Wednesday, 19 September 2012

Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets (Goldshield plc)





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Tranexamic Acid 500mg Tablets


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each tablet contains Tranexamic Acid 500 mg as the active ingredient.



For excipients, see 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Film-coated tablets



White film-coated oblong tablets, marked on one side, FW291.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent, which competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin.



Short-term use for haemorrhage or risk of haemorrhage in increased fibrinolysis or fibrinogenolysis.



Local fibrinolysis as occurs in the following conditions:



Prostatectomy and bladder surgery



Menorrhagia



Epistaxis



Conisation of the cervix



Traumatic hyphaema



Hereditary angioneurotic oedema



Management of dental extraction in haemophiliacs



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Route of administration: Oral.



Local fibrinolysis: The recommended standard dosage is 15-25 mg/kg bodyweight (i.e. 2-3 tablets) two to three times daily. For the indications listed below the following doses may be used:



Ia. Prostatectomy: Prophylaxis and treatment of haemorrhage in high risk patients should coinnience per- or post-operatively with an injectable form of Tranexamic acid; thereafter 2 tablets three to four times daily until macroscopic haematuria is no longer present.



Ib. Menorrhagia: Recommended dosage is 2 tablets 3 times daily as long as needed for up to 4 days. If very heavy menstrual bleeding, dosage may be increased. A total dose of 4g daily (8 tablets) should not be exceeded. Treatment with Tranexamic acid should not be initiated until menstrual bleeding has started.



Ic. Epistaxis: Where recurrent bleeding is anticipated oral therapy (2 tablets three times daily) should be administered for 7 days.



Id. Conisation of the cervix: 3 tablets three times daily.



Ie. Traumatic hyphaema: 2-3 tablets three times daily. The dose is based on 25 mg/kg three times a day.



2. Haemophilia: In the management of dental extractions 2-3 tablets every eight hours. The dose is based on 25 mg/kg.



3. Hereditary angioneurotic oedema: Some patients are aware of the onset of the illness; suitable treatment for these patients is intermittently 2-3 tablets two to three times daily for some days. Other patients are treated continuously at this dosage.



Children's dosage:



This should be calculated according to body weight at 25 mg/kg per dose.



Elderly patients:



No reduction in dosage is necessary unless there is evidence of renal failure (see guidelines below).



Renal insufficiency: By extrapolation from clearance data relating to the intravenous dosage form, the following reduction in the oral dosage is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency.



Serum creatinine (µmol/l) Dose Tranexamic acid



120-249 15mg/kg body weight twice daily.



250-500 15 mg/kg body weight/day.



4.3 Contraindications



Tranexamic acid is contraindicated in patients with a history of thromboembolic disease.



Known hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid or any of the excipients, see 6.1.



Severe renal failure because of risk of accumulation.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



In massive haematuria from the upper urinary tract (especially in haemophilia) since, in a few cases, ureteric obstruction has been reported.



When disseminated intravascular coagulation is in progress.



In the long-term treatment of patients with hereditary angioneurotic oedema, regular eye examinations (e.g. visual acuity, slit lamp, intraocular pressure, visual fields) and liver function tests should be performed.



Patients with irregular menstrual bleeding should not use Tranexamic acid until the cause of irregular bleeding has been established. If menstrual bleeding is not adequately reduced by Tranexamic acid, an alternative treatment should be considered.



Patients with a previous thromboembolic event and a family history of thromboembolic disease (patients with thrombophilia) should use Tranexamic acid only if there is a strong medical indication and under strict medical supervision.



The blood levels are increased in patients with renal insufficiency. Therefore a dose reduction is recommended. The information on renal insufficiency is contained in section 4.2.



The use of tranexamic acid in cases of increased fibrinolysis due to disseminated intravascular coagulation is not recommended.



Clinical experience with tranexamic acid in menorrhagic children under 15 years of age is not available.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Tranexamic acid will counteract the thrombolytic effect of fibrinolytic preparations.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



Although there is no evidence from animal studies of a teratogenic effect, the usual caution with the use of drugs in pregnancy should be observed.



Tranexamic acid crosses the placenta.



Lactation



Tranexamic acid passes into breast milk to a concentration of approximately one hundredth of the concentration in the maternal blood. An antifibrinolytic effect in the infant is unlikely.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



None



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) may occur but disappear when the dosage is reduced. Rare instances of colour vision disturbances have been reported. Patients who experience disturbance of colour vision should be withdrawn from treatment.



Rare cases of thromboembolic events have been reported.



Rare cases of allergic skin reactions have also been reported.



There have been rare cases of retinal/artery occlusion reported.



4.9 Overdose



No cases of overdosage have been reported. Symptoms may be nausea, vomiting, orthostatic symptoms and/or hypotension. Initiate vomiting, then stomach lavage, and charcoal therapy. Maintain a high fluid intake to promote renal excretion. There is a risk of thrombosis in predisposed individuals. Anticoagulant treatment should be considered.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic compound which is a potent competitive inhibitor of the activation of plasminogen to plasmin. At much higher concentrations it is a non-competitive inhibitor of plasmin. The inhibitory effect of tranexamic acid in plasminogen activation by urokinase has been reported to be 6-100 times and by streptokinase 6-40 times greater than that of aminocaproic acid. The antifibrinolytic activity of tranexamic acid is approximately ten times greater than that of aminocaproic acid.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Following oral administration, 1.13% and 39% of the administered dose were recovered after 3 and 24 hours respectively. Tranexamic acid administered parenterally is distributed in a two compartment model. Tranexamic acid crosses the placenta, and may reach one hundredth of the serum peak concentration in the milk of lactating women. Tranexamic acid crosses the blood brain barrier.



Following intravenous administration, the biological half-life of tranexamic acid has been determined to be 1.9 hours and 2.7 hours.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Core



Microcrystalline cellulose



Croscarmellose sodium



Talc



Magnesium stearate



Colloidal anhydrous silica



Povidone K90



Coating



Methacrylate polymers



Titanium dioxide (E171)



Talc



Magnesium stearate



Macrogol 8000



Vanillin



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



24 months.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C.



Store in the original packaging.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Blister packs of PVC film with aluminium foil backing containing 60 tablets.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Not applicable.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Goldshield Pharmaceuticals Ltd



NLA Tower



Croydon



CRO OXT



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 12762/0129



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



25 February 2004



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



06/10/2010




Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Zebeta



bisoprolol fumarate

Dosage Form: tablet
Zebeta®  

(Bisoprolol Fumarate) Tablets

November 2010

799-33-100004

Rx only



Zebeta Description


Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) is a synthetic, beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent. The chemical name for bisoprolol fumarate is (±) - 1 - [4 - [[2 - (1 - Methylethoxy)ethoxy]methyl]phenoxy] - 3 - [(1 - methylethyl)amino] - 2 - propanol(E) - 2 - butenedioate (2:1) (salt). It possesses an asymmetric carbon atom in its structure and is provided as a racemic mixture. The S(-) enantiomer is responsible for most of the beta-blocking activity. Its empirical formula is (C18H31NO4)2•C4H4O4 and its structure is:



Bisoprolol fumarate has a molecular weight of 766.97. It is a white crystalline powder which is approximately equally hydrophilic and lipophilic, and is readily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, and chloroform.


Zebeta is available as 5 and 10 mg tablets for oral administration.


Inactive ingredients include Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Corn Starch, Crospovidone, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, and Titanium Dioxide. The 5 mg tablets also contain Red and Yellow Iron Oxide.



Zebeta - Clinical Pharmacology


Zebeta is a beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent without significant membrane stabilizing activity or intrinsic sympathomimetic activity in its therapeutic dosage range. Cardioselectivity is not absolute, however, and at higher doses (> 20mg) bisoprolol fumarate also inhibits beta2-adrenoceptors, chiefly located in the bronchial and vascular musculature; to retain selectivity it is therefore important to use the lowest effective dose.



Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism


The absolute bioavailability after a 10 mg oral dose of bisoprolol fumarate is about 80%. Absorption is not affected by the presence of food. The first pass metabolism of bisoprolol fumarate is about 20%.


Binding to serum proteins is approximately 30%. Peak plasma concentrations occur within 2-4 hours of dosing with 5 to 20 mg, and mean peak values range from 16 ng/mL at 5 mg to 70 ng/mL at 20 mg. Once daily dosing with bisoprolol fumarate results in less than twofold intersubject variation in peak plasma levels. The plasma elimination half-life is 9-12 hours and is slightly longer in elderly patients, in part because of decreased renal function in that population. Steady state is attained within 5 days of once daily dosing. In both young and elderly populations, plasma accumulation is low; the accumulation factor ranges from 1.1 to 1.3, and is what would be expected from the first order kinetics and once daily dosing. Plasma concentrations are proportional to the administered dose in the range of 5 to 20 mg. Pharmacokinetic characteristics of the two enantiomers are similar.


Bisoprolol fumarate is eliminated equally by renal and non-renal pathways with about 50% of the dose appearing unchanged in the urine and the remainder appearing in the form of inactive metabolites. In humans, the known metabolites are labile or have no known pharmacologic activity. Less than 2% of the dose is excreted in the feces. Bisoprolol fumarate is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 II D6 (debrisoquin hydroxylase).


In subjects with creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min, the plasma half-life is increased approximately threefold compared to healthy subjects.


In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, the elimination of Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) is more variable in rate and significantly slower than that in healthy subjects, with plasma half-life ranging from 8.3 to 21.7 hours.



Pharmacodynamics


The most prominent effect of Zebeta is the negative chronotropic effect, resulting in a reduction in resting and exercise heart rate. There is a fall in resting and exercise cardiac output with little observed change in stroke volume, and only a small increase in right atrial pressure, or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest or during exercise.


Findings in short-term clinical hemodynamics studies with Zebeta are similar to those observed with other beta-blocking agents.


The mechanism of action of its antihypertensive effects has not been completely established. Factors which may be involved include:


  1. Decreased cardiac output,

  2. Inhibition of renin release by the kidneys,

  3. Diminution of tonic sympathetic outflow from the vasomotor centers in the brain.

In normal volunteers, Zebeta therapy resulted in a reduction of exercise- and isoproterenol-induced tachycardia. The maximal effect occurred within 1-4 hours post-dosing. Effects persisted for 24 hours at doses equal to or greater than 5 mg.


Electrophysiology studies in man have demonstrated that Zebeta significantly decreases heart rate, increases sinus node recovery time, prolongs AV node refractory periods, and, with rapid atrial stimulation, prolongs AV nodal conduction.


Beta1-selectivity of Zebeta has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies. No effects at therapeutic doses on beta2-adrenoceptor density have been observed. Pulmonary function studies have been conducted in healthy volunteers, asthmatics, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Doses of Zebeta ranged from 5 to 60 mg, atenolol from 50 to 200 mg, metoprolol from 100 to 200 mg, and propranolol from 40 to 80 mg. In some studies, slight, asymptomatic increases in airways resistance (AWR) and decreases in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were observed with doses of bisoprolol fumarate 20 mg and higher, similar to the small increases in AWR also noted with the other cardioselective beta-blockers. The changes induced by beta-blockade with all agents were reversed by bronchodilator therapy.


Zebeta had minimal effect on serum lipids during antihypertensive studies. In U.S. placebo-controlled trials, changes in total cholesterol averaged +0.8% for bisoprolol fumarate-treated patients, and +0.7% for placebo. Changes in triglycerides averaged +19% for bisoprolol fumarate-treated patients, and +17% for placebo.


Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) has also been given concomitantly with thiazide diuretics. Even very low doses of hydrochlorothiazide (6.25 mg) were found to be additive with bisoprolol fumarate in lowering blood pressure in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.



Clinical Studies


In two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials conducted in the U.S., reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate 24 hours after dosing in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension are shown below. In both studies, mean systolic/diastolic blood pressures at baseline were approximately 150/100 mm Hg, and mean heart rate was 76 bpm. Drug effect is calculated by subtracting the placebo effect from the overall change in blood pressure and heart rate.














































































Sitting Systolic/Diastolic Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) Mean Decrease (Δ) After 3 to 4 Weeks

*

Observed total change from baseline minus placebo.

Study ABisoprolol Fumarate
Placebo5 mg10 mg20 mg
n=61616161
Total ΔBP (mm Hg)5.4/3.210.4/8.011.2/10.912.8/11.9
Drug Effect* -5.0/4.85.8/7.77.4/8.7
Total ΔHR (bpm)0.57.28.711.3
Drug Effect*-6.78.210.8
Study BBisoprolol Fumarate
Placebo2.5 mg10 mg
n=565962
Total ΔBP (mm Hg)3.0/3.77.6/8.113.5/11.2
Drug Effect*-4.6/4.410.5/7.5
Total ΔHR (bpm)1.63.810.7
Drug Effect*-2.29.1

Blood pressure responses were seen within one week of treatment and changed little thereafter. They were sustained for 12 weeks and for over a year in studies of longer duration. Blood pressure returned to baseline when bisoprolol fumarate was tapered over two weeks in a long-term study.


Overall, significantly greater blood pressure reductions were observed on bisoprolol fumarate than on placebo regardless of race, age, or gender. There were no significant differences in response between black and nonblack patients.



Indications and Usage for Zebeta


Zebeta is indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.



Contraindications


Zebeta is contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure, second or third degree AV block, and marked sinus bradycardia.



Warnings



Cardiac Failure


Sympathetic stimulation is a vital component supporting circulatory function in the setting of congestive heart failure, and beta-blockade may result in further depression of myocardial contractility and precipitate more severe failure. In general, beta-blocking agents should be avoided in patients with overt congestive failure. However, in some patients with compensated cardiac failure it may be necessary to utilize them. In such a situation, they must be used cautiously.



In Patients Without a History of Cardiac Failure


Continued depression of the myocardium with beta-blockers can, in some patients, precipitate cardiac failure. At the first signs or symptoms of heart failure, discontinuation of Zebeta should be considered. In some cases, beta-blocker therapy can be continued while heart failure is treated with other drugs.



Abrupt Cessation of Therapy


Exacerbation of angina pectoris, and, in some instances, myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia, have been observed in patients with coronary artery disease following abrupt cessation of therapy with beta-blockers. Such patients should, therefore, be cautioned against interruption or discontinuation of therapy without the physician’s advice. Even in patients without overt coronary artery disease, it may be advisable to taper therapy with Zebeta over approximately one week with the patient under careful observation. If withdrawal symptoms occur, Zebeta therapy should be reinstituted, at least temporarily.



Peripheral Vascular Disease


Beta-blockers can precipitate or aggravate symptoms of arterial insufficiency in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Caution should be exercised in such individuals.



Bronchospastic Disease


PATIENTS WITH BRONCHOSPASTIC DISEASE SHOULD, IN GENERAL, NOT RECEIVE BETA-BLOCKERS. Because of its relative beta1-selectivity, however, Zebeta may be used with caution in patients with bronchospastic disease who do not respond to, or who cannot tolerate other antihypertensive treatment. Since beta1-selectivity is not absolute, the lowest possible dose of Zebeta should be used, with therapy starting at 2.5 mg. A beta2 agonist (bronchodilator) should be made available.



Major Surgery


Chronically administered beta-blocking therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery; however, the impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli may augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures.



Diabetes and Hypoglycemia


Beta-blockers may mask some of the manifestations of hypoglycemia, particularly tachycardia. Nonselective beta-blockers may potentiate insulin-induced hypoglycemia and delay recovery of serum glucose levels. Because of its beta1-selectivity, this is less likely with Zebeta. However, patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia, or diabetic patients receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, should be cautioned about these possibilities and bisoprolol fumarate should be used with caution.



Thyrotoxicosis


Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockade may be followed by an exacerbation of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or may precipitate thyroid storm.



Precautions



Impaired Renal or Hepatic Function


Use caution in adjusting the dose of Zebeta in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).



Drug Interactions


Zebeta should not be combined with other beta-blocking agents. Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, such as reserpine or guanethidine, should be closely monitored, because the added beta-adrenergic blocking action of Zebeta may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity. In patients receiving concurrent therapy with clonidine, if therapy is to be discontinued, it is suggested that Zebeta be discontinued for several days before the withdrawal of clonidine.


Zebeta should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of AV conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists (particularly of the phenylalkylamine [verapamil] and benzothiazepine [diltiazem] classes), or antiarrhythmic agents, such as disopyramide, are used concurrently.


Both digitalis glycosides and beta-blockers slow atrioventricular conduction and decrease heart rate. Concomitant use can increase the risk of bradycardia.


Concurrent use of rifampin increases the metabolic clearance of Zebeta, resulting in a shortened elimination half-life of Zebeta. However, initial dose modification is generally not necessary. Pharmacokinetic studies document no clinically relevant interactions with other agents given concomitantly, including thiazide diuretics, and cimetidine. There was no effect of Zebeta on prothrombin time in patients on stable doses of warfarin.


Risk of Anaphylactic Reaction:

While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge, either accidental, diagnostic, or therapeutic. Such patients may be unresponsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat allergic reactions.



Information for Patients


Patients, especially those with coronary artery disease, should be warned about discontinuing use of Zebeta without a physician’s supervision. Patients should also be advised to consult a physician if any difficulty in breathing occurs, or if they develop signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure or excessive bradycardia.


Patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia, or diabetic patients receiving insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, should be cautioned that beta-blockers may mask some of the manifestations of hypoglycemia, particularly tachycardia, and bisoprolol fumarate should be used with caution.


Patients should know how they react to this medicine before they operate automobiles and machinery or engage in other tasks requiring alertness.



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


Long-term studies were conducted with oral bisoprolol fumarate administered in the feed of mice (20 and 24 months) and rats (26 months). No evidence of carcinogenic potential was seen in mice dosed up to 250 mg/kg/day or rats dosed up to 125 mg/kg/day. On a body weight basis, these doses are 625 and 312 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 20 mg, (or 0.4 mg/kg/day based on a 50 kg individual); on a body surface area basis, these doses are 59 times (mice) and 64 times (rats) the MRHD. The mutagenic potential of bisoprolol fumarate was evaluated in the microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test, the point mutation and chromosome aberration assays in Chinese hamster V79 cells, the unscheduled DNA synthesis test, the micronucleus test in mice, and the cytogenetics assay in rats. There was no evidence of mutagenic potential in these in vitro and in vivo assays.


Reproduction studies in rats did not show any impairment of fertility at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day of bisoprolol fumarate, or 375 and 77 times the MRHD on the basis of body weight and body surface area, respectively.



Pregnancy Category C


In rats, bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic at doses up to 150 mg/kg/day which is 375 and 77 times the MRHD on the basis of body weight and body surface area, respectively. Bisoprolol fumarate was fetotoxic (increased late resorptions) at 50 mg/kg/day and maternotoxic (decreased food intake and body weight gain) at 150 mg/kg/day. The fetotoxicity in rats occurred at 125 times the MRHD on a body weight basis and 26 times the MRHD on the basis of body surface area. The maternotoxicity occurred at 375 times the MRHD on a body weight basis and 77 times the MRHD on the basis of body surface area. In rabbits, bisoprolol fumarate was not teratogenic at doses up to 12.5 mg/kg/day, which is 31 and 12 times the MRHD based on body weight and body surface area, respectively, but was embryolethal (increased early resorptions) at 12.5 mg/kg/day.


There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.



Nursing Mothers


Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (< 2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when bisoprolol fumarate is administered to nursing women.



Pediatric Use


Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.



Geriatric Use


Zebeta has been used in elderly patients with hypertension. Response rates and mean decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were similar to the decreases in younger patients in the U.S. clinical studies. Although no dose response study was conducted in elderly patients, there was a tendency for older patients to be maintained on higher doses of bisoprolol fumarate.


Observed reductions in heart rate were slightly greater in the elderly than in the young and tended to increase with increasing dose. In general, no disparity in adverse experience reports or dropouts for safety reasons was observed between older and younger patients. Dose adjustment based on age is not necessary.



Adverse Reactions


Safety data are available in more than 30,000 patients or volunteers. Frequency estimates and rates of withdrawal of therapy for adverse events were derived from two U.S. placebo-controlled studies.


In Study A, doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg bisoprolol fumarate were administered for 4 weeks. In Study B, doses of 2.5, 10, and 40 mg of bisoprolol fumarate were administered for 12 weeks. A total of 273 patients were treated with 5-20 mg of bisoprolol fumarate; 132 received placebo.


Withdrawal of therapy for adverse events was 3.3% for patients receiving bisoprolol fumarate and 6.8% for patients on placebo. Withdrawals were less than 1% for either bradycardia or fatigue/lack of energy.


The following table presents adverse experiences, whether or not considered drug related, reported in at least 1% of patients in these studies, for all patients studied in placebo-controlled clinical trials (2.5-40 mg), as well as for a subgroup that was treated with doses within the recommended dosage range (5-20 mg). Of the adverse events listed in the table, bradycardia, diarrhea, asthenia, fatigue, and sinusitis appear to be dose related.



















































































































































*

percentage of patients with event

Body System/Adverse ExperienceAll Adverse Experiences (%*)

Bisoprolol Fumarate
Placebo

(n=132)
5-20 mg

(n=273)
2.5-40 mg

(n=404)
%%%
Skin
     increased sweating1.50.71.0
Musculoskeletal
     arthralgia2.32.22.7
Central Nervous System
     dizziness3.82.93.5
      headache11.48.810.9
     hypoaesthesia0.81.11.5
Autonomic Nervous System
     dry mouth1.50.71.3
Heart Rate/Rhythm
     bradycardia00.40.5
Psychiatric
     vivid dreams000
     insomnia2.31.52.5
     depression0.800.2
Gastrointestinal
     diarrhea1.52.63.5
     nausea1.51.52.2
     vomiting01.11.5
Respiratory
     bronchospasm000
     cough4.52.62.5
     dyspnea0.81.11.5
     pharyngitis2.32.22.2
     rhinitis3.02.94.0
     sinusitis1.52.22.2
     URI3.84.85.0
Body as a Whole
     asthenia00.41.5
     chest pain0.81.11.5
     fatigue1.56.68.2
     edema (peripheral)3.83.73.0

The following is a comprehensive list of adverse experiences reported with bisoprolol fumarate in worldwide studies, or in postmarketing experience (in italics):



Central Nervous System


Dizziness, unsteadiness, vertigo, syncope, headache, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, somnolence, sleep disturbances, anxiety/restlessness, decreased concentration/memory.



Autonomic Nervous System


Dry mouth.



Cardiovascular


Bradycardia, palpitations and other rhythm disturbances, cold extremities, claudication, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, chest pain, congestive heart failure, dyspnea on exertion.



Psychiatric


Vivid dreams, insomnia, depression.



Gastrointestinal


Gastric/epigastric/abdominal pain, gastritis, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, peptic ulcer.



Musculoskeletal


Muscle/joint pain, arthralgia, back/neck pain, muscle cramps, twitching/tremor.



Skin


Rash, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin irritation, pruritus, flushing, sweating, alopecia, dermatitis, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, cutaneous vasculitis.



Special Senses


Visual disturbances, ocular pain/pressure, abnormal lacrimation, tinnitus, decreased hearing, earache, taste abnormalities.



Metabolic


Gout.



Respiratory


Asthma/bronchospasm, bronchitis, coughing, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, URI.



Genitourinary


Decreased libido/impotence, Peyronie’s disease, cystitis, renal colic, polyuria.



Hematologic


Purpura.



General


Fatigue, asthenia, chest pain, malaise, edema, weight gain, angioedema.


In addition, a variety of adverse effects have been reported with other beta-adrenergic blocking agents and should be considered potential adverse effects of Zebeta:



Central Nervous System


Reversible mental depression progressing to catatonia, hallucinations, an acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation to time and place, emotional lability, slightly clouded sensorium.



Allergic


Fever, combined with aching and sore throat, laryngospasm, respiratory distress.



Hematologic


Agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura.



Gastrointestinal


Mesenteric arterial thrombosis, ischemic colitis.



Miscellaneous


The oculomucocutaneous syndrome associated with the beta-blocker practolol has not been reported with Zebeta (bisoprolol fumarate) during investigational use or extensive foreign marketing experience.



LABORATORY ABNORMALITIES


In clinical trials, the most frequently reported laboratory change was an increase in serum triglycerides, but this was not a consistent finding.


Sporadic liver test abnormalities have been reported. In the U.S. controlled trials experience with bisoprolol fumarate treatment for 4-12 weeks, the incidence of concomitant elevations in SGOT and SGPT from 1 to 2 times normal was 3.9%, compared to 2.5% for placebo. No patient had concomitant elevations greater than twice normal.


In the long-term, uncontrolled experience with bisoprolol fumarate treatment for 6-18 months, the incidence of one or more concomitant elevations in SGOT and SGPT from 1 to 2 times normal was 6.2%. The incidence of multiple occurrences was 1.9%. For concomitant elevations in SGOT and SGPT of greater than twice normal, the incidence was 1.5%. The incidence of multiple occurrences was 0.3%. In many cases these elevations were attributed to underlying disorders, or resolved during continued treatment with bisoprolol fumarate.


Other laboratory changes included small increases in uric acid, creatinine, BUN, serum potassium, glucose, and phosphorus and decreases in WBC and platelets. These were generally not of clinical importance and rarely resulted in discontinuation of bisoprolol fumarate.


As with other beta-blockers, ANA conversions have also been reported on bisoprolol fumarate. About 15% of patients in long-term studies converted to a positive titer, although about one-third of these patients subsequently reconverted to a negative titer while on continued therapy.



Overdosage


The most common signs expected with overdosage of a beta-blocker are bradycardia, hypotension, congestive heart failure, bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia. To date, a few cases of overdose (maximum: 2000 mg) with bisoprolol fumarate have been reported. Bradycardia and/or hypotension were noted. Sympathomimetic agents were given in some cases, and all patients recovered.


In general, if overdose occurs, Zebeta therapy should be stopped and supportive and symptomatic treatment should be provided. Limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialyzable. Based on the expected pharmacologic actions and recommendations for other beta-blockers, the following general measures should be considered when clinically warranted:



Bradycardia


Administer IV atropine. If the response is inadequate, isoproterenol or another agent with positive chronotropic properties may be given cautiously. Under some circumstances, transvenous pacemaker insertion may be necessary.



Hypotension


IV fluids and vasopressors should be administered. Intravenous glucagon may be useful.



Heart Block (second or third degree)


Patients should be carefully monitored and treated with isoproterenol infusion or transvenous cardiac pacemaker insertion, as appropriate.



Congestive Heart Failure


Initiate conventional therapy (ie, digitalis, diuretics, inotropic agents, vasodilating agents).



Bronchospasm


Administer bronchodilator therapy such as isoproterenol and/or aminophylline.



Hypoglycemia


Administer IV glucose.



Zebeta Dosage and Administration


The dose of Zebeta must be individualized to the needs of the patient. The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. In some patients, 2.5 mg may be an appropriate starting dose (see Bronchospastic Disease in WARNINGS). If the antihypertensive effect of 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily.



Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment


In patients with hepatic impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis) or renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 40 mL/min), the initial daily dose should be 2.5 mg and caution should be used in dose-titration. Since limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialyzable, drug replacement is not necessary in patients undergoing dialysis.



Geriatric Patients


It is not necessary to adjust the dose in the elderly, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction (see above and Geriatric Use in PRECAUTIONS).



Pediatric Patients


There is no pediatric experience with Zebeta.



How is Zebeta Supplied


Zebeta® (bisoprolol fumarate) is supplied as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.


The 5 mg tablet is pink, heart-shaped, biconvex, film-coated, vertically scored in half on both sides, with an engraved stylized b/stylized b on one side and 6/0 on the reverse side, supplied as follows:






30Unit-of-useNDC 51285-060-01

The 10 mg tablet is white, heart-shaped, biconvex, film-coated, with an engraved stylized b on one side and 61 on the reverse side, supplied as follows:






30Unit-of-useNDC 51285-061-01

Store at 20o to 25o C (68o to 77oF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect from moisture.

Dispense in tight containers.



DURAMED PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

Subsidiary of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pomona, New York 10970


Revised November 2010

BR-60, 61



PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg



NDC 51285-060-01


Zebeta®

(bisoprolol fumarate)

Tablets


5 mg


30 Tablets

Unit-of-use


Rx only


DOSAGE: For complete directions for use, see accompanying circular.


Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].


Protect from moisture.



PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg



NDC 51285-061-01


Zebeta®

(bisoprolol fumarate)

Tablets


10mg


30 Tablets

Unit-of-use


Rx only


DOSAGE: For complete directions for use, see accompanying circular.


Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].


Protect from moisture.




Zebeta 
bisoprolol fumarate  tablet





Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)

Sunday, 16 September 2012

Fenicol


Generic Name: chloramphenicol (Ophthalmic route)

klor-am-FEN-i-kol

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Ocu-Chlor

In Canada


  • Ak-Chlor

  • Chloromycetin

  • Chloroptic

  • Fenicol

  • Isopto Fenicol

  • Minims Chloramphenicol 0.5%

  • Ophtho-Chloram

  • Pentamycetin Ophthalmic Solution 0.25%

  • Pentamycetin Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%

  • Pms-Chloramphenicol

  • Sopamycetin

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Solution

  • Ointment

  • Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic


Chemical Class: Chloramphenicol (class)


Uses For Fenicol


Chloramphenicol belongs to the family of medicines called antibiotics. Chloramphenicol ophthalmic preparations are used to treat infections of the eye. This medicine may be given alone or with other medicines that are taken by mouth for eye infections.


Chloramphenicol is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using Fenicol


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


Allergies


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


Pediatric


Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups.


Geriatric


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups.


Breast Feeding


There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


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


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


  • Citalopram

  • Voriconazole

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


  • Ceftazidime

  • Chlorpropamide

  • Cyclosporine

  • Dicumarol

  • Fosphenytoin

  • Phenytoin

  • Rifampin

  • Rifapentine

  • Tacrolimus

  • Tetanus Toxoid

  • Tolbutamide

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


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


Proper Use of chloramphenicol

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


For patients using the eye drop form of chloramphenicol:


  • Although the bottle may not be full, it contains exactly the amount of medicine your doctor ordered.

  • To use:
    • First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.

    • If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.

    • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip or dropper to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.


To use the eye ointment form of chloramphenicol:


  • First, wash your hands. Tilt the head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into this space. A 1-cm (approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough, unless you have been told by your doctor to use a different amount. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.

  • To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). After using chloramphenicol eye ointment, wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a clean tissue and keep the tube tightly closed.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.


Dosing


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


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


  • For eye infection:
    • For ophthalmic ointment dosage form:
      • Adults and children—Use every three hours.


    • For ophthalmic solution (eye drops) dosage form:
      • Adults and children—One drop every one to four hours.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.


Storage


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


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Precautions While Using Fenicol


If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


Fenicol Side Effects


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


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


Rare - may also occur weeks or months after you stop using this medicine
  • Pale skin

  • sore throat and fever

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

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


Less common
  • Itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine

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


Less common
  • Burning or stinging

After application, eye ointments may be expected to cause your vision to blur for a few minutes.


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


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



The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.


The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.


More Fenicol resources


  • Fenicol Drug Interactions
  • Fenicol Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Fenicol - Add your own review/rating


Compare Fenicol with other medications


  • Conjunctivitis, Bacterial

Colofac IBS







Colofac


IBS



Mebeverine Hydrochloride



Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.


  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • If any of the side effects becomes serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.



In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Colofac IBS is and what it is used for


  • 2. Before you take Colofac IBS


  • 3. How to take Colofac IBS


  • 4. Possible side effects


  • 5. How to store Colofac IBS


  • 6. Further information




What Colofac IBS is and what it is used for


Colofac IBS is a tablet containing Mebeverine hydrochloride. This belongs to a group of medicines called antispasmodics.


This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).


This is a very common condition which causes spasm and pain in the gut or intestine.


The intestine is a long muscular tube which food passes down so it can be digested. If the intestine goes into spasm and squeezes too tightly, you get pain. The way this medicine works is by relieving the spasm and pain.


The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include:


  • stomach pain and spasm

  • feeling bloated and having wind

  • having diarrhoea or constipation

  • small, hard, pellet-like or ribbon-like stools (faeces)

These symptoms may vary from person to person.


Talk to your doctor if you develop new symptoms or if these symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks.



Your diet and lifestyle can also help treat IBS:


How you restrict your diet depends on the way IBS affects you. If you find that certain things bring on the symptoms, then it makes sense not to eat them. A high fibre diet may help, but ask your pharmacist for more information.


Some people find that learning to relax can help to lessen their symptoms of IBS. You may find it helpful to set aside a few moments each day to relax and gently unwind.




Before you take Colofac IBS



Do not take Colofac IBS if:


  • You are allergic to any of the tablet ingredients (see section 6 for a list of ingredients)

  • You are younger than 18 years of age

If any of the above applies to you, do not take this medicine and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.




Take special care with Colofac IBS



See your doctor before using any IBS treatment if you:


  • have not suffered from IBS before or

  • have developed new symptoms or your symptoms have become worse


Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following applies to you:


  • You are 40 years of age or over and your symptoms have changed or it has been some time since you last had IBS

  • You have blood in your stools (faeces)

  • You are feeling sick (nauseous) or are sick (vomiting)

  • You are looking pale and feeling tired

  • You have constipation

  • You have a fever

  • You have recently travelled abroad

  • You are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant

  • You are a woman and you have unusual bleeding or discharge from your vagina

  • You have difficulty or pain when passing water (urinating)

Your doctor will tell you whether it is safe for you to start taking Colofac IBS.




Taking Colofac IBS with food and drink


You can drink alcohol while you are taking Colofac IBS.




Taking other medicine


No interactions with other medicines are known.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Colofac IBS if you are pregnant or might become pregnant. Colofac IBS should not be used during breast-feeding.




Driving and using machines


This medicine is not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Colofac IBS


This medicine contains lactose and sucrose (types of sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you cannot tolerate or digest some sugars (have an intolerance to some sugars), talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.





How to take Colofac IBS



How to take Colofac IBS


  • Try to take the tablets 20 minutes before a meal – some people find their symptoms to be strongest after they have eaten.

  • Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not chew the tablets.



How much Colofac IBS to take



Adults and the elderly:


  • Take 1 tablet 3 times a day

  • The number of tablets you take can be lowered if your symptoms improve


  • Do not take more than 3 tablets per day.

Do not give Colofac IBS to children or adolescents younger than 18 years.




How to stop taking Colofac IBS


You can lower the dose if your symptoms get better.




If you take more Colofac IBS than you should


If you or someone else takes too much Colofac IBS (an overdose), talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack with you.




If you forget to take Colofac IBS


If you miss a tablet, wait until the next dose is due. Do not try to make up for the dose you have missed. Do not double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.



If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.




Colofac IBS Side Effects


Like all medicines Colofac IBS can cause side effects (unwanted effects or reactions), but not everyone gets them.


  • allergic reactions such as swollen or reddened skin, itching or a skin rash

  • swelling of your face, lips or tongue

If any of the side effects become serious, or if you notice any side effects that are not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




How to store Colofac IBS



  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

  • You should lock this medicine in a cupboard or medicine cabinet.

  • Do not use the tablets after the expiry date which is printed on the carton and blister pack.

  • Do not store your tablets above 30°C and keep them in the original container.

If your doctor stops your treatment, return any unused tablets to a pharmacist.


Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.




Further information



What Colofac IBS contains


Each tablet contains 135 mg mebeverine hydrochloride


The tablets also contain lactose, starch (potato or maize), povidone, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, gelatin, acacia and carnauba wax.




What Colofac IBS looks like and contents of the pack


Colofac IBS tablets are white, round and sugar coated with no markings.


Colofac IBS is available in packs containing 10, 15, 84 or 100 tablets in blister strips or in pots containing 500 tablets.


Not all pack sizes may be marketed.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer


The Marketing Authorisation Holder is:



Solvay Healthcare Ltd.

Southampton

SO18 3JD

UK


The Manufacturer is:



Solvay Pharmaceuticals

01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne

France





This leaflet was last approved in November 2009.


Registered trademark


0000000 CL000





Saturday, 15 September 2012

Covonia Throat Spray





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Covonia Throat Spray


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% w/v



Lidocaine hydrochloride 0.05% w/v



For excipients, see 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Oromucosal spray



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Covonia Throat Spray is indicated for the symptomatic relief of painful, irritated sore throats.



It is a sugar free preparation and can be used by diabetics.



Additional therapy is required in the event of bacterial infection accompanied by fever.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Adults and children over 12 years



The dose is 3 to 5 sprays (0.3 - 0.5 ml). This can be repeated 6 to 10 times per day.



Children under 12 years



Not recommended.



4.3 Contraindications



Use in children under 12 years.



Hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine, lidocaine or other local anaesthetics of the amide type, or any of the other ingredients.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Treatment with Covonia Throat Spray should be limited to the relief of existing pain and irritation when strictly necessary. It is not intended for prolonged use, either continuously or repeatedly.



This medicine contains 42.5 vol % ethanol (alcohol), i.e. up to 168mg per application (5 sprays), equivalent to 0.85ml beer or 0.35ml wine per dose.



Each 10 ml of the throat spray contains 3.5 g of ethanol.



The use of Covonia Throat Spray should be avoided in individuals with a history of significant allergy.



Do not use and consult your doctor if you have difficulty in swallowing. Do not use without consulting your doctor if sore throat is severe or has lasted for more than 2 days or is accompanied by high fever, headache, nausea or vomiting.



Avoid contact with eyes.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Chlorhexidine is not known to interact with other drugs.



Whilst a number of interactions are theoretically possible with lidocaine these drug interactions are not likely to be clinically relevant to the use of Covonia Throat Spray which is administered topically. Concomitant therapy with drugs that reduce hepatic blood flow (e.g. propranolol, cimetidine) may reduce the clearance of lidocaine. Long term administration with drugs that induce drug-metabolising microsomal enzymes (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates) may increase dosage requirements of lidocaine. The cardiac depressant effects of lidocaine are additive with those of beta blockers and other anti-arrhythmics (e.g. mexiletine). Lidocaine is a weak inhibitor of pseudocholinesterase and may prolong the action of suxamethonium. Hypokalaemia produced by acetazolamide, loop diuretics and thiazides may antagonise the effect of lidocaine.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



There is inadequate evidence of the safety of lidocaine and chlorhexidine in human pregnancy but they have been in wide use for many years without apparent ill consequence. Covonia Throat Spray should only be used in pregnancy and breast feeding under the direction of a physician.



Lidocaine is excreted in breast milk but in such small quantities that there is generally no risk of the infant being affected at therapeutic dose levels.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No significant effects are known.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Chlorhexidine and lidocaine are usually well tolerated and no unwanted effects have been reported for the product during local short term use.



In extremely rare cases local anaesthetic preparations have been associated with allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to lidocaine hydrochloride following local injection have presented as localised oedema with slight difficulty in breathing or as a generalised rash.



Chlorhexidine may sometimes produce discoloration of the teeth and tongue. This is not permanent and disappears after treatment when chlorhexidine is discontinued. Occasionally, a dental scale and polish may be necessary to remove the stain completely. Skin sensitivity to chlorhexidine has occasionally been reported, and severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported on rare occasions following the topical use of chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine may cause transient taste disturbances, a burning sensation of the tongue, and occasional parotid gland swelling.



4.9 Overdose



The use of oral topical anaesthetic agents may interfere with swallowing and thus enhance the danger of aspiration of food in the respiratory tract. To this end, overdosage with Covonia Throat Spray (use of 10 ml or more) could produce a slight risk of inducing too great a local anaesthetic effect in the glottis region and consequent reduction in control of the swallowing reflex.



Excessively high blood concentrations of lidocaine may produce CNS and/or cardiovascular effects. Early CNS effects may consist of nervousness, dizziness, tinnitus, nystagmus, restlessness, excitation, paraesthesia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and tremors which may progress to medullary depression and tonic and clonic convulsions. Cardiovascular reactions are depressant and may be characterised by hypotension, myocardial depression, bradycardia and possibly cardiac arrest.



Although the bioavailability of lidocaine is low it may be sufficient to result in significant toxicity when swallowed. CNS toxicity, seizures and death have been reported following the ingestion of topical preparations. However, in the case of Covonia Throat Spray more than one litre would have to be swallowed to be equivalent to the ingestion of sufficient lidocaine (0.5 g or more) to cause significant toxicity.



Systemic toxicity from chlorhexidine is rare. The main consequence of ingestion is mucosal irritation.



Treatment of lidocaine overdosage consists of ensuring adequate ventilation and arresting convulsions. Ventilation should be maintained with oxygen by assisted or controlled respiration as required. Convulsions may be treated with thiopentone, diazepam or succinylcholine. As succinylcholine will arrest respiration it should only be used if the clinician has the ability to perform endotracheal intubation and to manage a totally paralysed patient. If ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest occurs, effective cardiovascular resuscitation must be instituted. Adrenaline in repeated doses and sodium bicarbonate should be given as rapidly as possible.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic of the amide type. Like other local anaesthetics, lidocaine impairs the generation and conduction of the nerve impulses by slowing depolarisation. This results from blocking of the large transient increase in permeability of the cell membrane to sodium ions that follows initial depolarisation of the membrane. Lidocaine also reduces the permeability of the resting axon to potassium and to sodium ions.



Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide antiseptic and disinfectant which is bactericidal or bacteriostatic against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria and some species of Pseudomonas and Proteus have low susceptibility. It is relatively ineffective against mycobacteria. It inhibits some viruses and is active against some fungi.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Covonia Throat Spray is applied topically for local action in the throat. On swallowing the spray solution or saliva, small amounts may reach the digestive system and some may be absorbed from the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.



Lidocaine is readily absorbed from oral mucous membranes, the gastrointestinal tract and through damaged skin. Absorption through intact skin is poor. Presystemic metabolism is extensive and bioavailability is only about 35% after oral administration. Following absorption, lidocaine is rapidly distributed to all body tissues. It crosses the placenta and blood-brain barrier. Approximately 65% is bound to plasma protein. It has a plasma half-life of 1.6 hours. Lidocaine is largely metabolised in the liver. Any alteration in liver function or hepatic blood flow can have a significant effect on its pharmacokinetics and dosage requirements. Metabolism in the liver is rapid and approximately 90% of a given dose is dealkylated to form monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX); both of which may contribute to its therapeutic and toxic effects. Further metabolism occurs and metabolites are excreted in the urine with less than 10% of unchanged lidocaine.



Chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed from mucous membranes, intact skin and the gastrointestinal tract. It is only minimally metabolised by the liver and is excreted through bile. Urinary excretion is very low.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



There are no further relevant data.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Citric acid monohydrate



Glycerol



Saccharin sodium



Menthol, racemic



Eucalyptol



Ethanol (96%)



Purified water



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



Five Years.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Brown, type III glass (E.P.) bottle with a pump, polypropylene cannula, polyethylene dip tube and polyethylene screw cap.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Not applicable.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Thornton & Ross Ltd



Linthwaite



Huddersfield



HD7 5QH



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00240/0043



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



06/02/2009



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



28/01/2010