Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Diazemuls






Diazemuls Emulsion for injection 5mg/ml



(diazepam)



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 gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet,
    please tell your doctor or pharmacist.



In this leaflet:



  • 1 What Diazemuls is and what it is used for


  • 2 Before you use


  • 3 How to use


  • 4 Possible side effects


  • 5 How to store


  • 6 Further information




What Diazemuls is and what it is used for


Diazemuls contains diazepam which belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.



Diazemuls is used to treat a number of conditions, including:


  • severe anxiety (which is an emotional state where you may sweat, tremble, feel anxious and have a fast heart beat ) or agitation

  • muscle spasm due to tetanus or poisoning

  • epilepsy

  • patients with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

  • helping relax patients before minor operations or procedures

  • as a premedication before a general anaesthetic.




Before you take



Do not use Diazemuls and tell your doctor if you


  • are allergic (hypersensitive) to diazepam or to other benzodiazepine medicines or to any of the other ingredients in the injection (see section 6). This includes eggs or soya beans as egg phospholipid and soya bean oil are included in the injection

  • have a phobia (a fear of a particular object or situation), obsessions or other mental illness

  • have porphyria (an inherited condition causing skin blisters, abdominal pain and brain or nervous system disorders).



Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Diazemuls if you


  • have myasthenia gravis (a condition which causes muscles to weaken and tire easily)

  • suffer from depression (with or without anxiety)

  • have problems with your liver, kidney or lungs

  • have someone close to you who has recently died

  • have a personality disorder



Taking other medicines


Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:



  • antidepressants, antipsychotics (to treat mental problems), antihistamines (to treat allergies), general anaesthetics, hypnotics (to help you sleep) and some strong pain killers - if these medicines, including by injection, are given together with Diazemuls, breathing difficulties and blood circulation problems may occur


  • medicines for epilepsy such as phenobarbitone


  • cimetidine or omeprazole (for ulcers)


  • isoniazid (for tuberculosis)


  • zidovudine (used in the treatment of AIDS)



Using Diazemuls with food and drink



Do not drink alcohol while you are using Diazemuls.


Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Diazemuls and make you very sleepy.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


You should not use Diazemuls if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast feeding.


If you use Diazemuls late in your pregnancy or during labour your baby might have a low body temperature, floppiness, and breathing difficulties. If used regularly during late pregnancy, your baby may develop withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any medicine.




Driving and using machines


Diazemuls may affect your concentration or how your muscles work or may make you feel sleepy or forgetful. It may also affect alertness (especially if you don’t have enough sleep). Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you are affected in this way.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Diazemuls


Diazemuls contains egg phospholipid and soya bean oil. If you are allergic to eggs or soya beans contact your doctor before using this medicine.





How to use


Diazemuls will be given by a doctor or a nurse as a slow intravenous injection (into a vein), or as a continuous infusion (into a vein).



Doses:



  • anxiety, agitation, muscle spasm, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal: 10mg repeated at intervals of 4 hours, as required


  • tetanus: 0.1-0.3mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection repeated every 1-4 hours as required, or a continuous infusion of 3-10mg per kg of body weight every 24 hours


  • epilepsy: initial dose of 0.15-0.25mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection repeated in 30 to 60 minutes if required, and followed if needed by infusion up to 3mg per kg of body weight over 24 hours.


  • before a general anaesthetic: 0.1-0.2mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection, should be adjusted to the patient’s response.


  • sedation before a minor operation or procedure: 0.1-0.2mg per kg of body weight by intravenous injection. The normal adult dose is 10-20mg, but should be adjusted to the patient’s response.

If you are elderly or debilitated you are likely to be more sensitive to diazepam. Therefore, your dose may be reduced to one half the normal dose at the start of treatment.




If you use more Diazemuls than you should


If you think you have had too much Diazemuls, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Signs of an overdose include feeling sleepy or deep sleep, muscle weakness or excitement. In more severe cases symptoms may include loss of co-ordination of movements, low blood pressureand breathing difficulties.




If you forget to use Diazemuls


If you think you have missed a dose, let your nurse or doctor know.




If you stop using Diazemuls


Do not stop using your medicine without telling your doctor as he may wish to gradually reduce the number of injections you use before stopping them completely.



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




Diazemuls Side Effects


Like all medicines, Diazemuls can cause side-effects, although not everybody gets them.



Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:



  • Common (less than 1 in 10 users): sedation, drowsiness, unsteadiness, and loss of co-ordination. The severity of these side effects usually depends on the size of the dose of diazepam and may continue into the following day.


  • Uncommon (less than 1 in 100 users): headache, ‘spinning’ sensation, low blood pressure, stomach upsets, visual disturbances, changes in sexual desire, problems passing water.


  • Rare (less than 1 in 1000 users): a sudden, allergic reaction with low blood pressure, swelling of the tissues of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing or nettle rash


  • Isolated cases: jaundice (yellow skin), blood disorders.

Local pain or inflammation of the vein used for the injection and sometimes a skin rash may occur at the site of the injection, which usually clears up in 1 or 2 days. Abnormal psychological reactions such as numbing of the emotions may occur in children and the elderly. Confusion is also more common in the elderly.



If you notice any side effects, they get worse, or if you notice any not listed, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




How to store


Keep out of the reach and sight of children.


Store below 25°C. Do not freeze.


Do not use Diazemuls after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.


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 Diazemuls contains:


  • The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablet work) is diazepam.

  • The other ingredients are soya bean oil, monoglycerides, egg phospholipids, glycerol, sodium hydroxide, and water for injections.



What Diazemuls looks like and contents of the pack


Diazemuls is a white, milky fluid.


Pack sizes are in boxes of 10x2ml ampoules.




Marketing Authorisation Holder:



Actavis Group PTC ehf.

Reykjavikurvegi 76-78

220 Hafnarfjordur

Iceland




Manufacturer:



Actavis Nordic A/S

2820 Gentofte

Denmark




Distributor:



Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK




Date of Revision: July 2009




Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK


L1438-33





Dispersible Co-codaprin Tablets 8 / 400mg




Due to technical difficulties in printing the label-leaflet format, please find the relevant text below. Text is representative of the leaflet portion of label-leaflet spec no 50414965.




Dispersible Co-codaprin 8/400mg tablets



(codeine phosphate and aspirin)



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.



Index



1. What Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets are and what they are used for

2. Before you take

3. How to take

4. Possible side effects

5. How to store

6. Further information





What Co-codaprin tablets are and what they are used for


Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets belong to a group of medicines which have analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory (reduce inflammation) and anti-pyretic (reduce temperature) properties.


These tablets may be used for the relief of:


  • headache, toothache, migraine, neuralgia (nerve pain), sore throat or period pains.

  • symptoms of influenza, feverishness, rheumatic pains, sciatica (nerve pain of the leg/back), lumbago (lower back pain), fibrositis (muscular rheumatism), muscular aches and pains.



Before you take



Do not take Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets and tell your doctor if you have:



  • an allergy (hypersensitivity) to aspirin, codeine, other opioids, salicylates or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other ingredients in the product. You may have developed difficulty breathing, a runny nose, itchy skin or swelling after taking aspirin or a NSAID previously (see section 6)

  • a stomach ulcer or a history of ulcers or indigestion


  • diarrhoea caused by poisoning or severe bloody diarrhoea (pseudomembranous colitis)


  • difficulty breathing, or other chronic lung disease


  • nasal polyps associated with asthma or are having an asthma attack.


  • haemophilia or other blood clotting disorder or are taking medicines to thin the blood.


Important warning:


There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye’s Syndrome when given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 years, unless on the advice of a doctor.



Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets if you have:



  • asthma or allergies


  • heart, liver or kidney problems or gout

  • diseased adrenal glands (Addison’s disease) or high blood pressure caused by a tumour near a kidney (phaeochromocytoma)


  • inflammatory bowel disease


  • gall bladder disease or gall stones

  • recently had surgery on your gastro-intestinal tract or urinary system

  • an enlarged prostate gland


  • epilepsy or suffered head injury or raised pressure in the skull (may cause painful eyes, changes in vision or headache behind the eyes)

  • an underactive or overactive thyroid gland

  • muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)


  • low blood pressure, are dehydrated or are in shock

  • suffered from alcoholism, drug abuse or dependence or mental illness


  • anaemia or suffer from a deficiency of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) this can cause episodes of anaemia after eating certain foods such as fava beans (favism)

  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other connective tissue disease.



Other important warnings:


  • do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber

  • taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets

  • taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.


Taking other medicines


Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:


  • ciprofloxacin (antibacterial medicine)

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g. moclobemide) to treat depression

  • medicines to prevent blood clotting such as warfarin, dipyridamole and heparin

  • cyclizine, metoclopramide or domperidone (to prevent sickness)

  • guanethidine or diuretics (“water tablets”) e.g. spironolactone, furosemide, acetazolamide (to treat high blood pressure)

  • mexiletine (to treat irregular heartbeats)

  • loperamide or kaolin (to treat diarrhoea)

  • selegiline (for Parkinson’s disease)

  • phenytoin or sodium valproate (to treat epilepsy)

  • cimetidine (to treat stomach ulcers)

  • atropine or hyoscine (to reduce stomach muscle spasm)

  • cisapride (to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)

  • medicines which affect the nervous system such as sleeping tablets, diazepam and hydroxyzine (for anxiety), amitriptyline (for depression) and medicines to treat mental illness

  • muscle relaxants

  • buprenorphine and naltrexone (to treat drug addiction) or naloxone (for breathing problems caused by opioids)

  • medicines which make your urine more alkaline such as antacids, citrates

  • probenecid, sulfinpyrazone (to treat gout)

  • methotrexate (to treat some cancers, psoriasis and rheumatic disease)

  • antidiabetics

  • corticosteroids (to suppress the immune system)

  • mifepristone (to induce abortion)

  • other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs for pain and inflammation (eg ibuprofen or naproxen)

  • medicines which can cause hearing problems (vancomycin).



Pregnancy and breast-feeding


Avoid taking Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets during pregnancy especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy, during labour or whilst breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.




Driving and using machines


Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets may cause dizziness, blurred vision or the inability to think clearly.


Make sure you are not affected before you drive or operate machinery.




Surgery and tests


If you need to have an operation including having your teeth removed or blood and urine tests, tell your doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine.





How to take


Always take Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


Avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine.


After meals, disperse the tablet(s) in a glass of water and drink.



Doses:



Adults, including the elderly
: 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as required. No more than 8 tablets in any 24 hour period.



Children under 16 years old
: Not recommended.




If you take more than you should


If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of tablets at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.


Symptoms of an overdose include ringing in the ears, a spinning sensation, fast or slow breathing rate, coma, fever, heart or kidney failure, clammy skin, fits, confusion, drowsiness, tiredness, low blood pressure, pinpoint pupils, slow heart beat.




If you forget to take the tablets


Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time. Do not take more than one dose in any 4 hour period.




If you stop taking the tablets


If you stop taking the tablets you may develop tremor, difficulty sleeping, feeling or being sick, sweating and increased heart or breathing rate or blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking the tablets and follow their advice.





Possible side effects


Like all medicines, Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following effects or any effects not listed.



Stop taking Dispersible Co-codaprin and contact your doctor at once if you experience the following signs of an allergic reaction: runny nose, itchy skin, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, worsening of asthma, increased sweating, redness or flushed face.



Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:



Gastrointestinal system - stomach ulcers or bleeding which can be severe (you may develop bloody or black tarry stools, severe stomach pain and vomit blood), stomach irritation (mild stomach pain, heartburn and feeling sick), constipation, feeling or being sick, loss of appetite, dry mouth, difficulty in the passage of food through the guts, abdominal pain (may be caused by spasm of the bile ducts) and inflammation of the liver.



Heart - slow heart rate, palpitations, low blood pressure.



Blood - anaemia, changes in numbers and types of blood cells. If you have an increase in number of nose bleeds or notice that you bruise more easily or have more infections talk to your doctor.



Urinary system - difficulty urinating, low abdominal pain (may be caused by spasm of the urinary system)



Ears and eyes - ringing or buzzing in the ear, blurred or double vision, narrowing of the pupil.



Nervous system - confusion, drowsiness, spinning sensation, dizziness, mood changes, hallucinations, restlessness, excitation, fits, headache, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, mental dullness, increased pressure in the skull (painful eyes, changes in vision or headache behind the eyes), tolerance (medicine has less effect) or dependence (suffer from withdrawal symptoms eg tremor, sweating, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, raised blood pressure and feeling or being sick if the medicine is stopped too quickly).



Other effects - trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness, malaise, low body temperature.



Salicylism - if you take large doses for a long time you may develop symptoms of salicylism, these include: dizziness, ringing or buzzing in the ear, deafness, sweating, feeling or being sick, headache and confusion.


If you are concerned about any side-effects or have any other unusual effects, tell your doctor immediately and seek advice.




How to store


Keep out of the reach and sight of children.


Keep the tablets in a cool dry place, protected from light, tightly stoppered.


Do not use Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.


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 Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets contain


  • The active substances (the ingredients that makes the tablets work) are 8mg of codeine phosphate and 400mg aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid).

  • The other ingredients are calcium carbonate, cetrimide, maize starch, saccharin sodium, silica, citric acid (E330).



What Dispersible Co-codaprin tablets look like and contents of the pack


Dispersible Co-codaprin are white uncoated tablets.


Pack sizes are 100 tablets.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer



Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK




This leaflet was last revised in May 2010





Dulcolax Suppositories 10mg Dulcolax Suppositories for Children 5mg






Dulcolax Suppositories 10 mg



Dulcolax Suppositories for Children 5 mg


bisacodyl



Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.


This medicine is available without prescription. You need to use DULCOLAX Suppositories as instructed in this leaflet to get the best results from it.


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

  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice

  • You must contact your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 5 days of treatment

  • If a side effect occurs and gets troublesome, or seems serious to you, or if you experience any side effect not listed in this leaflet, please tell your pharmacist or doctor



In this leaflet:


  • 1. What DULCOLAX Suppositories are and what they are used for

  • 2. Before you use DULCOLAX Suppositories

  • 3. How to use DULCOLAX Suppositories

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store DULCOLAX Suppositories

  • 6. Further information




What Dulcolax Suppositories Are And What They Are Used For


DULCOLAX Suppositories contain a medicine called bisacodyl. This belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives.


  • DULCOLAX Suppositories are used for relief of constipation

  • DULCOLAX Suppositories are also used in hospitals to clear the bowel before surgery, X-rays or other tests

  • DULCOLAX Suppositories stimulate the muscles of the bowel (large intestine), helping to return the body to its natural rhythm. They have a laxative effect usually within 30 minutes


What is constipation?


Normal and regular bowel movement is important for most people. However, what is “normal and regular” varies from person to person. Some may have a bowel movement every day, others less often. Whatever it is like for you, it is best that your bowel movement has a regular pattern.


  • Constipation is an occasional problem for some people; for others, it may happen more often

  • It happens when the normal muscle actions in the bowel (large intestine) slow down. This can mean that the material is not easily eliminated from the body

The cause of constipation is often not known. It can be associated with:


  • Sudden change of diet

  • A diet with not enough fibre

  • Loss of ‘tone’ of the bowel muscles in older people

  • Pregnancy

  • Medicines such as morphine or codeine

  • Having to stay in bed for a long time

  • Lack of exercise

Whatever the cause, constipation is uncomfortable. It may make you feel bloated and heavy, or generally “off colour”. Sometimes it causes headaches.


These healthy tips are recommended to try and prevent constipation happening:


  • Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables

  • Drink enough water so that you do not become dehydrated

  • Keep up your exercise and stay fit

  • Make time to empty your bowels when your body tells you




Before You Use Dulcolax Suppositories



Do not use DULCOLAX Suppositories if:


  • You are allergic (hypersensitive) to bisacodyl or hard fat

  • You have severe dehydration

  • You have a bowel condition called “ileus” (in the small intestine)

  • You have a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis

  • You have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting

  • You have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction)

  • You have inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine)

  • You have cracking of the skin around your back passage (anal fissures)

  • You have inflammation or ulcers around your back passage (ulcerative proctitis)

Do not use DULCOLAX Suppositories if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine.




Taking other medicines


Please tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines. This is because DULCOLAX Suppositories can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way DULCOLAX Suppositories work.


In particular, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:


  • Water tablets (diuretics) such as bendrofluazide or furosemide (frusemide)

  • Steroid medicines such as prednisolone

Before using DULCOLAX Suppositories, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure if any of the above applies to you.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using DULCOLAX Suppositories if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.





How To Use Dulcolax Suppositories


If this medicine is from your doctor or pharmacist, do exactly as they have told you. Otherwise, follow the instructions below. If you do not understand the instructions, or if you are not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.



As with all laxatives, DULCOLAX Suppositories should not be used every day for more than 5 days. If you need laxatives every day, or if you have abdominal pain which does not go away, you should see your doctor.



How to use the suppositories


The suppositories should only be used in your back passage.


  • 1. Take off the foil wrapping

  • 2. Lie on one side and pull your knees up towards your chest. Keep one leg drawn up more than the other

  • 3. Use your first finger (index finger) or middle finger to push in the suppository

  • 4. Gently push the suppository as far as possible into your back passage, pointed end first

  • 5. Once it is as far as it will go, push it side-ways to make sure it touches the wall of the bowel

  • 6. Lower your legs to a comfortable position whilst the suppository is retained in place

  • 7. Keep the suppository inside you for at least 30 minutes



If you feel the suppository might come out straight away:


  • You may not have put it in high enough. Push it in as far as possible

  • Try to keep it in for 30 minutes, even if you feel like you urgently need to go to the toilet. This is how long it takes to work



How much to use



For constipation



Adults and children over 10 years


  • Put one 10 mg suppository into the back passage for immediate effect. Only use one suppository per day


Children under 10 years


DULCOLAX Suppositories for Children 5 mg should only be used if recommended by a doctor. The usual dose is:


  • Put one 5 mg suppository into the back passage for immediate effect. Only use one suppository per day


For bowel clearance before surgery, X-rays or other tests


In hospitals, when patients are being prepared for surgery, X-rays or other tests, DULCOLAX Suppositories and DULCOLAX Tablets are both used. This helps to get complete bowel clearance.



Adults and children over 10 years


  • Take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening and use one 10 mg suppository on the following morning


Children 4 -10 years


  • Give one tablet in the evening and one 5 mg suppository (DULCOLAX Suppositories for Children) on the following morning



If you use more DULCOLAX Suppositories than you should


If you use more of this medicine than you should, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have used.



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




Possible Side Effects


Like all medicines, DULCOLAX Suppositories can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:



Common side effects (affect less than 1 in 10 people)


  • Abdominal cramps or pain

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhoea



Uncommon side effects (affect less than 1 in 100 people)


  • Vomiting

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Blood in the stools (usually mild and self-limiting)

  • Discomfort inside and around the back passage



Rare side effects (affect less than 1 in 1000 people)


  • Allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash or itching



Unknown – incidence of side effect cannot be estimated from the available data


  • Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine which causes abdominal pain or diarrhoea)

  • Dehydration which can make you feel thirsty and produce less urine. If you are dehydrated drink plenty of liquid.

  • Serious allergic reactions which may cause swelling of the face or throat and difficulty in breathing or dizziness. If you have a severe allergic reaction, stop taking this medicine and see a doctor straight away.


If a side effect occurs and gets troublesome or seems serious to you, or if you experience any side effect not listed in this leaflet, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.




How To Store Dulcolax Suppositories


  • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children

  • Do not use DULCOLAX Suppositories after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

  • Do not store above 25°C

  • The suppositories should be protected from light. Keep them in the outer carton

  • 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 protect the environment



Further Information



What DULCOLAX Suppositories contain


  • DULCOLAX Suppositories 10 mg contain 10 mg of the active ingredient bisacodyl

  • DULCOLAX Suppositories for Children 5 mg contain 5 mg of the active ingredient bisacodyl

  • Both the suppositories are made from hard fat, which is an ingredient needed to mould the suppository into the correct shape



What DULCOLAX Suppositories look like and contents of the pack


  • The suppositories are white and torpedo shaped

  • DULCOLAX Suppositories 10 mg are available in packs of 12

  • DULCOLAX Suppositories for Children 5 mg are available in packs of 5



Marketing Authorisations are held by:



Boehringer Ingelheim Limited

Consumer Healthcare

Ellesfield Avenue

Bracknell

Berkshire

RG12 8YS

United Kingdom




DULCOLAX Suppositories are manufactured by:



Instituto De Angeli. S.r.I.

Localitá Prulli di Sotto n. 103/c

Regello (Fl)

Italy




This leaflet was revised in May 2010.



Registered trade mark


© Boehringer Ingelheim Limited 2010


XXXXXX/GB/7


20080918





Dostinex Tablets





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



DOSTINEX


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



One DOSTINEX tablet contains 0.5 mg cabergoline.



For excipients see Section 6.1 ('List of Excipients').



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Tablet.



Flat, capsule-shaped, 4 x 8 mm, scored, white tablets.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Inhibition/suppression of physiological lactation



DOSTINEX is indicated for the inhibition of physiological lactation soon after delivery and for suppression of already established lactation:



1. After parturition, when the mother elects not to breast feed the infant or when breast feeding is contraindicated due to medical reasons related to the mother or the new-born.



2. After stillbirth or abortion.



DOSTINEX prevents/suppresses physiological lactation by inhibiting prolactin secretion.



In controlled clinical trials, DOSTINEX given as a single 1 mg administration during the first day post-partum, was effective in inhibiting milk secretion, as well as breast engorgement and pain in 70 - 90% of the women. Less than 5% of women experienced rebound breast symptomatology during the third post-partum week (which was usually mild in severity).



Suppression of milk secretion and relief of breast engorgement and pain are obtained in approximately 85% of nursing women treated with a total dose of 1 mg DOSTINEX given in four divided doses over two days. Rebound breast symptomatology after day 10 is uncommon (approximately 2% of cases).



Treatment of hyperprolactinaemic disorders



DOSTINEX is indicated for the treatment of dysfunctions associated with hyperprolactinaemia, including amenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, anovulation and galactorrhoea. DOSTINEX is indicated in patients with prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (micro- and macroprolactinomas), idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia, or empty sella syndrome with associated hyperprolactinaemia, which represent the basic underlying pathologies contributing to the above clinical manifestations.



On chronic therapy, DOSTINEX at doses ranging between 1 and 2 mg per week, was effective in normalising serum prolactin levels in approximately 84% of hyperprolactinaemic patients. Regular cycles were resumed in 83% of previously amennorhoeic women. Restoration of ovulation was documented in 89% of women with progesterone levels monitored during the luteal phase. Galactorrhoea disappeared in 90% of cases showing this symptom before therapy. Reduction in tumour size was obtained in 50 - 90% of female and male patients with micro- or macroprolactinoma.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



DOSTINEX is to be administered by the oral route. Since in clinical studies DOSTINEX has been mainly administered with food and since the tolerability of this class of compounds is improved with food, it is recommended that DOSTINEX be preferably taken with meals for all the therapeutic indications.



Inhibition/suppression of physiological lactation



For inhibition of lactation DOSTINEX should be administered during the first day post-partum. The recommended therapeutic dose is 1 mg (two 0.5 mg tablets) given as a single dose.



For suppression of established lactation the recommended therapeutic dosage regimen is 0.25 mg (one-half 0.5 mg tablet) every 12 hours for two days (1 mg total dose). This dosage regimen has been demonstrated to be better tolerated than the single dose regimen in women electing to suppress lactation having a lower incidence of adverse events, in particular of hypotensive symptoms.



Treatment of hyperprolactinaemic disorders



The recommended initial dosage of DOSTINEX is 0.5 mg per week given in one or two (one-half of one 0.5 mg tablet) doses (e.g. on Monday and Thursday) per week. The weekly dose should be increased gradually, preferably by adding 0.5 mg per week at monthly intervals until an optimal therapeutic response is achieved. The therapeutic dosage is usually 1 mg per week and ranges from 0.25 mg to 2 mg per week. Doses of DOSTINEX up to 4.5 mg per week have been used in hyperprolactinaemic patients.



The maximum dose should not exceed 3mg per day.



The weekly dose may be given as a single administration or divided into two or more doses per week according to patient tolerability. Division of the weekly dose into multiple administrations is advised when doses higher than 1 mg per week are to be given since the tolerability of doses greater than 1 mg taken as a single weekly dose has been evaluated only in a few patients.



Patients should be evaluated during dose escalation to determine the lowest dosage that produces the therapeutic response. Monitoring of serum prolactin levels at monthly intervals is advised since, once the effective therapeutic dosage regimen has been reached, serum prolactin normalisation is usually observed within two to four weeks.



After DOSTINEX withdrawal, recurrence of hyperprolactinaemia is usually observed. However, persistent suppression of prolactin levels has been observed for several months in some patients. Of the group of women followed up, 23/29 had ovulatory cycles which continued for greater than 6 months after DOSTINEX discontinuation.



Use in children



The safety and efficacy of DOSTINEX has not been established in subjects less than 16 years of age.



Use in the elderly



As a consequence of the indications for which DOSTINEX is presently proposed, the experience in elderly is very limited. Available data do not indicate a special risk.



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to DOSTINEX, any excipient of the product or any ergot alkaloid.



History of pulmonary, pericardial and retroperitoneal fibrotic disorders.



DOSTINEX is contraindicated in patients with hepatic insufficiency and with toxaemia of pregnancy. DOSTINEX should not be co-administered with anti-psychotic medications or administered to women with a history of puerperal psychosis.



For long-term treatment: Evidence of cardiac valvulopathy as determined by pre-treatment echocardiography.



(See section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use – Fibrosis and cardiac valvulopathy and possibly related clinical phenomena)



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



General:



The safety and efficacy of DOSTINEX have not yet been established in patients with renal and hepatic disease. As with other ergot derivatives, DOSTINEX should be given with caution to patients with severe cardiovascular disease, Raynaud's syndrome, renal insufficiency, peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, or with a history of serious, particularly psychotic, mental disorders. Particular care should be taken when patients are taking concomitant psychoactive medication.



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



Symptomatic hypotension can occur with DOSTINEX administration for any indication. Care should be exercised when administering DOSTINEX concomitantly with other drugs known to lower blood pressure.



The effects of alcohol on overall tolerability of DOSTINEX are currently unknown.



Before DOSTINEX administration, pregnancy should be excluded and after treatment pregnancy should be prevented for at least one month.



Hepatic Insufficiency:



Lower doses should be considered in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency who receive prolonged treatment with DOSTINEX. Compared to normal volunteers and those with lesser degrees of hepatic insufficiency, an increase in AUC has been seen in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency (Child-Pugh Class C) who received a single 1 mg dose.



Postural Hypotension:



Postural hypotension can occur following administration of DOSTINEX. Care should be exercised when administering DOSTINEX concomitantly with other drugs known to lower blood pressure.



Somnolence/Sudden Sleep Onset:



DOSTINEX has been associated with somnolence. Dopamine agonists can be associated with sudden sleep onset episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, in some cases without awareness or warning signs, has been reported uncommonly. Patients must be informed of this and advised to exercise caution while driving or operating machines during treatment with cabergoline. Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrain from driving or operating machines. Furthermore a reduction in dosage or termination of therapy may be considered. (See section 4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines)



Psychiatric:



Pathological gambling, increased libido, and hypersexuality have been reported in patients treated with dopamine agonists including DONSTINEX. This has been generally reversible upon reduction of the dose or treatment discontinuation.



Inhibition/suppression of physiological lactation:



As with other ergot derivatives, DOSTINEX should not be used in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, for example, preeclampsia or post-partum hypertension, unless the potential benefit is judged to outweigh the possible risk.



In post-partum studies with DOSTINEX, blood pressure decreases were mostly asymptomatic and were frequently observed on a single occasion 2 to 4 days after treatment. Since decreases in blood pressure are frequently noted during the puerperium, independently of drug therapy, it is likely that many of the observed decreases in blood pressure after DOSTINEX administration were not drug-induced. However, periodic monitoring of blood pressure, particularly during the first few days after DOSTINEX administration, is advised.



A single dose of 0.25 mg of DOSTINEX should not be exceeded in nursing women treated for suppression of established lactation to avoid potential postural hypotension. A clinical study exploring the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5 mg of DOSTINEX given as a single dose for suppression of lactation has shown that the risk of side effects is approximately doubled in this indication if the drug is administered as a single dose of 0.5 mg.



Treatment of hyperprolactinaemic disorders:



Because hyperprolactinaemia accompanied with amenorrhoea/galactorrhoea and infertility may be associated with pituitary tumour, a complete evaluation of the pituitary is indicated before treatment with DOSTINEX is initiated.



DOSTINEX restores ovulation and fertility in women with hyperprolactinaemic hypogonadism



Because pregnancy might occur prior to reinitiation of menses, a pregnancy test is recommended at least every four weeks during the amenorrhoeic period and, once menses are reinitiated, every time a menstrual period is delayed by more than three days. Women who wish to avoid pregnancy should be advised to use mechanical contraception during treatment with DOSTINEX and after discontinuation of DOSTINEX until recurrence of anovulation. As a precautionary measure, women who become pregnant should be monitored to detect signs of pituitary enlargement since expansion of pre-existing pituitary tumours may occur during gestation



Before administration of DOSTINEX, pregnancy should be excluded. Because clinical experience is still limited and the product has a long half-life, as a precautionary measure it is recommended that once regular ovulatory cycles have been achieved women seeking pregnancy discontinue DOSTINEX one month before intended conception. Should pregnancy occur during treatment, DOSTINEX is to be discontinued. As a precautionary measure, women who become pregnant should be monitored to detect signs of pituitary enlargement since expansion of pre-existing pituitary tumours may occur during gestation.



Regular gynaecological assessment, including cervical and endometrial cytology, is recommended for patients taking DOSTINEX for extensive periods.



Fibrosis and cardiac valvulopathy and possibly related clinical phenomena:



Fibrotic and serosal inflammatory disorders such as pleuritis, pleural effusion, pleural fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac valvulopathy involving one or more valves (aortic, mitral and tricuspid) or retroperitoneal fibrosis have occurred after prolonged usage of ergot derivatives with agonist activity at the serotonin 5HT2B receptor, such as DOSTINEX. In some cases, symptoms or manifestations of cardiac valvulopathy improved after discontinuation of DOSTINEX.



Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been found to be abnormally increased in association with pleural effusion/fibrosis. Chest x-ray examination is recommended in cases of unexplained ESR increases to abnormal values.



Valvulopathy has been associated with cumulative doses, therefore, patients should be treated with the lowest effective dose. At each visit, the risk benefit profile of DOSTINEX treatment for the patient should be reassessed to determine the suitability of continued treatment with DOSTINEX.



Before initiating long-term treatment:



All patients must undergo a cardiovascular evaluation, including echocardiogram to assess the potential presence of asymptomatic valvular disease. It is also appropriate to perform baseline investigations of erythrocyte sedimentation rate or other inflammatory markers, lung function/chest X-ray and renal function prior to initiation of therapy. In patients with valvular regurgitation, it is not known whether cabergoline treatment might worsen the underlying disease. If fibrotic valvular disease is detected, the patient should not be treated with DOSTINEX (see section 4.3 Contraindications).



During long-term treatment:



Fibrotic disorders can have an insidious onset and patients should be regularly monitored for possible manifestations of progressive fibrosis. Therefore, during treatment, attention should be paid to the signs and symptoms of:



• Pleuro-pulmonary disease such as dyspnoea, shortness of breath, persistent cough or chest pain.



• Renal insufficiency or ureteral/abdominal vascular obstruction that may occur with pain in the loin/flank and lower limb oedema as well as any possible abdominal masses or tenderness that may indicate retroperitoneal fibrosis.



• Cardiac failure: cases of valvular and pericardial fibrosis have often manifested as cardiac failure. Therefore, valvular fibrosis (and constrictive pericarditis) should be excluded if such symptoms occur.



Clinical diagnostic monitoring for development of fibrotic disorders, as appropriate, is essential. Following treatment initiation, the first echocardiogram must occur within 3-6 months, thereafter, the frequency of echocardiographic monitoring should be determined by appropriate individual clinical assessment with particular emphasis on the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, but must occur at least every 6 to 12 months.



DOSTINEX should be discontinued if an echocardiogram reveals new or worsened valvular regurgitation, valvular restriction or valve leaflet thickening (see section 4.3 Contraindications).



The need for other clinical monitoring (e.g. physical examination including, cardiac auscultation, X-ray, CT scan) should be determined on an individual basis.



Additional appropriate investigations such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum creatinine measurements should be performed if necessary to support a diagnosis of a fibrotic disorder.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



The concomitant use of other drugs during early puerperium, particularly of ergot alkaloids, was not associated with detectable interactions modifying the efficacy and safety of DOSTINEX.



No information is available about the interaction between DOSTINEX and other ergot alkaloids; therefore, the concomitant use of these medications during long-term treatment with DOSTINEX is not recommended.



Since DOSTINEX exerts its therapeutic effect by direct stimulation of dopamine receptors, it should not be concurrently administered with drugs which have dopamine-antagonist activity (such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes, metoclopramide) since these might reduce the prolactin-lowering effect of DOSTINEX.



As with other ergot derivatives, DOSTINEX should not be used with macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin) due to increased systemic bioavailability of DOSTINEX.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



In a twelve year observational study on pregnancy outcomes following cabergoline therapy, information is available on 256 pregnancies. Seventeen of these 256 pregnancies (6.6%) eventuated in major congenital malformations or abortion. Information is available on 23/258 infants who had a total of 27 neonatal abnormalities, both major and minor. Musculoskeletal malformations were the most common neonatal abnormality (10), followed by cardio-pulmonary abnormalities (5). There is no information on perinatal disorders or long-term development of infants exposed to intra-uterine cabergoline. Based on recent published literature, the prevalence of major congenital malformations in the general population has been reported to be 6.9% or greater. Rates of congenital abnormality vary between different populations. It is not possible to accurately determine if there is an increased risk as no control group was included.



Before DOSTINEX administration, pregnancy should be excluded and after treatment pregnancy should be prevented for at least one month. As cabergoline has an elimination half-life of 79-115 hours in hyperprolactinaemic patients, once regular ovulatory cycles have been achieved women seeking pregnancy should discontinue DOSTINEX one month before intended conception. This will prevent possible foetal exposure to the drug and will not interfere with the possibility of conception since ovulatory cycles persist in some cases for six months after drug withdrawal. If conception occurs during therapy, treatment should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is confirmed to limit foetal exposure to the drug.



(See section 4.4 Special warning and precautions for use – Treatment of Hyperprolactinemic Disorders)



In rats, DOSTINEX and/or its metabolites are excreted in milk. No information is available on the excretion in breast milk in humans; however, mothers should be advised not to breast-feed in case of failed lactation inhibition/suppression by DOSTINEX. Since it prevents lactation, DOSTINEX should not be administered to mothers with hyperprolactinemic disorders who wish to breast-feed their infants.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



During the first days of DOSTINEX administration, patients should be cautioned about re-engaging in activities requiring rapid and precise responses such as driving an automobile or operating machinery.



Patients being treated with DOSTINEX and presenting with somnolence must be informed to refrain from driving or engaging in activities where impaired alertness may put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death (e.g. operating machines) unless patients have overcome such experiences of somnolence. See section 4.4 Special Warnings and special precautions for use.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Adverse events are generally dose-related. In patients known to be intolerant to dopaminergic drugs, the likelihood of adverse events may be lessened by starting therapy with DOSTINEX at reduced doses, e.g. 0.25mg once a week, with subsequent gradual increase until the therapeutic dosage is reached. If persistent or severe adverse events occur, temporary reduction of dosage followed by a more gradual increase, e.g. increments of 0.25mg/week every two weeks, may increase tolerability.



The following undesirable effects have been observed and reported during treatment with DOSTINEX with the following frequencies: Very common (




















































































































































General


  


MedDRA



System Organ Class




Frequency




Adverse Events




Vascular disorders




Common




Dostinex generally exerts a hypotensive effect in patients on long-term treatment; postural hypotension




Uncommon




Digital vasospasm, fainting


 


Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders




Uncommon




Leg cramps




Rare




Muscle weakness


 


Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




Uncommon




Dermal reactions, e.g. alopecia, pruritus, rash




Rare




Allergic skin reactions


 


Investigations




Uncommon




A decrease in haemoglobin values have been observed in amenhorrheic women during the first few months after menses




Hyperprolactinemic Disorders


  


MedDRA



System Organ Class




Frequency




Adverse Events




Psychiatric disorders




Common




Depression, sleep disturbances




Not Known




Aggression, hypersexuality, pathological gambling, increased libido


 


Nervous system disorders




Very Common




Dizziness/vertigo, headache




Uncommon




Paraesthesia


 


Not Known




Sudden sleep onset, syncope


 


Vascular disorders




Common




Hot flushes




Gastrointestinal disorders




Very common




Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, nausea




Common




Constipation, vomiting


 


Reproductive system and breast disorders




Common




Breast pain




General disorders and administration site conditions




Very Common




Asthenia, fatigue




Inhibition/Supression of Lactation


  


MedDRA



System Organ Class




Frequency




Adverse Events




Nervous system disorders




Common




Dizziness/vertigo, headache, somnolence




Uncommon




Syncope


 


Cardiac disorders




Very common




Cardiac vulvulopathy (including regurgitation) and related disorders (pericarditis and pericardial effusion)




Uncommon




Palpitations, epistaxis, decrease in haemoglobin in amenorrhoeic women after menses resumption. Asymptomatic decreases in blood pressure may occur usually once during the first 3-4 days post partum.


 


Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders




Uncommon




Pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis




Gastrointestinal disorders




Common




Abdominal pain, nausea




Uncommon




Vomiting


 


Rare




Epigastric pain


 


Investigations




Common




Asymptomatic decreases in blood pressure (




Vascular disorders




Uncommon




Hot flushes




General disorders and administration site conditions




Uncommon




Asthenia




Vision




Uncommon




Transient hemianopsia




Not known




Abnormal vision


 


Post-marketing Surveillance


  


MedDRA



System Organ Class




Frequency




Undesirable Effects




Immune system disorders




Not Known




Hypersensitivity reaction




Psychiatric disorders




Uncommon




Increased libido




Not Known




Delusions,


 

 

 

 


Cardiac disorders




Very Common




Valvulopathy (including regurgitation) and related disorders (pericarditis and pericardial effusion)




Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders




Not Known




Dyspnoea, respiratory disorder, respiratory failure, pleural effusion, pulmonary fibrosis




Hepato-biliary disorders




Not Known




Hepatic function abnormal




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders




Uncommon




Alopecia, rash




General disorders and administration site conditions




Not known




Oedema




Investigations




Not Known




Blood creatinine phosphokinase increased,



4.9 Overdose



Symptoms of overdose would likely be those of over-stimulation of dopamine receptors e.g. nausea, vomiting, gastric complaints, postural hypotension, confusion/psychosis or hallucinations.



Supportive measures should be taken to remove any unabsorbed drug and maintain blood pressure, if necessary. In addition, the administration of dopamine antagonist drugs may be advisable.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



DOSTINEX is a dopaminergic ergoline derivative endowed with a potent and long-lasting PRL-lowering activity. It acts by direct stimulation of the D2-dopamine receptors on pituitary lactotrophs, thus inhibiting PRL secretion. In rats the compound decreases PRL secretion at oral doses of 3-25 mcg/kg, and in-vitro at a concentration of 45 pg/ml. In addition, DOSTINEX exerts a central dopaminergic effect via D2 receptor stimulation at oral doses higher than those effective in lowering serum PRL levels. The long lasting PRL-lowering effect of DOSTINEX is probably due to its long persistence in the target organ as suggested by the slow elimination of total radioactivity from the pituitary after single oral dose in rats (t½of approximately 60 hours).



The pharmacodynamic effects of DOSTINEX have been studied in healthy volunteers, puerperal women and hyperprolactinaemic patients. After a single oral administration of DOSTINEX (0.3 - 1.5 mg), a significant decrease in serum PRL levels was observed in each of the populations studied. The effect is prompt (within 3 hours from administration) and persistent (up to 7 - 28 days in healthy volunteers and hyperprolactinaemic patients, and up to 14 - 21 days in puerperal women). The PRL-lowering effect is dose-related both in terms of degree of effect and duration of action.



With regard to the endocrine effects of DOSTINEX not related to the antiprolactinaemic effect, available data from humans confirm the experimental findings in animals indicating that the test compound is endowed with a very selective action with no effect on basal secretion of other pituitary hormones or cortisol. The pharmacodynamic actions of DOSTINEX not correlated with the therapeutic effect only relate to blood pressure decrease. The maximal hypotensive effect of DOSTINEX as single dose usually occurs during the first 6 hours after drug intake and is dose-dependent both in terms of maximal decrease and frequency.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



The pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles of DOSTINEX have been studied in healthy volunteers of both sexes and in female hyperprolactinaemic patients.



After oral administration of the labelled compound, radioactivity was rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as the peak of radioactivity in plasma was between 0.5 and 4 hours.



Ten days after administration about 18% and 72% of the radioactive dose was recovered in urine and faeces, respectively. Unchanged drug in urine accounted for 2-3% of the dose.



In urine, the main metabolite identified was 6-allyl-8β-carboxy-ergoline, which accounted for 4-6% of the dose. Three additional metabolites were identified in urine, which accounted overall for less than 3% of the dose. The metabolites have been found to be much less potent than DOSTINEX in inhibiting prolactin secretion in vitro. DOSTINEX biotransformation was also studied in plasma of healthy male volunteers treated with [14C]-cabergoline: a rapid and extensive biotransformation of cabergoline was shown.



The low urinary excretion of unchanged DOSTINEX has been confirmed also in studies with non-radioactive product. The elimination half-life of DOSTINEX, estimated from urinary excretion rates, is long (63-68 hours in healthy volunteers (using a radio-immuno assay), 79-115 hours in hyperprolactinaemic patients (using a HPLC method).



On the basis of the elimination half-life, steady state conditions should be achieved after 4 weeks, as confirmed by the mean peak plasma levels of DOSTINEX obtained after a single dose (37 ± 8 pg/ml) and after a 4 week multiple regimen (101 ± 43 pg/ml).



In vitro experiments showed that the drug at concentrations of 0.1-10 ng/ml is 41-42% bound to plasma proteins. Food does not appear to affect absorption and disposition of DOSTINEX.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



There were maternotoxic effects but no teratogenic effects in mice given cabergoline at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 55 times the maximum recommended human dose) during the period of organogenesis.



A dose of 0.012 mg/kg/day (approximately 1/7 the maximum recommended human dose) during the period of organogenesis in rats caused an increase in post-implantation embryofetal losses. These losses could be due to the prolactin inhibitory properties of cabergoline in rats. At daily doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day (approximately 19 times the maximum recommended human dose) during the period of organogenesis in the rabbit, cabergoline caused maternotoxicity characterized by a loss of body weight and decreased food consumption. Doses of 4 mg/kg/day (approximately 150 times the maximum recommended human dose) during the period of organogenesis in the rabbit caused an increased occurrence of various malformations. However, in another study in rabbits, no treatment-related malformations or embryofetotoxicity were observed at doses up to 8 mg/kg/day (approximately 300 times the maximum recommended human dose).



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Lactose



Leucine



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



24 months.



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 25°C.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



The tablets are contained in type I amber glass bottles with tamper resistant screw caps and containing silica gel desiccant.



Each bottle contains 2, 4 or 8 tablets and is enclosed in an outer cardboard carton.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



Bottles of DOSTINEX are supplied with desiccant in caps. This desiccant must not be removed.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Pharmacia Limited



Ramsgate Road



Sandwich



Kent



CT13 9JN



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 00032/0372



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



24 June 2002



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



November 2010



Ref Code: DX 8_1 UK




Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Diazepam Oral Solution






Diazepam oral solution 2mg/5ml



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 gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.



In this leaflet



1 What Diazepam oral solution is and what it is used for

2 Before you take

3 How to take

4 Possible side effects

5 How to store

6 Further information





What Diazepam oral solution is and what it is used for


Diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.


Diazepam helps in the treatment of anxiety, muscle spasms and convulsions (fits). It is used to treat:



In adults


  • short term relief (14 days) of severe anxiety and may occur alone or with insomnia (trouble sleeping) or mental health problems

  • cerebral palsy

  • muscle spasm caused by tetanus (when taken with other medicines)

  • epilepsy (when taken with other medicines)

  • patients with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

  • helping to relax nervous dental patients.



In children


  • tension and irritability caused by cerebral spasticity

  • helping to relax and cause sleepiness before an operation.




Before you take



Do not take Diazepam oral solution and tell your doctor if you


  • are allergic (hypersensitive) to diazepam, benzodiazepine medicines, or to any of the other ingredients in Diazepam oral solution (see section 6)

  • have a phobia or other mental illness or are hyperactive

  • are breathless or have difficulty breathing

  • have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)

  • have myasthenia gravis (a condition which causes muscles to weaken and tire easily)

  • suffer from sleep apnoea ( a condition where you stop breathing whilst asleep)

  • have severe liver disorders

  • have porphyria (an inherited condition causing skin blisters, abdominal pain and brain or nervous system disorders).


Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Diazepam oral solution if you have


  • a history of alcoholism or drug abuse

  • problems with your heart and lungs or have kidney or liver disease

  • someone close to you who has recently died


  • low blood levels of a protein called albumin

  • a personality disorder

  • a poor blood supply to the brain (arteriosclerosis)


  • depression (with or without anxiety).


Other considerations



  • Dependence – there is a risk of dependence, which increases with the dose and duration of treatment and if you have a history of alcoholism and drug abuse.


  • Tolerance – if after a few weeks you notice that the tablets are not working as well as they did when first starting treatment, you should go and see your doctor.


Taking other medicines


Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:



  • antidepressants, antipsychotics (to treat mental problems), hypnotics (to help you sleep), lofexidine (to help relieve symptoms when you stop taking opioids), some strong pain killers, anaesthetics, sedative antihistamines eg chlorphenamine (to treat allergies), nabilone (to treat nausea and vomiting), disulfiram (to treat alcohol addiction)


  • zidovudine, ritonavir (antivirals), rifampicin, erythromycin (antibiotics), isoniazid (to treat tuberculosis)


  • cimetidine or omeprazole (for ulcers), antacids


  • medicines for epilepsy such as phenytoin (hydantoins), barbiturates


  • medicines to lower high blood pressure such as alpha blockers or moxonidine


  • baclofen (a muscle relaxant)


  • levodopa (to treat Parkinson’s Disease)


  • caffeine or theophylline


  • oestrogen-containing contraceptives.



Taking Diazepam oral solution with food and drink



Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Diazepam oral solution. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Diazepam oral solution and make you very sleepy.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


You should not take Diazepam oral solution if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast feeding. If you take Diazepam oral solution late in pregnancy or during labour your baby might have a low body temperature, floppiness, and breathing difficulties. If taken regularly during late pregnancy, your baby may develop withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.




Driving and using machines


Diazepam oral solution may affect your concentration, make you feel sleepy or forgetful (especially if you don’t have enough uninterrupted sleep). It may also affect how your muscles work. Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you are affected in this way. Do not drink alcohol as this can make you feel even more sleepy.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Diazepam oral solution


Diazepam oral solution contains 1.91g to 2.58g of sorbitol per 5ml solution. This may have a mild laxative effect. If you have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.


This medicine also contains propylene glycol which may cause alcohol-like symptoms and glycerol, which may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea.





How to take


Always take Diazepam oral solution exactly as your doctor has told you. You should not take Diazepam oral solution for longer than 4 weeks. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.


You should make sure you are able to have 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.



Doses



Adults


  • Anxiety or mental health problems: 2mg-30mg each day, in divided doses

  • Insomnia: 5mg-30mg at bedtime

  • Cerebral palsy: 2mg-60mg each day, in divided doses

  • Other spasticities: 5mg-60mg each day, in divided doses

  • To control muscle spasm: 2mg-15mg each day, in divided doses

  • Epilepsy as a premedication: 2mg-60mg per day, in divided doses

  • Epilepsy: 5mg-20mg daily

  • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms: 5mg-20mg, which may be repeated after 2 to 4 hours if necessary

  • Before dental treatment: 5mg the night before treatment, 5mg on waking and 5mg two hours before the appointment


Children


  • Cerebral spasticity: 2mg-40mg each day, in divided doses

  • For muscle spasm associated with tetanus, the adult dose is usually given

  • Epilepsy: 2mg-10mg daily


Specific patient groups



  • Elderly or frail: you are likely to be more sensitive to the effects of Diazepam oral solution, especially sedation, drowsiness and confusion. Your doctor will give you much lower doses, this should not be more than half the adult dose.


  • Breathing difficulties: you may be given you a lower dose.



If you take more Diazepam oral solution than you should


If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of Diazepam Oral Solution, or you think a child may have swallowed any, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately. Signs of an overdose include clumsiness and loss of coordination, feeling sleepy or deep sleep, speech problems, muscle weakness or excitement. An extreme overdose may lead to coma (unrousable unconsciousness), reflex problems and breathing difficulties.




If you forget to take Diazepam oral solution


Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time.




If you stop taking Diazepam oral solution


  • Do not stop taking your medicine without telling your doctor as he may gradually reduce your dose before stopping it completely. If stopped suddenly, you may have unpleasant side effects including headaches, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion and irritability. In severe cases you may experience depersonalisation (feeling that your mind is becoming separated from your body), derealisation (feeling that the world around you is not real), abnormally acute hearing or painful sensitivity to sound, numbness and tingling in arms and legs, over sensitivity to light, noise and physical contact, seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations) or fits.

  • Withdrawal symptoms include depression. Withdrawal symptoms may occur between normal and high doses or if your doctor is switching you to another benzodiazepine.

  • Treatment should be gradually withdrawn otherwise the symptoms being treated may return more intense than before (rebound insomnia and anxiety). Mood changes, anxiety, restlessness or changes in sleep patterns may also occur.




Possible Side Effects


Like all medicines, Diazepam oral solution can cause side-effects, although not everybody gets them.



Contact your doctor at once if you notice any of the following side effects.


These effects may be quite severe and are more likely to occur in children and the elderly:


  • confusion, experiencing rage, excitement, depression with suicidal tendencies, restlessness, agitation, irritability, delusion, nightmares, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), psychoses (loss of contact with reality), unusual behaviour


Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects or notice any other effects not listed:


  • mild drowsiness and lightheadedness may occur during the first few days of treatment.

  • drowsiness, sedation, clumsiness and loss of coordination, headache, ‘spinning’ sensation, forgetfulness, numbed emotions

  • blood disorders (changes in numbers and types of blood cells), changes in sex drive, visual disturbances, low blood pressure, stomach upsets, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), muscle spasms, difficulty passing urine, muscle weakness

  • Withdrawal symptoms: see Section 3, ‘If you stop taking Diazepam oral solution’

  • Dependence: see Section 2, ‘Other Considerations’

If you notice any side effects, they get worse, or if you notice any not listed, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




How to store


Keep out of the reach and sight of children.


Do not store above 25°C. Keep container in the outer carton and keep the container tightly closed.


Do not use Diazepam oral solution after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.


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 Diazepam oral solution contains


  • The active substance (the ingredient that makes the oral solution work) is diazepam. Each 5ml spoonful contains 2mg of the active ingredient.

  • The other ingredients are docusate sodium, magnesium aluminium silicate, propylene glycol, raspberry flavour, saccharin sodium, percol erythrosine (E127), sorbic acid (E200), propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216), methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), sorbital (E420), glycerol (E422).



What Diazepam oral solution looks like and contents of the pack


Diazepam oral solution is a pink syrup with an odour of raspberries.


Pack sizes are 100ml.




Marketing Authorisation Holder:



Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK




Manufacturer:



Pinewood Laboratories Ltd

Ballymacarbry

Clonmel

Ireland




Date of Revision: June 2009




Actavis

Barnstaple

EX32 8NS

UK


PINPL002