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Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Warnings
Inadvertently induced high arterial blood pressure may result in angina pectoris, aortic rupture or cerebral hemorrhage. Epinephrine may induce potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias in patients not suffering from heart disease and in patients with organic heart disease or who are receiving drugs that sensitize the myocardium. Parenterally administered epinephrine initially may produce constriction of renal blood vessels and decrease urine formation. Epinephrine Injection, USP is subject to oxidation and should be protected against exposure to light and stored in light-resistant containers. Epinephrine is the preferred treatment for serious allergic or other emergency situations even though this product contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may in other products cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms or life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons. The alternatives to using epinephrine in a life-threatening situation may not be satisfactory. The presence of a sulfite in this product should not deter administration of the drug for treatment of serious allergic or other emergency situations.
WARNINGSLIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION, FOR INFILTRATION AND NERVE BLOCK, SHOULD BE EMPLOYED ONLY BY CLINICIANS WHO ARE WELL VERSED IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DOSE-RELATED TOXICITY AND OTHER ACUTE EMERGENCIES THAT MIGHT ARISE FROM THE BLOCK TO BE EMPLOYED AND THEN ONLY AFTER ENSURING THE IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY OF OXYGEN, OTHER RESUSCITATIVE DRUGS, CARDIOPULMONARY EQUIPMENT, AND THE PERSONNEL NEEDED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC REACTIONS AND RELATED EMERGENCIES (See also ADVERSE REACTIONS and PRECAUTIONS). DELAY IN PROPER MANAGEMENT OF DOSE-RELATED TOXICITY, UNDERVENTILATION FROM ANY CAUSE AND/OR ALTERED SENSITIVITY MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACIDOSIS, CARDIAC ARREST AND, POSSIBLY, DEATH.
Intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics following arthroscopic and other surgical procedures is an unapproved use, and there have been post-marketing reports of chondrolysis in patients receiving such infusions. The majority of reported cases of chondrolysis have involved the shoulder joint; cases of gleno-humeral chondrolysis have been described in pediatric and adult patients following intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics with and without epinephrine for periods of 48 to 72 hours. There is insufficient information to determine whether shorter infusion periods are not associated with these findings. The time of onset of symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness and loss of motion can be variable, but may begin as early as the 2nd month after surgery. Currently, there is no effective treatment for chondrolysis; patients who experienced chondrolysis have required additional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and some required arthroplasty or shoulder replacement.
To avoid intravascular injection, aspiration should be performed before the local anesthetic solution is injected. The needle must be repositioned until no return of blood can be elicited by aspiration. Note, however, that the absence of blood in the syringe does not guarantee that intravascular injection has been avoided.
Local anesthetic solutions containing antimicrobial preservatives (e.g., methylparaben) should not be used for epidural or spinal anesthesia because the safety of these agents has not been established with regard to intrathecal injection, either intentional or accidental.
WARNINGSLOCAL ANESTHETICS SHOULD ONLY BE EMPLOYED BY CLINICIANS WHO ARE WELL VERSED IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DOSE-RELATED TOXICITY AND OTHER ACUTE EMERGENCIES WHICH MIGHT ARISE FROM THE BLOCK TO BE EMPLOYED, AND THEN ONLY AFTER INSURING THE IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY OF OXYGEN, OTHER RESUSCITATIVE DRUGS, CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATIVE EQUIPMENT, AND THE PERSONNEL RESOURCES NEEDED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC REACTIONS AND RELATED EMERGENCIES. (See also ADVERSE REACTIONS and PRECAUTIONS.) DELAY IN PROPER MANAGEMENT OF DOSE-RELATED TOXICITY, UNDERVENTILATION FROM ANY CAUSE AND/OR ALTERED SENSITIVITY MAY LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACIDOSIS, CARDIAC ARREST, AND, POSSIBLY, DEATH.
Intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics following arthroscopic and other surgical procedures is an unapproved use, and there have been post-marketing reports of chondrolysis in patients receiving such infusions. The majority of reported cases of chondrolysis have involved the shoulder joint; cases of gleno-humeral chondrolysis have been described in pediatric and adult patients following intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics with and without epinephrine for periods of 48 to 72 hours. There is insufficient information to determine whether shorter infusion periods are not associated with these findings. The time of onset of symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness and loss of motion can be variable, but may begin as early as the 2nd month after surgery. Currently, there is no effective treatment for chondrolysis; patients who experienced chondrolysis have required additional diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and some required arthroplasty or shoulder replacement.
Spinal anesthetics should not be injected during uterine contractions, because spinal fluid current may carry the drug further cephalad than desired.
A free flow of cerebrospinal fluid during the performance of spinal anesthesia is indicative of entry into the subarachnoid space. However, aspiration should be performed before the anesthetic solution is injected to confirm entry into the subarachnoid space and to avoid intravascular injection.
MARCAINE solutions containing epinephrine or other vasopressors should not be used concomitantly with ergot-type oxytocic drugs, because a severe persistent hypertension may occur. Likewise, solutions of MARCAINE containing a vasoconstrictor, such as epinephrine, should be used with extreme caution in patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) or antidepressants of the triptyline or imipramine types, because severe prolonged hypertension may result.
Until further experience is gained in patients younger than 18 years, administration of MARCAINE in this age group is not recommended.
Mixing or the prior or intercurrent use of any other local anesthetic with MARCAINE cannot be recommended because of insufficient data on the clinical use of such mixtures.
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Uses
Indications and Usage
Epinephrine is used to relieve respiratory distress due to bronchospasm, to provide rapid relief of hypersensitivity reactions to drugs and other allergens, and to prolong the action of anesthetics. Its cardiac effects may be of use in restoring cardiac rhythm in cardiac arrest due to various causes, but it is not used in cardiac failure or in hemorrhagic, traumatic, or cardiogenic shock. Epinephrine is used as a hemostatic agent. It is also used in treating mucosal congestion of hay fever, rhinitis, and acute sinusitis; to relieve bronchial asthmatic paroxysms; in syncope due to complete heart block or carotid sinus hypersensitivity; for symptomatic relief of serum sickness, urticaria, angioneurotic edema; for resuscitation in cardiac arrest following anesthetic accidents; in simple (open angle) glaucoma; for relaxation of uterine musculature and to inhibit uterine contractions. Epinephrine Injection can be utilized to prolong the action of anesthetics used in local and regional anesthesia.
INDICATIONS AND USAGELidocaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is indicated for production of local or regional anesthesia by infiltration techniques such as percutaneous injection and intravenous regional anesthesia by peripheral nerve block techniques such as brachial plexus and intercostal and by central neural techniques such as lumbar and caudal epidural blocks, when the accepted procedures for these techniques as described in standard textbooks are observed.
INDICATIONS AND USAGEMARCAINE Spinal is indicated for the production of subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia).
Standard textbooks should be consulted to determine the accepted procedures and techniques for the administration of spinal anesthesia.
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
EPINEPHRINE injection, USP
1:1000 (1 mg/mL)
Ampul
Protect from light until ready to use.
Rx only
DescriptionEpinephrine Injection, USP 1:1000 is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution. Each mL contains epinephrine 1 mg; sodium chloride 9 mg; sodium metabisulfite 0.9 mg added. May contain
hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. The solution contains no bacteriostat or antimicrobial agent. It is administered by the following routes: intravenous, intracardiac (left ventricular chamber), via endotracheal tube into the bronchial tree, subcutaneous or intramuscular. Epinephrine, USP is a sympathomimetic (adrenergic) agent designated chemically as 4-[1-hydroxy-2 (methylamino) ethyl]-1,2 benzenediol, a white, microcrystalline powder. It has the following structural formula:
Sodium Chloride, USP is chemically designated NaCl, a white, crystalline compound freely soluble in water.
LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE (lidocaine hydrochloride anhydrous) injection, solution
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS FOR INFILTRATION
AND NERVE BLOCK
Ampul
Plastic Multiple-dose Fliptop Vial
Glass Teartop Vial
Rx only
DESCRIPTIONLidocaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of lidocaine hydrochloride in water for injection for parenteral administration in various concentrations with characteristics as follows:
Concentration |
0.5% |
1% |
1.5% |
2% |
mg/mL lidocaine HCl (anhyd.) |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
mg/mL sodium chloride |
8 |
7 |
6.5 |
6 |
Multiple-dose vials contain 0.1% of methylparaben added as preservative. May contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. The pH is 6.5 (5.0 to 7.0). See HOW SUPPLIED section for various sizes and strengths.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amide type.
Lidocaine Hydrochloride, USP is chemically designated 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-acetamide monohydrochloride monohydrate, a white powder freely soluble in water. The molecular weight is 288.82. It has the following structural formula:
The semi-rigid vial used for the plastic vials is fabricated from a specially formulated polyolefin. It is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. The safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers. The container requires no vapor barrier to maintain the proper drug concentration.
MARCAINE SPINAL (bupivacaine hydrochloride) injection, solution
[Hospira, Inc.]
bupivacaine hydrochloride in dextrose injection, USP
STERILE HYPERBARIC SOLUTION
FOR SPINAL ANESTHESIA
Rx only
DESCRIPTIONBupivacaine hydrochloride is 2-Piperidinecarboxamide, 1-butyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-, monohydrochloride, monohydrate, a white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in 95 percent ethanol, soluble in water, and slightly soluble in chloroform or acetone. It has the following structural formula:
Dextrose is D-glucopyranose monohydrate and has the following structural formula:
MARCAINETM Spinal is available in sterile hyperbaric solution for subarachnoid injection (spinal block).
Bupivacaine hydrochloride is related chemically and pharmacologically to the aminoacyl local anesthetics. It is a homologue of mepivacaine and is chemically related to lidocaine. All three of these anesthetics contain an amide linkage between the aromatic nucleus and the amino or piperidine group. They differ in this respect from the procaine-type local anesthetics, which have an ester linkage.
Each mL of MARCAINE Spinal contains 7.5 mg bupivacaine hydrochloride (anhydrous) and 82.5 mg dextrose (anhydrous). The pH of this solution is adjusted to between 4.0 and 6.5 with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid.
The specific gravity of MARCAINE Spinal is between 1.030 and 1.035 at 25°C and 1.03 at 37°C.
MARCAINE Spinal does not contain any preservatives.
Sources
A4014-25 Spinal 25g Whitacre Manufacturers
-
Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.
A4014-25 Spinal 25g Whitacre | American Health Packaging
2.1 General Dosing ConsiderationsRash
There are suggestions, yet to be proven, that the risk of severe, potentially life-threatening rash may be increased by (1) coadministration of lamotrigine with valproate, (2) exceeding the recommended initial dose of lamotrigine, or (3) exceeding the recommended dose escalation for lamotrigine. However, cases have occurred in the absence of these factors [see BOXED WARNING]. Therefore, it is important that the dosing recommendations be followed closely.
The risk of nonserious rash may be increased when the recommended initial dose and/or the rate of dose escalation for lamotrigine is exceeded and in patients with a history of allergy or rash to other AEDs.
It is recommended that lamotrigine not be restarted in patients who discontinued due to rash associated with prior treatment with lamotrigine, unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. If the decision is made to restart a patient who has discontinued lamotrigine, the need to restart with the initial dosing recommendations should be assessed. The greater the interval of time since the previous dose, the greater consideration should be given to restarting with the initial dosing recommendations. If a patient has discontinued lamotrigine for a period of more than 5 half-lives, it is recommended that initial dosing recommendations and guidelines be followed. The half-life of lamotrigine is affected by other concomitant medications [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
Lamotrigine Added to Drugs Known to Induce or Inhibit Glucuronidation
Because lamotrigine is metabolized predominantly by glucuronic acid conjugation, drugs that are known to induce or inhibit glucuronidation may affect the apparent clearance of lamotrigine. Drugs that induce glucuronidation include carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir. Valproate inhibits glucuronidation. For dosing considerations for lamotrigine in patients on estrogen-containing contraceptives and atazanavir/ritonavir, see below and Table 13. For dosing considerations for lamotrigine in patients on other drugs known to induce or inhibit glucuronidation, see Tables 1, 2, 5-6, and 13.
Target Plasma Levels for Patients with Epilepsy or Bipolar Disorder
A therapeutic plasma concentration range has not been established for lamotrigine. Dosing of lamotrigine should be based on therapeutic response [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
Women Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
Starting Lamotrigine in Women Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
Although estrogen-containing oral contraceptives have been shown to increase the clearance of lamotrigine [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], no adjustments to the recommended dose-escalation guidelines for lamotrigine should be necessary solely based on the use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives. Therefore, dose escalation should follow the recommended guidelines for initiating adjunctive therapy with lamotrigine based on the concomitant AED or other concomitant medications (see Tables 1, 5, and 7). See below for adjustments to maintenance doses of lamotrigine in women taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
Adjustments to the Maintenance Dose of Lamotrigine in Women Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
(1) Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
In women not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], the maintenance dose of lamotrigine will in most cases need to be increased by as much as 2-fold over the recommended target maintenance dose to maintain a consistent lamotrigine plasma level.
(2) Starting Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
In women taking a stable dose of lamotrigine and not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], the maintenance dose will in most cases need to be increased by as much as 2-fold to maintain a consistent lamotrigine plasma level. The dose increases should begin at the same time that the oral contraceptive is introduced and continue, based on clinical response, no more rapidly than 50 to 100 mg/day every week. Dose increases should not exceed the recommended rate (see Table 1 and 5) unless lamotrigine plasma levels or clinical response support larger increases. Gradual transient increases in lamotrigine plasma levels may occur during the week of inactive hormonal preparation (pill-free week), and these increases will be greater if dose increases are made in the days before or during the week of inactive hormonal preparation. Increased lamotrigine plasma levels could result in additional adverse reactions, such as dizziness, ataxia, and diplopia. If adverse reactions attributable to lamotrigine consistently occur during the pill-free week, dose adjustments to the overall maintenance dose may be necessary. Dose adjustments limited to the pill-free week are not recommended. For women taking lamotrigine in addition to carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], no adjustment to the dose of lamotrigine should be necessary.
(3) Stopping Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives
In women not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], the maintenance dose of lamotrigine will in most cases need to be decreased by as much as 50% in order to maintain a consistent lamotrigine plasma level. The decrease in dose of lamotrigine should not exceed 25% of the total daily dose per week over a 2-week period, unless clinical response or lamotrigine plasma levels indicate otherwise [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. In women taking lamotrigine in addition to carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], no adjustment to the dose of lamotrigine should be necessary.
Women and Other Hormonal Contraceptive Preparations or Hormone Replacement Therapy
The effect of other hormonal contraceptive preparations or hormone replacement therapy on the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine has not been systematically evaluated. It has been reported that ethinylestradiol, not progestogens, increased the clearance of lamotrigine up to 2-fold, and the progestin-only pills had no effect on lamotrigine plasma levels. Therefore, adjustments to the dosage of lamotrigine in the presence of progestogens alone will likely not be needed.
Patients Taking Atazanavir/Ritonavir
While atazanavir/ritonavir does reduce the lamotrigine plasma concentration, no adjustments to the recommended dose-escalation guidelines for lamotrigine should be necessary solely based on the use of atazanavir/ritonavir. Dose escalation should follow the recommended guidelines for initiating adjunctive therapy with lamotrigine based on concomitant AED or other concomitant medications (see Tables 1, 2, and 5). In patients already taking maintenance doses of lamotrigine and not taking glucuronidation inducers, the dose of lamotrigine may need to be increased if atazanavir/ritonavir is added, or decreased if atazanavir/ritonavir is discontinued [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Experience in patients with hepatic impairment is limited. Based on a clinical pharmacology study in 24 subjects with mild, moderate, and severe liver impairment [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)], the following general recommendations can be made. No dosage adjustment is needed in patients with mild liver impairment. Initial, escalation, and maintenance doses should generally be reduced by approximately 25% in patients with moderate and severe liver impairment without ascites and 50% in patients with severe liver impairment with ascites. Escalation and maintenance doses may be adjusted according to clinical response.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Initial doses of lamotrigine should be based on patients' concomitant medications (see Tables 1-3, and 5); reduced maintenance doses may be effective for patients with significant renal impairment [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. Few patients with severe renal impairment have been evaluated during chronic treatment with lamotrigine. Because there is inadequate experience in this population, lamotrigine should be used with caution in these patients.
Discontinuation Strategy
Epilepsy
For patients receiving lamotrigine in combination with other AEDs, a re-evaluation of all AEDs in the regimen should be considered if a change in seizure control or an appearance or worsening of adverse reactions is observed.
If a decision is made to discontinue therapy with lamotrigine, a step-wise reduction of dose over at least 2 weeks (approximately 50% per week) is recommended unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)].
Discontinuing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation should prolong the half-life of lamotrigine; discontinuing valproate should shorten the half-life of lamotrigine.
Bipolar Disorder
In the controlled clinical trials, there was no increase in the incidence, type, or severity of adverse reactions following abrupt termination of lamotrigine. In the clinical development program in adults with bipolar disorder, 2 patients experienced seizures shortly after abrupt withdrawal of lamotrigine. Discontinuation of lamotrigine should involve a step-wise reduction of dose over at least 2 weeks (approximately 50% per week) unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)].
2.2 Epilepsy – Adjunctive TherapyThis section provides specific dosing recommendations for patients older than 12 years and patients aged 2 to 12 years. Within each of these age-groups, specific dosing recommendations are provided depending upon concomitant AEDs or other concomitant medications (see Table 1 for patients older than 12 years and Table 2 for patients aged 2 to 12 years). A weight-based dosing guide for patients aged 2 to 12 years on concomitant valproate is provided in Table 3.
Patients Older than 12 Years
Recommended dosing guidelines are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 Escalation Regimen for Lamotrigine in Patients Older than 12 Years with Epilepsy
In Patients Taking Valproatea
In Patients NOT TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidoneb, or Valproatea
In Patients TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidoneb and NOT TAKING Valproatea
aValproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
bDrugs that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation and increase clearance, other than the specified antiepileptic drugs, include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, rifampin, and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir. Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives and the protease inhibitor atazanavir/ritonavir can be found in General Dosing Considerations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION(2.1)]. Patients on rifampin and the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with antiepileptic drugs that induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1), DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY(12.3)].Weeks 1 and 2
25 mg every other day
25 mg every day
50 mg/day
Weeks 3 and 4
25 mg every day
50 mg/day
100 mg/day
(in 2 divided doses)Week 5 onward to maintenance
Increase by 25 to 50 mg/day every 1 to 2 weeks.
Increase by 50 mg/day every 1 to 2 weeks.
Increase by 100 mg/day every 1 to 2 weeks.
Usual Maintenance Dose
100 to 200 mg/day with valproate alone
100 to 400 mg/day with valproate and other drugs that induce glucuronidation
(in 1 or 2 divided doses)225 to 375 mg/day
(in 2 divided doses)300 to 500 mg/day
(in 2 divided doses)Patients Aged 2 to 12 Years
Recommended dosing guidelines are summarized in Table 2.
Lower starting doses and slower dose escalations than those used in clinical trials are recommended because of the suggestion that the risk of rash may be decreased by lower starting doses and slower dose escalations. Therefore, maintenance doses will take longer to reach in clinical practice than in clinical trials. It may take several weeks to months to achieve an individualized maintenance dose. Maintenance doses in patients weighing less than 30 kg, regardless of age or concomitant AED, may need to be increased as much as 50%, based on clinical response.
Table 2 Escalation Regimen for Lamotrigine in Patients Aged 2 to 12 Years with Epilepsy In Patients TAKING Valproatea
In Patients NOT TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidoneb, or Valproatea
In Patients TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidoneb and NOT TAKING Valproatea
Note: Only whole tablets should be used for dosing.
aValproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
bDrugs that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation and increase clearance, other than the specified antiepileptic drugs, include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, rifampin, and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir. Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives and the protease inhibitor atazanavir/ritonavir can be found in General Dosing Considerations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1)]. Patients on rifampin and the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with antiepileptic drugs that induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1), DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].Weeks 1 and 2
0.15 mg/kg/day
in 1 or 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest
whole tablet (see Table 3 for weight based dosing guide)0.3 mg/kg/day
in 1 or 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tablet0.6 mg/kg/day
in 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tabletWeeks 3 and 4
0.3 mg/kg/day
in 1 or 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest
whole tablet (see Table 3 for weight based dosing guide)0.6 mg/kg/day
in 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tablet1.2 mg/kg/day
in 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tabletWeeks 5 onward to maintenance
The dose should be increased every 1 to 2 weeks as follows: calculate 0.3 mg/kg/day, round this amount down to the nearest whole tablet, and add this amount to the previously administered daily dose.
The dose should be increased every 1 to 2 weeks as follows: calculate 0.6 mg/kg/day, round this amount down to the nearest whole tablet, and add this amount to the previously administered daily dose.
The dose should be increased every 1 to 2 weeks as follows: calculate 1.2 mg/kg/day, round this amount down to the nearest whole tablet, and add this amount to the previously administered daily dose.
Usual Maintenance Dose
1 to 5 mg/kg/day (maximum 200 mg/day in 1 or 2 divided doses)
1 to 3 mg/kg/day with valproate alone4.5 to 7.5 mg/kg/day
(maximum 300 mg/day in 2 divided doses)5 to 15 mg/kg/day (maximum 400 mg/day in 2 divided doses)
Maintenance dose in patients less than 30 kg
May need to be increased by as much as 50%,
based on clinical response.May need to be increased by as much as 50%,
based on clinical response.May need to be increased by as much as 50%,
Table 3 The Initial Weight-Based Dosing Guide for Patients Aged 2 to 12 Years Taking Valproate (Weeks 1 to 4) with Epilepsy
based on clinical response.If the patient’s weight is
Give this daily dose, using the most appropriate combination of Lamotrigine 5 mg tablets
Greater than
And less than
Weeks 1 and 2
Weeks 3 and 4
34.1 kg
40 kg
5 mg every day
10 mg every day
Usual Adjunctive Maintenance Dose for Epilepsy
The usual maintenance doses identified in Tables 1 and 2 are derived from dosing regimens employed in the placebo-controlled adjunctive trials in which the efficacy of lamotrigine was established. In patients receiving multidrug regimens employing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone without valproate, maintenance doses of adjunctive lamotrigine as high as 700 mg/day have been used. In patients receiving valproate alone, maintenance doses of adjunctive lamotrigine as high as 200 mg/day have been used. The advantage of using doses above those recommended in Tables 1 to 4 has not been established in controlled trials.
2.3 Epilepsy – Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy to MonotherapyThe goal of the transition regimen is to attempt to maintain seizure control while mitigating the risk of serious rash associated with the rapid titration of lamotrigine.
The recommended maintenance dose of lamotrigine as monotherapy is 500 mg/day given in 2 divided doses.
To avoid an increased risk of rash, the recommended initial dose and subsequent dose escalations for lamotrigine should not be exceeded [see BOXED WARNING].
Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy with Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone to Monotherapy with Lamotrigine
After achieving a dose of 500 mg/day of lamotrigine using the guidelines in Table 1, the concomitant AED should be withdrawn by 20% decrements each week over a 4-week period. The regimen for the withdrawal of the concomitant enzyme-inducing AED is based on experience gained in the controlled monotherapy clinical trial.
Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy with Valproate to Monotherapy with Lamotrigine
The conversion regimen involves 4 steps outlined in Table 4.
Table 4 Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy with Valproate to Monotherapy with Lamotrigine in Patients aged 16 Years and Older with EpilepsyLamotrigine
Valproate
Step 1
Achieve a dose of 200 mg/day according to guidelines in Table 1.
Maintain established stable dose.
Step 2
Maintain at 200 mg/day.
Decrease dose by decrements no greater than 500 mg/day/week to 500 mg/day and then maintain for 1 week.
Step 3
Increase to 300 mg/day and maintain for 1 week.
Simultaneously decrease to 250 mg/day and maintain for 1 week.
Step 4
Increase by 100 mg/day every week to achieve maintenance dose of 500 mg/day.
Discontinue.
Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy with Antiepileptic Drugs other than Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, or Valproate to Monotherapy with Lamotrigine
No specific dosing guidelines can be provided for conversion to monotherapy with lamotrigine with AEDs other than carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, or valproate.
2.4 Bipolar DisorderThe goal of maintenance treatment with lamotrigine is to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes (depression, mania, hypomania, mixed episodes) in patients treated for acute mood episodes with standard therapy. [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE (1)].
Patients taking lamotrigine for more than 16 weeks should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.
Adults
The target dose of lamotrigine is 200 mg/day (100 mg/day in patients taking valproate, which decreases the apparent clearance of lamotrigine, and 400 mg/day in patients not taking valproate and taking either carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir that increase the apparent clearance of lamotrigine). In the clinical trials, doses up to 400 mg/day as monotherapy were evaluated; however, no additional benefit was seen at 400 mg/day compared with 200 mg/day [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Accordingly, doses above 200 mg/day are not recommended.
Treatment with lamotrigine is introduced, based on concurrent medications, according to the regimen outlined in Table 5. If other psychotropic medications are withdrawn following stabilization, the dose of lamotrigine should be adjusted. In patients discontinuing valproate, the dose of lamotrigine should be doubled over a 2-week period in equal weekly increments (see Table 6). In patients discontinuing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or other drugs such as rifampin and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation, the dose of lamotrigine should remain constant for the first week and then should be decreased by half over a 2-week period in equal weekly decrements (see Table 6). The dose of lamotrigine may then be further adjusted to the target dose (200 mg) as clinically indicated.
If other drugs are subsequently introduced, the dose of lamotrigine may need to be adjusted. In particular, the introduction of valproate requires reduction in the dose of lamotrigine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
To avoid an increased risk of rash, the recommended initial dose and subsequent dose escalations of lamotrigine should not be exceeded [see BOXED WARNING].
Table 5 Escalation Regimen for Lamotrigine in Adults with Bipolar Disorder aValproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
b Drugs that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation and increase clearance, other than the specified antiepileptic drugs, include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, rifampin, and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir. Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives and the protease inhibitor atazanavir/ritonavir can be found in General Dosing Considerations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1)]. Patients on rifampin and the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with antiepileptic drugs that induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1), DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].In Patients TAKING Valproatea
In Patients NOT TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidoneb, or Valproatea
In Patients TAKING Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidoneb and NOT TAKING Valproatea
Weeks 1 and 2
25 mg every other day
25 mg daily
50 mg daily
Weeks 3 and 4
25 mg daily
50 mg daily
100 mg daily, in divided doses
Week 5
50 mg daily
100 mg daily
200 mg daily, in divided doses
Week 6
100 mg daily
200 mg daily
300 mg daily, in divided doses
Week 7
100 mg daily
200 mg daily
up to 400 mg daily, in divided doses
Table 6 Dosage Adjustments to Lamotrigine in Adults with Bipolar Disorder Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications aValproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
b Drugs that induce lamotrigine glucuronidation and increase clearance, other than the specified antiepileptic drugs, include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, rifampin, and the protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir. Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives and the protease inhibitor atazanavir/ritonavir can be found in General Dosing Considerations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1)]. Patients on rifampin and the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with antiepileptic drugs that induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.1), DRUG INTERACTIONS (7), and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].Discontinuation of Psychotropic Drugs (excluding Valproatea, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital or Primidoneb)
After Discontinuation of Valproatea
After Discontinuation of Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidoneb
Current Dose of Lamotrigine (mg/day)
100Current Dose of Lamotrigine (mg/day)
400Week 1
Maintain current dose of Lamotrigine
150
400
Week 2
Maintain current dose of Lamotrigine
200
300
Week 3 onward
Maintain current dose of Lamotrigine
200
200
2.5 Administration of Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible)Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible) may be swallowed whole, chewed, or dispersed in water or diluted fruit juice. If the tablets are chewed, consume a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing.
To disperse Lamotrigine Tablets (Chewable, Dispersible), add the tablets to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon, or enough to cover the medication). Approximately 1 minute later, when the tablets are completely dispersed, swirl the solution and consume the entire quantity immediately. No attempt should be made to administer partial quantities of the dispersed tablets.
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