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Cardinal Health Drugs

  • Leader Aspirin (Aspirin) Tablet, Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Leader Aspirin

    Leader Aspirin (Aspirin) Tablet, Coated [Cardinal Health]

    adults and children 12 years of age and over: take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours while symptoms persist. Drik a full glass of water with each dose. Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. Children under 12 years of age: consult a doctor

  • Leader Anti Diarrheal
    Leader Anti Diarrheal (Loperamide Hcl) Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Leader Anti Diarrheal

    Leader Anti Diarrheal (Loperamide Hcl) Solution [Cardinal Health]

    drink plenty of clear fluids to help prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea find right dose on chart. If possible, use weight to dose; otherwise use age. only use attached measuring cup to dose product adults and children 12 years and over 4 teaspoonfuls (1 dosage cup) after the first loose stool; 2 teaspoonfuls (1/2 dosage cup) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 8 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours children 9-11 years (60-95 lbs) 2 teaspoonfuls (1/2 dosage cup) after the first loose stool; 1 teaspoonful (1/4 dosage cup) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 6 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours children 6-8 years (48-59 lbs) 2 teaspoonfuls (1/2 dosage cup) after the first loose stool; 1 teaspoonful (1/4 dosage cup) after each subsequent loose stool; but no more than 4 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours children under 6 years (up to 47 lbs) ask a doctor

  • Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone Sodium

    Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS).

    There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).

    Neonates

    Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with ceftriaxone for injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in neonates if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Pediatric Patients

    For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).

    For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days.

    Adults

    The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), the recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 grams, in order to achieve >90% target attainment. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.

    If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism.

    For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, a single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended.

    For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously 1/2 to 2 hours before surgery is recommended.

    Generally, ceftriaxone therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

    When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.

    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function.

    Directions for Use

    Intramuscular Administration

    Reconstitute ceftriaxone sodium powder with the appropriate diluent (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Compatibility and Stability).

    Inject diluent into vial, shake vial thoroughly to form solution. Withdraw entire contents of vial into syringe to equal total labeled dose.

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 250 mg or 350 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone according to the amount of diluent indicated below. If required, more dilute solutions could be utilized. A 350 mg/mL concentration is not recommended for the 250 mg vial since it may not be possible to withdraw the entire contents. As with all intramuscular preparations, ceftriaxone should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle; aspiration helps to avoid unintentional injection into a blood vessel.

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg/mL 350 mg/mL 250 mg 0.9 mL – 500 mg 1.8 mL 1 mL 1 gm 3.6 mL 2.1 mL 2 gm 7.2 mL 4.2 mL

    Intravenous Administration

    Ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously by infusion over a period of 30 minutes. Concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are recommended; however, lower concentrations may be used if desired. Reconstitute vials with an appropriate IV diluent (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Compatibility and Stability).

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg 2.4 mL 500 mg 4.8 mL 1 gm 9.6 mL 2 gm 19.2 mL

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 100 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone. Withdraw entire contents and dilute to the desired concentration with the appropriate IV diluent.

    Compatibility and Stability

    Ceftriaxone has been shown to be compatible with Flagyl® IV (metronidazole hydrochloride). The concentration should not exceed 5 to 7.5 mg/mL metronidazole hydrochloride with ceftriaxone 10 mg/mL as an admixture. The admixture is stable for 24 hours at room temperature only in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). No compatibility studies have been conducted with the Flagyl® IV RTU® (metronidazole) formulation or using other diluents. Metronidazole at concentrations greater than 8 mg/mL will precipitate. Do not refrigerate the admixture as precipitation will occur.

    Vancomycin, amsacrine, aminoglycosides, and fluconazole are physically incompatible with ceftriaxone in admixtures. When any of these drugs are to be administered concomitantly with ceftriaxone by intermittent intravenous infusion, it is recommended that they be given sequentially, with thorough flushing of the intravenous lines (with one of the compatible fluids) between the administrations.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone for injection or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration. Particulate formation can result.

    Ceftriaxone for injection solutions should not be physically mixed with or piggybacked into solutions containing other antimicrobial drugs or into diluent solutions other than those listed above, due to possible incompatibility (see WARNINGS).

    Ceftriaxone sodium sterile powder should be stored at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] and protected from light. After reconstitution, protection from normal light is not necessary. The color of solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used.

    Ceftriaxone intramuscular solutions remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods:

    Diluent Concentration Storage mg/mL

    Room Temp.

    (25°C)

    Refrigerated

    (4°C)

    Sterile Water for Injection

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    5% Dextrose Solution

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days Bacteriostatic Water + 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol

    100

    250, 350

    24 hours

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days 1% Lidocaine Solution (without epinephrine)

    100

    250, 350

    24 hours

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    Ceftriaxone intravenous solutions, at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL, remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods stored in glass or PVC containers:

    * Data available for 10 to 40 mg/mL concentrations in this diluent in PVC containers only. Diluent Storage

    Room Temp.

    (25°C)

    Refrigerated

    (4°C) Sterile Water 2 days 10 days

    0.9% Sodium

    Chloride Solution 2 days 10 days 5% Dextrose Solution 2 days 10 days 10% Dextrose Solution 2 days 10 days

    5% Dextrose + 0.9%

    Sodium Chloride Solution* 2 days Incompatible

    5% Dextrose + 0.45%

    Sodium Chloride Solution 2 days Incompatible

    The following intravenous ceftriaxone solutions are stable at room temperature (25°C) for 24 hours, at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL: Sodium Lactate (PVC container), 10% Invert Sugar (glass container), 5% Sodium Bicarbonate (glass container), Freamine III (glass container), Normosol-M in 5% Dextrose (glass and PVC containers), Ionosol-B in 5% Dextrose (glass container), 5% Mannitol (glass container), 10% Mannitol (glass container).

    After the indicated stability time periods, unused portions of solutions should be discarded.

    NOTE: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter before administration.

    Ceftriaxone reconstituted with 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL, and then stored in frozen state (-20°C) in PVC or polyolefin containers, remains stable for 26 weeks.

    Frozen solutions of ceftriaxone for injection should be thawed at room temperature before use. After thawing, unused portions should be discarded. DO NOT REFREEZE.

  • Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone Sodium

    Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone in the ADD-Vantage® Vial is intended for intravenous infusion only, after dilution with appropriate volume of ADD-Vantage diluent solution.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS).

    There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).

    Neonates

    Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with ceftriaxone for injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in neonates if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Pediatric Patients

    For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE). (The above is for informational purposes only. Ceftriaxone in ADD-Vantage vials is not intended for intramuscular use.)

    For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days.

    Adults

    The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), the recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 grams, in order to achieve >90% target attainment. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.

    If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism.

    For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, a single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended. (The above is for informational purposes only. Ceftriaxone in ADD-Vantage vials is not intended for intramuscular use.)

    For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously ½ to 2 hours before surgery is recommended.

    Generally, ceftriaxone therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

    When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.

    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function.

    Directions for Use

    Intravenous Administration

    Ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously by infusion over a period of 30 minutes

    ADD-Vantage Vials for IV Use Only contain ceftriaxone sodium equivalent to 1 gm or 2 gm ceftriaxone to be used with 50 mL or 100 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, in the ADD-Vantage Flexible Diluent Container. (See Instructions For Use of the ADD-Vantage® System at the end of this package insert.)

    Compatibility and Stability

    Ceftriaxone has been shown to be compatible with Flagyl® IV (metronidazole hydrochloride). The concentration should not exceed 5 to 7.5 mg/mL metronidazole hydrochloride with ceftriaxone 10 mg/mL as an admixture. The admixture is stable for 24 hours at room temperature only in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). No compatibility studies have been conducted with the Flagyl® IV RTU® (metronidazole) formulation or using other diluents. Metronidazole at concentrations greater than 8 mg/mL will precipitate. Do not refrigerate the admixture as precipitation will occur.

    Vancomycin, amsacrine, aminoglycosides, and fluconazole are physically incompatible with ceftriaxone in admixtures. When any of these drugs are to be administered concomitantly with ceftriaxone by intermittent intravenous infusion, it is recommended that they be given sequentially, with thorough flushing of the intravenous lines (with one of the compatible fluids) between the administrations.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone for injection. Particulate formation can result.

    Ceftriaxone solutions should not be physically mixed with or piggybacked into solutions containing other antimicrobial drugs or into diluent solutions other than those listed above, due to the possible incompatibility (see WARNINGS).

    Ceftriaxone sodium sterile powder should be stored at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] and protected from light. After reconstitution, protection from normal light is not necessary. The color of solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used.

    After the indicated stability time periods, unused portions of solutions should be discarded.

    NOTE: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter before administration. ADD-Vantage Vials – Ceftriaxone for Injection Units: See Instructions For Use of the ADD-Vantage® System at the end of this package insert.

  • Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone Sodium

    Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS).

    There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).

    Neonates

    Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with ceftriaxone for injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Ceftriaxone is contraindicated in neonates if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Pediatric Patients

    For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).

    For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days.

    Adults

    The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), the recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 grams, in order to achieve >90% target attainment. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.

    If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism.

    For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, a single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended.

    For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously 1/2 to 2 hours before surgery is recommended.

    Generally, ceftriaxone therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

    When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.

    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function.

    Directions for Use

    Intramuscular Administration

    Reconstitute ceftriaxone sodium powder with the appropriate diluent (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Compatibility and Stability).

    Inject diluent into vial, shake vial thoroughly to form solution. Withdraw entire contents of vial into syringe to equal total labeled dose.

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 250 mg or 350 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone according to the amount of diluent indicated below. If required, more dilute solutions could be utilized. A 350 mg/mL concentration is not recommended for the 250 mg vial since it may not be possible to withdraw the entire contents. As with all intramuscular preparations, ceftriaxone should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle; aspiration helps to avoid unintentional injection into a blood vessel.

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg/mL 350 mg/mL 250 mg 0.9 mL – 500 mg 1.8 mL 1 mL 1 gm 3.6 mL 2.1 mL 2 gm 7.2 mL 4.2 mL

    Intravenous Administration

    Ceftriaxone should be administered intravenously by infusion over a period of 30 minutes. Concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are recommended; however, lower concentrations may be used if desired. Reconstitute vials with an appropriate IV diluent (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Compatibility and Stability).

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg 2.4 mL 500 mg 4.8 mL 1 gm 9.6 mL 2 gm 19.2 mL

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 100 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone. Withdraw entire contents and dilute to the desired concentration with the appropriate IV diluent.

    Compatibility and Stability

    Ceftriaxone has been shown to be compatible with Flagyl® IV (metronidazole hydrochloride). The concentration should not exceed 5 to 7.5 mg/mL metronidazole hydrochloride with ceftriaxone 10 mg/mL as an admixture. The admixture is stable for 24 hours at room temperature only in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose in water (D5W). No compatibility studies have been conducted with the Flagyl® IV RTU® (metronidazole) formulation or using other diluents. Metronidazole at concentrations greater than 8 mg/mL will precipitate. Do not refrigerate the admixture as precipitation will occur.

    Vancomycin, amsacrine, aminoglycosides, and fluconazole are physically incompatible with ceftriaxone in admixtures. When any of these drugs are to be administered concomitantly with ceftriaxone by intermittent intravenous infusion, it is recommended that they be given sequentially, with thorough flushing of the intravenous lines (with one of the compatible fluids) between the administrations.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer’s solution or Hartmann’s solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone for injection or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration. Particulate formation can result.

    Ceftriaxone for injection solutions should not be physically mixed with or piggybacked into solutions containing other antimicrobial drugs or into diluent solutions other than those listed above, due to possible incompatibility (see WARNINGS).

    Ceftriaxone sodium sterile powder should be stored at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] and protected from light. After reconstitution, protection from normal light is not necessary. The color of solutions ranges from light yellow to amber, depending on the length of storage, concentration and diluent used.

    Ceftriaxone intramuscular solutions remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods:

    Diluent Concentration Storage mg/mL

    Room Temp.

    (25°C)

    Refrigerated

    (4°C)

    Sterile Water for Injection

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    5% Dextrose Solution

    100

    250, 350

    2 days

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days Bacteriostatic Water + 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol

    100

    250, 350

    24 hours

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days 1% Lidocaine Solution (without epinephrine)

    100

    250, 350

    24 hours

    24 hours

    10 days

    3 days

    Ceftriaxone intravenous solutions, at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/mL, remain stable (loss of potency less than 10%) for the following time periods stored in glass or PVC containers:

    * Data available for 10 to 40 mg/mL concentrations in this diluent in PVC containers only. Diluent Storage

    Room Temp.

    (25°C)

    Refrigerated

    (4°C) Sterile Water 2 days 10 days

    0.9% Sodium

    Chloride Solution 2 days 10 days 5% Dextrose Solution 2 days 10 days 10% Dextrose Solution 2 days 10 days

    5% Dextrose + 0.9%

    Sodium Chloride Solution* 2 days Incompatible

    5% Dextrose + 0.45%

    Sodium Chloride Solution 2 days Incompatible

    The following intravenous ceftriaxone solutions are stable at room temperature (25°C) for 24 hours, at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL: Sodium Lactate (PVC container), 10% Invert Sugar (glass container), 5% Sodium Bicarbonate (glass container), Freamine III (glass container), Normosol-M in 5% Dextrose (glass and PVC containers), Ionosol-B in 5% Dextrose (glass container), 5% Mannitol (glass container), 10% Mannitol (glass container).

    After the indicated stability time periods, unused portions of solutions should be discarded.

    NOTE: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter before administration.

    Ceftriaxone reconstituted with 5% Dextrose or 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution at concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL, and then stored in frozen state (-20°C) in PVC or polyolefin containers, remains stable for 26 weeks.

    Frozen solutions of ceftriaxone for injection should be thawed at room temperature before use. After thawing, unused portions should be discarded. DO NOT REFREEZE.

  • Cyclosporine Capsule, Liquid Filled [Cardinal Health]

    Cyclosporine

    Cyclosporine Capsule, Liquid Filled [Cardinal Health]

    Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED, soft gelatin capsules, has increased bioavailability in comparison to Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP). Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED and Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) are not bioequivalent and cannot be used interchangeably without physician supervision.

    The daily dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should always be given in two divided doses (BID). It is recommended that Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect metabolism, increasing blood concentration of cyclosporine, thus should be avoided.

    Newly Transplanted Patients

    The initial oral dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED can be given 4 to 12 hours prior to transplantation or be given postoperatively. The initial dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED varies depending on the transplanted organ and the other immunosuppressive agents included in the immunosuppressive protocol. In newly transplanted patients, the initial oral dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED is the same as the initial oral dose of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP). Suggested initial doses are available from the results of a 1994 survey of the use of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) in US transplant centers. The mean ±SD initial doses were 9±3 mg/kg/day for renal transplant patients (75 centers), 8±4 mg/kg/day for liver transplant patients (30 centers), and 7±3 mg/kg/day for heart transplant patients (24 centers). Total daily doses were divided into two equal daily doses. The Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED dose is subsequently adjusted to achieve a pre-defined cyclosporine blood concentration (see Blood Concentration Monitoring in Transplant Patients, below). If cyclosporine trough blood concentrations are used, the target range is the same for Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED as for Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP). Using the same trough concentration target range for Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED as for Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) results in greater cyclosporine exposure when Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED is administered (see Pharmacokinetics, Absorption). Dosing should be titrated based on clinical assessments of rejection and tolerability. Lower Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED doses may be sufficient as maintenance therapy.

    Adjunct therapy with adrenal corticosteroids is recommended initially. Different tapering dosage schedules of prednisone appear to achieve similar results. A representative dosage schedule based on the patient’s weight started with 2 mg/kg/day for the first 4 days tapered to 1 mg/kg/day by 1 week, 0.6 mg/kg/day by 2 weeks, 0.3 mg/kg/day by 1 month, and 0.15 mg/kg/day by 2 months and thereafter as a maintenance dose. Steroid doses may be further tapered on an individualized basis depending on status of patient and function of graft. Adjustments in dosage of prednisone must be made according to the clinical situation.

    Conversion from Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED in Transplant Patients

    In transplanted patients who are considered for conversion to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED from Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP), Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be started with the same daily dose as was previously used with Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) (1:1 dose conversion). The Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED dose should subsequently be adjusted to attain the pre-conversion cyclosporine blood trough concentration. Using the same trough concentration target range for Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED as for Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) results in greater cyclosporine exposure when Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED is administered (see Pharmacokinetics, Absorption). Patients with suspected poor absorption of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) require different dosing strategies (see Transplant Patients with Poor Absorption of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP), below). In some patients, the increase in blood trough concentration is more pronounced and may be of clinical significance.

    Until the blood trough concentration attains the pre-conversion value, it is strongly recommended that the cyclosporine blood trough concentration be monitored every 4 to 7 days after conversion to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED. In addition, clinical safety parameters such as serum creatinine and blood pressure should be monitored every two weeks during the first two months after conversion. If the blood trough concentrations are outside the desired range and/or if the clinical safety parameters worsen, the dosage of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED must be adjusted accordingly.

    Transplant Patients with Poor Absorption of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP)

    Patients with lower than expected cyclosporine blood trough concentrations in relation to the oral dose of Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP) may have poor or inconsistent absorption of cyclosporine from Sandimmune® (Cyclosporine Capsules USP). After conversion to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED, patients tend to have higher cyclosporine concentrations. Due to the increase in bioavailability of cyclosporine following conversion to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED, the cyclosporine blood trough concentration may exceed the target range. Particular caution should be exercised when converting patients to Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED at doses greater than 10 mg/kg/day. The dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be titrated individually based on cyclosporine trough concentrations, tolerability, and clinical response. In this population the cyclosporine blood trough concentration should be measured more frequently, at least twice a week (daily, if initial dose exceeds 10 mg/kg/day) until the concentration stabilizes within the desired range.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The initial dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED is 2.5 mg/kg/day, taken twice daily as a divided (BID) oral dose. Salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and oral corticosteroids may be continued (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions). Onset of action generally occurs between 4 and 8 weeks. If insufficient clinical benefit is seen and tolerability is good (including serum creatinine less than 30% above baseline), the dose may be increased by 0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg/day after 8 weeks and again after 12 weeks to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day. If no benefit is seen by 16 weeks of therapy, Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED therapy should be discontinued.

    Dose decreases by 25% to 50% should be made at any time to control adverse events, e.g., hypertension elevations in serum creatinine (30% above patient’s pretreatment level) or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

    If dose reduction is not effective in controlling abnormalities or if the adverse event or abnormality is severe, Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be discontinued. The same initial dose and dosage range should be used if Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED is combined with the recommended dose of methotrexate. Most patients can be treated with Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED doses of 3 mg/kg/day or below when combined with methotrexate doses of up to 15 mg/week (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Trials).

    There is limited long-term treatment data. Recurrence of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity is generally apparent within 4 weeks after stopping cyclosporine.

    Psoriasis

    The initial dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be 2.5 mg/kg/day. Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be taken twice daily, as a divided (1.25 mg/kg BID) oral dose. Patients should be kept at that dose for at least 4 weeks, barring adverse events. If significant clinical improvement has not occurred in patients by that time, the patient’s dosage should be increased at 2 week intervals. Based on patient response, dose increases of approximately 0.5 mg/kg/day should be made to a maximum of 4 mg/kg/day.

    Dose decreases by 25% to 50% should be made at any time to control adverse events, e.g., hypertension, elevations in serum creatinine (≥ 25% above the patient’s pretreatment level), or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities. If dose reduction is not effective in controlling abnormalities, or if the adverse event or abnormality is severe, Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be discontinued (see Special Monitoring of Psoriasis Patients).

    Patients generally show some improvement in the clinical manifestations of psoriasis in 2 weeks. Satisfactory control and stabilization of the disease may take 12 to 16 weeks to achieve. Results of a dose-titration clinical trial with Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED indicate that an improvement of psoriasis by 75% or more (based on PASI) was achieved in 51% of the patients after 8 weeks and in 79% of the patients after 16 weeks. Treatment should be discontinued if satisfactory response cannot be achieved after 6 weeks at 4 mg/kg/day or the patient’s maximum tolerated dose. Once a patient is adequately controlled and appears stable the dose of Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED should be lowered, and the patient treated with the lowest dose that maintains an adequate response (this should not necessarily be total clearing of the patient). In clinical trials, cyclosporine doses at the lower end of the recommended dosage range were effective in maintaining a satisfactory response in 60% of the patients. Doses below 2.5 mg/kg/day may also be equally effective.

    Upon stopping treatment with cyclosporine, relapse will occur in approximately 6 weeks (50% of the patients) to 16 weeks (75% of the patients). In the majority of patients rebound does not occur after cessation of treatment with cyclosporine. Thirteen cases of transformation of chronic plaque psoriasis to more severe forms of psoriasis have been reported. There were 9 cases of pustular and 4 cases of erythrodermic psoriasis. Long-term experience with Cyclosporine Capsules USP MODIFIED in psoriasis patients is limited and continuous treatment for extended periods greater than one year is not recommended. Alternation with other forms of treatment should be considered in the long-term management of patients with this life long disease.

    Blood Concentration Monitoring in Transplant Patients

    Transplant centers have found blood concentration monitoring of cyclosporine to be an essential component of patient management. Of importance to blood concentration analysis are the type of assay used, the transplanted organ, and other immunosuppressant agents being administered. While no fixed relationship has been established, blood concentration monitoring may assist in the clinical evaluation of rejection and toxicity, dose adjustments, and the assessment of compliance.

    Various assays have been used to measure blood concentrations of cyclosporine. Older studies using a nonspecific assay often cited concentrations that were roughly twice those of the specific assays. Therefore, comparison between concentrations in the published literature and an individual patient concentration using current assays must be made with detailed knowledge of the assay methods employed. Current assay results are also not interchangeable and their use should be guided by their approved labeling. A discussion of the different assay methods is contained in Annals of Clinical Biochemistry 1994;31:420-446. While several assays and assay matrices are available, there is a consensus that parent-compound-specific assays correlate best with clinical events. Of these, HPLC is the standard reference, but the monoclonal antibody RIAs and the monoclonal antibody FPIA offer sensitivity, reproducibility, and convenience. Most clinicians base their monitoring on trough cyclosporine concentrations. Applied Pharmacokinetics, Principles of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (1992) contains a broad discussion of cyclosporine pharmacokinetics and drug monitoring techniques. Blood concentration monitoring is not a replacement for renal function monitoring or tissue biopsies.

  • Dexamethasone Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Dexamethasone

    Dexamethasone Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    There is currently no dosage information available for this product. We apologize for any inconvenience.

  • Lanoxin
    Lanoxin (Digoxin) Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Lanoxin

    Lanoxin (Digoxin) Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    General

    Recommended dosages of digoxin may require considerable modification because of individual sensitivity of the patient to the drug, the presence of associated conditions, or the use of concurrent medications.

    Parenteral administration of digoxin should be used only when the need for rapid digitalization is urgent or when the drug cannot be taken orally. Intramuscular injection can lead to severe pain at the injection site, thus intravenous administration is preferred. If the drug must be administered by the intramuscular route, it should be injected deep into the muscle followed by massage. No more than 500 mcg (2 mL) should be injected into a single site.

    LANOXIN Injection can be administered undiluted or diluted with a 4-fold or greater volume of Sterile Water for Injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, or 5% Dextrose Injection. The use of less than a 4-fold volume of diluent could lead to precipitation of the digoxin. Immediate use of the diluted product is recommended.

    If tuberculin syringes are used to measure very small doses, one must be aware of the problem of inadvertent overadministration of digoxin. The syringe should not be flushed with the parenteral solution after its contents are expelled into an indwelling vascular catheter.

    Slow infusion of LANOXIN Injection is preferable to bolus administration. Rapid infusion of digitalis glycosides has been shown to cause systemic and coronary arteriolar constriction, which may be clinically undesirable. Caution is thus advised and LANOXIN Injection should probably be administered over a period of 5 minutes or longer. Mixing of LANOXIN Injection with other drugs in the same container or simultaneous administration in the same intravenous line is not recommended.

    In selecting a dose of digoxin, the following factors must be considered:

    The body weight of the patient. Doses should be calculated based upon lean (i.e., ideal) body weight. The patient’s renal function, preferably evaluated on the basis of estimated creatinine clearance. The patient’s age. Infants and children require different doses of digoxin than adults. Also, advanced age may be indicative of diminished renal function even in patients with normal serum creatinine concentration (i.e., below 1.5 mg/dL). Concomitant disease states, concurrent medications, or other factors likely to alter the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic profile of digoxin (see PRECAUTIONS).

    Serum Digoxin Concentrations

    In general, the dose of digoxin used should be determined on clinical grounds. However, measurement of serum digoxin concentrations can be helpful to the clinician in determining the adequacy of digoxin therapy and in assigning certain probabilities to the likelihood of digoxin intoxication. About two-thirds of adults considered adequately digitalized (without evidence of toxicity) have serum digoxin concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 2.0 ng/mL (lower serum trough concentrations of 0.5 to 1 ng/mL may be appropriate in some adult patients, see Maintenance Dosing). However, digoxin may produce clinical benefits even at serum concentrations below this range. About two-thirds of adult patients with clinical toxicity have serum digoxin concentrations greater than 2.0 ng/mL. However, since one-third of patients with clinical toxicity have concentrations less than 2.0 ng/mL, values below 2.0 ng/mL do not rule out the possibility that a certain sign or symptom is related to digoxin therapy. Rarely, there are patients who are unable to tolerate digoxin at serum concentrations below 0.8 ng/mL. Consequently, the serum concentration of digoxin should always be interpreted in the overall clinical context, and an isolated measurement should not be used alone as the basis for increasing or decreasing the dose of the drug.

    To allow adequate time for equilibration of digoxin between serum and tissue, sampling of serum concentrations should be done just before the next scheduled dose of the drug. If this is not possible, sampling should be done at least 6 to 8 hours after the last dose, regardless of the route of administration or the formulation used. On a once-daily dosing schedule, the concentration of digoxin will be 10% to 25% lower when sampled at 24 versus 8 hours, depending upon the patient’s renal function. On a twice-daily dosing schedule, there will be only minor differences in serum digoxin concentrations whether sampling is done at 8 or 12 hours after a dose.

    If a discrepancy exists between the reported serum concentration and the observed clinical response, the clinician should consider the following possibilities:

    Analytical problems in the assay procedure. Inappropriate serum sampling time. Administration of a digitalis glycoside other than digoxin. Conditions (described in WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS) causing an alteration in the sensitivity of the patient to digoxin. Serum digoxin concentration may decrease acutely during periods of exercise without any associated change in clinical efficacy due to increased binding of digoxin to skeletal muscle.

    Heart Failure

    Adults

    Digitalization may be accomplished by either of 2 general approaches that vary in dosage and frequency of administration, but reach the same endpoint in terms of total amount of digoxin accumulated in the body.

    If rapid digitalization is considered medically appropriate, it may be achieved by administering a loading dose based upon projected peak digoxin body stores. Maintenance dose can be calculated as a percentage of the loading dose. More gradual digitalization may be obtained by beginning an appropriate maintenance dose, thus allowing digoxin body stores to accumulate slowly. Steady-state serum digoxin concentrations will be achieved in approximately 5 half-lives of the drug for the individual patient. Depending upon the patient’s renal function, this will take between 1 and 3 weeks.

     

    Rapid Digitalization With a Loading Dose

    LANOXIN Injection is frequently used to achieve rapid digitalization, with conversion to LANOXIN Tablets for maintenance therapy. If patients are switched from intravenous to oral digoxin formulations, allowances must be made for differences in bioavailability when calculating maintenance dosages (see Table 1, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics and dosing Table 5).

    Intramuscular injection of digoxin is extremely painful and offers no advantages unless other routes of administration are contraindicated.

    Peak digoxin body stores of 8 to 12 mcg/kg should provide therapeutic effect with minimum risk of toxicity in most patients with heart failure and normal sinus rhythm. Because of altered digoxin distribution and elimination, projected peak body stores for patients with renal insufficiency should be conservative (i.e., 6 to 10 mcg/kg) (see PRECAUTIONS).

    The loading dose should be administered in several portions, with roughly half the total given as the first dose. Additional fractions of this planned total dose may be given at 6- to 8-hour intervals, with careful assessment of clinical response before each additional dose. If the patient’s clinical response necessitates a change from the calculated loading dose of digoxin, then calculation of the maintenance dose should be based upon the amount actually given.

    A single initial intravenous dose of 400 to 600 mcg (0.4 to 0.6 mg) of LANOXIN Injection usually produces a detectable effect in 5 to 30 minutes that becomes maximal in 1 to 4 hours. Additional doses of 100 to 300 mcg (0.1 to 0.3 mg) may be given cautiously at 6- to 8-hour intervals until clinical evidence of an adequate effect is noted. The usual amount of LANOXIN Injection that a 70-kg patient requires to achieve 8- to 12-mcg/kg peak body stores is 600 to 1,000 mcg (0.6 to 1.0 mg).

    Maintenance Dosing

    The doses of oral digoxin used in controlled trials in patients with heart failure have ranged from 125 to 500 mcg (0.125 to 0.5 mg) once daily. In these studies, the digoxin dose has been generally titrated according to the patient’s age, lean body weight, and renal function. Therapy is generally initiated at a dose of 250 mcg (0.25 mg) once daily in patients under age 70 with good renal function, at a dose of 125 mcg (0.125 mg) once daily in patients over age 70 or with impaired renal function, and at a dose of 62.5 mcg (0.0625 mg) in patients with marked renal impairment. Doses may be increased every 2 weeks according to clinical response.

    In a subset of approximately 1,800 patients enrolled in the DIG trial (wherein dosing was based on an algorithm similar to that in Table 5) the mean (± SD) serum digoxin concentrations at 1 month and 12 months were 1.01 ± 0.47 ng/mL and 0.97 ± 0.43 ng/mL, respectively. There are no rigid guidelines as to the range of serum concentrations that are most efficacious. Several post hoc analyses of heart failure patients in the DIG trial suggest that the optimal trough digoxin serum level may be 0.5 ng/mL to 1 ng/mL.

    The maintenance dose should be based upon the percentage of the peak body stores lost each day through elimination. The following formula has had wide clinical use:

    Maintenance Dose = Peak Body Stores (i.e., Loading Dose) x % Daily Loss/100

    Where: % Daily Loss = 14 + Ccr/5

    (Ccr is creatinine clearance, corrected to 70 kg body weight or 1.73 m2 body surface area.)

    Table 5 provides average daily maintenance dose requirements of LANOXIN Injection for patients with heart failure based upon lean body weight and renal function:

    Table 5. Usual Daily Maintenance Dose Requirements (mcg) of LANOXIN Injection for Estimated Peak Body Stores of 10 mcg/kga

    Corrected Ccr

    (mL/min per 70 kg)b

    Lean Body Weight

    Number of Days

    kg

    50

    60

    70

    80

    90

    100

    Before Steady State Achievedc

    lb

    110

    132

    154

    176

    198

    220

    0

    75d

    75

    100

    100

    125

    150

    22

    10

    75

    100

    100

    125

    150

    150

    19

    20

    100

    100

    125

    150

    150

    175

    16

    30

    100

    125

    150

    150

    175

    200

    14

    40

    100

    125

    150

    175

    200

    225

    13

    50

    125

    150

    175

    200

    225

    250

    12

    60

    125

    150

    175

    200

    225

    250

    11

    70

    150

    175

    200

    225

    250

    275

    10

    80

    150

    175

    200

    250

    275

    300

    9

    90

    150

    200

    225

    250

    300

    325

    8

    100

    175

    200

    250

    275

    300

    350

    7

    a Daily maintenance doses have been rounded to the nearest 25-mcg increment.

    b Ccr is creatinine clearance, corrected to 70-kg body weight or 1.73 m2 body surface area. For adults, if only serum creatinine concentrations (Scr) are available, a Ccr (corrected to 70 kg body weight) may be estimated in men as (140 - Age)/Scr. For women, this result should be multiplied by 0.85. Note: This equation cannot be used for estimating creatinine clearance in infants or children.

    c If no loading dose administered.

    d 75mcg = 0.075 mg.

    Example: Based on the above table, a patient in heart failure with an estimated lean body weight of 70 kg and a Ccr of 60 mL/min should be given a dose of 175 mcg (0.175 mg) daily of LANOXIN Injection. If no loading dose is administered, steady-state serum concentrations in this patient should be anticipated at approximately 11 days.

    Infants and Children

     See the full prescribing information for LANOXIN Injection Pediatric for specific recommendations.

    It cannot be overemphasized that dosage guidelines provided are based upon average patient response and substantial individual variation can be expected. Accordingly, ultimate dosage selection must be based upon clinical assessment of the patient.

    Atrial Fibrillation

    Peak digoxin body stores larger than the 8 to 12 mcg/kg required for most patients with heart failure and normal sinus rhythm have been used for control of ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. Doses of digoxin used for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation should be titrated to the minimum dose that achieves the desired ventricular rate control without causing undesirable side effects. Data are not available to establish the appropriate resting or exercise target rates that should be achieved.

    Dosage Adjustment When Changing Preparations

    The difference in bioavailability between LANOXIN Injection or LANOXIN Tablets must be considered when changing patients from one dosage form to the other.

  • Erythromycin Ointment [Cardinal Health]

    Erythromycin Ointment

    Erythromycin Ointment [Cardinal Health]

    In the treatment of superficial ocular infections, a ribbon approximately 1 cm in length of Erythromycin Opthalmic Ointment should be applied directly to the infected structure up to 6 times daily, depending on the severity of the infection.

    For prophylaxis of neonatal gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis, a ribbon of ointment approximately 1 cm in length should be instilled into each lower conjunctival sac. The ointment should not be flushed from the eye following instillation. A new tube should be used for each infant.

  • Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-release (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-release

    Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-release (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    Dosages must be adjusted to each patient's needs, starting with 60 to 120 mg twice daily. Maximum antihypertensive effect is usually observed by 14 days of chronic therapy; therefore, dosage adjustments should be scheduled accordingly. Although individual patients may respond to lower doses, the usual optimum dosage range in clinical trials was 240 to 360 mg/day.

    Diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules have an additive antihypertensive effect when used with other antihypertensive agents. Therefore, the dosage of diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules or the concomitant antihypertensives may need to be adjusted when adding one to the other. See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS regarding use with beta-blockers.

  • Ibuprofen Capsule, Liquid Filled [Cardinal Health]

    Ibuprofen

    Ibuprofen Capsule, Liquid Filled [Cardinal Health]

    do not take more than directed the smallest effective dose should be used adults and children 12 years and over: take 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist if pain or fever does not respond to 1 capsule, 2 capsules may be used do not exceed 6 capsules in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years:  ask a doctor

  • Isosorbide Dinitrate Tablet [West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp]

    Isosorbide Dinitrate

    Isosorbide Dinitrate Tablet [West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp]

    Edema

    Therapy should be individualized according to patient response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain that response.

    Adults

    The usual initial dose of furosemide is 20 to 80 mg given as a single dose. Ordinarily a prompt diuresis ensues. If needed, the same dose can be administered 6 to 8 hours later or the dose may be increased. The dose may be raised by 20 or 40 mg and given not sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. The individually determined single dose should then be given once or twice daily (e.g., at 8 am and 2 pm). The dose of furosemide may be carefully titrated up to 600 mg/day in patients with clinically severe edematous states.

    Edema may be most efficiently and safely mobilized by giving furosemide on 2 to 4 consecutive days each week.

    When doses exceeding 80 mg/day are given for prolonged periods, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable. (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests.)

    Geriatric Patients

    In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

    Pediatric Patients

    The usual initial dose of oral furosemide in pediatric patients is 2 mg/kg body weight, given as a single dose. If the diuretic response is not satisfactory after the initial dose, dosage may be increased by 1 or 2 mg/kg no sooner than 6 to 8 hours after the previous dose. Doses greater than 6 mg/kg body weight are not recommended. For maintenance therapy in pediatric patients, the dose should be adjusted to the minimum effective level.

    Hypertension

    Therapy should be individualized according to the patient’s response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain the therapeutic response.

    Adults

    The usual initial dose of furosemide for hypertension is 80 mg, usually divided into 40 mg twice a day. Dosage should then be adjusted according to response. If response is not satisfactory, add other antihypertensive agents.

    Changes in blood pressure must be carefully monitored when furosemide is used with other antihypertensive drugs, especially during initial therapy. To prevent excessive drop in blood pressure, the dosage of other agents should be reduced by at least 50 percent when furosemide is added to the regimen. As the blood pressure falls under the potentiating effect of furosemide, a further reduction in dosage or even discontinuation of other antihypertensive drugs may be necessary.

    Geriatric Patients

    In general, dose selection and dose adjustment for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range (see PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).

  • Ceftriaxone Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone

    Ceftriaxone Injection, Powder, For Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Ceftriaxone for injection may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

    Do not use diluents containing calcium, such as Ringer's solution or Hartmann's solution, to reconstitute ceftriaxone for injection vials or to further dilute a reconstituted vial for IV administration because a precipitate can form. Precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium can also occur when ceftriaxone for injection is mixed with calcium-containing solutions in the same IV administration line. Ceftriaxone for injection must not be administered simultaneously with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition via a Y-site. However, in patients other than neonates, ceftriaxone for injection and calcium-containing solutions may be administered sequentially of one another if the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid (see WARNINGS).

    There have been no reports of an interaction between ceftriaxone and oral calcium-containing products or interaction between intramuscular ceftriaxone and calcium-containing products (IV or oral).

    NEONATES

    Hyperbilirubinemic neonates, especially prematures, should not be treated with ceftriaxone for injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    Ceftriaxone for injection is contraindicated in neonates if they require (or are expected to require) treatment with calcium-containing IV solutions, including continuous calcium-containing infusions such as parenteral nutrition because of the risk of precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

    PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

    For the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day). The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    For the treatment of acute bacterial otitis media, a single intramuscular dose of 50 mg/kg (not to exceed 1 gram) is recommended (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).

    For the treatment of serious miscellaneous infections other than meningitis, the recommended total daily dose is 50 to 75 mg/kg, given in divided doses every 12 hours. The total daily dose should not exceed 2 grams.

    In the treatment of meningitis, it is recommended that the initial therapeutic dose be 100 mg/kg (not to exceed 4 grams). Thereafter, a total daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 4 grams daily) is recommended. The daily dose may be administered once a day (or in equally divided doses every 12 hours). The usual duration of therapy is 7 to 14 days.

    ADULTS

    The usual adult daily dose is 1 to 2 grams given once a day (or in equally divided doses twice a day) depending on the type and severity of infection. For infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), the recommended daily dose is 2 to 4 grams, in order to achieve >90% target attainment. The total daily dose should not exceed 4 grams.

    If Chlamydia trachomatis is a suspected pathogen, appropriate antichlamydial coverage should be added, because ceftriaxone sodium has no activity against this organism.

    For the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal infections, a single intramuscular dose of 250 mg is recommended.

    For preoperative use (surgical prophylaxis), a single dose of 1 gram administered intravenously 1/2 to 2 hours before surgery is recommended.

    Generally, ceftriaxone for injection therapy should be continued for at least 2 days after the signs and symptoms of infection have disappeared. The usual duration of therapy is 4 to 14 days; in complicated infections, longer therapy may be required.

    When treating infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, therapy should be continued for at least 10 days.

    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with impairment of renal or hepatic function.

    DIRECTIONS FOR USE

    Intramuscular Administration

    Reconstitute ceftriaxone for injection powder with the appropriate diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY).

    Inject diluent into vial, shake vial thoroughly to form solution. Withdraw entire contents of vial into syringe to equal total labeled dose.

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 250 mg or 350 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone according to the amount of diluent indicated below. If required, more dilute solutions could be utilized.

    As with all intramuscular preparations, ceftriaxone for injection should be injected well within the body of a relatively large muscle; aspiration helps to avoid unintentional injection into a blood vessel.

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg/mL 350 mg/mL 250 mg 0.9 mL - 500 mg 1.8 mL 1.0 mL 1 g 3.6 mL 2.1 mL 2 g 7.2 mL 4.2 mL

    Intravenous Administration

    Ceftriaxone for injection should be administered intravenously by infusion over a period of 30 minutes. Concentrations between 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL are recommended; however, lower concentrations may be used if desired. Reconstitute vials with an appropriate IV diluent (see COMPATIBILITY AND STABILITY).

    Vial Dosage Size Amount of Diluent to be Added 250 mg 2.4 mL 500 mg 4.8 mL 1 g 9.6 mL 2 g 19.2 mL

    After reconstitution, each 1 mL of solution contains approximately 100 mg equivalent of ceftriaxone. Withdraw entire contents and dilute to the desired concentration with the appropriate IV diluent.

  • Diphenhydramine Hcl Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Diphenhydramine Hcl

    Diphenhydramine Hcl Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    ■take every 4 to 6 hours

    ■do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours

    adults and children

    12 years of age and over 1 to 2 tablets

    children 6 to under

    12 years of age 1 tablet

    children under 6 years of age do not use this product in chil-

    dren under 6 years of age

  • Diltiazem Hydrochloride Capsule, Extended Release [Cardinal Health]

    Diltiazem Hydrochloride

    Diltiazem Hydrochloride Capsule, Extended Release [Cardinal Health]

    Hypertensive or anginal patients who are treated with other formulations of diltiazem can safely be switched to diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules (once-a-day dosage) at the nearest equivalent total daily dose. Subsequent titration to higher or lower doses may, however, be necessary and should be initiated as clinically indicated.

    Studies have shown a slight increase in the rate of absorption of diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules (once-a-day dosage), when ingested with a high fat breakfast; therefore, administration in the morning on an empty stomach is recommended.

    Patients should be cautioned that the diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules should not be opened, chewed or crushed and should be swallowed whole.

    Dosage

    Hypertension

    Dosages must be adjusted to each patient's needs, starting with 180 mg or 240 mg once daily. Based on the antihypertensive effect, the dose may be adjusted as needed. Individual patients, particularly ≥ 60 years of age, may respond to a lower dose of 120 mg. The usual dosage range studied in clinical trials was 180 mg to 480 mg once daily.

    Current clinical experience with the 540 mg dose is limited, the dose may be increased to 540 mg with little or no increased risk of adverse reactions. Doses should not exceed 540 mg once daily.

    While a dose of diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules given once daily may produce an antihypertensive effect similar to the same total daily dose given in divided doses, individual dose adjustment may be needed.

    Angina

    Dosages for the treatment of angina should be adjusted to each patient's needs, starting with a dose of 120 mg once daily, which may be titrated to doses of up to 480 mg once daily. When necessary, titration may be carried out over a 7 to 14 day period.

    Concomitant Use with Other Cardiovascular Agents

    Sublingual Nitroglycerin

    Sublingual nitroglycerin may be taken as required to abort acute anginal attacks during diltiazem therapy.

    Prophylactic Nitrate Therapy

    Diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules (once-a-day dosage) may be safely coadministered with short- and long-acting nitrates.

    Beta-Blockers

    (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.)

    Antihypertensives

    Diltiazem has an additive antihypertensive effect when used with other antihypertensive agents. Therefore, the dosage of diltiazem hydrochloride or the concomitant antihypertensives may need to be adjusted when adding one to the other.

  • Furosemide Injection [Cardinal Health]

    Furosemide

    Furosemide Injection [Cardinal Health]

    Adults

    Parenteral therapy with Furosemide Injection should be used only in patients unable to take oral medication or in emergency situations and should be replaced with oral therapy as soon as practical.

    Edema

    The usual initial dose of furosemide is 20 to 40 mg given as a single dose, injected intramuscularly or intravenously. The intravenous dose should be given slowly (1 to 2 minutes). Ordinarily a prompt diuresis ensues. If needed, another dose may be administered in the same manner 2 hours later or the dose may be increased. The dose may be raised by 20 mg and given not sooner than 2 hours after the previous dose until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. This individually determined single dose should then be given once or twice daily.

    Therapy should be individualized according to patient response to gain maximal therapeutic response and to determine the minimal dose needed to maintain that response. Close medical supervision is necessary.

    When furosemide is given for prolonged periods, careful clinical observation and laboratory monitoring are particularly advisable. (See PRECAUTIONS: Laboratory Tests.)

    If the physician elects to use high dose parenteral therapy, add the furosemide to either Sodium Chloride Injection USP, Lactated Ringer's Injection USP, or Dextrose (5%) Injection USP after pH has been adjusted to above 5.5, and administer as a controlled intravenous infusion at a rate not greater than 4 mg/min. Furosemide Injection is a buffered alkaline solution with a pH of about 9 and drug may precipitate at pH values below 7. Care must be taken to ensure that the pH of the prepared infusion solution is in the weakly alkaline to neutral range. Acid solutions, including other parenteral medications (e.g., labetalol, ciprofloxacin, amrinone, milrinone) must not be administered concurrently in the same infusion because they may cause precipitation of the furosemide. In addition, furosemide injection should not be added to a running intravenous line containing any of these acidic products.

    Acute Pulmonary Edema

    The usual initial dose of furosemide is 40 mg injected slowly intravenously (over 1 to 2 minutes). If a satisfactory response does not occur within 1 hour, the dose may be increased to 80 mg injected slowly intravenously (over 1 to 2 minutes).

    If necessary, additional therapy (e.g., digitalis, oxygen) may be administered concomitantly.

    Geriatric Patients

    In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range. (See PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use.)

    Pediatric Patients

    Parenteral therapy should be used only in patients unable to take oral medication or in emergency situations and should be replaced with oral therapy as soon as practical.

    The usual initial dose of Furosemide Injection (intravenously or intramuscularly) in pediatric patients is 1 mg/kg body weight and should be given slowly under close medical supervision. If the diuretic response to the initial dose is not satisfactory, dosage may be increased by 1 mg/kg not sooner than 2 hours after the previous dose, until the desired diuretic effect has been obtained. Doses greater than 6 mg/kg body weight are not recommended.

    Literature reports suggest that the maximum dose for premature infants should not exceed 1 mg/kg/day. (See WARNINGS, Pediatric Use.)

    Furosemide Injection should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration.

  • Nexium I.v.
    Nexium I.v. (Esomeprazole Sodium) Injection [Cardinal Health]

    Nexium I.v.

    Nexium I.v. (Esomeprazole Sodium) Injection [Cardinal Health]

    NEXIUM I.V. for Injection should not be administered concomitantly with any other medications through the same intravenous site and or tubing. The intravenous line should always be flushed with either 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP both prior to and after administration of NEXIUM I.V. for Injection.

    The admixture should be stored at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) and should be administered within the designated time period as listed in the Table 1 below. No refrigeration is required.

    Table 1

    Diluent Administer within:

    0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

    12 hours

    Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP

    12 hours

    5% Dextrose Injection, USP

    6 hours

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

    As soon as oral therapy is possible or appropriate, intravenous therapy with NEXIUM I.V. for Injection should be discontinued and the therapy should be continued orally.

    Special Populations

    Hepatic Insufficiency: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment (Child Pugh Classes A and B). For patients with severe liver impairment (Child Pugh Class C), a dose of 20 mg of NEXIUM should not be exceeded [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics (12.3)].

    2.1 GERD with Erosive Esophagitis

    Adults

    The recommended adult dose is either 20 mg or 40 mg esomeprazole given once daily by intravenous injection (no less than 3 minutes) or intravenous infusion (10 minutes to 30 minutes).

    Safety and efficacy of NEXIUM I.V. for Injection as a treatment of GERD patients with erosive esophagitis for more than 10 days have not been demonstrated.

    Pediatric

    The recommended doses for children ages 1 month to 17 years, inclusive, are provided below. Dose should be infused over 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

    1 year to 17 years:

    Body weight less than 55 kg: 10 mg

    Body weight 55 kg or greater: 20 mg

    1 month to less than 1 year of age: 0.5 mg/kg

    2.2 Preparations for Use and Administration

    Adults

    Intravenous Injection (20 mg or 40 mg vial) over no less than 3 minutes

    The freeze-dried powder should be reconstituted with 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Withdraw 5 mL of the reconstituted solution and administer an intravenous injection over no less than 3 minutes.

    Intravenous Infusion (20 mg or 40 mg) over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

    A solution for intravenous infusion is prepared by first reconstituting the contents of one vial with 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP and further diluting the resulting solution to a final volume of 50 mL. The solution (admixture) should be administered as an intravenous infusion over a period of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

    The reconstituted solution should be stored at room temperature up to 30°C (86°F) and administered within 12 hours after reconstitution. No refrigeration is required.

    Pediatric Population

    Intravenous Infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes (0.5 mg/kg) for patients ages 1 month to less than 1 year of age

    A solution for intravenous infusion is prepared by first reconstituting the contents of one vial with 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and further diluting the resulting solution to a final volume of 50 mL. The resultant concentration after diluting to a final volume of 50 mL is as follows:

    40 mg vial: 0.8 mg/mL

    20 mg vial: 0.4 mg/mL

    Withdraw appropriate amount of volume for desired dose (0.5 mg/kg) and administer as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

    Intravenous Infusion (10 mg and 20 mg) over 10 minutes to 30 minutes for Pediatric Patients, ages 1 year to 17 years of age

    40 mg vial

    A solution for intravenous infusion is prepared by first reconstituting the contents of one vial with 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and further diluting the resulting solution to a final volume of 50 ml. The resultant concentration after diluting to a final volume of 50 mL is 0.8 mg/mL.

    20 mg dose: Withdraw 25 mL of the final solution and administer as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

    10 mg dose: Withdraw 12.5 mL of the final solution and administer as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

    20 mg vial

    A solution for intravenous infusion is prepared by first reconstituting the contents of one vial with 5 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and further diluting the resulting solution to a final volume of 50 mL The resultant concentration after diluting to a final volume of 50 mL is 0.4 mg/mL.

    20 mg dose: Administer the final solution (50 mL) as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

    10 mg dose: Withdraw 25 mL of the final solution and administer as an intravenous infusion over 10 minutes to 30 minutes

  • Leader Nite Time Multi ...
    Leader Nite Time Multi Symptom Cold And Flu Relief (Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide And Doxylamine Succinate Liquid) Liquid [Cardinal Health]

    Leader Nite Time Multi Symptom Cold And Flu Relief

    Leader Nite Time Multi Symptom Cold And Flu Relief (Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide And Doxylamine Succinate Liquid) Liquid [Cardinal Health]

    take only as recommended – see Liver warning use dose cup do not exceed 4 doses per 24 hours adults and children 12 years and over 30 mL (2 TBSP) every 6 hours children 4 to under 12 years ask a doctor children under 4 years do not use when using other Daytime or Nighttime products, carefully read each label to insure correct dosing

  • Losartan Potassium Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Losartan Potassium

    Losartan Potassium Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Adult Hypertensive Patients

    Losartan potassium tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents and with or without food.

    Dosing must be individualized. The usual starting dose of losartan potassium tablets is 50 mg once daily, with 25 mg used in patients with possible depletion of intravascular volume (e.g., patients treated with diuretics) (see WARNINGS: Hypotension: Volume-depleted Patients) and patients with a history of hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS: General). Losartan potassium tablets can be administered once or twice daily with total daily doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg.

    If the antihypertensive effect measured at trough using once-a-day dosing is inadequate, a twice-a-day regimen at the same total daily dose or an increase in dose may give a more satisfactory response. The effect of losartan is substantially present within one week but in some studies the maximal effect occurred in 3 to 6 weeks (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects: Hypertension).

    If blood pressure is not controlled by losartan potassium tablets alone, a low dose of a diuretic may be added. Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to have an additive effect (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects: Hypertension).

    No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or for patients with renal impairment, including patients on dialysis.

    Pediatric Hypertensive Patients ≥ 6 Years of Age

    The usual recommended starting dose is 0.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 50 mg total) administered as a tablet or a suspension (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Preparation of Suspension). Dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response. Doses above 1.4 mg/kg (or in excess of 100 mg) daily have not been studied in pediatric patients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects and WARNINGS: Hypotension: Volume-depleted Patients).

    Losartan potassium tablets are not recommended in pediatric patients < 6 years of age or in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects and PRECAUTIONS).

    Preparation of Suspension (for 200 mL of a 2.5 mg/mL Suspension)

    Add 10 mL of Purified Water USP to an 8 ounce (240 mL) amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle containing ten 50 mg losartan potassium tablets. Immediately shake for at least 2 minutes. Let the concentrate stand for one hour and then shake for one minute to disperse the tablet contents. Separately prepare a 50/50 volumetric mixture of Ora-Plus™*** and Ora-Sweet SF™***. Add 190 mL of the 50/50 Ora-Plus™/Ora-Sweet SF™ mixture to the tablet and water slurry in the PET bottle and shake for one minute to disperse the ingredients. The suspension should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and can be stored for up to 4 weeks. Shake the suspension prior to each use and return promptly to the refrigerator.

    Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

    The usual starting dose is 50 mg of losartan potassium tablets once daily. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg daily should be added and/or the dose of losartan potassium tablets should be increased to 100 mg once daily followed by an increase in hydrochlorothiazide to 25 mg once daily based on blood pressure response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Reduction in the Risk of Stroke).

  • Xylocaine Mpf (Lidocaine Hydrochloride) Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Xylocaine Mpf

    Xylocaine Mpf (Lidocaine Hydrochloride) Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Table 1 (Recommended Dosages) summarizes the recommended volumes and concentrations of Xylocaine Injection for various types of anesthetic procedures.  The dosages suggested in this table are for normal healthy adults and refer to the use of epinephrine-free solutions.  When larger volumes are required, only solutions containing epinephrine should be used except in those cases where vasopressor drugs may be contraindicated.

    There have been adverse event reports of chondrolysis in patients receiving intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics following arthroscopic and other surgical procedures.  Xylocaine is not approved for this use (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

    These recommended doses serve only as a guide to the amount of anesthetic required for most routine procedures.  The actual volumes and concentrations to be used depend on a number of factors such as type and extent of surgical procedure, depth of anesthesia and degree of muscular relaxation required, duration of anesthesia required, and the physical condition of the patient.  In all cases the lowest concentration and smallest dose that will produce the desired result should be given.  Dosages should be reduced for children and for the elderly and debilitated patients and patients with cardiac and/or liver disease.

    The onset of anesthesia, the duration of anesthesia and the degree of muscular relaxation are proportional to the volume and concentration (ie, total dose) of local anesthetic used.  Thus, an increase in volume and concentration of Xylocaine Injection will decrease the onset of anesthesia, prolong the duration of anesthesia, provide a greater degree of muscular relaxation and increase the segmental spread of anesthesia.  However, increasing the volume and concentration of Xylocaine Injection may result in a more profound fall in blood pressure when used in epidural anesthesia.  Although the incidence of side effects with lidocaine HCl is quite low, caution should be exercised when employing large volumes and concentrations, since the incidence of side effects is directly proportional to the total dose of local anesthetic agent injected.

    For intravenous regional anesthesia, only the 50 mL single dose vial containing Xylocaine (lidocaine HCl) 0.5% Injection should be used.

    Epidural Anesthesia

    For epidural anesthesia, only the following dosage forms Xylocaine Injection are recommended:

    1% without epinephrine                       10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1% without epinephrine                       30 mL single dose solutions

    1% with epinephrine                            30 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    1.5% without epinephrine                    10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1.5% without epinephrine                    20 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1.5% with epinephrine                         30 mL ampules, 30 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    2% without epinephrine                       10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    2% with epinephrine                            20 mL ampules, 20 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    Although these solutions are intended specifically for epidural anesthesia, they may also be used for infiltration and peripheral nerve block, provided they are employed as single dose units.  These solutions contain no bacteriostatic agent. 

    In epidural anesthesia, the dosage varies with the number of dermatomes to be anesthetized (generally 2 to 3 mL of the indicated concentration per dermatome).

    Caudal and Lumbar Epidural Block

    As a precaution against the adverse experience sometimes observed following unintentional penetration of the subarachnoid space, a test dose such as 2 to 3 mL of 1.5% lidocaine HCl should be administered at least 5 minutes prior to injecting the total volume required for a lumbar or caudal epidural block.  The test dose should be repeated if the patient is moved in a manner that may have displaced the catheter.  Epinephrine, if contained in the test dose (10 to 15 mcg have been suggested), may serve as a warning of unintentional intravascular injection.  If injected into a blood vessel, this amount of epinephrine is likely to produce a transient “epinephrine response” within 45 seconds, consisting of an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, circumoral pallor, palpitations and nervousness in the unsedated patient.  The sedated patient may exhibit only a pulse rate increase of 20 or more beats per minute for 15 or more seconds.  Patients on beta blockers may not manifest changes in heart rate, but blood pressure monitoring can detect an evanescent rise in systolic blood pressure.  Adequate time should be allowed for onset of anesthesia after administration of each test dose.  The rapid injection of a large volume of Xylocaine Injection through the catheter should be avoided, and, when feasible, fractional doses should be administered.

    In the event of the known injection of a large volume of local anesthetic solution into the subarachnoid space, after suitable resuscitation and if the catheter is in place, consider attempting the recovery of drug by draining a moderate amount of cerebrospinal fluid (such as 10 mL) through the epidural catheter.

    Epidural Anesthesia

    For epidural anesthesia, only the following dosage forms Xylocaine Injection are recommended:

    1% without epinephrine                       10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1% without epinephrine                       30 mL single dose solutions

    1% with epinephrine                            30 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    1.5% without epinephrine                    10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1.5% without epinephrine                    20 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    1.5% with epinephrine                         30 mL ampules, 30 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    2% without epinephrine                       10 mL Polyamp DuoFit™

    2% with epinephrine                            20 mL ampules, 20 mL single dose solutions

        1:200,000

    Although these solutions are intended specifically for epidural anesthesia, they may also be used for infiltration and peripheral nerve block, provided they are employed as single dose units.  These solutions contain no bacteriostatic agent. 

    In epidural anesthesia, the dosage varies with the number of dermatomes to be anesthetized (generally 2 to 3 mL of the indicated concentration per dermatome).

    Caudal and Lumbar Epidural Block

    As a precaution against the adverse experience sometimes observed following unintentional penetration of the subarachnoid space, a test dose such as 2 to 3 mL of 1.5% lidocaine HCl should be administered at least 5 minutes prior to injecting the total volume required for a lumbar or caudal epidural block.  The test dose should be repeated if the patient is moved in a manner that may have displaced the catheter.  Epinephrine, if contained in the test dose (10 to 15 mcg have been suggested), may serve as a warning of unintentional intravascular injection.  If injected into a blood vessel, this amount of epinephrine is likely to produce a transient “epinephrine response” within 45 seconds, consisting of an increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, circumoral pallor, palpitations and nervousness in the unsedated patient.  The sedated patient may exhibit only a pulse rate increase of 20 or more beats per minute for 15 or more seconds.  Patients on beta blockers may not manifest changes in heart rate, but blood pressure monitoring can detect an evanescent rise in systolic blood pressure.  Adequate time should be allowed for onset of anesthesia after administration of each test dose.  The rapid injection of a large volume of Xylocaine Injection through the catheter should be avoided, and, when feasible, fractional doses should be administered.

    In the event of the known injection of a large volume of local anesthetic solution into the subarachnoid space, after suitable resuscitation and if the catheter is in place, consider attempting the recovery of drug by draining a moderate amount of cerebrospinal fluid (such as 10 mL) through the epidural catheter.

  • Lortab (Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen) Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Lortab

    Lortab (Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen) Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Dosage should be adjusted according to severity of pain and response of the patient. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to hydrocodone can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related.

    The usual adult dosage is one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain. The total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets.

  • Glycopyrrolate Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Glycopyrrolate

    Glycopyrrolate Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    NOTE: CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL (see  PRECAUTIONS)

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

    Glycopyrrolate Injection may be administered intramuscularly, or intravenously, without dilution, in the following indications.

    Adults

    Preanesthetic Medication

    The recommended dose of Glycopyrrolate Injection is 0.004 mg/kg by intramuscular injection, given 30 to 60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time the preanesthetic narcotic and/or sedative are administered.

    Intraoperative Medication

    Glycopyrrolate Injection may be used during surgery to counteract drug-induced or vagal reflexes and their associated arrhythmias (e.g., bradycardia). It should be administered intravenously as single doses of 0.1 mg and repeated, as needed, at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes. The usual attempts should be made to determine the etiology of the arrhythmia, and the surgical or anesthetic manipulations necessary to correct parasympathetic imbalance should be performed.

    Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade

    The recommended dose of Glycopyrrolate Injection is 0.2 mg for each 1.0 mg of neostigmine or 5.0 mg of pyridostigmine. In order to minimize the appearance of cardiac side effects, the drugs may be administered simultaneously by intravenous injection and may be mixed in the same syringe.

    Peptic Ulcer

    The usual recommended dose of Glycopyrrolate Injection is 0.1 mg administered at 4-hour intervals, 3 or 4 times daily intravenously or intramuscularly. Where more profound effect is required, 0.2 mg may be given. Some patients may need only a single dose, and frequency of administration should be dictated by patient response up to a maximum of four times daily.

    Glycopyrrolate Injection is not recommended for the treatment of peptic ulcer in pediatric patients (see PRECAUTIONS – Pediatric Use).

    Pediatric Patients (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use)

    Preanesthetic Medication

    The recommended dose of Glycopyrrolate Injection in pediatric patients is 0.004 mg/kg intramuscularly, given 30 to 60 minutes prior to the anticipated time of induction of anesthesia or at the time the preanesthetic narcotic and/or sedative are administered.

    Infants

    (1 month to 2 years of age) may require up to 0.009 mg/kg.

    Intraoperative Medication

    Because of the long duration of action of Glycopyrrolate Injection if used as preanesthetic medication, additional Glycopyrrolate Injection for anticholinergic effect intraoperatively is rarely needed; in the event it is required the recommended pediatric dose is 0.004 mg/kg intravenously, not to exceed 0.1 mg in a single dose which may be repeated, as needed, at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes. The usual attempts should be made to determine the etiology of the arrhythmia, and the surgical or anesthetic manipulations necessary to correct parasympathetic imbalance should be performed.

    Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade

    The recommended pediatric dose of Glycopyrrolate Injection is 0.2 mg for each 1.0 mg of neostigmine or 5.0 mg of pyridostigmine. In order to minimize the appearance of cardiac side effects, the drugs may be administered simultaneously by intravenous injection and may be mixed in the same syringe.

    Peptic Ulcer

    Glycopyrrolate Injection is not recommended for the treatment of peptic ulcer in pediatric patients (see PRECAUTIONS – Pediatric Use).

    Diluent Compatibilities

    Dextrose 5% and 10% in water, or saline, dextrose 5% in sodium chloride 0.45%, sodium chloride 0.9%, and Ringer’s Injection.

    Diluent Incompatibilities

    Lactated Ringer’s solution

    Admixture Compatibilities

    Physical Compatibility

    This list does not constitute an endorsement of the clinical utility or safety of co-administration of glycopyrrolate with these drugs. Glycopyrrolate Injection is compatible for mixing and injection with the following injectable dosage forms: atropine sulfate, USP; Antilirium®  (physostigmine salicylate); Benadryl®  (diphenhydramine HCl); codeine phosphate, USP; Emete-Con®  (benz-quinamide HCl); hydromorphone HCl, USP; Inapsine®  (droperidol); Levo-Dromoran®  (levorphanol tartrate); lidocaine, USP; meperidine HCl, USP; Mestinon® /Regonol®  (pyridostigmine bromide); morphine sulfate, USP; Nubain®  (nalbuphine HCl); Numorphan®  (oxymorphone HCl); procaine HCl, USP; promethazine HCl, USP; Prostigmin®  (neostigmine methylsulfate, USP); scopolamine HBr, USP; Stadol®  (butorphanol tartrate); Sublimaze®  (fentanyl citrate); Tigan®  (trimethobenzamide HCl); and Vistaril®  (hydroxyzine HCl). Glycopyrrolate Injection may be administered via the tubing of a running infusion of normal saline.

    Admixture Incompatibilities

    Physical Incompatibility

    Since the stability of glycopyrrolate is questionable above a pH of 6.0 do not combine Glycopyrrolate Injection in the same syringe with Brevital® (methohexital Na); Chloromycetin® (chloramphenicol Na succinate); Dramamine® (dimenhydrinate); Nembutal® (pentobarbital Na); Pentothal® (thiopental Na); Seconal® (secobarbital Na); sodium bicarbonate (Abbott); Valium® (diazepam); Decadron® (dexamethasone Na phosphate); or Talwin® (pentazocine lactate). These mixtures will result in a pH higher than 6.0 and may result in gas production or precipitation.

  • Ibuprofen Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Ibuprofen

    Ibuprofen Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Read all warnings and directions before use.

    do not take more than directed the smallest effective dose should be used do not take longer than 10 days, unless directed by a doctor (see warnings) adults and children 12 years of age and over: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If pain or fever does not respond to 1 tablet, 2 tablets may be used, do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor children under 12 years: ask a doctor
  • Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride

    Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    The recommended dosages for hydroxyzine hydrochloride intramuscular solution are:

    For adult psychiatric and emotional emergencies, including acute alcoholism. IM: 50-100 mg stat., and q. 4-6h., p.r.n. Nausea and vomiting excluding nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Adults: 25-100 mg IM Children: 0.5 mg/lb body weight IM Pre- and postoperative adjunctive medication. Adults: 25-100 mg IM Children: 0.5 mg/lb body weight IM Pre- and postpartum adjunctive therapy. 25-100 mg IM

    As with all potent medications, the dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's response to therapy.

    FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND SITE OF SELECTION SEE PRECAUTIONS SECTION. NOTE: Hydroxyzine hydrochloride intramuscular solution may be administered without further dilution.

    Patients may be started on intramuscular therapy when indicated. They should be maintained on oral therapy whenever this route is practicable.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

  • Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Lexapro

    Lexapro (Escitalopram Oxalate) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Lexapro should be administered once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food.

    2.1 Major Depressive Disorder

    Initial Treatment

    Adolescents

    The recommended dose of Lexapro is 10 mg once daily. A flexible-dose trial of Lexapro (10 to 20 mg/day) demonstrated the effectiveness of Lexapro [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. If the dose is increased to 20 mg, this should occur after a minimum of three weeks.

    Adults

    The recommended dose of Lexapro is 10 mg once daily. A fixed-dose trial of Lexapro demonstrated the effectiveness of both 10 mg and 20 mg of Lexapro, but failed to demonstrate a greater benefit of 20 mg over 10 mg [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. If the dose is increased to 20 mg, this should occur after a minimum of one week.

    Maintenance Treatment

    It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depressive disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. Systematic evaluation of continuing Lexapro 10 or 20 mg/day in adults patients with major depressive disorder who responded while taking Lexapro during an 8-week, acute-treatment phase demonstrated a benefit of such maintenance treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use Lexapro for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.

    2.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    Initial Treatment

    Adults

    The recommended starting dose of Lexapro is 10 mg once daily. If the dose is increased to 20 mg, this should occur after a minimum of one week.

    Maintenance Treatment

    Generalized anxiety disorder is recognized as a chronic condition. The efficacy of Lexapro in the treatment of GAD beyond 8 weeks has not been systematically studied. The physician who elects to use Lexapro for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

    2.3 Special Populations

    10 mg/day is the recommended dose for most elderly patients and patients with hepatic impairment.

    No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Lexapro should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.

    2.4 Discontinuation of Treatment with Lexapro

    Symptoms associated with discontinuation of Lexapro and other SSRIs and SNRIs have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate.

    2.5 Switching Patients To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor

    At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of Lexapro therapy. Similarly, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping Lexapro before starting an MAOI [see Contraindications (4.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

  • Fosrenol (Lanthanum Carbonate) Tablet, Chewable [Cardinal Health]

    Fosrenol

    Fosrenol (Lanthanum Carbonate) Tablet, Chewable [Cardinal Health]

    Divide the daily dose of FOSRENOL and take with or immediately after food. The recommended initial total daily dose of FOSRENOL is 1500 mg. Titrate the dose every 2-3 weeks until an acceptable serum phosphate level is reached. Monitor serum phosphate levels as needed during dose titration and on a regular basis thereafter.

    In clinical studies of ESRD patients, FOSRENOL doses up to 4500 mg were evaluated. Most patients required a total daily dose between 1500 mg and 3000 mg to reduce plasma phosphate levels to less than 6.0 mg/dL. Doses were generally titrated in increments of 750 mg/day.

    Chew tablets completely before swallowing. To aid in chewing, tablets may be crushed. Do not swallow intact tablets.

    Consider potential drug interactions when prescribing FOSRENOL [see Drug Interactions (7)].

  • Famotidine Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Famotidine

    Famotidine Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Duodenal Ulcer

    Acute Therapy

    The recommended adult oral dosage for active duodenal ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime. Most patients heal within 4 weeks; there is rarely reason to use famotidine at full dosage for longer than 6 to 8 weeks. A regimen of 20 mg b.i.d. is also effective.

    Maintenance Therapy

    The recommended adult oral dose is 20 mg once a day at bedtime.

    Benign Gastric Ulcer

    Acute Therapy: The recommended adult oral dosage for active benign gastric ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime.

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

    The recommended oral dosage for treatment of adult patients with symptoms of GERD is 20 mg b.i.d. for up to 6 weeks. The recommended oral dosage for the treatment of adult patients with esophagitis including erosions and ulcerations and accompanying symptoms due to GERD is 20 or 40 mg b.i.d. for up to 12 weeks (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY IN ADULTS, Clinical Studies).

    Dosage for Pediatric Patients 1-16 years of age

    See PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Patients 1-16 years of age.

    The studies described in PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Patients 1-16 years of age suggest the following starting doses in pediatric patients 1-16 years of age.

    Peptic Ulcer - 0.5 mg/kg/day p.o. at bedtime or divided b.i.d. up to 40 mg/day.

    Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with or without Esophagitis Including Erosions and Ulcerations –1.0 mg/kg/day p.o. divided b.i.d. up to 40 mg b.i.d.

    While published uncontrolled studies suggest effectiveness of famotidine in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer, data in pediatric patients are insufficient to establish percent response with dose and duration of therapy. Therefore, treatment duration (initially based on adult duration recommendations) and dose should be individualized based on clinical response and/or pH determination (gastric or esophageal) and endoscopy. Published uncontrolled clinical studies in pediatric patients 1-16 years of age have employed doses up to 1 mg/kg/day for peptic ulcer and 2 mg/kg/day for GERD with or without esophagitis including erosions and ulcerations.

    Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Multiple Endocrine Adenomas)

    The dosage of famotidine in patients with pathological hypersecretory conditions varies with the individual patient. The recommended adult oral starting dose for pathological hypersecretory conditions is 20 mg q 6 h. In some patients, a higher starting dose may be required. Doses should be adjusted to individual patient needs and should continue as long as clinically indicated. Doses up to 160 mg q 6 h have been administered to some adult patients with severe Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

    Oral Suspension

    Famotidine for oral suspension may be substituted for famotidine tablets in any of the above indications.

    Concomitant Use of Antacids

    Antacids may be given concomitantly if needed.

    Dosage Adjustment for Patients with Moderate or Severe Renal Insufficiency

    In adult patients with moderate (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min) or severe (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) renal insufficiency, the elimination half-life of famotidine is increased. For patients with severe renal insufficiency, it may exceed 20 hours, reaching approximately 24 hours in anuric patients. Since CNS adverse effects have been reported in patients with moderate and severe renal insufficiency, to avoid excess accumulation of the drug in patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency, the dose of famotidine may be reduced to half the dose or the dosing interval may be prolonged to 36-48 hours as indicated by the patient's clinical response.

    Based on the comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters for famotidine in adults and pediatric patients, dosage adjustment in pediatric patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency should be considered.

  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

    A single oral dose of diphenhydramine hydrochloride is quickly absorbed with maximum activity occurring in approximately one hour. The duration of activity following an average dose of diphenhydramine hydrochloride is from four to six hours.

    ADULTS:

    25 to 50 mg three or four times daily. The nighttime sleep-aid dosage is 50 mg at bedtime.

    CHILDREN:

    (over 20 lb): 12.5 to 25 mg three to four times daily. Maximum daily dosage not to exceed 300 mg. For physicians who wish to calculate the dose on the basis of body weight or surface area, the recommended dosage is 5 mg/kg/24 hours or 150 mg/m2/24 hours.

    Data are not available on the use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride as a nighttime sleep-aid in children under 12 years.

    The basis for determining the most effective dosage regimen will be the response of the patient to medication and the condition under treatment.

    In motion sickness, full dosage is recommended for prophylactic use, the first dose to be given 30 minutes before exposure to motion and similar doses before meals and upon retiring for the duration of exposure.

  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Injection [Cardinal Health]

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Injection [Cardinal Health]

    THIS PRODUCT IS FOR INTRAVENOUS OR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY.

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride in the injectable is indicated when the oral form is impractical.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

    DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT.

    Pediatric Patients, other than premature infants and neonates

    5 mg/kg/24 hours or 150 mg/m2/24 hours. Maximum daily dosage is 300 mg. Divide into four doses, administered intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly.

    Adults

    10 to 50 mg intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly; 100 mg if required; maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Elixir [Cardinal Health]

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Elixir

    Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Elixir [Cardinal Health]

    The recommended adult initial dosage of Megestrol Acetate Oral Suspension USP is 800 mg/day (20 mL/day). Shake container well before using.

    In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective.

  • Cozaar (Losartan Potassium) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Cozaar

    Cozaar (Losartan Potassium) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Adult Hypertensive Patients

    COZAAR may be administered with other antihypertensive agents, and with or without food.

    Dosing must be individualized. The usual starting dose of COZAAR is 50 mg once daily, with 25 mg used in patients with possible depletion of intravascular volume (e.g., patients treated with diuretics) (see WARNINGS, Hypotension — Volume-Depleted Patients) and patients with a history of hepatic impairment (see PRECAUTIONS, General). COZAAR can be administered once or twice daily with total daily doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg.

    If the antihypertensive effect measured at trough using once-a-day dosing is inadequate, a twice-a-day regimen at the same total daily dose or an increase in dose may give a more satisfactory response. The effect of losartan is substantially present within one week but in some studies the maximal effect occurred in 3-6 weeks (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Hypertension).

    If blood pressure is not controlled by COZAAR alone, a low dose of a diuretic may be added. Hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to have an additive effect (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Hypertension).

    No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or for patients with renal impairment, including patients on dialysis.

    Pediatric Hypertensive Patients ≥ 6 years of age

    The usual recommended starting dose is 0.7 mg/kg once daily (up to 50 mg total) administered as a tablet or a suspension (see Preparation of Suspension). Dosage should be adjusted according to blood pressure response. Doses above 1.4 mg/kg (or in excess of 100 mg) daily have not been studied in pediatric patients. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Special Populationsand Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects and WARNINGS, Hypotension — Volume-Depleted Patients).

    COZAAR is not recommended in pediatric patients <6 years of age or in pediatric patients with glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects and PRECAUTIONS).

    Preparation of Suspension (for 200 mL of a 2.5 mg/mL suspension)

    Add 10 mL of Purified Water USP to an 8 ounce (240 mL) amber polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle containing ten 50 mg COZAAR tablets. Immediately shake for at least 2 minutes. Let the concentrate stand for 1 hour and then shake for 1 minute to disperse the tablet contents. Separately prepare a 50/50 volumetric mixture of Ora-Plus™2 and Ora-Sweet SF™3 Add 190 mL of the 50/50 Ora-Plus™/Ora-Sweet SF™ mixture to the tablet and water slurry in the PET bottle and shake for 1 minute to disperse the ingredients. The suspension should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and can be stored for up to 4 weeks. Shake the suspension prior to each use and return promptly to the refrigerator.

    2

    Trademark of Paddock Laboratories, Inc.

    3

    Trademark of Paddock Laboratories, Inc.

    Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

    The usual starting dose is 50 mg of COZAAR once daily. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg daily should be added and/or the dose of COZAAR should be increased to 100 mg once daily followed by an increase in hydrochlorothiazide to 25 mg once daily based on blood pressure response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Reduction in the Risk of Stroke).

    Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

    The usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily. The dose should be increased to 100 mg once daily based on blood pressure response (seeCLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacodynamics and Clinical Effects, Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients). COZAAR may be administered with insulin and other commonly used hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, glitazones and glucosidase inhibitors).

  • Lidocaine Viscous (Lidocaine Hydrochloride) Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Lidocaine Viscous

    Lidocaine Viscous (Lidocaine Hydrochloride) Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Adult

    The maximum recommended single dose of LidocaineViscous (Lidocaine Hydrochloride Oral Topical Solution USP) for healthy adults should be such that the dose of lidocaine HCl does not exceed 4.5 mg/kg or 2 mg/lb body weight and does not in any case exceed a total of 300 mg.

    For symptomatic treatment of irritated or inflamed mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, the usual adult dose is one 15 mL tablespoonful undiluted. For use in the mouth, the solution should be swished around in the mouth and spit out. For use in the pharynx, the undiluted solution should be gargled and may be swallowed. This dose should not be administered at intervals of less than three hours, and not more than eight doses should be given in a 24-hour period.

    The dosage should be adjusted commensurate with the patient’s age, weight and physical condition (see PRECAUTIONS).

    Pediatric

    Care must be taken to ensure correct dosage in all pediatric patients as there have been cases of overdose due to inappropriate dosing.

    It is difficult to recommend a maximum dose of any drug for children since this varies as a function of age and weight. For children over 3 years of age who have a normal lean body mass and normal body development, the maximum dose is determined by the child’s weight or age. For example: in a child of 5 years weighing 50 lbs., the dose of lidocaine hydrochloride should not exceed 75-100 mg (3/4 to 1 teaspoonful).

    For infants and in children under 3 years of age, 1/4 teaspoon of the solution should be accurately measured and applied to the immediate area with a cotton-tipped applicator. This dose should not be administered at intervals of less than three hours. Not more than four doses should be given in a 12-hour period.

  • Lamotrigine Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Lamotrigine

    Lamotrigine Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    2.1 General Dosing Considerations 

    Rash: There are suggestions, yet to be proven, that the risk of severe, potentially life-threatening rash may be increased by (1) coadministration of lamotrigine tablets with valproate, (2) exceeding the recommended initial dose of lamotrigine tablets, or (3) exceeding the recommended dose escalation for lamotrigine tablets. 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 of lamotrigine tablets is exceeded and in patients with a history of allergy or rash to other AEDs.

    It is recommended that lamotrigine tablets 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: Drugs other than those listed in the Clinical Pharmacology section [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] have not been systematically evaluated in combination with lamotrigine. 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 and doses of lamotrigine tablets may require adjustment based on clinical response.

    Target Plasma Levels for Patients With Epilepsy or Bipolar Disorder: A therapeutic plasma concentration range has not been established for lamotrigine. Dosing of lamotrigine tablets should be based on therapeutic response [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    Women Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives:  Starting Lamotrigine Tablets 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 tablets 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 tablets based on the concomitant AED or other concomitant medications (see Table 1 or Table 5). See below for adjustments to maintenance doses of lamotrigine tablets in women taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

    Adjustments to the Maintenance Dose of Lamotrigine Tablets In Women Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives:

    (1) Taking Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives: For women not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, the maintenance dose of lamotrigine tablets will in most cases need to be increased, by as much as 2 fold over the recommended target maintenance dose, in order to maintain a consistent lamotrigine plasma level [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    (2) Starting Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives: In women taking a stable dose of lamotrigine tablets and not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, the maintenance dose will in most cases need to be increased by as much as 2 fold in order 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 or Table 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 tablets 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 tablets in addition to carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, no adjustment should be necessary to the dose of lamotrigine tablets.

    (3) Stopping Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives: For women not taking carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, the maintenance dose of lamotrigine tablets 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 tablets 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)]. For women taking lamotrigine tablets in addition to carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, no adjustment to the dose of lamotrigine tablets 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 tablets in the presence of progestogens alone will likely not be needed.

    Patients With Hepatic Impairment: Experience in patients with hepatic impairment is limited. Based on a clinical pharmacology study in 24 patients 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 tablets should be based on patients' concomitant medications (see Tables 1 to 3 or Table 5); reduced maintenance doses may be effective for patients with significant renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Few patients with severe renal impairment have been evaluated during chronic treatment with lamotrigine tablets. Because there is inadequate experience in this population, lamotrigine tablets should be used with caution in these patients.

    Discontinuation Strategy:  Epilepsy: For patients receiving lamotrigine tablets 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 tablets, 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 (5.9)].

    Discontinuing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone 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 tablets. In clinical trials in patients with Bipolar Disorder, 2 patients experienced seizures shortly after abrupt withdrawal of lamotrigine tablets. However, there were confounding factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of seizures in these bipolar patients. Discontinuation of lamotrigine tablets 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 (5.9)].

    2.2 Epilepsy – Adjunctive Therapy

    This section provides specific dosing recommendations for patients greater than 12 years of age and patients 2 to 12 years of age. Within each of these age-groups, specific dosing recommendations are provided depending upon concomitant AED or other concomitant medications (Table 1 for patients greater than 12 years of age and Table 2 for patients 2 to 12 years of age). A weight-based dosing guide for patients 2 to 12 years of age on concomitant valproate is provided in Table 3.

    Patients Over 12 Years of Age: Recommended dosing guidelines are summarized in Table 1.

    Table 1. Escalation Regimen for Lamotrigine in Patients Over 12 Years of Age With Epilepsy * Valproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [ see Drug Interactions (7), Pharmacokinetics (12.3)] . † These drugs induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [ see Drug Interactions (7) Pharmacokinetics (12.3)]. Other drugs, which have similar effects include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and rifampin [ see Drug Interactions (7), Pharmacokinetics (12.3)] . Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives can be found in General Dosing Considerations [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . Patients on rifampin should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with drugs that induce glucuronidation and increase clearance. For Patients Taking Valproate* For Patients Taking AEDs Other Than Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone†, and Not Taking Valproate For Patients Taking Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone† and Not Taking Valproate 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) Weeks 5 onwards 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 glucuronication

    (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 2 to 12 Years of Age: Recommended dosing guidelines are summarized in Table 2.

    Smaller 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 smaller 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 2 to 12 Years of Age With Epilepsy * Valproate has been shown to inhibit glucuronidation and decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine [ see Drug Interactions (7), Pharmacokinetics (12.3)] . † These drugs induce glucuronidation and increase clearance [see Drug Interactions (7) Pharmacokinetics (12.3)]. Other drugs, which have similar effects include estrogen-containing oral contraceptives and rifampin [ see Drug Interactions (7), Pharmacokinetics (12.3)] . Dosing recommendations for oral contraceptives can be found in General Dosing Considerations [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] . Patients on rifampin should follow the same dosing titration/maintenance regimen used with drugs that induce glucuronidation. For Patients Taking Valproate* For Patients Taking AEDs Other Than Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone†, and Not Taking Valproate For Patients Taking Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone† and Not Taking Valproate 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 tablet 0.6 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tablet Weeks 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 tablet 1.2 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses, rounded down to the nearest whole tablet Weeks 5 onwards 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 alone 4.5 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%, based on clinical response

    NOTE: Only whole tablets should be used for dosing.

    Table 3. The Initial Weight-Based Dosing Guide for Patients 2 to 12 Years Taking Valproate (Weeks 1 to 4) With Epilepsy If the patient’s weight is Give this daily dose, using the most appropriate combination of lamotrigine 2 mg and 5 mg tablets Greater than And less than Weeks 1 and 2 Weeks 3 and 4 6.7 kg 14 kg 2 mg every other day 2 mg every day 14.1 kg 27 kg 2 mg every day 4 mg every day 27.1 kg 34 kg 4 mg every day 8 mg every day 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 studies in which the efficacy of lamotrigine tablets was established. In patients receiving multidrug regimens employing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone without valproate, maintenance doses of adjunctive lamotrigine tablets as high as 700 mg/day have been used. In patients receiving valproate alone, maintenance doses of adjunctive lamotrigine tablets as high as 200 mg/day have been used. The advantage of using doses above those recommended in Tables 1 through 4 has not been established in controlled trials.

    2.3 Epilepsy – Conversion From Adjunctive Therapy to Monotherapy

    The goal of the transition regimen is to effect the conversion to monotherapy with lamotrigine tablets under conditions that ensure adequate seizure control while mitigating the risk of serious rash associated with the rapid titration of lamotrigine tablets.

    The recommended maintenance dose of lamotrigine tablets 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 of lamotrigine tablets should not be exceeded [see Boxed Warning].

    Conversion From Adjunctive Therapy With Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, or Primidone to Monotherapy With Lamotrigine Tablets: After achieving a dose of 500 mg/day of lamotrigine tablets according to 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 AED is based on experience gained in the controlled monotherapy clinical trial.

    Conversion from Adjunctive Therapy With Valproate to Monotherapy With Lamotrigine Tablets: The conversion regimen involves 4 steps outlined in Table 4.

    Table 4. Conversion From Adjunctive Therapy With Valproate to Monotherapy With Lamotrigine in Patients ≥ 16 Years of Age With Epilepsy   Lamotrigine Valproate Step 1 Achieve a dose of 200 mg/day according to guidelines in Table 1 (if not already on 200 mg/day). Maintain previous stable dose. Step 2 Maintain at 200 mg/day. Decrease to 500 mg/day by decrements no greater than 500 mg/day/week and then maintain the dose of 500 mg/day 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 AEDs Other Than Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, or Valproate to Monotherapy With Lamotrigine Tablets: No specific dosing guidelines can be provided for conversion to monotherapy with lamotrigine tablets with AEDs other than carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, or valproate.

    2.4 Bipolar Disorder

    The goal of maintenance treatment with lamotrigine tablets 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. The target dose of lamotrigine tablets 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 rifampin, which 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 tablets 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 tablets should be adjusted. For patients discontinuing valproate, the dose of lamotrigine tablets should be doubled over a 2 week period in equal weekly increments (see Table 6). For patients discontinuing carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin, the dose of lamotrigine tablets 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 tablets may then be further adjusted to the target dose (200 mg) as clinically indicated.

    If other drugs are subsequently introduced, the dose of lamotrigine tablets may need to be adjusted. In particular, the introduction of valproate requires reduction in the dose of lamotrigine tablets [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 tablets should not be exceeded [see Boxed Warning].

     

    Table 5. Escalation Regimen for Lamotrigine for Patients With Bipolar Disorder* * See Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) for a description of known drug interactions. † Valproate has been shown to decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine. ‡ Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, and rifampin have been shown to increase the apparent clearance of lamotrigine. For Patients Taking Valproate† For Patients Not Taking Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, or Rifampin‡ and Not Taking Valproate† For Patients Taking Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, or Rifampin‡ and Not Taking Valproate† 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 for Patients With Bipolar Disorder Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications* * See Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) for a description of known drug interactions. † Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, and rifampin have been shown to increase the apparent clearance of lamotrigine. ‡ Valproate has been shown to decrease the apparent clearance of lamotrigine.   Discontinuation of Psychotropic Drugs (excluding Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, Rifampin†, or Valproate‡) After Discontinuation of Valproate‡ After Discontinuation of Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, or Rifampin† Current dose of Lamotrigine (mg/day) 100

    Current dose of Lamotrigine (mg/day)

    400

    Week 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

    The benefit of continuing treatment in patients who had been stabilized in an 8 to 16 week open-label phase with lamotrigine tablets was established in 2 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical maintenance trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. However, the optimal duration of treatment with lamotrigine tablets has not been established. Thus, patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.

  • Perphenazine Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Perphenazine

    Perphenazine Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Dosage must be individualized and adjusted according to the severity of the condition and the response obtained. As with all potent drugs, the best dose is the lowest dose that will produce the desired clinical effect. Since extrapyramidal symptoms increase in frequency and severity with increased dosage, it is important to employ the lowest effective dose. These symptoms have disappeared upon reduction of dosage, withdrawal of the drug, or administration of an antiparkinsonian agent.

    Prolonged administration of doses exceeding 24 mg daily should be reserved for hospitalized patients or patients under continued observation for early detection and management of adverse reactions. An antiparkinsonian agent, such as trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride or benztropine mesylate, is valuable in controlling drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.

    Suggested dosages for various conditions follow:

    Moderately disturbed nonhospitalized patients with schizophrenia

    4 to 8 mg t.i.d. initially; reduce as soon as possible to minimum effective dosage.

    Hospitalized patients with schizophrenia

    8 to 16 mg b.i.d. to q.i.d.; avoid dosages in excess of 64 mg daily.

    Severe nausea and vomiting in adults

    8 to 16 mg daily in divided doses; 24 mg occasionally may be necessary; early dosage reduction is desirable.

    Elderly Patients

    With increasing age, plasma concentrations of perphenazine per daily ingested dose increase. Geriatric dosages of perphenazine preparations have not been established, but initiation of lower dosages is recommended. Optimal clinical effect or benefit may require lower doses for a longer duration. Dosing of perphenazine may occur before bedtime, if required.

  • Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride

    Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    For symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested: in adults, 50-100 mg q.i.d.; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses and over 6 years, 50-100 mg daily in divided doses.

    For use in the management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses, and in histamine-mediated pruritus: in adults, 25 mg t.i.d. or q.i.d.; children under 6 years, 50 mg daily in divided doses and over 6 years, 50-100 mg daily in divided doses.

    As a sedative when used as a premedication and following general anesthesia: 50-100 mg in adults, and 0.6 mg/kg of body weight in children.

    When treatment is initiated by the intramuscular route of administration, subsequent doses may be administered orally.

    As with all medications, the dosage should be adjusted according to the patient’s response to therapy.

  • Hydralazine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Hydralazine Hydrochloride

    Hydralazine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    When there is urgent need, therapy in the hospitalized patient may be initiated intramuscularly or as a rapid intravenous bolus injection directly into the vein. Hydralazine hydrochloride injection should be used only when the drug cannot be given orally. The usual dose is 20-40 mg, repeated as necessary.

    Certain patients (especially those with marked renal damage) may require a lower dose. Blood pressure should be checked frequently. It may begin to fall within a few minutes after injection, with the average maximal decrease occurring in 10-80 minutes. In cases where there has been increased intracranial pressure, lowering the blood pressure may increase cerebral ischemia. Most patients can be transferred to oral hydralazine hydrochloride within 24-48 hours.

    The product should be used immediately after the vial is opened. It should not be added to infusion solutions. Hydralazine hydrochloride injection may discolor upon contact with metal; discolored solutions should be discarded.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

  • Everyday Clean Dandruff (Pyrithione Zinc) Shampoo [Cardinal Health]

    Everyday Clean Dandruff

    Everyday Clean Dandruff (Pyrithione Zinc) Shampoo [Cardinal Health]

    Directions •shake well •for maximum dandruff control, use every time you   shampoo •wet hair massage onto scalp, rinse, repeat if desired •for best results use at least twice a week or as  directed by a doctor

  • Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Aricept

    Aricept (Donepezil Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

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

    ARICEPT can be taken with or without food.

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

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

    2.1. Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

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

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

    2.2. Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease

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

    2.3. Titration

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

  • Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    Metformin Hydrochloride

    Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet [Cardinal Health]

    There is no fixed dosage regimen for the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes with Metformin HCL or any other pharmacologic agent. Dosage of Metformin HCL must be individualized on the basis of both effectiveness and tolerance, while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily doses. The maximum recommended daily dose of Metformin HCL is 2550 mg in adults and 2000 mg in pediatric patients (10-16 years of age).

    Metformin HCL should be given in divided doses with meals. Metformin HCL should be started at a low dose, with gradual dose escalation, both to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to permit identification of the minimum dose required for adequate glycemic control of the patient.

    During treatment initiation and dose titration (see Recommended Dosing Schedule), fasting plasma glucose should be used to determine the therapeutic response to Metformin HCL and identify the minimum effective dose for the patient. Thereafter, glycosylated hemoglobin should be measured at intervals of approximately three months. The therapeutic goal should be to decrease both fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels to normal or near normal by using the lowest effective dose of Metformin HCL, either when used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin.

    Monitoring of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin will also permit detection of primary failure, i.e., inadequate lowering of blood glucose at the maximum recommended dose of medication, and secondary failure, i.e., loss of an adequate blood glucose lowering response after an initial period of effectiveness.

    Short-term administration of Metformin HCL may be sufficient during periods of transient loss of control in patients usually well-controlled on diet alone.

    Recommended Dosing Schedule

    Adults

    In general, clinically significant responses are not seen at doses below 1500 mg per day. However, a lower recommended starting dose and gradually increased dosage is advised to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms.

    The usual starting dose of Metformin HCL Tablets, USP is 500 mg twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Patients can also be titrated from 500 mg twice a day to 850 mg twice a day after 2 weeks. For those patients requiring additional glycemic control, Metformin HCL may be given to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated given three times a day with meals.

    If higher doses of metformin are required, Metformin HCL should be used at total daily doses up to 2550 mg administered in divided daily doses, as described above. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies.)

    Pediatrics

    The usual starting dose of Metformin HCL is 500 mg twice a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses.

    Transfer From Other Antidiabetic Therapy

    When transferring patients from standard oral hypoglycemic agents other than chlorpropamide to Metformin HCL, no transition period generally is necessary. When transferring patients from chlorpropamide, care should be exercised during the first two weeks because of the prolonged retention of chlorpropamide in the body, leading to overlapping drug effects and possible hypoglycemia.

    Concomitant Metformin HCL and Oral Sulfonylurea Therapy in Adult Patients

    If patients have not responded to four weeks of the maximum dose of Metformin HCL monotherapy, consideration should be given to gradual addition of an oral sulfonylurea while continuing Metformin HCL at the maximum dose, even if prior primary or secondary failure to a sulfonylurea has occurred. Clinical and pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction data are currently available only for metformin plus glyburide (glibenclamide).

    With concomitant Metformin HCL and sulfonylurea therapy, the desired control of blood glucose may be obtained by adjusting the dose of each drug. In a clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes and prior failure on glyburide, patients started on Metformin HCL 500 mg and glyburide 20 mg were titrated to 1000/20 mg, 1500/20 mg, 2000/20 mg or 2500/20 mg of Metformin HCL and glyburide, respectively, to reach the goal of glycemic control as measured by FPG, HbA1c and plasma glucose response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). However, attempts should be made to identify the minimum effective dose of each drug to achieve this goal. With concomitant Metformin HCL and sulfonylurea therapy, the risk of hypoglycemia associated with sulfonylurea therapy continues and may be increased. Appropriate precautions should be taken. (See Package Insert of the respective sulfonylurea.)

    If patients have not satisfactorily responded to one to three months of concomitant therapy with the maximum dose of Metformin HCL and the maximum dose of an oral sulfonylurea, consider therapeutic alternatives including switching to insulin with or without Metformin HCL.

    Concomitant Metformin HCL and Insulin Therapy in Adult Patients

    The current insulin dose should be continued upon initiation of Metformin HCL therapy. Metformin HCL therapy should be initiated at 500 mg once daily in patients on insulin therapy. For patients not responding adequately, the dose of Metformin HCL should be increased by 500 mg after approximately 1 week and by 500 mg every week thereafter until adequate glycemic control is achieved. The maximum recommended daily dose is 2500 mg for Metformin HCL. It is recommended that the insulin dose be decreased by 10% to 25% when fasting plasma glucose concentrations decrease to less than 120 mg/dL in patients receiving concomitant insulin and Metformin HCL. Further adjustment should be individualized based on glucose-lowering response.

    Specific Patient Populations

    Metformin HCL is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Metformin HCL is not recommended in patients below the age of 10 years.

    The initial and maintenance dosing of Metformin HCL should be conservative in patients with advanced age, due to the potential for decreased renal function in this population. Any dosage adjustment should be based on a careful assessment of renal function. Generally, elderly, debilitated, and malnourished patients should not be titrated to the maximum dose of Metformin HCL.

    Monitoring of renal function is necessary to aid in prevention of lactic acidosis, particularly in the elderly. (See WARNINGS.)

  • Gentamicin Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Gentamicin

    Gentamicin Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Gentamicin Injection may be given intramuscularly or intravenously.  The patient’s pretreatment body weight should be obtained for calculation of correct dosage.  The dosage of aminoglycosides in obese patients should be based on an estimate of the lean body mass.  It is desirable to limit the duration of treatment with aminoglycosides to short term.

    DOSAGE FOR PATIENTS

    WITH NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

    Children: 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day. (2 to 2.5 mg/kg administered every 8 hours.)

    Infants and Neonates: 7.5 mg/kg/day. (2.5 mg/kg administered every 8 hours.)

    Premature or Full-term Neonates One Week of Age or Less: 5 mg/kg/day. (2.5 mg/kg administered every 12 hours.)

    It is desirable to measure periodically both peak and trough serum concentrations of gentamicin when feasible during therapy to assure adequate but not excessive drug levels.  For example, the peak concentration (at 30 to 60 minutes after intramuscular injection) is expected to be in the range of 3 to 5 mcg/mL.  When monitoring peak concentrations after intramuscular or intravenous administration, dosage should be adjusted so that prolonged levels above 12 mcg/mL are avoided.  When monitoring trough concentrations (just prior to the next dose), dosage should be adjusted so that levels above 2 mcg/mL are avoided. Determination of the adequacy of a serum level for a particular patient must take into consideration the susceptibility of the causative organism, the severity of the infection, and the status of the patient’s host-defense mechanisms.

    In patients with extensive burns, altered pharmacokinetics may result in reduced serum concentrations of aminoglycosides.  In such patients treated with gentamicin, measurement of serum concentrations is recommended as a basis for dosage adjustment.

    The usual duration of treatment is 7 to 10 days.  In difficult and complicated infections, a longer course of therapy may be necessary.  In such cases monitoring of renal, auditory, and vestibular functions is recommended, since toxicity is more apt to occur with treatment extended for more than 10 days.  Dosage should be reduced if clinically indicated.

    For Intravenous Administration

    The intravenous administration of gentamicin may be particularly useful for treating patients with bacterial septicemia or those in shock.  It may also be the preferred route of administration for some patients with congestive heart failure, hematologic disorders, severe burns, or those with reduced muscle mass.

    For intermittent intravenous administration, a single dose of Gentamicin Injection may be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection or in 5% Dextrose Injection.  The solution may be infused over a period of one-half to two hours.

    The recommended dosage for intravenous and intramuscular administration is identical.

    Gentamicin Injection should not be physically premixed with other drugs, but should be administered separately in accordance with the recommended route of administration and dosage schedule.

    DOSAGE FOR PATIENTS

    WITH IMPAIRED RENAL FUNCTION

    Dosage must be adjusted in patients with impaired renal function to assure therapeutically adequate but not excessive, blood levels.  Whenever possible, serum concentrations of gentamicin should be monitored.  One method of dosage adjustment is to increase the interval between administration of the usual doses.  Since the serum creatinine concentration has a high correlation with the serum half-life of gentamicin, this laboratory test may provide guidance for adjustment of the interval between doses.  In adults, the interval between doses (in hours) may be approximated by multiplying the serum creatinine level (mg/100 mL) by 8.  For example, a patient weighing 60 kg with a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/100 mL could be given 60 mg (1 mg/kg) every 16 hours (2 x 8).  These guidelines may be considered when treating infants and children with serious renal impairment.

    In patients with serious systemic infections and renal impairment, it may be desirable to administer the antibiotic more frequently but in reduced dosage.  In such patients, serum concentrations of gentamicin should be measured so that adequate but not excessive levels result.

    A peak and trough concentration measured intermittently during therapy will provide optimal guidance for adjusting dosage.  After the usual initial dose, a rough guide for determining reduced dosage at eight-hour intervals is to divide the normally recommended dose by the serum creatinine level (Table 1).  For example, after an initial dose of 20 mg (2 mg/kg), a child weighing 10 kg with a serum creatinine level of 2 mg/100 mL could be given 10 mg every eight hours (20 ÷ 2).  It should be noted that the status of renal function may be changing over the course of the infectious process.  It is important to recognize that deteriorating renal function may require a greater reduction in dosage than that specified in the above guidelines for patients with stable renal impairment.

    TABLE 1

    DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT GUIDE

    FOR PATIENTS WITH RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    (Dosage at Eight-Hour Intervals

    After the Usual Initial Dose)

    Serum

    Creatinine

    (mg %)

    Approximate

    Creatinine

    Clearance Rate

    (mL/min/1.73m2)

    Percent of

    Usual Doses

    Shown Above

      ≤1

          >100

    100

    1.1-1.3

    70-100

    80

    1.4-1.6

    55-70

    65

    1.7-1.9

    45-55

    55

    2   -2.2

    40-45

    50

    2.3-2.5

    35-40

    40

        2.6-3

    30-35

    35

    3.1-3.5

    25-30

    30

        3.6-4

    20-25

    25

    4.1-5.1

    15-20

    20

    5.2-6.6

    10-15

    15

        6.7-8

             <10

    10

    In patients with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis, the amount of gentamicin removed from the blood may vary depending upon several factors including the dialysis method used.  An eight-hour hemodialysis may reduce serum concentrations of gentamicin by approximately 50%.  In children, the recommended dose at the end of each dialysis period is 2 to 2.5 mg/kg depending upon the severity of the infection.

    The above dosage schedules are not intended as rigid recommendations but are provided as guides to dosage when the measurement of gentamicin serum levels is not feasible.

    A variety of methods are available to measure gentamicin concentrations in body fluids; these include microbiologic, enzymatic and radioimmunoassay techniques.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

  • Nabumetone Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Nabumetone

    Nabumetone Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of nabumetone tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use nabumetone tablets. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS).

    After observing the response to initial therapy with nabumetone tablets, the dose and frequency should be adjusted to suit an individual patient's needs.

    Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The recommended starting dose is 1,000 mg taken as a single dose with or without food. Some patients may obtain more symptomatic relief from 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg per day. Nabumetone tablets can be given in either a single or twice-daily dose. Dosages greater than 2,000 mg per day have not been studied. The lowest effective dose should be used for chronic treatment (see WARNINGS, Renal Effects). Patients weighing under 50 kg may be less likely to require dosages beyond 1,000 mg; therefore, after observing the response to initial therapy, the dose should be adjusted to meet individual patients’ requirements.

  • Childrens Benadryl Itch Cooling (Camphor (Synthetic)) Gel [Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, Division Of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.]

    Childrens Benadryl Itch Cooling

    Childrens Benadryl Itch Cooling (Camphor (Synthetic)) Gel [Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, Division Of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.]

    2.1 Hyperlipidemia (Heterozygous Familial and Nonfamilial) and Mixed Dyslipidemia (Fredrickson Types IIa and IIb)

    The recommended starting dose of atorvastatin calcium tablets is 10 mg or 20 mg once daily. Patients who require a large reduction in LDL-C (more than 45%) may be started at 40 mg once daily. The dosage range of atorvastatin calcium tablets is 10 mg to 80 mg once daily. Atorvastatin calcium tablets can be administered as a single dose at any time of the day, with or without food. The starting dose and maintenance doses of atorvastatin calcium tablets should be individualized according to patient characteristics such as goal of therapy and response (see current NCEP Guidelines). After initiation and/or upon titration of atorvastatin calcium tablets, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks and dosage adjusted accordingly.

    2.2 Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Pediatric Patients (10 to 17 Years of Age)

    The recommended starting dose of atorvastatin calcium tablets is 10 mg/day; the maximum recommended dose is 20 mg/day (doses greater than 20 mg have not been studied in this patient population). Doses should be individualized according to the recommended goal of therapy [see current NCEP Pediatric Panel Guidelines, Clinical Pharmacology (12), and Indications and Usage (1.2)]. Adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more.

    2.3 Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

    The dosage of atorvastatin calcium tablets in patients with homozygous FH is 10 mg to 80 mg daily. Atorvastatin calcium tablets should be used as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering treatments (e.g., LDL apheresis) in these patients or if such treatments are unavailable.

    2.4 Concomitant Lipid-lowering Therapy

    Atorvastatin calcium tablets may be used with bile acid resins. The combination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and fibrates should generally be used with caution [see Warnings and Precautions, Skeletal Muscle (5.1), Drug Interactions (7)].

    2.5 Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment

    Renal disease does not affect the plasma concentrations nor LDL-C reduction of atorvastatin calcium tablets; thus, dosage adjustment in patients with renal dysfunction is not necessary [see Warnings and Precautions, Skeletal Muscle (5.1), Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics (12.3)].

    2.6 Dosage in Patients Taking Cyclosporine, Clarithromycin, Itraconazole, or Certain Protease Inhibitors

    In patients taking cyclosporine or the HIV protease inhibitors (tipranavir plus ritonavir) or the hepatitis C protease inhibitor (telaprevir), therapy with atorvastatin calcium tablets should be avoided. In patients with HIV taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, caution should be used when prescribing atorvastatin calcium tablets and the lowest dose necessary employed. In patients taking clarithromycin, itraconazole, or in patients with HIV taking a combination of saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, or fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, therapy with atorvastatin calcium tablets should be limited to 20 mg, and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin calcium tablets is employed. In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir or the hepatitis C protease inhibitor boceprevir, therapy with atorvastatin calcium tablets should be limited to 40 mg, and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin calcium tablets is employed [see Warnings and Precautions, Skeletal Muscle (5.1), Drug Interactions (7)].

  • Leader Fiber
    Leader Fiber (Psyllium Husk) Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    Leader Fiber

    Leader Fiber (Psyllium Husk) Capsule [Cardinal Health]

    take at the first sign of irregularity take this product (child or adult dose) with at least 8 ounces (a full glass) of water or other fluid. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause choking. See choking warning. adults and children 12 years of age and over: take 5 capsules with at least 8 oz. of liquid. Swallow capsules one at a time. May repeat dose up to 3 times a day. children 12 years and under: ask a doctor

  • Megestrol Acetate Suspension [Cardinal Health]

    Megestrol Acetate Suspension

    Megestrol Acetate Suspension [Cardinal Health]

    The recommended adult initial dosage of megestrol acetate oral suspension is 800 mg/day (20 mL/ day). Shake container well before using.

    In clinical trials evaluating different dose schedules, daily doses of 400 and 800 mg/day were found to be clinically effective.

  • Singulair (Montelukast Sodium) Tablet, Chewable Singulair (Montelukast Sodium) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Singulair

    Singulair (Montelukast Sodium) Tablet, Chewable Singulair (Montelukast Sodium) Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    2.1 Asthma

    SINGULAIR should be taken once daily in the evening. The following doses are recommended:

    For adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older: one 10-mg tablet.

    For pediatric patients 6 to 14 years of age: one 5-mg chewable tablet.

    For pediatric patients 2 to 5 years of age: one 4-mg chewable tablet or one packet of 4-mg oral granules.

    For pediatric patients 12 to 23 months of age: one packet of 4-mg oral granules.

    Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 12 months of age with asthma have not been established.

    There have been no clinical trials in patients with asthma to evaluate the relative efficacy of morning versus evening dosing. The pharmacokinetics of montelukast are similar whether dosed in the morning or evening. Efficacy has been demonstrated for asthma when montelukast was administered in the evening without regard to time of food ingestion.

    2.2 Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) in Patients 15 Years of Age and Older

    For prevention of EIB, a single 10 mg dose of SINGULAIR should be taken at least 2 hours before exercise. An additional dose of SINGULAIR should not be taken within 24 hours of a previous dose. Patients already taking SINGULAIR daily for another indication (including chronic asthma) should not take an additional dose to prevent EIB. All patients should have available for rescue a short-acting β-agonist. Safety and effectiveness in patients younger than 15 years of age have not been established. Daily administration of SINGULAIR for the chronic treatment of asthma has not been established to prevent acute episodes of EIB.

    2.3 Allergic Rhinitis

    For allergic rhinitis, SINGULAIR should be taken once daily. Efficacy was demonstrated for seasonal allergic rhinitis when montelukast was administered in the morning or the evening without regard to time of food ingestion. The time of administration may be individualized to suit patient needs.

    The following doses for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are recommended:

    For adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older: one 10-mg tablet.

    For pediatric patients 6 to 14 years of age: one 5-mg chewable tablet.

    For pediatric patients 2 to 5 years of age: one 4-mg chewable tablet or one packet of 4-mg oral granules.

    Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis have not been established.

    The following doses for the treatment of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis are recommended:

    For adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older: one 10-mg tablet.

    For pediatric patients 6 to 14 years of age: one 5-mg chewable tablet.

    For pediatric patients 2 to 5 years of age: one 4-mg chewable tablet or one packet of 4-mg oral granules.

    For pediatric patients 6 to 23 months of age: one packet of 4-mg oral granules.

    Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age with perennial allergic rhinitis have not been established.

    2.4 Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

    Patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis should take only one SINGULAIR dose daily in the evening.

    2.5 Instructions for Administration of Oral Granules

    SINGULAIR 4-mg oral granules can be administered either directly in the mouth, dissolved in 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk, or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room temperature soft foods; based on stability studies, only applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream should be used. The packet should not be opened until ready to use. After opening the packet, the full dose (with or without mixing with baby formula, breast milk, or food) must be administered within 15 minutes. If mixed with baby formula, breast milk, or food, SINGULAIR oral granules must not be stored for future use. Discard any unused portion. SINGULAIR oral granules are not intended to be dissolved in any liquid other than baby formula or breast milk for administration. However, liquids may be taken subsequent to administration. SINGULAIR oral granules can be administered without regard to the time of meals.

  • Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    Metformin Hydrochloride

    Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated [Cardinal Health]

    There is no fixed dosage regimen for the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes with metformin hydrochloride tablets or any other pharmacologic agent. Dosage of metformin hydrochloride tablets must be individualized on the basis of both effectiveness and tolerance, while not exceeding the maximum recommended daily dose. The maximum recommended daily dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets is 2550 mg in adults and 2000 mg in pediatric patients (10 to 16 years of age).

    Metformin hydrochloride tablets should be given in divided doses with meals. Metformin hydrochloride tablets should be started at a low dose, with gradual dose escalation, both to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and to permit identification of the minimum dose required for adequate glycemic control of the patient.

    During treatment initiation and dose titration (see Recommended Dosing Schedule), fasting plasma glucose should be used to determine the therapeutic response to metformin hydrochloride tablets and identify the minimum effective dose for the patient. Thereafter, glycosylated hemoglobin should be measured at intervals of approximately 3 months. The therapeutic goal should be to decrease both fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels to normal or near normal by using the lowest effective dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets, either when used as monotherapy or in combination with sulfonylurea or insulin.

    Monitoring of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin will also permit detection of primary failure, i.e., inadequate lowering of blood glucose at the maximum recommended dose of medication, and secondary failure, i.e., loss of an adequate blood glucose lowering response after an initial period of effectiveness.

    Short-term administration of metformin hydrochloride tablets may be sufficient during periods of transient loss of control in patients usually well controlled on diet alone.

    Recommended Dosing Schedule

    Adults

    In general, clinically significant responses are not seen at doses below 1500 mg per day. However, a lower recommended starting dose and gradually increased dosage is advised to minimize gastrointestinal symptoms.

    The usual starting dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets is 500 mg twice a day or 850 mg once a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks, up to a total of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses. Patients can also be titrated from 500 mg twice a day to 850 mg twice a day after 2 weeks. For those patients requiring additional glycemic control, metformin hydrochloride tablets may be given to a maximum daily dose of 2550 mg per day. Doses above 2000 mg may be better tolerated given three times a day with meals.

    If higher doses of metformin are required, metformin hydrochloride tablets should be used at total daily doses up to 2550 mg administered in divided daily doses, as described above (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies).

    Pediatrics

    The usual starting dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets is 500 mg twice a day, given with meals. Dosage increases should be made in increments of 500 mg weekly up to a maximum of 2000 mg per day, given in divided doses.

    Transfer from Other Antidiabetic Therapy

    When transferring patients from standard oral hypoglycemic agents other than chlorpropamide to metformin hydrochloride tablets, no transition period generally is necessary. When transferring patients from chlorpropamide, care should be exercised during the first 2 weeks because of the prolonged retention of chlorpropamide in the body, leading to overlapping drug effects and possible hypoglycemia.

    Concomitant Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet and Oral Sulfonylurea Therapy in Adult Patients

    If patients have not responded to 4 weeks of the maximum dose of metformin hydrochloride tablet monotherapy, consideration should be given to gradual addition of an oral sulfonylurea while continuing metformin hydrochloride tablets at the maximum dose, even if prior primary or secondary failure to a sulfonylurea has occurred. Clinical and pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction data are currently available only for metformin plus glyburide (glibenclamide).

    With concomitant metformin hydrochloride tablet and sulfonylurea therapy, the desired control of blood glucose may be obtained by adjusting the dose of each drug. In a clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes and prior failure on glyburide, patients started on metformin hydrochloride 500 mg and glyburide 20 mg were titrated to 1000 mg/20 mg, 1500 mg/20 mg, 2000 mg/20 mg or 2500 mg/20 mg of metformin hydrochloride tablets and glyburide, respectively, to reach the goal of glycemic control as measured by FPG, HbA1c and plasma glucose response (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). However, attempts should be made to identify the minimum effective dose of each drug to achieve this goal. With concomitant metformin hydrochloride tablet and sulfonylurea therapy, the risk of hypoglycemia associated with sulfonylurea therapy continues and may be increased. Appropriate precautions should be taken. (See Package Insert of the respective sulfonylurea.)

    If patients have not satisfactorily responded to 1 to 3 months of concomitant therapy with the maximum dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets and the maximum dose of an oral sulfonylurea, consider therapeutic alternatives including switching to insulin with or without metformin hydrochloride tablets.

    Concomitant Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet and Insulin Therapy in Adult Patients

    The current insulin dose should be continued upon initiation of metformin hydrochloride tablet therapy. Metformin hydrochloride tablet therapy should be initiated at 500 mg once daily in patients on insulin therapy. For patients not responding adequately, the dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets should be increased by 500 mg after approximately one week and by 500 mg every week thereafter until adequate glycemic control is achieved. The maximum recommended daily dose is 2500 mg for metformin hydrochloride tablets. It is recommended that the insulin dose be decreased by 10% to 25% when fasting plasma glucose concentrations decrease to less than 120 mg/dL in patients receiving concomitant insulin and metformin hydrochloride tablets. Further adjustment should be individualized based on glucose-lowering response.

    Specific Patient Populations

    Metformin hydrochloride tablets are not recommended for use in pregnancy. Metformin hydrochloride tablets are not recommended in patients below the age of 10 years.

    The initial and maintenance dosing of metformin hydrochloride tablets should be conservative in patients with advanced age, due to the potential for decreased renal function in this population. Any dosage adjustment should be based on a careful assessment of renal function. Generally, elderly, debilitated and malnourished patients should not be titrated to the maximum dose of metformin hydrochloride tablets.

    Monitoring of renal function is necessary to aid in prevention of lactic acidosis, particularly in the elderly. (See WARNINGS.)

  • Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    Nalbuphine Hydrochloride

    Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, Solution [Cardinal Health]

    The usual recommended adult dose is 10 mg for a 70 kg individual administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously; this dose may be repeated every 3 to 6 hours as necessary. Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain, physical status of the patient, and other medications which the patient may be receiving (see Interaction With Other Central Nervous System Depressants under WARNINGS). In nontolerant individuals, the recommended single maximum dose is 20 mg with a maximum total daily dose of 160 mg.

    The use of nalbuphine hydrochloride injection as a supplement to balanced anesthesia requires larger doses than those recommended for analgesia. Induction doses of nalbuphine hydrochloride range from 0.3 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg intravenously to be administered over a 10 to 15 minute period with maintenance doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg in single intravenous administrations as required. The use of nalbuphine hydrochloride injection may be followed by respiratory depression which can be reversed with the opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride.

    Patients Dependent on Opioids: Patients who have been taking opioids chronically may experience withdrawal symptoms upon the administration of nalbuphine hydrochloride injection. If unduly troublesome, opioid withdrawal symptoms can be controlled by the slow intravenous administration of small increments of morphine, until relief occurs. If the previous analgesic was morphine, meperidine, codeine, or other opioid with similar duration of activity, one-fourth of the anticipated dose of nalbuphine hydrochloride can be administered initially and the patient observed for signs of withdrawal, i.e., abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, anxiety, restlessness, elevation of temperature or piloerection. If untoward symptoms do not occur, progressively larger doses may be tried at appropriate intervals until the desired level of analgesia is obtained with nalbuphine hydrochloride.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

  • Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Tablet Zyprexa Zydis (Olanzapine) Tablet, Orally Disintegrating [Cardinal Health]

    Zyprexa

    Zyprexa (Olanzapine) Tablet Zyprexa Zydis (Olanzapine) Tablet, Orally Disintegrating [Cardinal Health]

    2.1 Schizophrenia

    Adults

    Dose Selection — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals, generally beginning with 5 to 10 mg initially, with a target dose of 10 mg/day within several days. Further dosage adjustments, if indicated, should generally occur at intervals of not less than 1 week, since steady state for olanzapine would not be achieved for approximately 1 week in the typical patient. When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 5 mg QD are recommended.

    Efficacy in schizophrenia was demonstrated in a dose range of 10 to 15 mg/day in clinical trials. However, doses above 10 mg/day were not demonstrated to be more efficacious than the 10 mg/day dose. An increase to a dose greater than the target dose of 10 mg/day (i.e., to a dose of 15 mg/day or greater) is recommended only after clinical assessment. Olanzapine is not indicated for use in doses above 20 mg/day.

    Dosing in Special Populations — The recommended starting dose is 5 mg in patients who are debilitated, who have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions, who otherwise exhibit a combination of factors that may result in slower metabolism of olanzapine (e.g., nonsmoking female patients ≥65 years of age), or who may be more pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed with caution in these patients.

    Maintenance Treatment — The effectiveness of oral olanzapine, 10 mg/day to 20 mg/day, in maintaining treatment response in schizophrenic patients who had been stable on ZYPREXA for approximately 8 weeks and were then followed for relapse has been demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. The physician who elects to use ZYPREXA for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

    Adolescents

    Dose Selection — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals with a recommended starting dose of 2.5 or 5 mg, with a target dose of 10 mg/day. Efficacy in adolescents with schizophrenia was demonstrated based on a flexible dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg/day in clinical trials, with a mean modal dose of 12.5 mg/day (mean dose of 11.1 mg/day). When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 2.5 or 5 mg are recommended.

    The safety and effectiveness of doses above 20 mg/day have not been evaluated in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

    Maintenance Treatment — The efficacy of ZYPREXA for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in the adolescent population has not been systematically evaluated; however, maintenance efficacy can be extrapolated from adult data along with comparisons of olanzapine pharmacokinetic parameters in adult and adolescent patients. Thus, it is generally recommended that responding patients be continued beyond the acute response, but at the lowest dose needed to maintain remission. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.

    2.2 Bipolar I Disorder (Manic or Mixed Episodes)

    Adults

    Dose Selection for Monotherapy — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals, generally beginning with 10 or 15 mg. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, should generally occur at intervals of not less than 24 hours, reflecting the procedures in the placebo-controlled trials. When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 5 mg QD are recommended.

    Short-term (3-4 weeks) antimanic efficacy was demonstrated in a dose range of 5 mg to 20 mg/day in clinical trials. The safety of doses above 20 mg/day has not been evaluated in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

    Maintenance Monotherapy — The benefit of maintaining bipolar I patients on monotherapy with oral ZYPREXA at a dose of 5 to 20 mg/day, after achieving a responder status for an average duration of 2 weeks, was demonstrated in a controlled trial [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The physician who elects to use ZYPREXA for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

    Dose Selection for Adjunctive Treatment — When administered as adjunctive treatment to lithium or valproate, oral olanzapine dosing should generally begin with 10 mg once-a-day without regard to meals.

    Antimanic efficacy was demonstrated in a dose range of 5 mg to 20 mg/day in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. The safety of doses above 20 mg/day has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

    Adolescents

    Dose Selection — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals with a recommended starting dose of 2.5 or 5 mg, with a target dose of 10 mg/day. Efficacy in adolescents with bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes) was demonstrated based on a flexible dose range of 2.5 to 20 mg/day in clinical trials, with a mean modal dose of 10.7 mg/day (mean dose of 8.9 mg/day). When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 2.5 or 5 mg are recommended.

    The safety and effectiveness of doses above 20 mg/day have not been evaluated in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

    Maintenance Treatment — The efficacy of ZYPREXA for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder in the adolescent population has not been evaluated; however, maintenance efficacy can be extrapolated from adult data along with comparisons of olanzapine pharmacokinetic parameters in adult and adolescent patients. Thus, it is generally recommended that responding patients be continued beyond the acute response, but at the lowest dose needed to maintain remission. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.

    2.3 Administration of ZYPREXA ZYDIS (olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets)

    After opening sachet, peel back foil on blister. Do not push tablet through foil. Immediately upon opening the blister, using dry hands, remove tablet and place entire ZYPREXA ZYDIS in the mouth. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly in saliva so it can be easily swallowed with or without liquid.

    2.4 ZYPREXA IntraMuscular: Agitation Associated with Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Mania

    Dose Selection for Agitated Adult Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Mania — The efficacy of intramuscular olanzapine for injection in controlling agitation in these disorders was demonstrated in a dose range of 2.5 mg to 10 mg. The recommended dose in these patients is 10 mg. A lower dose of 5 or 7.5 mg may be considered when clinical factors warrant [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. If agitation warranting additional intramuscular doses persists following the initial dose, subsequent doses up to 10 mg may be given. However, the efficacy of repeated doses of intramuscular olanzapine for injection in agitated patients has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials. Also, the safety of total daily doses greater than 30 mg, or 10 mg injections given more frequently than 2 hours after the initial dose, and 4 hours after the second dose have not been evaluated in clinical trials. Maximal dosing of intramuscular olanzapine (e.g., 3 doses of 10 mg administered 2-4 hours apart) may be associated with a substantial occurrence of significant orthostatic hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Thus, it is recommended that patients requiring subsequent intramuscular injections be assessed for orthostatic hypotension prior to the administration of any subsequent doses of intramuscular olanzapine for injection. The administration of an additional dose to a patient with a clinically significant postural change in systolic blood pressure is not recommended.

    If ongoing olanzapine therapy is clinically indicated, oral olanzapine may be initiated in a range of 5-20 mg/day as soon as clinically appropriate [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)].

    Intramuscular Dosing in Special Populations — A dose of 5 mg/injection should be considered for geriatric patients or when other clinical factors warrant. A lower dose of 2.5 mg/injection should be considered for patients who otherwise might be debilitated, be predisposed to hypotensive reactions, or be more pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

    Administration of ZYPREXA IntraMuscular — ZYPREXA IntraMuscular is intended for intramuscular use only. Do not administer intravenously or subcutaneously. Inject slowly, deep into the muscle mass.

    Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

    Directions for Preparation of ZYPREXA IntraMuscular with Sterile Water for Injection — Dissolve the contents of the vial using 2.1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection to provide a solution containing approximately 5 mg/mL of olanzapine. The resulting solution should appear clear and yellow. ZYPREXA IntraMuscular reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection should be used immediately (within 1 hour) after reconstitution. Discard any unused portion.

    The following table provides injection volumes for delivering various doses of intramuscular olanzapine for injection reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection.

    Dose, mg Olanzapine Volume of Injection, mL 10 Withdraw total contents of vial 7.5 1.5 5 1 2.5 0.5

    Physical Incompatibility Information — ZYPREXA IntraMuscular should be reconstituted only with Sterile Water for Injection. ZYPREXA IntraMuscular should not be combined in a syringe with diazepam injection because precipitation occurs when these products are mixed. Lorazepam injection should not be used to reconstitute ZYPREXA IntraMuscular as this combination results in a delayed reconstitution time. ZYPREXA IntraMuscular should not be combined in a syringe with haloperidol injection because the resulting low pH has been shown to degrade olanzapine over time.

    2.5 ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine in Combination: Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder

    When using ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination, also refer to the Clinical Studies section of the package insert for Symbyax.

    Oral olanzapine should be administered in combination with fluoxetine once daily in the evening, without regard to meals, generally beginning with 5 mg of oral olanzapine and 20 mg of fluoxetine. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, can be made according to efficacy and tolerability within dose ranges of oral olanzapine 5 to 12.5 mg and fluoxetine 20 to 50 mg. Antidepressant efficacy was demonstrated with ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination in adult patients with a dose range of olanzapine 6 to 12 mg and fluoxetine 25 to 50 mg.

    Safety and efficacy of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination was determined in clinical trials supporting approval of Symbyax (fixed dose combination of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine). Symbyax is dosed between 3 mg/25 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day and 12 mg/50 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day. The following table demonstrates the appropriate individual component doses of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine versus Symbyax. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, should be made with the individual components according to efficacy and tolerability.

    Table 1: Approximate Dose Correspondence Between Symbyaxa and the Combination of ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine

    a Symbyax (olanzapine/fluoxetine HCl) is a fixed-dose combination of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine.

    For Use in Combination Symbyax ZYPREXA Fluoxetine (mg/day) (mg/day) (mg/day) 3 mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine 2.5 20 6 mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine 5 20 12 mg olanzapine/25 mg fluoxetine 10+2.5 20 6 mg olanzapine/50 mg fluoxetine 5 40+10 12 mg olanzapine/50 mg fluoxetine 10+2.5 40+10

    While there is no body of evidence to answer the question of how long a patient treated with ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination should remain on it, it is generally accepted that bipolar I disorder, including the depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, is a chronic illness requiring chronic treatment. The physician should periodically reexamine the need for continued pharmacotherapy.

    Safety of co-administration of doses above 18 mg olanzapine with 75 mg fluoxetine has not been evaluated in clinical studies.

    ZYPREXA monotherapy is not indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

    2.6 ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine in Combination: Treatment Resistant Depression

    When using ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination, also refer to the Clinical Studies section of the package insert for Symbyax.

    Oral olanzapine should be administered in combination with fluoxetine once daily in the evening, without regard to meals, generally beginning with 5 mg of oral olanzapine and 20 mg of fluoxetine. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, can be made according to efficacy and tolerability within dose ranges of oral olanzapine 5 to 20 mg and fluoxetine 20 to 50 mg. Antidepressant efficacy was demonstrated with olanzapine and fluoxetine in combination in adult patients with a dose range of olanzapine 6 to 18 mg and fluoxetine 25 to 50 mg.

    Safety and efficacy of olanzapine in combination with fluoxetine was determined in clinical trials supporting approval of Symbyax (fixed dose combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine). Symbyax is dosed between 3 mg/25 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day and 12 mg/50 mg (olanzapine/fluoxetine) per day. Table 1 above demonstrates the appropriate individual component doses of ZYPREXA and fluoxetine versus Symbyax. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, should be made with the individual components according to efficacy and tolerability.

    While there is no body of evidence to answer the question of how long a patient treated with ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination should remain on it, it is generally accepted that treatment resistant depression (major depressive disorder in adult patients who do not respond to 2 separate trials of different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current episode) is a chronic illness requiring chronic treatment. The physician should periodically reexamine the need for continued pharmacotherapy.

    Safety of co-administration of doses above 18 mg olanzapine with 75 mg fluoxetine has not been evaluated in clinical studies.

    ZYPREXA monotherapy is not indicated for treatment of treatment resistant depression (major depressive disorder in patients who do not respond to 2 antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in the current episode).

    2.7 ZYPREXA and Fluoxetine in Combination: Dosing in Special Populations

    The starting dose of oral olanzapine 2.5-5 mg with fluoxetine 20 mg should be used for patients with a predisposition to hypotensive reactions, patients with hepatic impairment, or patients who exhibit a combination of factors that may slow the metabolism of olanzapine or fluoxetine in combination (female gender, geriatric age, nonsmoking status), or those patients who may be pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine. Dosing modification may be necessary in patients who exhibit a combination of factors that may slow metabolism. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed with caution in these patients. ZYPREXA and fluoxetine in combination have not been systematically studied in patients over 65 years of age or in patients <18 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].