Remove the applicator and dispose of it.

Administrative Data

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Bayer plc

Bayer House

Strawberry Hill

Newbury, Berkshire

RG14 1JA

Trading as Bayer plc, Consumer Care Division

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

PL 0010/0136

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 30 January 1985

Date of last renewal of authorisation: 28 April 2000

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

12/08/2010

LEGAL STATUS

Canesten 10% VC and Canesten Cream Combi 10% VC & 2% External Cream POM

Canesten Internal Cream P

E-Z Disk oral and rectal

Generic Name: barium sulfate (oral and rectal) (BER ee um SUL fate)

Brand Names: Anatrast, Bar-Test, Baricon, Baro-Cat, Barosperse, Bear-E-Yum GI, CheeTah, CheeTah Butterscotch, CheeTah Chocolaty-Fudge, CheeTah Orange, CheeTah Raspberry, Digibar 190, E-Z AC, E-Z Disk, E-Z Dose Kit with Polibar Plus, E-Z Paste, E-Z-Cat, E-Z-Cat Dry, E-Z-HD, E-Z-Paque, Enecat, Eneset 2, Enhancer, Entero VU, Entero-H, Entrobar, Esopho-Cat, Intropaste, Liqui-Coat HD, Liquid Barosperse, Liquid E-Z Paque, Liquid Polibar, Liquid Polibar Plus, Maxibar, Medebar Plus, Medebar Super 250, Polibar ACB, Readi-Cat, Readi-Cat 2, Scan C, Sitzmarks, Smoothie Readi-Cat 2, Sol-O-Pake, Tagitol V, Tonojug, Tonopaque, Varibar Honey, Varibar Nectar, Varibar Pudding, Varibar Thin, Varibar Thin Honey, Volumen

What is barium sulfate?

Barium sulfate is in a group of drugs called contrast agents. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Barium sulfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about barium sulfate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to barium sulfate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

Before you use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you have asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease or high blood pressure, rectal cancer, a colostomy, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, or if you have recently had a rectal biopsy or surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before your medical test.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.

Serious side effects of barium sulfate may include severe stomach pain, sweating, ringing in your ears, pale skin, weakness, or severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using barium sulfate?

You should not use barium sulfate if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

To make sure you can safely use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 
  

  asthma, eczema, or allergies;

  
  


• 
  

  a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

  
  


• 
  

  cystic fibrosis;

  
  


• 
  

  a colostomy;

  
  


• 
  

  rectal cancer;

  
  


• 
  

  heart disease or high blood pressure;

  
  


• 
  

  Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the intestines);

  
  


• 
  

  a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);

  
  


• 
  

  a recent history of surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

  
  


• 
  

  a history of perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

  
  


• 
  

  if you have recently had a rectal biopsy;

  
  


• 
  

  if you have ever choked on food by accidentally inhaling it into your lungs;

  
  


• 
  

  if you are allergic to simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme, and others); or

  
  


• 
  

  if you are allergic to latex rubber.

  
  

It is not known whether barium sulfate will harm an unborn baby, but the radiation used in x-rays and CT scans may be harmful. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Barium sulfate may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Before your medical test, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use barium sulfate?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Barium sulfate comes in tablets, paste, cream, or liquid forms.

In some cases, barium sulfate is taken by mouth. The liquid form may also be used as a rectal enema.

You may need to begin using this medication at home a day before your medical test. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much of the medication to use and how often.

If you are receiving barium sulfate as a rectal enema, a healthcare professional will give you the medication at the clinic or hospital where your testing will take place.

Do not crush, chew, or break a barium sulfate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Dissolve the barium sulfate powder in a small amount of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

If you receive the medication as a liquid to take by mouth, shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you are using barium sulfate at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea, confusion, or weakness.

What should I avoid before or after using barium sulfate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Barium sulfate 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 a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  severe stomach pain;

  
  


• 
  

  severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation;

  
  


• 
  

  sweating;

  
  


• 
  

  ringing in your ears;

  
  


• 
  

  confusion, fast heart rate; or

  
  


• 
  

  pale skin, weakness.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  mild stomach cramps;

  
  


• 
  

  nausea, vomiting;

  
  


• 
  

  loose stools or mild constipation.

  
  

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 barium sulfate?

There may be other drugs that can interact with barium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More E-Z Disk resources

• E-Z Disk Side Effects (in more detail)
• E-Z Disk Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• 0 Reviews for E-Z Disk - Add your own review/rating

Compare E-Z Disk with other medications

• Computed Tomography

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about barium sulfate.

See also: E-Z Disk side effects (in more detail)

Sumaxin Wash

Generic Name: sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical (SUL fa SEET a mide SOE dee um and SUL fur TOP i kal)

Brand Names: Avar Cleanser, Avar Gel, Avar LS Cleanser, Avar-E, Avar-E Emollient, Avar-E Green, Avar-e LS, BP 10-Wash, Clarifoam EF, Clenia Emollient Cream, Clenia Foaming Wash, Plexion , Plexion Cleanser, Plexion Cleansing Cloths, Plexion SCT, Prascion, Prascion Cleanser, Prascion FC Cloths, Prascion RA, Rosac, Rosac Wash, Rosaderm Cleanser, Rosanil Cleanser, Rosula, SE 10-5 SS, Sulfacet-R, Sulfatol C, Sulfatol SS, SulZee Wash, Sumaxin, Sumaxin TS, Sumaxin Wash, Suphera, Topisulf, Zencia Wash, Zetacet

What is Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur are antibiotic that fight bacteria.

The combination of sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis (a red, flaking skin rash).

Sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergy to sulfa drugs or if you have kidney disease. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical unless you doctor tells you to.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergy to sulfa drugs or if you have kidney disease.

To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical unless you doctor tells you to.

Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  new or worsening skin rash;

  
  


• 
  

  joint pain;

  
  


• 
  

  fever; or

  
  


• 
  

  mouth sores.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include redness, warmth, swelling, itching, stinging, burning, or irritation of treated skin.

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 Sumaxin Wash (sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Sumaxin Wash resources

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

• Sumaxin Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Avar LS Cleanser MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Clarifoam EF Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Clarifoam EF Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Plexion Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Plexion Cleansing Cloths MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Plexion SCT Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Plexion TS Emulsion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Prascion Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Rosac Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Rosaderm Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Rosanil Cleanser Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Rosula Foam MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Rosula Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Rosula Cleanser Emulsion MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Sumadan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Sumadan Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Sumaxin Wash MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Zencia Wash Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Sumaxin Wash with other medications

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Seborrheic Dermatitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur topical.

See also: Sumaxin side effects (in more detail)

Losec MUPS Tablets 10mg, 20mg & 40mg

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

Losec MUPS 10 mg gastro-resistant tablets

Losec MUPS 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets

Losec MUPS 40 mg gastro-resistant tablets

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

10 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 10.3 mg omeprazole magnesium equivalent to 10 mg omeprazole.

20 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 20.6 mg omeprazole magnesium equivalent to 20 mg omeprazole.

40 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 39–41 mg omeprazole magnesium equivalent to 40 mg omeprazole.

Excipient:

10 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 19–20 mg sucrose.

20 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 19–20 mg sucrose.

40 mg: Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 39–41 mg sucrose.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. Pharmaceutical Form

Gastro-resistant tablet.

Losec 10 mg gastro-resistant tablets: Light-pink, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablets engraved with

Losec 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets: Pink, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablets, engraved with

Losec 40 mg gastro-resistant tablets: Dark red-brown, oblong, biconvex, film-coated tablets, engraved with

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Losec gastro-resistant tablets are indicated for:

Adults

• Treatment of duodenal ulcers

• Prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcers

• Treatment of gastric ulcers

• Prevention of relapse of gastric ulcers

• In combination with appropriate antibiotics, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in peptic ulcer disease

• Treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers

• Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk

• Treatment of reflux oesophagitis

• Long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis

• Treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

• Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Paediatric use

Children over 1 year of age and

• Treatment of reflux oesophagitis

• Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Children and adolescents over 4 years of age

• In combination with antibiotics in treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

Posology in adults

Treatment of duodenal ulcers

The recommended dose in patients with an active duodenal ulcer is Losec 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within two weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further two weeks treatment period. In patients with poorly responsive duodenal ulcer Losec 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within four weeks.

Prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcers

For the prevention of relapse of duodenal ulcer in H. pylori negative patients or when H. pylori eradication is not possible the recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily. In some patients a daily dose of 10 mg may be sufficient. In case of therapy failure, the dose can be increased to 40 mg.

Treatment of gastric ulcers

The recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period. In patients with poorly responsive gastric ulcer Losec 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within eight weeks.

Prevention of relapse of gastric ulcers

For the prevention of relapse in patients with poorly responsive gastric ulcer the recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily. If needed the dose can be increased to Losec 40 mg once daily.

H. pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease

For the eradication of H. pylori the selection of antibiotics should consider the individual patient's drug tolerance, and should be undertaken in accordance with national, regional and local resistance patterns and treatment guidelines.

• Losec 20 mg + clarithromycin 500 mg + amoxicillin 1,000 mg, each twice daily for one week, or

• Losec 20 mg + clarithromycin 250 mg (alternatively 500 mg) + metronidazole 400 mg (or 500 mg or tinidazole 500 mg), each twice daily for one week, or

• Losec 40 mg once daily with amoxicillin 500 mg and metronidazole 400 mg (or 500 mg or tinidazole 500 mg), both three times a day for one week.

In each regimen, if the patient is still H. pylori positive, therapy may be repeated.

Treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers

For the treatment of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period.

Prevention of NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients at risk

For the prevention of NSAID associated gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers in patients at risk (age> 60, previous history of gastric and duodenal ulcers, previous history of upper GI bleeding) the recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily.

Treatment of reflux oesophagitis

The recommended dose is Losec 20 mg once daily. In most patients healing occurs within four weeks. For those patients who may not be fully healed after the initial course, healing usually occurs during a further four weeks treatment period.

In patients with severe oesophagitis Losec 40 mg once daily is recommended and healing is usually achieved within eight weeks.

Long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis

For the long-term management of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis the recommended dose is Losec 10 mg once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased to Losec 20-40 mg once daily.

Treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

The recommended dose is Losec 20 mg daily. Patients may respond adequately to 10 mg daily, and therefore individual dose adjustment should be considered.

If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks treatment with Losec 20 mg daily, further investigation is recommended.

Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

In patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome the dose should be individually adjusted and treatment continued as long as clinically indicated. The recommended initial dose is Losec 60 mg daily. All patients with severe disease and inadequate response to other therapies have been effectively controlled and more than 90% of the patients maintained on doses of Losec 20–120 mg daily. When dose exceed Losec 80 mg daily, the dose should be divided and given twice daily.

Posology in children

Children over 1 year of age and

Treatment of reflux oesophagitis

Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

The posology recommendations are as follows:

Age	Weight	Posology
	10-20 kg	10 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 20 mg once daily if needed
	> 20 kg	20 mg once daily. The dose can be increased to 40 mg once daily if needed

Reflux oesophagitis: The treatment time is 4–8 weeks.

Symptomatic treatment of heartburn and acid regurgitation in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: The treatment time is 2–4 weeks. If symptom control has not been achieved after 2–4 weeks the patient should be investigated further.

Children and adolescents over 4 years of age

Treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by H. pylori

When selecting appropriate combination therapy, consideration should be given to official national, regional and local guidance regarding bacterial resistance, duration of treatment (most commonly 7 days but sometimes up to 14 days), and appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

The treatment should be supervised by a specialist.

The posology recommendations are as follows:

Weight	Posology
15-30 kg	Combination with two antibiotics: Losec 10 mg, amoxicillin 25 mg/kg body weight and clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg body weight are all administrated together two times daily for one week
31-40 kg	Combination with two antibiotics: Losec 20 mg, amoxicillin 750 mg and clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg body weight are all administrated two times daily for one week
> 40 kg	Combination with two antibiotics: Losec 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g and clarithromycin 500 mg are all administrated two times daily for one week.

Special populations

Impaired renal function

Dose adjustment is not needed in patients with impaired renal function (see section 5.2).

Impaired hepatic function

In patients with impaired hepatic function a daily dose of 10–20 mg may be sufficient (see section 5.2).

Elderly (> 65 years old)

Dose adjustment is not needed in the elderly (see section 5.2).

Method of administration

It is recommended to take Losec tablets in the morning, swallowed whole with half a glass of water. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed.

For patients with swallowing difficulties and for children who can drink or swallow semi-solid food

Patients can break the tablet and disperse it in a spoonful of non-carbonated water and if so wished, mix with some fruit juices or applesauce. Patients should be advised that the dispersion should be taken immediately (or within 30 minutes)and always be stirred just before drinking and rinsed down with half a glass of water. DO NOT USE milk or carbonated water. The enteric-coated pellets must not be chewed.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to omeprazole, substituted benzimidazoles or to any of the excipients.

Omeprazole like other proton pump inhibitors must not be used concomitantly with nelfinavir (see section 4.5).

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

In the presence of any alarm symptom (e.g. significant unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, haematemesis or melena) and when gastric ulcer is suspected or present, malignancy should be excluded, as treatment may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Co-administration of atazanavir with proton pump inhibitors is not recommended (see section 4.5). If the combination of atazanavir with a proton pump inhibitor is judged unavoidable, close clinical monitoring (e.g virus load) is recommended in combination with an increase in the dose of atazanavir to 400 mg with 100 mg of ritonavir; omeprazole 20 mg should not be exceeded.

Omeprazole, as all acid-blocking medicines, may reduce the absorption of vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) due to hypo- or achlorhydria. This should be considered in patients with reduced body stores or risk factors for reduced vitamin B₁₂ absorption on long-term therapy.

Omeprazole is a CYP2C19 inhibitor. When starting or ending treatment with omeprazole, the potential for interactions with drugs metabolised through CYP2C19 should be considered. An interaction is observed between clopidogrel and omeprazole (see section 4.5). The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. As a precaution, concomitant use of omeprazole and clopidogrel should be discouraged.

Some children with chronic illnesses may require long-term treatment although it is not recommended.

Losec gastro-resistant tablets contain sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter (see section 5.1).

As in all long-term treatments, especially when exceeding a treatment period of 1 year, patients should be kept under regular surveillance.

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

Effects of omeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other active substances

Active substances with pH dependent absorption

The decreased intragastric acidity during treatment with omeprazole might increase or decrease the absorption of active substances with a gastric pH dependent absorption.

Nelfinavir, atazanavir

The plasma levels of nelfinavir and atazanavir are decreased in case of co-administration with omeprazole.

Concomitant administration of omeprazole with nelfinavir is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Co-administration of omeprazole (40 mg once daily) reduced mean nelvinavir exposure by ca. 40% and the mean exposure of the pharmacologically active metabolite M8 was reduced by ca. 75-90%. The interaction may also involve CYP2C19 inhibition.

Concomitant administration of omeprazole with atazanavir is not recommended (see section 4.4). Concomitant administration of omeprazole (40 mg once daily) and atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a 75% decrease of the atazanavir exposure. Increasing the atazanavir dose to 400 mg did not compensate for the impact of omeprazole on atazanavir exposure. The co-administration of omeprazole (20 mg once daily) with atazanavir 400 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a decrease of approximately 30% in the atazanavir exposure as compared to atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg once daily.

Digoxin

Concomitant treatment with omeprazole (20 mg daily) and digoxin in healthy subjects increased the bioavailability of digoxin by 10%. Digoxin toxicity has been rarely reported. However caution should be exercised when omeprazole is given at high doses in elderly patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring of digoxin should be then be reinforced.

Clopidogrel

In a crossover clinical study, clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg/day) alone and with omeprazole (80 mg at the same time as clopidogrel) were administered for 5 days. The exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel was decreased by 46% (Day 1) and 42% (Day 5) when clopidogrel and omeprazole were administered together. Mean inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) was diminished by 47% (24 hours) and 30% (Day 5) when clopidogrel and omeprazole were administered together. In another study it was shown that administering clopidogrel and omeprazole at different times did not prevent their interaction that is likely to be driven by the inhibitory effect of omeprazole on CYP2C19. Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this PK/PD interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from observational and clinical studies.

Other active substances

The absorption of posaconazole, erlotinib, ketoconazol and itraconazol is significantly reduced and thus clinical efficacy may be impaired. For posaconazol and erlotinib concomitant use should be avoided.

Active substances metabolised by CYP2C19

Omeprazole is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C19, the major omeprazole metabolising enzyme. Thus, the metabolism of concomitant active substances also metabolised by CYP2C19, may be decreased and the systemic exposure to these substances increased. Examples of such drugs are R-warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists, cilostazol, diazepam and phenytoin.

Cilostazol

Omeprazole, given in doses of 40 mg to healthy subjects in a cross-over study, increased C_max and AUC for cilostazol by 18% and 26% respectively, and one of its active metabolites by 29% and 69% respectively.

Phenytoin

Monitoring phenytoin plasma concentration is recommended during the first two weeks after initiating omeprazole treatment and, if a phenytoin dose adjustment is made, monitoring and a further dose adjustment should occur upon ending omeprazole treatment.

Unknown mechanism

Saquinavir

Concomitant administration of omeprazole with saquinavir/ritonavir resulted in increased plasma levels up to approximately 70% for saquinavir associated with good tolerability in HIV-infected patients.

Tacrolimus

Concomitant administration of omeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of tacrolimus. A reinforced monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations as well as renal function (creatinine clearance) should be performed, and dosage of tacrolimus adjusted if needed.

Effects of other active substances on the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole

Inhibitors of CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4

Since omeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, active substances known to inhibit CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 (such as clarithromycin and voriconazole) may lead to increased omeprazole serum levels by decreasing omeprazole's rate of metabolism. Concomitant voriconazole treatment resulted in more than doubling of the omeprazole exposure. As high doses of omeprazole have been well-tolerated adjustment of the omeprazole dose is not generally required. However, dose adjustment should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment and if long-term treatment is indicated.

Inducers of CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4

Active substances known to induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 or both (such as rifampicin and St John's wort) may lead to decreased omeprazole serum levels by increasing omeprazole's rate of metabolism.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

Results from three prospective epidemiological studies (more than 1000 exposed outcomes) indicate no adverse effects of omeprazole on pregnancy or on the health of the foetus/newborn child. Omeprazole can be used during pregnancy.

Omeprazole is excreted in breast milk but is not likely to influence the child when therapeutic doses are used.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

Losec is not likely to affect the ability to drive or use machines. Adverse drug reactions such as dizziness and visual disturbances may occur (see section 4.8). If affected, patients should not drive or operate machinery.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

The most common side effects (1-10% of patients) are headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and nausea/vomiting.

The following adverse drug reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical trials programme for omeprazole and post-marketing. None was found to be dose-related. Adverse reactions listed below are classified according to frequency and System Organ Class (SOC). Frequency categories are defined according to the following convention: Very common (

SOC/frequency	Adverse reaction
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Rare:	Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
Very rare:	Agranulocytosis, pancytopenia
Immune system disorders
Rare:	Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction/shock
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Rare:	Hyponatraemia
Very rare:	Hypomagnesaemia
Psychiatric disorders
Uncommon:	Insomnia
Rare:	Agitation, confusion, depression
Very rare:	Aggression, hallucinations
Nervous system disorders
Common:	Headache
Uncommon:	Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence
Rare:	Taste disturbance
Eye disorders
Rare:	Blurred vision
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Uncommon:	Vertigo
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Rare:	Bronchospasm
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common:	Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea/vomiting
Rare:	Dry mouth, stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis
Hepatobiliary disorders
Uncommon:	Increased liver enzymes
Rare:	Hepatitis with or without jaundice
Very rare:	Hepatic failure, encephalopathy in patients with pre-existing liver disease
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon:	Dermatitis, pruritus, rash, urticaria
Rare:	Alopecia, photosensitivity
Very rare:	Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Rare:	Arthralgia, myalgia
Very rare:	Muscular weakness
Renal and urinary disorders
Rare:	Interstitial nephritis
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Very rare:	Gynaecomastia
General disorders and administration site conditions
Uncommon:	Malaise, peripheral oedema
Rare:	Increased sweating

Paediatric population

The safety of omeprazole has been assessed in a total of 310 children aged 0 to 16 years with acid-related disease. There are limited long term safety data from 46 children who received maintenance therapy of omeprazole during a clinical study for severe erosive oesophagitis for up to 749 days. The adverse event profile was generally the same as for adults in short- as well as in long-term treatment. There are no long term data regarding the effects of omeprazole treatment on puberty and growth.

4.9 Overdose

There is limited information available on the effects of overdoses of omeprazole in humans. In the literature, doses of up to 560 mg have been described, and occasional reports have been received when single oral doses have reached up to 2,400 mg omeprazole (120 times the usual recommended clinical dose). Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and headache have been reported. Also apathy, depression and confusion have been described in single cases.

The symptoms described in connection to omeprazole overdose have been transient, and no serious outcome has been reported. The rate of elimination was unchanged (first order kinetics) with increased doses. Treatment, if needed, is symptomatic.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Proton pump inhibitors, ATC code: A02BC01

Mechanism of action

Omeprazole, a racemic mixture of two enantiomers reduces gastric acid secretion through a highly targeted mechanism of action. It is a specific inhibitor of the acid pump in the parietal cell. It is rapidly acting and provides control through reversible inhibition of gastric acid secretion with once daily dosing.

Omeprazole is a weak base and is concentrated and converted to the active form in the highly acidic environment of the intracellular canaliculi within the parietal cell, where it inhibits the enzyme H⁺ K⁺-ATPase - the acid pump. This effect on the final step of the gastric acid formation process is dose-dependent and provides for highly effective inhibition of both basal acid secretion and stimulated acid secretion, irrespective of stimulus.

Pharmacodynamic effects

All pharmacodynamic effects observed can be explained by the effect of omeprazole on acid secretion.

Effect on gastric acid secretion

Oral dosing with omeprazole once daily provides for rapid and effective inhibition of daytime and night-time gastric acid secretion with maximum effect being achieved within 4 days of treatment. With omeprazole 20 mg, a mean decrease of at least 80% in 24-hour intragastric acidity is then maintained in duodenal ulcer patients, with the mean decrease in peak acid output after pentagastrin stimulation being about 70% 24 hours after dosing.

Oral dosing with omeprazole 20 mg maintains an intragastric pH of

As a consequence of reduced acid secretion and intragastric acidity, omeprazole dose-dependently reduces/normalizes acid exposure of the oesophagus in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

The inhibition of acid secretion is related to the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of omeprazole and not to the actual plasma concentration at a given time.

No tachyphylaxis has been observed during treatment with omeprazole.

Effect on H. pylori

H. pylori is associated with peptic ulcer disease, including duodenal and gastric ulcer disease. H. pylori is a major factor in the development of gastritis. H. pylori together with gastric acid are major factors in the development of peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori is a major factor in the development of atrophic gastritis which is associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.

Eradication of H. pylori with omeprazole and antimicrobials is associated with high rates of healing and long-term remission of peptic ulcers

Dual therapies have been tested and found to be less effective than triple therapies. They could, however, be considered in cases where known hypersensitivity precludes use of any triple combination.

Other effects related to acid inhibition

During long-term treatment gastric glandular cysts have been reported in a somewhat increased frequency. These changes are a physiological consequence of pronounced inhibition of acid secretion, are benign and appear to be reversible.

Decreased gastric acidity due to any means including proton pump inhibitors, increases gastric counts of bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with acid-reducing drugs may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Also chromogranin A (CgA) increases due to decreased gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. To avoid this interference the omeprazole treatment should be temporarily stopped five days before CgA measurements.

Paediatric use

In a non-controlled study in children (1 to 16 years of age) with severe reflux oesophagitis, omeprazole at doses of 0.7 to 1.4 mg/kg improved oesophagitis level in 90% of the cases and significantly reduced reflux symptoms. In a single-blind study, children aged 0–24 months with clinically diagnosed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were treated with 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg omeprazole/kg. The frequency of vomiting/regurgitation episodes decreased by 50% after 8 weeks of treatment irrespective of the dose.

Eradication of H. pylori in children

A randomised, double blind clinical study (Héliot study) concluded that omeprazole, in combination with two antibiotics (amoxicillin and clarithromycin), was safe and effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection in children age 4 years old and above with gastritis: H. pylori eradication rate: 74.2% (23/31 patients) with omeprazole + amoxicillin + clarithromycin versus 9.4% (3/32 patients) with amoxicillin + clarithromycin. However, there was no evidence of any clinical benefit with respect to dyspeptic symptoms. This study does not support any information for children aged less than 4 years.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption

Omeprazole and omeprazole magnesium are acid labile and are therefore administered orally as enteric-coated granules in capsules or tablets. Absorption of omeprazole is rapid, with peak plasma levels occurring approximately 1-2 hours after dose. Absorption of omeprazole takes place in the small intestine and is usually completed within 3-6 hours. Concomitant intake of food has no influence on the bioavailability. The systemic availability (bioavailability) from a single oral dose of omeprazole is approximately 40%. After repeated once-daily administration, the bioavailability increases to about 60%.

Distribution

The apparent volume of distribution in healthy subjects is approximately 0.3 l/kg body weight. Omeprazole is 97% plasma protein bound.

Bioequivalence between Losec capsules and Losec gastro-resistant tablets, based on both area under the omeprazole plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of omeprazole, has been demonstrated for all doses, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg.

Metabolism

Omeprazole is completely metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP). The major part of its metabolism is dependent on the polymorphically expressed CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of hydroxyomeprazole, the major metabolite in plasma. The remaining part is dependent on another specific isoform, CYP3A4, responsible for the formation of omeprazole sulphone. As a consequence of high affinity of omeprazole to CYP2C19, there is a potential for competitive inhibition and metabolic drug-drug interactions with other substrates for CYP2C19. However, due to low affinity to CYP3A4, omeprazole has no potential to inhibit the metabolism of other CYP3A4 substrates. In addition, omeprazole lacks an inhibitory effect on the main CYP enzymes.

Approximately 3% of the Caucasian population and 15-20% of Asian populations lack a functional CYP2C19 enzyme and are called poor metabolisers. In such individuals the metabolism of omeprazole is probably mainly catalysed by CYP3A4. After repeated once-daily administration of 20 mg omeprazole, the mean AUC was 5 to 10 times higher in poor metabolisers than in subjects having a functional CYP2C19 enzyme (extensive metabolisers). Mean peak plasma concentrations were also higher, by 3 to 5 times. These findings have no implications for the posology of omeprazole.

Excretion

The plasma elimination half-life of omeprazole is usually shorter than one hour both after single and repeated oral once-daily dosing. Omeprazole is completely eliminated from plasma between doses with no tendency for accumulation during once-daily administration. Almost 80% of an oral dose of omeprazole is excreted as metabolites in the urine, the remainder in the faeces, primarily originating from bile secretion.

The AUC of omeprazole increases with repeated administration. This increase is dose-dependent and results in a non-linear dose-AUC relationship after repeated administration. This time- and dose-dependency is due to a decrease of first pass metabolism and systemic clearance probably caused by an inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme by omeprazole and/or its metabolites (e.g. the sulphone).

No metabolite has been found to have any effect on gastric acid secretion.

Special populations

Impaired hepatic function

The metabolism of omeprazole in patients with liver dysfunction is impaired, resulting in an increased AUC. Omeprazole has not shown any tendency to accumulate with once-daily dosing.

Impaired renal function

The pharmacokinetics of omeprazole, including systemic bioavailability and elimination rate, are unchanged in patients with reduced renal function.

Elderly

The metabolism rate of omeprazole is somewhat reduced in elderly subjects (75-79 years of age).

Paediatric patients

During treatment with the recommended doses to children from the age of 1 year, similar plasma concentrations were obtained as compared to adults. In children younger than 6 months, clearance of omeprazole is low due to low capacity to metabolise omeprazole.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Gastric ECL-cell hyperplasia and carcinoids, have been observed in life-long studies in rats treated with omeprazole. These changes are the result of sustained hypergastrinaemia secondary to acid inhibition. Similar findings have been made after treatment with H₂-receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and after partial fundectomy. Thus, these changes are not from a direct effect of any individual active substance.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose,

glyceryl monostearate,

hydroxypropylcellulose,

hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,

magnesium stearate,

methacrylic acid co-polymer,

sugar spheres,

paraffin,

macrogol (polyethylene glycol),

polysorbate,

polyvinylpyrrolidone crosslinked,

sodium hydroxide (for pH-adjustment),

sodium stearyl fumarate,

talc,

triethyl citrate,

iron oxide,

titanium dioxide

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

6.3 Shelf Life

3 years.

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Bottle: Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect from moisture.

Blister: Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

HDPE bottle: with a tight fitting polypropylene screw-cap equipped with a desiccant capsule.

10 mg: 7, 14, 15, 28, 30, 50, 100 tablets; hospital pack of 140 tablets.

20 mg: 7, 14, 15, 28, 30, 50, 56, 100 tablets; hospital packs of 140, 200, 280 tablets.

40 mg: 7, 14, 15, 28, 30, 100 tablets.

Aluminium blister.

10 mg: 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 25, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100 tablets; hospital pack of 560 tablets.

20 mg: 5, 7, 14, 15, 25, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 84, 90, 98, 100 tablets; hospital pack of, 560 tablets.

40 mg: 5, 7, 14, 15, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 100 tablets; hospital pack of 560 tablets

Perforated unit dose blister (hospital pack):

10 mg: 25 x 1, 28 x 1, 50 x 1, 56 x 1 tablets.

20 mg: 25 x 1, 28 x 1, 50 x 1, 56 x 1, 100 x 1 tablets.

40 mg: 25 x 1, 28 x 1, 50 x 1 tablets.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

No special requirements

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

AstraZeneca UK Limited

600 Capability Green

Luton LU1 3LU

United Kingdom

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

PL 17901/0137

PL 17901/0138

PL 17901/0139

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

14^th May 2002

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

21^st March 2011