Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Ferrex 150 Plus


Generic Name: ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide (as KORE bik AS id and EYE urn SAK a ride)

Brand Names: Fe-Tinic 150, Ferrex 150 Plus, Niferex-150


What is Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?

Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Ascorbic acid is important for the skin and connective tissues, for normal chemical and hormonal production, and for the immune system.


Iron polysaccharide is a form of the mineral iron. Iron is important for many functions in the body, especially for the transport of oxygen in the blood.


Ascorbic acid is used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency.


Iron polysaccharide is used as a dietary supplement, and to prevent and to treat iron deficiencies and iron deficiency anemia.


Ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?


Do not take more ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package. Keep this product out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?


If you do not have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor about the use of ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide. Generally, ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide should not be taken chronically by individuals with a normal iron balance.


To make sure you can safely take ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:



  • diabetes;




  • hemosiderosis;




  • hemolytic anemia;




  • hemochromatosis;




  • kidney disease or an increased risk of kidney stones;




  • if you are on a sodium restricted diet; or




  • if you are allergic to sulfites or tartrazine.




FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide 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 ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide 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 take Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?


Keep this product out of reach of children. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

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


Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide may decrease the absorption of other medicines. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide if you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.


This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide.


Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take 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.

Overdose can cause decreased energy, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tarry stools, weak or rapid pulse, fever, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?


Do not take ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide within 2 hours before or after you take any of the following medicines

  • levodopa (Larodopa, Dopar, Sinemet);




  • levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, others);




  • methyldopa (Aldomet);




  • penicillamine (Cuprimine);




  • antacids (Amphojel, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Rulox, Tums, and others);




  • a tetracycline antibiotic such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap); or




  • an antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), and others.



Ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide may decrease the absorption of the drugs listed above.


Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide) 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 a serious side effect such as:

  • fever;




  • severe lower back pain;




  • painful or difficult urination;




  • blood in your urine; or




  • black or dark stools.



Less serious side effects may include:



  • stomach upset;




  • nausea or vomiting;




  • diarrhea;




  • constipation; or




  • temporary staining of the teeth.



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 Ferrex 150 Plus (ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide)?


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



  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).




  • an estrogen such as Premarin, Ogen, Estratest, Vivelle, Climara, Estring, Estrace, and others; or




  • an oral birth control pill such as Alesse, Levlen, Ovral, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Lo-Ovral, and others.



This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide. 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 Ferrex 150 Plus resources


  • Ferrex 150 Plus Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Ferrex 150 Plus Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Ferrex 150 Plus Drug Interactions
  • 0 Reviews for Ferrex50 Plus - Add your own review/rating


Compare Ferrex 150 Plus with other medications


  • Dietary Supplementation


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about ascorbic acid and iron polysaccharide.

See also: Ferrex50 Plus side effects (in more detail)


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Thelin (Sitaxentan) 100mg film-coated tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Thelin


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each film-coated tablet contains 100 mg sitaxentan sodium.



Excipients:



Also contains 166.3mg of lactose monohydrate.



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film-coated tablet



Capsule shaped yellow-to-orange film-coated tablets, debossed with T



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) classified as WHO functional class III, to improve exercise capacity. Efficacy has been shown in primary pulmonary hypertension and in pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disease.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Treatment should only be initiated and monitored by a physician experienced in the treatment of PAH.



Thelin is to be taken orally as a dose of 100 mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food and without regard to the time of day.



In the case of clinical deterioration despite Thelin treatment for at least 12 weeks, alternative therapies should be considered. However, a number of patients who showed no response by week 12 of treatment with Thelin responded favourably by week 24, so an additional 12 weeks of treatment may be considered.



Higher doses did not confer additional benefit sufficient to offset the increased risk of adverse reactions, particularly liver injury (see section 4.4).



Discontinuation of treatment



There is limited experience with abrupt discontinuation of sitaxentan sodium. No evidence for acute rebound has been observed.



Dosage in hepatic impairment:



Studies in patients with pre-existing liver impairment have not been conducted. Thelin is contraindicated in patients with elevated liver aminotransferases prior to initiation of treatment (> 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN)) or with elevated direct bilirubin > 2 x ULN prior to initiation of treatment (see section 4.3).



Dosage in renal impairment:



No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment.



Use in children and adolescents (< 18 years).



Thelin is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.



Elderly patients:



No dosage adjustment is needed in patients over the age of 65 years.



Use in patients using other medicines:



The efficacy and safety of Thelin co-administration with other treatments for PAH (eg, epoprostenol, sildenafil, iloprost) has not been studied in controlled clinical trials. Therefore, caution is recommended in case of co-administration.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.



Mild to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A-C).



Elevated aminotransferases prior to initiation of treatment (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 3 x ULN).



Elevated direct bilirubin > 2 x ULN prior to initiation of treatment.



Concomitant administration with ciclosporin A (see section 4.5).



Lactation (see section 4.6).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



The efficacy of Thelin as monotherapy has not been established in patients with NYHA/WHO functional class IV PAH. Transfer to a therapy that is recommended at the severe stage of the disease (eg, epoprostenol) should be considered if the clinical condition deteriorates (see section 4.2).



Liver function:



Liver function abnormalities have been associated with PAH. Endothelin receptor antagonists, as a class, have been associated with liver function abnormalities.



Elevations of AST and/or ALT associated with Thelin occur both early and late in treatment, usually progress slowly, and are typically asymptomatic. During clinical trials, these changes were usually reversible when monitoring and discontinuation guidelines were followed. Liver aminotransferase elevations may reverse spontaneously while continuing treatment with sitaxentan sodium.



The mechanism of liver toxicity is not fully documented and it might vary between endothelin receptor antagonists. Appropriate care should be exercised when initiating sitaxentan in patients who discontinued other endothelin receptor antagonists due to liver enzyme abnormalities (see section 4.8).





Because treatment-associated elevations of AST and/or ALT are a marker for potential serious liver injury, liver aminotransferase levels must be measured prior to initiation of treatment and subsequently at monthly intervals. If AST and/or ALT are > 3 x ULN prior to initiation of therapy, or direct bilirubin is> 2 x ULN, use of sitaxentan is contraindicated (see section 4.3).



Recommendations in case of treatment-emergent ALT/AST elevations:



If ALT/AST measurements rise to the following levels then changes to the monitoring or treatment are given:



>3 and



> 5 and



>8 x ULN: treatment must be stopped and reintroduction of Thelin is not to be considered.



If liver transferase elevations are accompanied by clinical symptoms of liver injury (such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual lethargy or fatigue) or increases in total bilirubin > 2x ULN, treatment should be stopped and re-introduction of Thelin is not to be considered.



Re-introduction of treatment:



Re-introduction of treatment with Thelin should only be considered if the potential benefits of treatment with Thelin outweigh the potential risks and when liver aminotransferase levels are within pre-treatment values. The advice of a hepatologist is recommended. Re-introduction must follow the guidelines detailed in section 4.2. Aminotransferase levels must then be checked within 3 days after re-introduction, then again after a further 2 weeks, and thereafter according to the recommendations above.



Pre-existing liver impairment



Studies in patients with pre-existing liver impairment have not been conducted. Thelin is contraindicated in patients with elevated liver aminotransferases prior to initiation of treatment (> 3 x ULN), or with elevated direct bilirubin> 2 x ULN prior to initiation of treatment, see section 4.3.



Bleeding



There is an increased risk of bleeding with Thelin, mainly in the form of epistaxis and gingival bleeding.



Vitamin K antagonists



Thelin increases the plasma levels of Vitamin K antagonists such as warfarin, acenocoumarol and fenprocoumon (see section 4.5).



Drugs which inhibit Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP)



The extent of interaction with potent OATP inhibitors (e.g. some statins, proteinase inhibitors, tuberculostatics) is unknown. As this could result in raised plasma levels of sitaxentan sodium, patients in need of the combination should be closely monitored for adverse events related to sitaxentan sodium (see section 4.5).



Oral contraceptive agents



Thelin increases oestrogen exposure when given concomitantly with oral contraceptive agents (see Section 4.5). Therefore, especially in women who smoke, there is an increased risk for thromboembolism. Given a theoretical higher risk for thromboembolism, traditional concomitant use of vitamin K antagonists should be considered.



Pregnancy



Due to possible teratogenicity, Thelin must not be initiated in women of child-bearing potential unless they practise reliable contraception. If necessary, pregnancy testing should be undertaken (see Section 4.6).



Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)



No data are available with Thelin in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. However, cases of life threatening pulmonary oedema have been reported with vasodilators (mainly prostacyclin) when used in those patients. Consequently, should signs of pulmonary oedema occur when Thelin is administered in patients with pulmonary hypertension, the possibility of associated veno-occlusive disease should be considered.



Haemoglobin concentration



Treatment with Thelin was associated with a dose-related decrease in haemoglobin (see section 4.8). Most of this decrease of haemoglobin concentration was detected during the first few weeks of treatment and haemoglobin levels stabilized by 4 weeks of Thelin treatment. It is recommended that haemoglobin concentrations be checked prior to treatment, after 1 and 3 months, and every 3 months thereafter. If a marked decrease in haemoglobin concentration occurs, further evaluation should be undertaken to determine the cause and need for specific treatment.



Excipients



Thelin tablets contain lactose monohydrate. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Sitaxentan sodium is metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 CYP2C9 and CYP3A4/5 isoenzymes. Sitaxentan sodium is an inhibitor of CYP2C9 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2C19, CYP3A4/5 and CYP2C8. Plasma concentrations of drugs principally metabolized by CYP2C9 may be increased during sitaxentan sodium co-administration. Co-administration with drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 or CYP3A4/5 is not expected to result in clinically significant drug interactions. Sitaxentan sodium does not affect the p-glycoprotein transporter, but it is postulated to be a substrate of OATP transporter proteins.



Effects of other medicinal products on Thelin



Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides (OATP) Inhibitors: Co-administration with ciclosporin A, a potent OATP inhibitor, resulted in a 6-fold increase in Cmin and a 67% increase in AUC of sitaxentan therefore the use of Thelin in patients receiving systemic ciclosporin A is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Clearance of ciclosporin A was unchanged.



The extent of interaction with other OATP inhibitors (some HMG CoA reductase inhibitors eg, atorvastatin, protease inhibitors eg, ritonavir, tuberculostatics eg, rifamycin) is unknown but could result in raised plasma levels of sitaxentan. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Patients in need of the combination should be closely monitored. Moreover, Clinical interaction studies with nelfinavir, a moderately potent OATP inhibitor, and pravastatin, a low affinity OATP inhibitor, did not result in clinically significant changes in sitaxentan plasma levels.



Fluconazole (inhibitor of CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4/5): Co-administration of Thelin and fluconazole had no effect on the clearance of sitaxentan sodium.



Ketoconazole (substrate and inhibitor of CYP3A4/5): Co-administration with Thelin did not cause a clinically significant change in the clearance of either sitaxentan sodium or ketoconazole.



Nelfinavir (substrate of CYP3A4/5, CYP2C19): Co-administration with Thelin did not cause a clinically significant change in the clearance of either sitaxentan sodium or nelfinavir. The clearance of nelfinavir was not clinically significantly changed in one subject that was classified as a CYP2C19 poor metaboliser.



Effects of Thelin on other medicinal products



Warfarin (vitamin K antagonist, substrate of CYP2C9): Concomitant treatment with sitaxentan sodium resulted in a 2.4 fold increase in S-warfarin exposure. Subjects receiving warfarin achieve therapeutic anticoagulation (International Normalised Ratio [INR] target) with lower doses of the anticoagulant in the presence of sitaxentan sodium. It is expected that a similar increase in anticoagulant effect will be seen with warfarin analogues, including acenocoumarol, fenprocoumon and fluindione. When initiating vitamin K antagonist therapy in a patient taking sitaxentan sodium, it is recommended to start at the lowest available dose. In patients already taking a vitamin K antagonist, it is recommended that the dose of the vitamin K antagonist be reduced when starting sitaxentan sodium. In all cases, INR should be monitored on a regular schedule. Increases in the vitamin K antagonist dose should be done in small increments to reach an appropriate target INR. If INR is not properly monitored and increased exposure to vitamin K antagonists remains undetected, severe or life-threatening bleeding episodes may occur.



Oral contraceptives (substrate of CYP3A4/5): Concomitant administration of Thelin and Ortho-Novum 1/35 (1 mg norethindrone/ 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol) resulted in increases in exposure to ethinyl estradiol (substrate of CYP3A4/5) and norethindrone (CYP3A4/5) of 59 % and 47%, respectively. However, sitaxentan sodium did not affect the anti-ovulatory activity of the oral contraceptive as assessed by the plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and progesterone (see section 4.4).



Sildenafil (substrate of CYP3A4): A single dose of sildenafil 100 mg coadministered with Thelin increased Cmax and AUC of sildenafil by 18% and 28%, respectively. There was no change in Cmax or AUC for the active metabolite, n-desmethylsildenafil. These changes in sildenafil plasma concentrations were not considered clinically significant. Interaction with sildenafil may be serious if hypotension occurs beyond a safe level. Study results suggest that the dose of sildenafil does not need to be adjusted during concomitant administration with sitaxentan sodium.



Nifedipine (substrate of CYP3A4/5): The clearance of nifedipine was not clinically significantly changed when given concomitantly with Thelin. This was tested for low-dose nifedipine only. Therefore, at higher doses of nifedipine, an increase in exposure cannot be excluded.



Omeprazole (substrate of CYP2C19): Concomitant administration of Thelin with omeprazole increased the omeprazole AUC0-24 by 30%; Cmax was unchanged. The change in AUC was not considered clinically significant.



Digoxin (substrate of p-Glycoprotein): Concomitant administration of Thelin did not alter the pharmacokinetics of digoxin indicating no effect on the p-glycoprotein transporter



No clinical interaction study was performed with a substrate of CYP 2C8. Therefore an interaction with such a drug cannot be excluded.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



There are no human data regarding the use of sitaxentan sodium during pregnancy. Sitaxentan sodium caused teratogenicity in rats (see section 5.3). Potential effects in humans are unknown. Thelin should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary ie, in case no alternative treatment options are available.



Lactation



Sitaxentan sodium was detected in the plasma of breast fed pups from female rats treated with sitaxentan sodium, indicating that sitaxentan sodium was present in the breast milk. It is unknown whether or not sitaxentan sodium is excreted into human milk. Women should not breastfeed while using Thelin.



Women of child-bearing potential



Treatment must not be initiated in women of child-bearing potential unless they practice reliable contraception, due to possible teratogenicity. If necessary, pregnancy testing should be undertaken.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. A known undesirable effect is dizziness, which could influence the ability to drive or use machines.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



General description



Safety of Thelin has been evaluated in clinical trials of more than 1200 patients with PAH, as well as post-marketing safety data. At the recommended dose during placebo-controlled trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension PAH, the most common adverse drug reactions considered to be at least possibly related to Thelin treatment were headache in 15% of patients, and peripheral oedema and nasal congestion, each in 9% of patients.



Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are reported as very common (common (> 1/100, < 1/10), uncommon (> 1/1,000, rare (> 1/10,000, very rare (



Adverse reactions




































































System Organ Class / Adverse reaction




Frequency




Blood and lymphatic system disorders



 


Haemoglobin decrease (rarely resulting in anaemia), haematocrit decrease




Uncommon



 

 


Nervous system disorders



 


Headache




Very common




Insomnia, dizziness




Common



 

 


Vascular disorders



 


Gingival bleeding, flushing




Common



 

 


Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders



 


Nasal congestion, epistaxis




Common



 

 


Gastrointestinal disorders



 


Nausea, constipation, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspepsia and diarrhoea




Common



 

 


Hepatobiliary disorders



 


Liver aminotransferases increase, bilirubin increase (associated with liver aminotransferase increase)




Common




Symptomatic hepatitis




Rare



 

 


Skin and subcutaneous tissue



 


Rash (various types and presentations)




Rare



 

 


Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders



 


Muscle cramp




Common



 

 


General disorders and administration site conditions



 


Fatigue, oedema (most commonly peripheral)




Common



 

 


Investigations



 


INR increase (with concomitant vitamin K antagonist therapy). Prothrombin time (PT) increase (with concomitant vitamin K antagonist therapy).




Common



Increased Liver Aminotransferases (see section 4.4)



Elevations of AST and/or ALT are associated with sitaxentan sodium. In phase 2 and 3 oral studies in patients with PAH, elevations in ALT and/or AST> 3 ULN were observed in 5% of placebo-treated patients (N = 155) and 7% of Thelin 100 mg-treated patients (N = 887). Elevations in ALT values> 5 ULN were 4% (36/887) for sitaxentan 100 mg QD and 0.6% in the placebo group (1/155).



The Sitaxentan population also included patients (N = 53) who had discontinued another endothelin receptor antagonist due to liver function abnormalities. This specific group had a higher risk (19%; N = 10/53) of developing elevations in ALT and/or AST> 3 x ULN indicating that appropriate care should be exercised when initiating sitaxentan in this patient population.



Decreased Haemoglobin (see section 4.4)



The overall mean decrease in haemoglobin concentration for Thelin -treated patients was 0.5 g/dl (change to end of treatment). In placebo-controlled studies, marked decreases in haemoglobin > 15% decrease from baseline with value < lower limit of normal) were observed in 7% of patients treated with Thelin (N = 149) and 3% of placebo-treated patients (N = 155). A decrease in haemoglobin concentration by at least 1 g/dl was observed in 60% of patients treated with Thelin as compared to 32% of placebo-treated patients.



Post marketing experience



Adverse events reported during the post-marketing period to date have been similar to those reported in clinical trials. Cases of concurrent elevations of transaminases (ALT and/or AST) > 8 x ULN and total bilirubin > 2 x ULN have been reported following administration of sitaxentan sodium. This may lead to hepatic failure, which can be fatal, and highlights the need for regular monitoring of transaminases and bilirubin.



4.9 Overdose



There is no specific experience with the management of Thelin overdose. In the event of overdose, symptomatic and supportive measures should be employed.



During clinical trials, Thelin was given as a daily oral dose of 1000 mg/day for 7 days to healthy volunteers. The most common adverse effects at this dose were headache, nausea, and vomiting.



In an open-label hypertension study, 10 patients received 480 mg twice daily (approximately a 10



In an open-label PAH study, one fatal case of hepatic failure has been reported after chronic dosing of sitaxentan at 600 mg/day administered as 300 mg bid.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other antihypertensives, ATC code: C02KX03



Mechanism of action



Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vascular paracrine and autocrine peptide in the lung, and can also promote fibrosis, cell proliferation, cardiac hypertrophy, and remodelling and is pro-inflammatory. ET-1 concentrations are elevated in plasma and lung tissue of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), as well as other cardiovascular disorders and connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma, acute and chronic heart failure, myocardial ischaemia, systemic hypertension, and atherosclerosis, suggesting a pathogenic role of ET



ET-1 actions are mediated through endothelin A receptors (ETA), present on smooth muscle cells, and endothelin B receptors (ETB), present on endothelial cells. Predominant actions of ET



Thelin is a potent (Ki 0.43 nM) and highly selective ETA antagonist (approximately 6,500-fold more selective for ETA as compared to ETB).



Efficacy



Two randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled trials were conducted to demonstrate efficacy. STRIDE-1, which included 178 patients, compared 2 oral doses of Thelin (100 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily) with placebo during 12 weeks of treatment. The 18 week STRIDE-2 trial, conducted in 246 patients, included 4 treatment arms: placebo once daily, Thelin 50 mg once daily, Thelin 100 mg once daily, and open-label bosentan twice daily (efficacy-rater blinded, administered according to the approved package insert).



STRIDE-4 included 98 patients randomised to sitaxentan sodium 50 mg, 100 mg, and placebo once daily for 18 weeks. Efficacy endpoints included sub maximal exercise capacity, WHO functional class and Time to Clinical Worsening for all studies, and haemodynamics for STRIDE-1.



Patients had moderate to severe (NYHA/WHO functional class II-IV) PAH resulting from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH, also known as primary pulmonary hypertension), connective tissue disease (CTD), or congenital heart disease (CHD).



In these studies, the study medicine was added to patients' current therapy, which could have included a combination of digoxin, anticoagulants, diuretics, oxygen, and vasodilators (eg, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors). Patients with pre-existent hepatic disease and patients using non-conventional PAH treatments (eg, iloprost) were excluded.



Sub-maximal exercise capacity: This was assessed by measuring distance walked in 6 minutes (6



Haemodynamic parameters: These were assessed in STRIDE-1 for both functional class II and III patients. Compared with placebo treatment, Thelin resulted in statistically significant improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and cardiac index (CI) after 12 weeks of treatment (see below).




























Treatment Comparison of Change from Baseline in PVR, and CI at Week 12 by Functional Class – STRIDE 1: Sitaxentan 100 mg Versus Placebo


  


Functional Class




Median Difference from Placebo (95% CI)




P-Value




PVR (dyne*sec/cm5 )


  


II







0.032




III







< 0.001




CI (L/min/m2 )


  


II




0.5 (0.2, 0.8)




0.003




III




0.3 (0.1, 0.5)




0.015



Systemic vascular resistance (-276 dynes*sec/cm5 (16%)) was improved after 12 weeks of treatment. The reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure of 3 mmHg (6%) was not statistically significant.



The effect of Thelin on the outcome of the disease is unknown.



Functional Class: A reduction in symptoms of PAH were observed with sitaxentan sodium 100 mg treatment. Improvements in functional class were observed across all studies (STRIDE-1, STRIDE-2 & STRIDE-4).



Long-term survival:There are no randomised studies to demonstrate beneficial effects on survival of treatment with sitaxentan sodium. However, patients completing STRIDE-2 were eligible to enrol in open-label studies (STRIDE-2X and STRIDE-3). A total of 145 patients were treated with sitaxentan sodium 100 mg and their long term survival status was assessed for a minimum of 3 years. In this total population, Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1, 2 and 3 year survival were 96%, 85% and 78% respectively. These survival estimates were similar in the subgroup of patients with PAH associated with CTD for the Thelin treated group (98%, 78% and 67% respectively). The estimates may have been influenced by the initiation of new or additional PAH therapies, which occurred in 24% of patients at one year.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



Sitaxentan sodium is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. In PAH patients, peak plasma concentrations are generally achieved within 1-4 hours. The absolute bioavailability of Thelin is between 70 and 100%. When administered with a high fat meal, the rate of absorption (Cmax) of Thelin was decreased by 43% and the Tmax delayed (2-fold increase) compared to fasted conditions, but the extent of absorption was the same.



Distribution



Sitaxentan sodium is more than 99% protein bound to plasma proteins, predominantly albumin. The degree of binding is independent of concentration in the clinically relevant range. Sitaxentan sodium does not penetrate into erythrocytes and does not appear to cross the blood-brain barrier.



Metabolism and Elimination



Following oral administration to healthy volunteers, sitaxentan sodium is highly metabolised. The most common metabolic products are at least 10 times less potent as ETA antagonists than sitaxentan sodium in a standard in vitro test of activity. In vitro, sitaxentan sodium is metabolized by CYP2C9 and CYP3A4/5.



In vitro studies using human liver microsomes or primary hepatocytes show that sitaxentan sodium inhibits CYP2C9, and, to a lesser extent, CYP 2C8, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4/5.



Approximately 50-60% of an oral dose is excreted in the urine with the remainder eliminated in the faeces. Less than 1% of the dose is excreted as unchanged active ingredient. The terminal elimination half-life (t½) is 10 hours. Steady state in volunteers is reached within about 6 days.



No unexpected accumulation in the plasma was observed after multiple dosing at the recommended dose of 100 mg once daily. However, at doses of 300 mg or higher, non-linear pharmacokinetics result in disproportionately higher plasma concentrations of sitaxentan sodium.



Special Populations



Based on results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis and pooled pharmacokinetic data over several studies, it was found that gender, race, and age do not clinically significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of sitaxentan sodium.



Liver Function Impairment



The influence of liver impairment on the pharmacokinetics of sitaxentan sodium has not been evaluated. Refer to section 4.3.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



In repeated-dose toxicity studies, dose-related liver changes (weight, centrilobular hypertrophy, occasionally necrosis), induction of hepatic drug metabolising enzymes and slightly decreased erythron parameters were seen in mice, rats and dogs. At high doses, dose-related increases in prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were also seen, most prominently in rats, and coagulopathy (bleedings) in rats and dogs, but not mice. The significance of these findings for humans is unknown.



Testicular tubular atrophy was observed in rats, but not in mice or dogs. In the 26-week study, moderate to marked diffuse seminiferous tubular atrophy was present at a very low incidence, whereas in the 99-week study there was a dose-related, slightly increased incidence of minimal to mild focal atrophy at doses providing 29 to 94 times the human exposure.



Reproduction toxicity has been evaluated in rats only. Thelin did not affect fertility in males and females. Thelin was teratogenic at the lowest tested dose in rats, corresponding to exposures more than 30 times the human exposure. Dose-dependent malformations of the head, mouth, face and large blood vessels occurred. A NOAEL has not been established.



Administration of Thelin to female rats from late-pregnancy through lactation reduced pup survival, and caused testis tubular aplasia and delayed vaginal opening at the lowest exposure tested (17



In vitro and in vivo tests on genetic toxicology did not provide any evidence for a clinically relevant genotoxic potential.



Thelin was not carcinogenic when administered to rats for 97-99 weeks or when administered to p53(+/-) transgenic mice for 6 months.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Tablet core:



Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)



Lactose monohydrate



Hypromellose (E464)



Sodium starch glycolate



Magnesium stearate (E470b)



Disodium phosphate, anhydrous (E339)



Ascorbyl palmitate (E304)



Disodium edetate



Monobasic sodium phosphate (E339)



Film coat:



Stearic acid (E570b)



Hypromellose (E464)



Cellulose, microcrystalline (E460)



Titanium dioxide (E171)



Yellow iron oxide dehydrate (E172)



Red iron oxide dehydrate (E172)



Talc (E553b)



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



24 months



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Store below 25°C.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



PVC/ACLAR/paper-backed aluminium blisters containing 14 tablets.



Cartons contain 14, 28, 56, or 84 tablets.



High-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles containing 28 tablets.



Not all pack sizes may be marketed.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Pfizer Limited



Sandwich,



Kent, CT13 9NJ



United Kingdom



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



EU/1/06/353/001



EU/1/06/353/002



EU/1/06/353/003



EU/1/06/353/004



EU/1/06/353/005



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



10 August 2006



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



July 2010



Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: http://www.ema.europa.eu/. There are also links to other websites about rare diseases and treatments.



Ref: 4_0




Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Glycopyrrolate


Class: Antimuscarinics/Antispasmodics
VA Class: AU350
CAS Number: 596-51-0
Brands: Robinul

Introduction

Antimuscarinic; a synthetic quaternary ammonium compound.a b c


Uses for Glycopyrrolate


Peptic Ulcer Disease


Has been used as an adjunct in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease;a b however, no conclusive data that it aids in the healing, decreases the rate of recurrence, or prevents complications of peptic ulcers.c d


With the advent of more effective therapies for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, antimuscarinics have only limited usefulness in this condition.c d


Surgery


To inhibit salivation and excessive secretions of the respiratory tract (antisialogue).b c d However, current surgical practice (e.g., using general anesthetics that do not stimulate salivary and tracheobronchial secretions) has reduced the need to control excessive respiratory secretions during surgery.c d


To prevent other cholinergic effects during surgery (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, bradycardia) secondary to visceral traction (resultant vagal stimulation), carotid sinus stimulation, or concomitant drugs (e.g., succinylcholine).b c d


To block adverse muscarinic effects of anticholinesterase agents that are used after surgery to terminate curarization.b c d


Ineffective for preventing acid-aspiration pneumonitis during surgery.c d


Glycopyrrolate Dosage and Administration


General



  • Administer lowest effective dosage to minimize risk and occurrence of adverse effects.a




  • Adjust dosage carefully according to individual requirements and response.a c



Administration


Administer orally or by IM or IV injection.a b c


Oral Administration


Administer orally 2 or 3 times daily.a c


IV Administration


For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.


Administer by direct IV injection;b c alternatively, administer via the tubing of a running IV infusion of a compatible solution.b c


IM Administration


May administer in the same syringe with other compatible preoperative medications.c (See Compatibility in Syringe under Stability.)


Dosage


Pediatric Patients


Surgery

Preoperatively to Decrease Secretions and Block Cardiac Vagal Reflexes

IM

0.004 mg/kg given 30–60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time other preanesthetic medications (e.g., opiates, sedatives) are administered.b c


Children 1 month to 2 years of age may require dose of up to 0.009 mg/kg.b c


Intraoperatively to Prevent Cholinergic Effects

IV

0.004 mg/kg (maximum 0.1 mg); may repeat as needed at intervals of 2–3 minutes.b c However, intraoperative doses rarely are needed in children because of long duration of antimuscarinic effects of preoperative dose.b c


Muscarinic Blockade during Anticholinesterase Reversal of Curariform Neuromuscular Blockade

IV

0.2 mg for each 1 mg of neostigmine methylsulfate or 5 mg of pyridostigmine bromide.b c


To minimize the appearance of adverse cardiac effects, administer glycopyrrolate simultaneously (e.g., mixed in the same syringe) with or a few minutes before the anticholinesterase agent.b c


If bradycardia is present, administer before the anticholinesterase agent to increase pulse to 80 bpm.c


Adults


Peptic Ulcer Disease

Oral

Initially, 1 mg 3 times daily (morning, early afternoon, and bedtime); may increase bedtime dose to 2 mg if needed to control overnight symptoms.a c


Alternatively, 2 mg given 2 or 3 times daily at equally spaced intervals.a c


Maintenance dosage of 1 mg twice daily is adequate in most adults.a c


IV or IM

0.1 mg administered at 4-hour intervals 3 or 4 times daily.b c


0.2 mg may be given when a more profound antimuscarinic effect is desired.b c


Some patients may need only a single dose; patient response dictates frequency of administration, up to a maximum of 4 times daily.b c


Surgery

Preoperatively to Decrease Secretions and Block Cardiac Vagal Reflexes

IM

0.004 mg/kg given 30–60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time other preanesthetic medications (e.g., opiates, sedatives) are administered.b c


Intraoperatively to Prevent Cholinergic Effects

IV

Usual dose is 0.1 mg; may repeat as needed at intervals of 2–3 minutes.b c


Muscarinic Blockade during Anticholinesterase Reversal of Curariform Neuromuscular Blockade

IV

0.2 mg for each 1 mg of neostigmine methylsulfate or 5 mg of pyridostigmine bromide.b c


To minimize the appearance of adverse cardiac effects, administer glycopyrrolate simultaneously (e.g., mixed in the same syringe) with or a few minutes before the anticholinesterase agent.b c


If bradycardia is present, administer before the anticholinesterase agent to increase pulse to 80 bpm.c


Prescribing Limits


Adults


Peptic Ulcer Disease

Oral

Maximum 8 mg daily.a c


IV or IM

Maximum 4 doses daily.c


Special Populations


Renal Impairment


Dosage reduction may be necessary.b


Geriatric Patients


Select dosage with caution because of age-related decreases in hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and concomitant disease and drug therapy.b


Cautions for Glycopyrrolate


Contraindications



  • Known hypersensitivity to glycopyrrolate or any ingredient in the formulation.a b d




  • Angle-closure glaucoma.a b d




  • Tachycardia secondary to cardiac insufficiency or thyrotoxicosis.d



  • Oral Therapy and Longer-duration Parenteral Therapy (e.g., for Treatment of Peptic Ulcer)


  • Obstructive uropathy (e.g., bladder neck obstruction secondary to prostatic hypertrophy).a b d




  • Obstructive GI disease (e.g., pyloroduodenal stenosis, achalasia).a b d




  • Paralytic ileus.a b d




  • Intestinal atony (especially in geriatric and debilitated patients).a b d




  • Severe ulcerative colitis.a b d




  • Toxic megacolon complicating ulcerative colitis.a b d




  • Acute hemorrhage when cardiovascular status is unstable.a b d




  • Myasthenia gravisa b (unless used to reduce adverse muscarinic effects of an anticholinesterase agent such as neostigmined ).



Warnings/Precautions


Warnings


Overdosage

Avoid overdosage.d Potential risk of curariform neuromuscular blockade resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis with overdosage.a b d


Thermoregulatory Effects

Presence of fever, exposure to high environmental temperatures, and/or physical exertion may result in heat prostration due to decreased sweating, particularly in children and geriatric patients.a b d


CNS Effects

Risk of drowsiness.a b d Performance of activities requiring mental alertness (e.g., operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle) may be impaired.a b d


Intestinal Obstruction

Extreme caution in diarrhea (especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy) because diarrhea may be an early sign of intestinal obstruction.a b d


Major Toxicities


Cardiovascular Effects

Caution in cardiac arrhythmias (including tachyarrhythmia), CHF, or CADa b since antimuscarinics block vagal inhibition of the SA nodal pacemaker.d Investigate cause of tachycardia before administering glycopyrrolate injection, since an increase in heart rate may occur.b


GI Disorders

Extreme caution in known or suspected GI infections because of decreased GI motility and retention of causative organism and/or toxins.d


Extreme caution in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis; large doses may suppress intestinal motility, resulting in paralytic ileus and toxic megacolon.a b d


Caution in gastric ulcer because of delayed gastric emptying and possible antral stenosis.b d


Caution in esophageal reflux and hiatal hernia because of decreased gastric motility and lower esophageal sphincter pressure leading to gastric retention and reflux aggravation.a b d


GU Disorders

Extreme caution in patients with partial obstructive uropathy because of decreased tone and amplitude of contractions of ureters and bladder and resultant urinary retention.a d (See Contraindications under Cautions.)


General Precautions


Neuropathy

Caution in patients with autonomic neuropathy.a b d


Down’s Syndrome, Spastic Paralysis, and Brain Damage

Increased sensitivity to antimuscarinic effects (e.g., mydriasis, positive chronotropic effect).b d


Hypertension

Caution in hypertensive patients.a b d


Hyperthyroidism

Caution in hyperthyroid patients.a b d


Ocular Effects

Blurred vision or sensitivity of the eyes to light may occur.b


Specific Populations


Pregnancy

Category B.b


Lactation

Not known whether glycopyrrolate is distributed into milk.a b Caution if used in nursing women.b


Pediatric Use

Manufacturers state that safety and efficacy in pediatric patients (including safety and efficacy for treatment of peptic ulcer disease in pediatric patients) are not established.a b


Use with caution; infants and children may be more susceptible to the effects of antimuscarinics.b d Patients with Down’s syndrome and children with spastic paralysis or brain damage may be hypersensitive to antimuscarinic effects (e.g., mydriasis, positive chronotropic effect).b d


Dysrhythmias have been reported in pediatric patients receiving IV glycopyrrolate preoperatively or during anesthesia.b


Large amounts of benzyl alcohol (i.e., 100–400 mg/kg daily) have been associated with toxicity in neonates;359 360 361 362 363 364 each mL of glycopyrrolate injection contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol.b Manufacturer does not recommend use in neonates;b AAP states that the presence of small amounts of this preservative in a commercially available injection should not proscribe its use when indicated in neonates.359


Geriatric Use

Use with caution;a b d possible increased susceptibility to the adverse effects of antimuscarinics.d


Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution.a b d


Renal Impairment

Use with caution.a b d Elimination may be severely impaired.b Dosage reduction may be necessary.b


Common Adverse Effects


Xerostomia, decreased sweating, urinary hesitancy and retention, blurred vision, tachycardia, palpitations, dilatation of the pupil, cycloplegia, increased ocular tension, loss of taste, headaches, nervousness, mental confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, bloated feeling.a b d Ocular and CNS effects are less common with glycopyrrolate than with tertiary amine antimuscarinics.d


Interactions for Glycopyrrolate


Orally Administered Drugs


Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (altered GI absorption of various drugs); antimuscarinics may inhibit GI motility, delay gastric emptying, and prolong GI transit time.d


Specific Drugs



















































Drug



Interaction



Comments



Amantadine



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Antacids



Possible decreased absorption of antimuscarinicd



Administer oral glycopyrrolate at least 1 hour before antacidsd



Antiarrhythmic agents (quinidine, disopyramide, procainamide)



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Antidepressants, tricyclic



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsb d



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Antihistamines (meclizine)



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Antiparkinsonian agents



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsb d



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Corticosteroids



Possible increased intraocular pressured



Cyclopropane anesthesia



Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmiasb



Use with caution; administer IV glycopyrrolate in incremental doses of ≤1 mg to reduce risk of ventricular arrhythmiasb



Glutethimide



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Ketoconazole



Possible decreased ketoconazole absorption d



If concomitant therapy is necessary, give antimuscarinic at least 2 hours after ketoconazoled



Levodopa



Possible increased gastric metabolism of levodopa and decreased levodopa absorption in the small intestined



Toxicity may result from increased levodopa absorption if antimuscarinic is discontinued without a concomitant reduction in levodopa dosaged



Meperidine



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Phenothiazines



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsb d



Use concomitantly with cautiond



Potassium chloride



Glycopyrrolate may potentiate potassium chloride’s local GI mucosal effectsb d



Use glycopyrrolate cautiously with potassium chloride preparations (especially wax-matrix preparations); monitor carefully for evidence of GI mucosal lesionsd



Skeletal muscle relaxants



Possible additive anticholinergic effectsd



Use concomitantly with cautiond


Glycopyrrolate Pharmacokinetics


Absorption


Bioavailability


Incompletely absorbed from the GI tract.c d


Rapidly absorbed following IM injection.d


Onset


Following IV administration, onset of action generally occurs within 1 minute.b c


Following IM or sub-Q injection, effects are evident within 15–30 minutes and peak within 30–45 minutes.b c


Duration


Following oral administration, anticholinergic effects may persist for up to 8–12 hours.c


Following parenteral administration, vagal blocking effects persist for 2–3 hours and the antisialogue effects persist up to 7 hours.b c


Distribution


Extent


Rapidly distributed throughout the body with highest concentrations in the stomach and intestine following IV administration in animals.c d


Distributed into bile.c d


Does not readily cross lipid membranes;b c does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier or penetrate the eye.c d


Glycopyrrolate crosses the placenta to a limited extent; not known whether distributed into milk.a b c


Elimination


Metabolism


Small amounts are metabolized to several metabolites.c


Elimination Route


Excreted principally as unchanged drug in feces via biliary excretion and in urine.b c


Half-life


Adults: about 30–75 minutes;b infants: 22–130 minutes; children: 19–99 minutes.b


Special Populations


In patients undergoing renal transplantation, half-life is prolonged to 47 minutes compared with 19 minutes in healthy individuals.b


Stability


Storage


Oral


Tablets

20–25°C.a


Parenteral


Injection

20–25°C.b


Compatibility


For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.


Parenteral


Solution Compatibility

If the pH of the admixture is >6, rapid ester hydrolysis of glycopyrrolate generally occurs.b c










CompatibleHID



Dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.45%



Dextrose 5 or 10%b in water



Ringer’s injection



Sodium chloride 0.9%



Incompatible



Ringer’s injection, lactatedb


Drug Compatibility

Generally incompatible with drugs that have a pH >6.b c If the pH of the admixture is >6, rapid ester hydrolysis of glycopyrrolate generally occurs.b c







Admixture CompatibilityHID

Compatible



Buprenorphine HCO w/halopoeridol lactate



Incompatible



Methylprednisolone sodium succinate





Y-Site CompatibilityHID

Compatible



Propofol











































Compatibility in SyringeHID

Compatible



Atropine sulfate



Butorphanol tartrateb



Chlorpromazine HCl



Cimetidine HCl



Codeine phosphate



Diphenhydramine HCl



Droperidol



Fentanyl citrateb



Hydromorphone HCl



Hydroxyzine HCl



Lidocaine HCl



Meperidine HCl



Meperidine HCI and Promethazine HCI



Midazolam HCl



Morphine sulfate



Nalbuphine HCl



Neostigmine methylsulfate



Ondansetron HCl



Oxymorphone HCl



Papaveretum



Physostigmine salicylateb



Procaine HCl



Prochlorperazine edisylate



Promethazine HCl



Pyridostigmine bromide



Ranitidine HCl



Scopolamine HBr



Trimethobenzamide HCl



Incompatible



Chloramphenicol sodium succinate



Dexamethasone sodium phosphate



Diazepam



Dimenhydrinate



Methohexital sodium



Pentazocine lactate



Pentobarbital sodium



Secobarbital sodium



Sodium bicarbonate



Thiopental sodium


ActionsActions



  • Competitively inhibits acetylcholine or other cholinergic stimuli at autonomic effectors innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and, to a lesser extent, on smooth muscles that lack cholinergic innervation.a b d




  • At usual doses, principally antagonizes cholinergic stimuli at muscarinic receptors and has little or no effect on cholinergic stimuli at nicotinic receptors.d




  • At high doses, may produce substantial ganglionic blockade with resultant adverse effects (e.g., impotence, postural hypotension); in overdosage, may cause curariform neuromuscular blockade.d




  • Antimuscarinics also have been referred to as anticholinergics (cholinergic blocking agents), but this term is appropriate only when it describes the antagonism of cholinergic stimuli at any cholinergic receptor, whether muscarinic or nicotinic.d




  • Also have been referred to as parasympatholytics since the antagonized functions principally are under the parasympathetic division of the nervous system.d




  • Receptors at various sites are not equally sensitive to inhibition of muscarinic effects.d Relative sensitivity of physiologic functions (proceeding from the most sensitive) is as follows: secretions of the salivary, bronchial, and sweat glands; pupilary dilation; ocular accommodation, and heart rate; contraction of the detrusor muscle of the bladder and smooth muscle of the GI tract; and gastric secretion and motility.d Doses used to decrease gastric secretions are likely to cause dryness of the mouth (xerostomia) and interfere with visual accommodation, and possibly cause difficulty in urinating.d



Advice to Patients



  • Importance of promptly notifying clinician if urinary hesitancy or retention occurs.e




  • Advise that dry mouthd or sensitivity of eyes to lightb may occur.




  • Risk of hyperthermia and heat prostration;a b d avoid exposure to high environmental temperatures and avoid use when febrile.c d




  • Risk of dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision;a b d avoid activities requiring mental alertness and/or visual acuity (e.g., driving, operating machinery, hazardous work) until effects on individual are known.d




  • Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.a b d




  • Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.a b




  • Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.a b (See Cautions.)



Preparations


Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.


* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name























Glycopyrrolate

Routes



Dosage Forms



Strengths



Brand Names



Manufacturer



Oral



Tablets



1 mg



Robinul (with povidone; scored)



First Horizon



2 mg



Robinul Forte (with povidone; scored)



First Horizon



Parenteral



Injection



0.2 mg/mL*



Robinul (with benzyl alcohol 0.9%)



Baxter


Comparative Pricing


This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.


Robinul 1MG Tablets (SHIONOGI PHARMA): 90/$385.99 or 270/$1099.97


Robinul-Forte 2MG Tablets (SHIONOGI PHARMA): 60/$376.31 or 180/$1058.37



Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.


The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions April 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.


† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.




References


Only references cited for selected revisions after 1984 are available electronically.



359. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn and Committee on Drugs. Benzyl alcohol: toxic agent in neonatal units. Pediatrics. 1983; 72:356-8. [IDIS 175725] [PubMed 6889041]



360. Anon. Benzyl alcohol may be toxic to newborns. FDA Drug Bull. 1982; 12(2):10-1.



361. Centers for Disease Control. Neonatal deaths associated with use of benzyl alcohol. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1982; 31:290-1. [IDIS 150868] [PubMed 6810084]



362. Gershanik J, Boecler B, Ensley H et al. The gasping syndrome and benzyl alcohol poisoning. N Engl J Med. 1982; 307:1384-8. [IDIS 160823] [PubMed 7133084]



363. Menon PA, Thach BT, Smith CH et al. Benzyl alcohol toxicity in a neonatal intensive care unit: incidence, symptomatology, and mortality. Am J Perinatol. 1984; 1:288-92. [PubMed 6440575]



364. Anderson CW, Ng KJ, Andresen B et al. Benzyl alcohol poisoning in a premature newborn infant. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984; 148:344-6. [IDIS 181207] [PubMed 6695984]



a. First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation. Robinul (glycopyrrolate) and Robinul Forte (glycopyrrolate) tablets prescribing information. Alpharetta, GA; 2003 Jan.



b. Baxter. Robinul (glycopyrrolate) injection prescribing information. Deerfield, IL; 2005 Aug.



c. AHFS drug information 2006. McEvoy GK, ed. Glycopyrrolate. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2006:1272-73.



d. AHFS drug information 2006. McEvoy GK, ed. Antimuscarinics/antispasmodics general statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2006:1257-1264.



e. Schilling McCann JA, Publisher. AHFS drug handbook. 2nd ed. Glycopyrrolate. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2003:585-7.



HID. Trissel LA. Handbook on injectable drugs. 14th ed. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:809-15.



More Glycopyrrolate resources


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


  • Glycopyrrolate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Glycopyrrolate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • glycopyrrolate Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Cuvposa Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cuvposa Consumer Overview

  • Cuvposa Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Robinul Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Robinul Forte MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Glycopyrrolate with other medications


  • Anesthesia
  • Excessive Salivation
  • Peptic Ulcer

Monday, October 1, 2012

Naropin 7.5 mg / ml solution for injection





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Naropin® 7.5 mg/ml solution for injection


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Naropin® 7.5 mg/ml:



1 ml solution for injection contains ropivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 7.5 mg ropivacaine hydrochloride.



1 ampoule of 10 ml or 20 ml solution for injection contains ropivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate equivalent to 75 mg and 150 mg ropivacaine hydrochloride respectively.



For excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Solution for injection for perineural and epidural administration (10–20 ml).



Clear, colourless solution.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Naropin is indicated for:



1. Surgical anaesthesia









2. Acute pain management







4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Naropin should only be used by, or under the supervision of, clinicians experienced in regional anaesthesia.



Posology



Adults and children above 12 years of age:



The following table is a guide to dosage for the more commonly used blocks. The smallest dose required to produce an effective block should be used. The clinician's experience and knowledge of the patient's physical status are of importance when deciding the dose.












































































































































































 



 




Conc.




Volume




Dose




Onset




Duration




 



 




mg/ml




ml




mg




minutes




hours




Surgical anaesthesia


     


Lumbar Epidural Administration




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Surgery




7.5




15–25




113–188




10–20




3–5




 



 




10




15–20




150–200




10–20




4–6




Caesarean section




7.5




15–20




113–150(1)




10–20




3–5




Thoracic Epidural Administration




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




To establish block for postoperative pain relief




7.5




5–15 (depending on the level of injection)




38–113




10–20




n/a(2)




Major Nerve Block*




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Brachial plexus block




7.5




30–40




225–300(3)




10–25




6–10




Field Block




7.5




1–30




7.5–225




1–15




2–6




(e.g. minor nerve blocks and infiltration)




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Acute pain management


     


Lumbar Epidural Administration




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Bolus




2




10–20




20–40




10–15




0.5–1.5




Intermittent injections (top up)



(e.g. labour pain management)




2




10–15



(minimum interval 30 minutes)




20–30




 



 




 



 




Continuous infusion e.g. labour pain




2




6–10 ml/h




12–20 mg/h




n/a(2)




n/a(2)




Postoperative pain management




2




6–14 ml/h




12–28 mg/h




n/a(2)




n/a(2)




Thoracic Epidural Administration




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Continuous infusion (postoperative pain management)




2




6–14 ml/h




12–28 mg/h




n/a(2)




n/a(2)




Field Block




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




(e.g. minor nerve blocks and infiltration)




2




1–100




2–200




1–5




2–6




Peripheral nerve block



(Femoral or interscalene block)




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




 



 




Continuous infusion or intermittent injections



(e.g. postoperative pain management)




2




5–10 ml/h




10–20 mg/h




n/a




n/a




The doses in the table are those considered to be necessary to produce a successful block and should be regarded as guidelines for use in adults. Individual variations in onset and duration occur. The figures in the column 'Dose' reflect the expected average dose range needed. Standard textbooks should be consulted for both factors affecting specific block techniques and individual patient requirements.


     


* With regard to major nerve block, only for brachial plexus block a dose recommendation can be given. For other major nerve blocks lower doses may be required. However, there is presently no experience of specific dose recommendations for other blocks.


     


(1) Incremental dosing should be applied, the starting dose of about 100 mg (97.5 mg = 13 ml; 105 mg = 14 ml) to be given over 3–5 minutes. Two extra doses, in total an additional 50mg, may be administered as needed.



(2) n/a = not applicable



(3) The dose for a major nerve block must be adjusted according to site of administration and patient status. Interscalene and supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks may be associated with a higher frequency of serious adverse reactions, regardless of the local anaesthetic used, (see section 4.4. Special warnings and special precautions for use).


     


In general, surgical anaesthesia (e.g. epidural administration) requires the use of the higher concentrations and doses. The Naropin 10 mg/ml formulation is recommended for epidural anaesthesia in which a complete motor block is essential for surgery. For analgesia (e.g. epidural administration for acute pain management) the lower concentrations and doses are recommended.



Method of administration



Careful aspiration before and during injection is recommended to prevent intravascular injection. When a large dose is to be injected, a test dose of 3–5 ml lidocaine (lignocaine) with adrenaline (epinephrine) (Xylocaine® 2% with Adrenaline (epinephrine) 1:200,000) is recommended. An inadvertent intravascular injection may be recognised by a temporary increase in heart rate and an accidental intrathecal injection by signs of a spinal block.



Aspiration should be performed prior to and during administration of the main dose, which should be injected slowly or in incremental doses, at a rate of 25–50 mg/min, while closely observing the patient's vital functions and maintaining verbal contact. If toxic symptoms occur, the injection should be stopped immediately.



In epidural block for surgery, single doses of up to 250 mg ropivacaine have been used and well tolerated.



In brachial plexus block a single dose of 300 mg has been used in a limited number of patients and was well tolerated.



When prolonged blocks are used, either through continuous infusion or through repeated bolus administration, the risks of reaching a toxic plasma concentration or inducing local neural injury must be considered. Cumulative doses up to 675 mg ropivacaine for surgery and postoperative analgesia administered over 24 hours were well tolerated in adults, as were postoperative continuous epidural infusions at rates up to 28 mg/hour for 72 hours. In a limited number of patients, higher doses of up to 800 mg/day have been administered with relatively few adverse reactions.



For treatment of postoperative pain, the following technique can be recommended: Unless preoperatively instituted, an epidural block with Naropin 7.5 mg/ml is induced via an epidural catheter. Analgesia is maintained with Naropin 2 mg/ml infusion. Infusion rates of 6–14 ml (12–28 mg) per hour provide adequate analgesia with only slight and non-progressive motor block in most cases of moderate to severe postoperative pain. The maximum duration of epidural block is 3 days. However, close monitoring of analgesic effect should be performed in order to remove the catheter as soon as the pain condition allows it. With this technique a significant reduction in the need for opioids has been observed.



In clinical studies an epidural infusion of Naropin 2 mg/ml alone or mixed with fentanyl 1-4 μg/ml has been given for postoperative pain management for up to 72 hours. The combination of Naropin and fentanyl provided improved pain relief but caused opioid side effects. The combination of Naropin and fentanyl has been investigated only for Naropin 2 mg/ml.



When prolonged peripheral nerve blocks are applied, either through continuous infusion or through repeated injections, the risks of reaching a toxic plasma concentration or inducing local neural injury must be considered. In clinical studies, femoral nerve block was established with 300 mg Naropin 7.5 mg/ml and interscalene block with 225 mg Naropin 7.5 mg/ml, respectively, before surgery. Analgesia was then maintained with Naropin 2 mg/ml. Infusion rates or intermittent injections of 10–20 mg per hour for 48 hours provided adequate analgesia and were well tolerated.



Concentrations above 7.5 mg/ml Naropin have not been documented for Caesarean section.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to ropivacaine or to other local anaesthetics of the amide type.



General contraindications related to epidural anaesthesia, regardless of the local anaesthetic used, should be taken into account.



Intravenous regional anaesthesia.



Obstetric paracervical anaesthesia.



Hypovolaemia.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Regional anaesthetic procedures should always be performed in a properly equipped and staffed area. Equipment and drugs necessary for monitoring and emergency resuscitation should be immediately available. Patients receiving major blocks should be in an optimal condition and have an intravenous line inserted before the blocking procedure. The clinician responsible should take the necessary precautions to avoid intravascular injection (see section 4.2 Posology and method of administration) and be appropriately trained and familiar with diagnosis and treatment of side effects, systemic toxicity and other complications (see section 4.8 Undesirable effects and 4.9 Overdose) such as inadvertent subarachnoid injection, which may produce a high spinal block with apnoea and hypotension. Convulsions have occurred most often after brachial plexus block and epidural block. This is likely to be the result of either accidental intravascular injection or rapid absorption from the injection site.



Caution is required to prevent injections in inflamed areas.



Cardiovascular



Patients treated with anti-arrhythmic drugs class III (eg, amiodarone) should be under close surveillance and ECG monitoring considered, since cardiac effects may be additive.



There have been rare reports of cardiac arrest during the use of Naropin for epidural anaesthesia or peripheral nerve blockade, especially after unintentional accidental intravascular administration in elderly patients and in patients with concomitant heart disease. In some instances, resuscitation has been difficult. Should cardiac arrest occur, prolonged resuscitative efforts may be required to improve the possibility of a successful outcome.



Head and neck blocks



Certain local anaesthetic procedures, such as injections in the head and neck regions, may be associated with a higher frequency of serious adverse reactions, regardless of the local anaesthetic used.



Major peripheral nerve blocks



Major peripheral nerve blocks may imply the administration of a large volume of local anaesthetic in highly vascularized areas, often close to large vessels where there is an increased risk of intravascular injection and/or rapid systemic absorption, which can lead to high plasma concentrations.



Hypersensitivity



A possible cross–hypersensitivity with other amide–type local anaesthetics should be taken into account.



Hypovolaemia



Patients with hypovolaemia due to any cause can develop sudden and severe hypotension during epidural anaesthesia, regardless of the local anaesthetic used.



Patients in poor general health



Patients in poor general condition due to ageing or other compromising factors such as partial or complete heart conduction block, advanced liver disease or severe renal dysfunction require special attention, although regional anaesthesia is frequently indicated in these patients.



Patients with hepatic and renal impairment



Ropivacaine is metabolised in the liver and should therefore be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease; repeated doses may need to be reduced due to delayed elimination. Normally there is no need to modify the dose in patients with impaired renal function when used for single dose or short-term treatment. Acidosis and reduced plasma protein concentration, frequently seen in patients with chronic renal failure, may increase the risk of systemic toxicity.



Acute porphyria



Naropin® solution for injection and infusion is possibly porphyrinogenic and should only be prescribed to patients with acute porphyria when no safer alternative is available. Appropriate precautions should be taken in the case of vulnerable patients, according to standard textbooks and/or in consultation with disease area experts.



Excipients with recognised action/effect



This medicinal product contains maximum 3.7 mg sodium per ml. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.



Prolonged administration



Prolonged administration of ropivacaine should be avoided in patients concomitantly treated with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as fluvoxamine and enoxacin, see section 4.5.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Naropin should be used with caution in patients receiving other local anaesthetics or agents structurally related to amide-type local anaesthetics, e.g. certain antiarrhythmics, such as lidocaine and mexiletine, since the systemic toxic effects are additive. Simultaneous use of Naropin with general anaesthetics or opioids may potentiate each others (adverse) effects. Specific interaction studies with ropivacaine and anti-arrhythmic drugs class III (e.g. amiodarone) have not been performed, but caution is advised (see also section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).



Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 is involved in the formation of 3-hydroxy-ropivacaine, the major metabolite. In vivo, the plasma clearance of ropivacaine was reduced by up to 77% during co



In vivo, the plasma clearance of ropivacaine was reduced by 15% during co



In vitro, ropivacaine is a competitive inhibitor of CYP2D6 but does not seem to inhibit this isozyme at clinically attained plasma concentrations.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



Apart from epidural administration for obstetrical use, there are no adequate data on the use of ropivacaine in human pregnancy. Experimental animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/fœtal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3 Preclinical safety data).



Lactation



There are no data available concerning the excretion of ropivacaine into human milk.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No data are available. Depending on the dose, local anaesthetics may have a minor influence on mental function and co-ordination even in the absence of overt CNS toxicity and may temporarily impair locomotion and alertness.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



General



The adverse reaction profile for Naropin is similar to those for other long acting local anaesthetics of the amide type. Adverse drug reactions should be distinguished from the physiological effects of the nerve block itself e.g. a decrease in blood pressure and bradycardia during spinal/epidural block.



Table of adverse drug reactions



Within each system organ class, the ADRs have been ranked under the headings of frequency, most frequent reactions first.

















































Very common (>1/10)




Vascular Disorders




Hypotension




 



 




Gastrointestinal Disorders




Nausea




Common (>1/100)




Nervous System Disorders




Headache, paraesthesia, dizziness




 



 




Cardiac Disorders




Bradycardia, tachycardia




 




Vascular Disorders




Hypertension




 




Gastrointestinal Disorders




Vomiting




 




Renal and Urinary Disorders




Urinary retention




 




General Disorder and Administration Site Conditions




Temperature elevation, rigor, back pain




Uncommon (>1/1,000)




Psychiatric Disorders




Anxiety




 




Nervous System Disorders




Symptoms of CNS toxicity (convulsions, grand mal convulsions, seizures, light headedness, circumoral paraesthesia, numbness of the tongue, hyperacusis, tinnitus, visual disturbances, dysarthria, muscular twitching, tremor)* , Hypoaesthesia.




 



 




Vascular Disorders




Syncope




 



 




Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders




Dyspnoea




 



 




General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions




Hypothermia




Rare (>1/10,000)




Cardiac Disorders




Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias




 



 




General Disorder and Administration Site Conditions




Allergic reactions (anaphylactic reactions, angioneurotic oedema and urticaria)



* These symptoms usually occur because of inadvertent intravascular injection, overdose or rapid absorption, see section 4.9



Class-related adverse drug reactions:



Neurological complications



Neuropathy and spinal cord dysfunction (e.g. anterior spinal artery syndrome, arachnoiditis, cauda equina), which may result in rare cases of permanent sequelae, have been associated with regional anaesthesia, regardless of the local anaesthetic used.



Total spinal block



Total spinal block may occur if an epidural dose is inadvertently administered intrathecally.



Acute systemic toxicity



Systemic toxic reactions primarily involve the central nervous system (CNS) and the cardiovascular system (CVS). Such reactions are caused by high blood concentration of a local anaesthetic, which may appear due to (accidental) intravascular injection, overdose or exceptionally rapid absorption from highly vascularized areas, see also section 4.4. CNS reactions are similar for all amide local anaesthetics, while cardiac reactions are more dependent on the drug, both quantitatively and qualitatively.



Central nervous system toxicity



Central nervous system toxicity is a graded response with symptoms and signs of escalating severity. Initially symptoms such as visual or hearing disturbances, perioral numbness, dizziness, light-headedness, tingling and paraesthesia are seen. Dysarthria, muscular rigidity and muscular twitching are more serious and may precede the onset of generalised convulsions. These signs must not be mistaken for neurotic behaviour. Unconsciousness and grand mal convulsions may follow, which may last from a few seconds to several minutes. Hypoxia and hypercarbia occur rapidly during convulsions due to the increased muscular activity, together with the interference with respiration. In severe cases even apnoea may occur. The respiratory and metabolic acidosis increases and extends the toxic effects of local anaesthetics.



Recovery follows the redistribution of the local anaesthetic drug from the central nervous system and subsequent metabolism and excretion. Recovery may be rapid unless large amounts of the drug have been injected.



Cardiovascular system toxicity



Cardiovascular toxicity indicates a more severe situation. Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest may occur as a result of high systemic concentrations of local anaesthetics. In volunteers the intravenous infusion of ropivacaine resulted in signs of depression of conductivity and contractility.



Cardiovascular toxic effects are generally preceded by signs of toxicity in the central nervous system, unless the patient is receiving a general anaesthetic or is heavily sedated with drugs such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates.



In children, early signs of local anaesthetic toxicity may be difficult to detect since they may not be able to verbally express them. See also section 4.4.



Treatment of acute systemic toxicity



See section 4.9 Overdose.



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms:



Accidental intravascular injections of local anaesthetics may cause immediate (within seconds to a few minutes) systemic toxic reactions. In the event of overdose, peak plasma concentrations may not be reached for one to two hours, depending on the site of the injection, and signs of toxicity may thus be delayed. (See section 4.8 Acute systemic toxicity, Central nervous system toxicity and Cardiovascular system toxicity).



Treatment



If signs of acute systemic toxicity appear, injection of the local anaesthetic should be stopped immediately and CNS symptoms (convulsions, CNS depression) must promptly be treated with appropriate airway/respiratory support and the administration of anticonvulsant drugs.



If circulatory arrest should occur, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be instituted. Optimal oxygenation and ventilation and circulatory support as well as treatment of acidosis are of vital importance.



If cardiovascular depression occurs (hypotension, bradycardia), appropriate treatment with intravenous fluids, vasopressor, and or inotropic agents should be considered. Children should be given doses commensurate with age and weight.



Should cardiac arrest occur, a successful outcome may require prolonged resuscitative efforts.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anaesthetics, local, Amides



ATC code: N01B B09



Ropivacaine is a long-acting, amide-type local anaesthetic with both anaesthetic and analgesic effects. At high doses Naropin produces surgical anaesthesia, while at lower doses it produces sensory block with limited and non-progressive motor block.



The mechanism is a reversible reduction of the membrane permeability of the nerve fibre to sodium ions. Consequently the depolarisation velocity is decreased and the excitable threshold increased, resulting in a local blockade of nerve impulses.



The most characteristic property of ropivacaine is the long duration of action. Onset and duration of the local anaesthetic efficacy are dependent upon the administration site and dose, but are not influenced by the presence of a vasoconstrictor (e.g. adrenaline (epinephrine)). For details concerning the onset and duration of action of Naropin, see table under posology and method of administration.



Healthy volunteers exposed to intravenous infusions tolerated ropivacaine well at low doses and with expected CNS symptoms at the maximum tolerated dose. The clinical experience with this drug indicates a good margin of safety when adequately used in recommended doses.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Ropivacaine has a chiral center and is available as the pure S-(-)-enantiomer. It is highly lipid-soluble. All metabolites have a local anaesthetic effect but of considerably lower potency and shorter duration than that of ropivacaine.



The plasma concentration of ropivacaine depends upon the dose , the route of administration and the vascularity of the injection site. Ropivacaine follows linear pharmacokinetics and the Cmax is proportional to the dose.



Ropivacaine shows complete and biphasic absorption from the epidural space with half-lives of the two phases of the order of 14 min and 4 h in adults. The slow absorption is the rate-limiting factor in the elimination of ropivacaine, which explains why the apparent elimination half-life is longer after epidural than after intravenous administration.



Ropivacaine has a mean total plasma clearance in the order of 440 ml/min, a renal clearance of 1 ml/min, a volume of distribution at steady state of 47 litres and a terminal half-life of 1.8 h after iv administration. Ropivacaine has an intermediate hepatic extraction ratio of about 0.4. It is mainly bound to α1- acid glycoprotein in plasma with an unbound fraction of about 6%.



An increase in total plasma concentrations during continuous epidural infusion has been observed, related to a postoperative increase of α1- acid glycoprotein.



Variations in unbound, i.e. pharmacologically active, concentration have been much less than in total plasma concentration.



Ropivacaine readily crosses the placenta and equilibrium in regard to unbound concentration will be rapidly reached. The degree of plasma protein binding in the foetus is less than in the mother, which results in lower total plasma concentrations in the foetus than in the mother.



Ropivacaine is extensively metabolised, predominantly by aromatic hydroxylation. In total, 86% of the dose is excreted in the urine after intravenous administration, of which only about 1% relates to unchanged drug. The major metabolite is 3-hydroxy-ropivacaine, about 37% of which is excreted in the urine, mainly conjugated. Urinary excretion of 4-hydroxy-ropivacaine, the N-dealkylated metabolite and the 4-hydroxy-dealkylated accounts for 1–3%. Conjugated and unconjugated 3-hydroxy-ropivacaine shows only detectable concentrations in plasma.



There is no evidence of in vivo racemisation of ropivacaine.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, single and repeated dose toxicity, reproduction toxicity, mutagenic potential and local toxicity, no hazards for humans were identified other than those which can be expected on the basis of the pharmacodynamic action of high doses of ropivacaine (e.g. CNS signs, including convulsions, and cardiotoxicity).



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Sodium chloride



Hydrochloric acid



Sodium hydroxide



Water for injection



6.2 Incompatibilities



In alkaline solutions precipitation may occur as ropivacaine shows poor solubility at pH > 6



6.3 Shelf Life



3 years.



Shelf life after first opening:



From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2–8°C.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 30°C. Do not freeze.



For storage after opening, see section 6.3.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



10 ml polypropylene ampoules (Polyamp) in packs of 5 and 10.



10 ml polypropylene ampoules (Polyamp) in sterile blister packs of 5 and 10.



20 ml polypropylene ampoules (Polyamp) in packs of 5 and 10.



20 ml polypropylene ampoules (Polyamp) in sterile blister packs of 5 and 10.



The polypropylene ampoules (Polyamp) are specially designed to fit Luer lock and Luer fit syringes.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Naropin products are preservative-free and are intended for single use only. Discard any unused solution.



The intact container must not be re-autoclaved. A blistered container should be chosen when a sterile outside is required.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



AstraZeneca UK Ltd.,



600 Capability Green,



Luton, LU1 3LU, UK.



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 17901/0152



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



Date of first authorisation: 3rd October 1995



Date of last renewal: 15th September 2005



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



15th August 2008