Saturday, 7 July 2012

Torsemide Injection




Dosage Form: injection

Torsemide Injection Description


Torsemide Injection is a diuretic of the pyridine-sulfonylurea class. Its chemical name is 1-isopropyl-3-

[(4-rn-toluidino-3-pyridyl) sulfonyl]urea and its structural formula is:







Its molecular formula is C,sH;!ON4 0 3S, its pKa is 6.42, and its molecular weight is 348.42.

Torsemide is a white to off-white c rys ta lline powder. Torsemide vials for intravenous injection contain a

sterile solution of torsemide (10 mglmL), polyethylene g lycal-400, tromethamine, and sodium hydroxide

(as needed to adjust p H ) in water for injection.



Torsemide Injection - Clinical Pharmacology


Mechanism of Action

Micropuncture studies in anima ls have shown that torsemide acts from within the lumen of the thick

ascending portion of the loop of Henle, where it inhibits the Na'JK'/2CI'-carrier system. Clinical

pharmacology studies have confirmed this site of action in humans, and effects in other segments of

the nephron have not been demonstrated. Diuretic activity thus correlates better with the rate of drug

excretion in the urine than with the concentration in the blood.

Torsemide increases the urinary excretion of sodium, chloride, and water, but it does not significantly

alterglomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, or acid-base balance.


Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism

The volume of distribution of torsemide is 12 liters to 15 liters in normal adults or in patients with mild

to moderate renal failure or congestive heart failure. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, the volume of

distribution is approximately doubled.

In normal subjects the elimination half- life of torsemide is approximately 3.5 hours. Torsemide is cleared

from the circulation by both hepatic metabolism (approximately 80% of total clearance) and excretion

into the urine (approximately 20% of total clearance in patients w ith normal renal function). The major

metabolite in humans is the carboxylic acid derivative, which is biologically inactive. Two of the lesser

metabolites possess some diuretic activity, but for practical purposes metabolism terminates the action

of the drug.

Because torsemide is extensively bound to plasma protein (> 990/0), very little enters tubular urine via

glomerular filtration. Most renal clearance of torsemide occurs via active secretion of the drug by the

proximal tubules into tubular urine.

In patients with decompensated congestive heart failure, hepatic and renal clearance are both reduced,

probably because of hepatic congestion and decreased renal plasma flow, respectively. The total

clearance of torsemide is approximately 50% of that seen in healthy volunteers, and the plasma half-life

and AUG a re correspondingly increased. Because of reduced renal clearance, a smaller fraction of any

given dose is delivered to the intraluminal site of action, so at any given dose there is less natriuresis in

patients with congestive heart failure than in normal subjects.

In patients with renal failure, renal clearance of torsemide is markedly decreased but total plasma

clearance is not significantly altered. A smaller fraction of the administered dose is delivered to the

intraluminal site of action, and the natriuretic action of any given dose of diuretic is reduced. A diuretic

response in renal failure may still be achieved if patients are given higher doses. The total plasma

clearance and elimination half-life of torsemide remain normal under the conditions of impaired renal

function because metabolic elimination by the liver remains intact.

In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, the volume of distribution, plasma half-life, and renal clearance are all

increased, but total clearance is unchanged.

The pharmacokinetic profile of torsemide in healthy elderly subjects is similar to that in young subjects

except for a decrease in renal clearance related to the decline in renal function that commonly occurs

with aging. However, total plasma clearance and elimination half-life remain unchanged.


Clinical Effects

The diuretic effect s of torsemide begin within 10 minutes of intravenous dosing and peak within the first

hour. With intravenous administration diuresis lasts about 6 to 8 h ours. In healthy subjects given single

doses, the dose-response relationship for sodium excretion is linear over the dose range o f 2.5 mg to 20

mg. The increase in potassium excretion is negligible after a single dose of up to 10 mg and only slight

(5 mEq to 15 mEq) after a single dose o f 20 mg.


Congestive Heart Failure

Torsemide has been studied in controlled trials in patients with New York Heart Association Class II to

Class IV congestive heart failure . Patients who received 10 mg to 20 mg o f daily torsemide in these

studies achieved significantly greater reductions in weight and edema than did patients who received

placebo.


Nonanuric Renal Failure

In single-dose studies in patients with nonanuric renal failure, high doses of torsemide (20 mg to 200

mg) caused marked increases in water and sodium excretion . In patients with nonanuric renal failure,

severe enough to require hemodialys is, chronic treatment with up to 200 mg of daily torsemide has

not been shown to change steady-state fluid retention . When patients in a study of acute renal failure

received total daily doses of 520 mg to 1200 m g o f to rsemide, 1 9% experienced seizures. Ninety-six

patients were treated in this study; 6/32 treated with torsemide experienced seizures, 6/32 treated

with comparably high doses of furosemide experienced seizures, and 1/32 treated with placebo

experienced a seizure.


Hepatic Cirrhosis

When given with aldosterone antagonists, torsemide also caused increases in sodium and fluid

excretion in patients with edema or ascites due to hepatic cirrhosis. Urinary sodium excretion rate

relative to the urinary excretion rate of torsemide is less in cirrhotic patients than in healthy subjects

(possibly because of the hyperaldosteronism and resultant sodium retention that are characteristic of

portal hypertension and ascites). However, because of the increased renal clearance of torsemide in

patients with hepatic cirrhosis, these factors tend to balance each other, and the result is an overall

natriuretic response that is similar to that seen in healthy subjects. Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic

disease has not been studied in adequate and well-controlled trials.


Essential Hypertension

In patients with essential hypertenSion, torsemide has been shown in controlled studies to lower blood

pressure when administered once a day at doses of 5 mg to 10 mg. The antihypertensive effect is near

maximal after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, but it may continue to increase for up to 12 weeks. Systolic and

diastolicsupine and standing blood pressures are all reduced. There is no significant orthostatic effect,

and there is only a minimal peak-trough difference in blood pressure reduction .

The antihypertensive effects of torsemide are, like those of other diuretics, on the average greater in

black patients (a low-renin population) than in non black patients.

When torsemide is first administered, daily urinary sodium excretion increases for a t least a week. With

chronic administration, however, daily sodium loss comes into balance with dietary sodium intake. If

the administration of torsemide is suddenly stopped, blood pressure returns to pretreatment levels over

several days, without over shoot.

Torsemide has been administered together with j3-adrenergic blocking agents, ACE inhibitors, and

calcium-channel blockers. Adverse drug inte rac tio n s have n o t been observed, and special dosage

adjustment has not been necessary.



Torsemide Injection is indicated for the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure,

renal disease, or hepatic disease. Use of torsemide has been found to be effective for the treatment of

edema associated w th chronic renal failure. Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic disease has not been

studied in adequate and well-controlled trials.

Torsemide Injection is indicated when a rapid onset of diuresis is desired or when oral administration

is impractical.

Torsemide Injection is indicated for the treatment of hypertension alone or in combination with other

antihypertensive agents.



Contraindications


Torsemide Injection is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to torsemide or to

sulfonylureas.

Torsemide Injection is contraindicated in patients who are anuric.



Warnings


Hepatic Disease With Cirrhosis and Ascites

Torsemide should be used with caution in patients with hepatic disease with cirrhosis and ascites, since

sudden alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. In these patients,

diuresis with torsemide (or any other diuretic) is best initiated in the hospital. To prevent hypokalemia

and metabolic alkalosis, analdosteroneantagonist or potassium-sparing drug should be used

concomitantly with torsemide.


Ototoxicity

Tinnitus and hearing loss (usually reversible) have been observed after rapid intravenous injection of

other loop diuretics and have also been observed after oral Torsemide. It is not certain that these events

were attributable to torsemide . Ototoxicity has also been seen in animal studies when very high plasma

levels of torsemide were induced. Administered intravenously, torsemide should be injected slowly over

2 minutes, and single doses should not exceed 200 mg.


Volume and Electrolyte Depletion

Patients receiving diuretics should be observed for clinical evidence of electrolyteim balance,

hypovolemia, orprerenal azotemia . Symptoms of these disturbances may include one or more of the

following: dryness of the mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pains

or cramps, muscular fatigue , hypotension , oliguria, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Excessive

diuresis may cause dehydration, blood-volume reduction , and possibly thrombosis and embolism,

especially in elderly patients. In patients who develop fluid and electrolyte imbalances, hypovolemia,

orprerenal azotemia, the observed laboratory changes may include hyper-orhypon atremia, hyper -or

hypochloremia, hyper- or hypokalemia, acid-base abnormalities, and increased blood urea nitrogen

(BUN). If any of these occur, to rsemide should be discontinued until the situation is corrected; torsemide

may be restarted at a lower dose.

In controlled studies in the United States, torsemide was administered to hypertensive patients at doses

o f 5 mg or 10 mg daily. Afte r 6 weeks at these doses, the mean decrease in serum potassium was

approximately 0.1 mEq/L. The percentage of patients who had a serum potassium level below 3.5 m Eq/L

at any time during the studies was essentially the same in patients who received torsemide ( 1.5%) as in

those who received placebo (3%) . In patients followed for 1 year, there was no further change in mean

serum potassium levels. In patients with congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, orrena l disease

treated with torsemide at doses higher than those studied in United States a ntihypertensive trials,

hypokalemia was observed with greater frequency, in a dose-related manner.

In patients with cardiovascular disease, especially those receiving digitalis glycosides, diuretic-induced

hypokelemia may be a risk factor for the development of arrhythmias. The risk of hypokalemia is

greatest in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, in patients experiencing a brisk diuresis, inpatients who

are receiving inadequate oral intake of electrolytes, and in patients receiving concomitant therapy with

corticosteroids or ACTH.

Periodic monitoring of serum potassium and other electrolytes is advised in patients treated with

torsemide.



Precautions


Laboratory Values

Potassium

See WARNINGS.


Calcium

Single doses of torsemide increased the urinary excretion of calcium by normal subjects, but serum

calcium levels were slightly increased in 4 to 6 week hypertension trials . In a long-term study of patients

with congestive heart failure, the average 1 year change in serum calcium was a decrease of 0 .1 mgJdL

(0.02 mmoIlL). Among 426 patients treated with torsemide for an average o f 11 months, hypocalcemia

was not reported as an adverse event.


Magnesium

Single doses of torsemide caused healthy volunteers to increase the ir urinary excretion of magnesium,

but serum magnesium levels were slightly increased in 4 to 6 week hypertension trials. In long-term

hypertension studies, the average 1 year change in serum magnesium was an increase of 0.03 mgJdL

(0.01 mmoIlL). Among 426 patients treated with torsemide for an average of 11 months, one case of

hypomagnesemia (1 .3 m gJdL [0.53 mmollLJ) was reported as an adverse event .

In a tong- term clinical study of torsemide in patients with congestive heart failure, the estimated

annual change in serum magnesium was an increase of 0.2 mg/dL (0.08 mmoI/L), but these data are

confounded by the fact that many of these patients received magnesium supplements. In a 4 week

study in which magnesium supplementation was not given, the rate of occurrence of serum magnesium

levels below 1.7 mg/dL (0.7 mmollL) was 60/0 a nd 9% in the groups receiving 5 mg a nd 10 mg of

torsemide, respectively.


Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), C reatinin e a nd Uric Acid

Torsemide produces small dose-related increases in each of these laboratory values. In hypertensive

patients who received 10 mg o f torsemide daily for 6 weeks, the mean increase in blood urea nitrogen

was 1 .8 mg/dL (0.6 mmo IJL) , the mean increase in serum creatinine was 0.05 mg/dL (4 mmo t/ L) , and

the mean increase in serum uric acid was 1 .2 m gJdL (70 mmoIJL). Little further change occurred with

long-term treatment, and all changes reversed when treatment was discontinued.

Symptomatic gout has been reported in patients receiving torsemide, but its incidence has been similar

to that seen in patients receiving placebo.


Glucose

Hypertensive patients who received 10 m g of daily torsemide experienced a mean increase in serum

glucose concentration o f 5.5 mg/dL (0.3 mmot/L) after 6 weeks of therapy, with a further increase of

1 .8 mgldL (0.1 mmollL) during the subsequent year. In long-term studies in diabetics, mean fasting

glucose values were not significantly changed from baseline. Cases of hyperglycemia have been

reported but are uncommon.


Serum Lipids

In the controlled short-term hypertension studies in the United States, daily doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and

20 mg of torsemide were associated with increases in total plasma cholesterol of 4, 4 , and 8 mg/dL (0.1

to 0.2 mmoIlL ), respectively. The changes subsided during chronic therapy.

In the same short- term hypertension studies, daily doses of 5 mg, 10 m g and 20 mg of torsemide were

associated with mean increases in plasma triglycerides of 16, 13, and 71 mg/dL (0. 15 to 0.8 mmoIlL) ,

respectively.

In long-term studies of 5 mg to 20 mg of torsemide daily, no clinically significant differences from

baseline lipid values were observed after 1 year of therapy.


Other

In long-term studies in hypertensive patients, torsemide has been associated with small mean

decreases in hemoglobin, hematocrit , and erythrocyte count and small mean increases in white blood

cell count, platelet count, and serum alkaline phosphatase. Although statistically significant, all of these

changes were medically inconsequential. No significant trends have been observed in any liver enzyme

tests other than alkaline phosphatase.



Drug Interactions


In patients with essential hypertension, torsemide has been administered together with beta-blockers,

ACE inhibitors, and calcium-channel blockers, In patients with congestive heart failure, torsemide has

been administered together with digitalis glycosides, ACE inhibitors, and o rganic nitrates. None of these

combined uses was associated with new or unexpected adverse events.

Torsemide does not affect the protein binding of glyburide or of wartarin, the anticoagulant effect of

phenprocoumon (a related coumarin derivative), or the pharmacokinetics of digoxin or carvedilol (a

vasodilator/beta-blocker). In hea lthy subjects, coadministration of torsemide was associated with

significant reduction in the renal clearance of spironolactone, with corresponding increases in the AUC.

However, clinical experience indicates that dosage adjustment of either agent is not required ,

Because torsemide and salicylates compete fo r secretion by rena l tubules, patients receiving high

doses of salicylates may experience salicylate toxicity when torsemide is concomitantly administe red ,

Also, although possible inte ractions between torsemide and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

(including aspirin) have not been studied, coadministration of these agents with another loop diuretic

(furosemide) has occasionally been associated with renal dysfunction,

The natriuretic effect of torsemide (like that of many other diuretics) is partially inhibited by the

concomitant administration of indomethacin. This effect has been demonstrated for torsemide under

conditions of dietary sodium restriction (50 mEq/day) but not in the presence of normal sodium intake

(150 mEq/day).

The pharmacokinetic profile and diuretic activity of torsemide are not altered by cimetidine or

s pironolactone, Coadministration of digoxin is reported to increase the area under the curve for

torsemide by 50%, but dose adjustment of torsemide is not necessary.

Concomitant use of torsemide and cholestyramine has not been studied in humans but, in a study

in animals, coadministration of cholestyramine decreased the absorption of orally administered

torsemide. If torsemide and c holestyramine are used concomitantfy, simultaneous administration is

not recommended.

Coadministration of probenecid reduces secretion of torsemide into the proximal tubule and thereby

decreases the diuretic activity of torsemide.

Other diuretics are known to reduce the renal clearance of lithium, inducing a high risk of lithium

toxicity, so coadministration of lithium and diuretics should be undertaken with great caution, if at all.

Coadministration of lithium and torsemide has not been studied.

Other diuretics have been reported to increase the ototoxic potential of aminoglycoside antibiotics and

of ethacrynic acid, especially in the presence of impaired renal function. These potential interactions

with torsemide have not been studied.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No overall increase in tumor incidence was found when torsemide was given to rats and mice

throughout their lives at doses up to 9 mg/kg/day (rats) and 32 mg/kg/day (mice). On a body-weight

basis, these doses are 27 to 96 times a human dose of 20 mg; on a body-surface-area basis, they are

5 to 8 times this dose. In the rat study, the high-dose female group demonstrated renal tubular injury,

interstitial inflammation, and a statistically significant increase in renal adenomas and carcinomas. The

tumor incidence in this group was, however, not much higher than the incidence sometimes seen in

historical controls. Similar signs of chronic non· neoplastic renal injury have been reported in high·dose

animal studies of other diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.

No mutagenic activity was detected in any of a variety of in vivo and in vitro tests of torsemide and

its major human metabolite. The tests included the Ames test in bacteria (with and without metabolic

activation), tests for chromosome aberrations and sister-chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes,

tests for various nuclear anomalies in cells found in hamster and murine bone marrow, tests for

unscheduled DNA synthesis in mice and rats, and others.

In doses up to 25 mg/kg/day (75 times a human dose of 20 mg on a body-weight basis; 13 times this

dose on a body·surface·area basis), torsemide had no adverse effect on the reproductive performance

of male or female rats.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category B.

There was no fetotoxicity or teratogenicity in rats treated with up to 5 mg/kg/day of torsemide (on a

mg/kg basis, this is 15 times a human dose of 20 mg/day; on a mg/m2 basis, the animal dose is 10

times the human dose), or in rabbits, treated with 1.6 mg/kg/day (on a mg/kg basis, 5 times the human

dose of 20 mg/kg/day; on a mg/m2 basis, 1.7 times this dose). Fetal and maternal toxicity (decrease in

average body weight, increase in fetal resorption and delayed fetal ossification) occurred in rabbits and

rats given doses 4 (rabbits) and 5 (rats) times larger. Adequate and well-controlled studies have not

been carried out in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of

human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Labor and Delivery

The effect of torsemide on labor and delivery is unknown.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether torsemide is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in

human milk, caution should be exercised when torsemide is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Administration of another loop diuretic to severely premature infants with edema due to patent ductus

arteriosus and hyaline membrane disease has occasionally been associated with renal calcifications,

sometimes barely visible on X-ray but sometimes in staghorn form, filling the renal pelves. Some of

these calculi have been dissolved, and hypercalciuria has been reported to have decreased, when

chlorothiazide has been coadministered along with the loop diuretic. In other premature neonates with

hyaline membrane disease, another loop diuretic has been reported to increase the risk of persistent

patent ductus arteriosus, possibly through a prostaglandin-E-mediated process. The use of torsemide

in such patients has not been studied.

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of patients who received torsemide in United States clinical studies, 24% were 65

or older while about 4% were 75 or older. No specific age· related differences in effectiveness or safety

were observed between younger patients and elderly patients.



Adverse Reactions


At the time of approval, torsemide had been evaluated for safety in approximately 4000 subjects: over

800 of these subjects received torsemide for at least 6 months, and over 380 were treated for more

than 1 year. Among these subjects were 564 who received torsemide during United States-based trials

in which 274 other subjects received placebo.

The reported side effects of torsemide were generally transient, and there was no relationship between

side effects and age, sex, race, or duration of therapy. Discontinuation of therapy due to side effects

occurred in 3.5% of United States patients treated with torsemide and in 4.4% of patients treated with

placebo. In studies conducted in the United States and Europe, discontinuation rates due to side effects

were 3% (38/1250) with torsemide and 3.4% (13/380) with furosemide in patients with congestive heart

failure, 2% (81409) with torsemide and 4.8% (11/230) with furosemide in patients with renal insufficiency,

and 7.6% (13/170) with torsemide and 0% (0/33) with furosemide in patients with cirrhosis.

The most common reasons for discontinuation of therapy with torsemide were (in descending order

of frequency) dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, vomiting, hyperglycemia, excessive urination,

hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, excessive thirst, hypovolemia, impotence, esophageal hemorrhage, and

dyspepsia. Dropout rates for these adverse events ranged from 0.1 % to 0.5%.

The side effects considered possibly or probably related to study drug that occurred in United States

placebo-controlled trials in more than 1% of patients treated with torsemide are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Reactions Possibly or Probably Drug-Related United States Placebo-Controlled

Table 1 Reactions Possibly or Probably Drug-Related United States Placebo-Controlled

Studies Incidence (Percentages of Patients)


I Torsemiae                                 I PlaceDo

(N=564)                                      (N=274)

Headache 7.3                               9.1

Excessive Urination 6.7                 2.2

Dizziness 3.2                                4.0

Rhinitis 2.8                                    2.2

Asthenia 2.0                                 1.5

Diarrhea 2.0                                 1.1

ECG Abnormality 2.0                    0.4

Cough Increase 2.0                      1.5

Constipation 1.8                            0.7

Nausea 1.8                                   0.4

Arthralgia 1.8                                0.7

Dyspepsia 1.6                              0.7

Sore Throat 1.6                            0.7

Myalgia 1.6                                  1.5

Chest Pain 1.2                             0.4

Insomnia 1.2                                1.8

Edema 1.1                                   1.1

Nervousness 1.1                          0.4


The daily doses of torsemide used in these trials ranged from 1.25 mg to 20 mg, with most patients

receiving 5 mg to 10 mg; the duration of treatment ranged from 1 to 52 days, with a median of 41 days.

Of the side effects listed in the table, only "excessive urination" occurred significantly more frequently

in patients treated with torsemide than in patients treated with placebo. In the placebo-controlled

hypertension studies whose design allowed side·effect rates to be attributed to dose, excessive

urination was reported by 1% of patients receiving placebo, 4% of those treated with 5 mg of daily

torsemide, and 15% of those treated with 10 mg. The complaint of excessive urination was generally

not reported as an adverse event among patients who received torsemide for cardiac, renal, or hepatic

failure.

Serious adverse events reported in the clinical studies for which a drug relationship could not be

excluded were atrial fibrillation , chest pain, diarrhea, digitalis intoxication, gastrointestinal hemorrhage,

hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hypotension, hypovolemia, shunt thrombosis, rash, rectal

bleeding, syncope, and ventricular tachycardia.

Angioedema has been reported in a patient exposed to torsemide who was later found to be allergic

to sulfa drugs.

Of the adverse reactions during placebo-controlled trials listed without taking into account assessment

of relatedness to drug therapy, arthritis and various other nonspecific musculoskeletal problems were

more frequently reported in association with torsemide than with placebo, even though gout was

somewhat more frequently associated with placebo. These reactions did not increase in frequency or

severity with the dose of torsemide. One patient in the group treated with torsemide withdrew due to

myalgia, and one in the placebo group withdrew due to gout.

Hypokalemia

See WARNINGS.



Torsemide Injection Dosage and Administration


General: Special dosage adjustment in the elderly is not necessary.

Because of the high bioavailability of torsemide, oral and intravenous doses are therapeutically

equivalent, so patients may be switched to and from the intravenous form with no change in dose.

Torsemide Injection should be administered either slowly as a bolus over a period of 2 minutes or

administered as a continuous infusion.

If torsemide is administered through an IV line, it is recommended that, as with other IV injections,

the IV line be flushed with Normal Saline (Sodium Chloride Injection) before and after administration.

Torsemide Injection is formulated above pH 8.3. Flushing the line is recommended to avoid the potential

for incompatibilities caused by differences in pH which could be indicated by color change, haziness or

the formation of a precipitate in the solution.

If Torsemide Injection is administered as a continuous infusion, stability has been demonstrated through

24 hours at room temperature in plastic containers for the following fluids and concentrations:

200 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:

250 mL Dextrose 5% in water

250 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride

500 mL 0.45% Sodium Chloride

50 mg torsemide (10 mg/mL) added to:

500 mL Dextrose 5% in water

500 mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride

500 mL 0.45% Sodium Chloride

Before administration, the solution of Torsemide Injection should be visually inspected for discoloration

and particulate matter. If either is found, the vial should not be used.

Congestive Heart Failure

The usual initial dose is 10 mg or 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. II the diuretic response is inadequate,

the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response is

obtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.

Chronic Renal Failure

The usual initial dose of torsemide is 20 mg of intravenous torsemide. If the diuretic response is

inadequate, the dose should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic

response is obtained. Single doses higher than 200 mg have not been adequately studied.

Hepatic Cirrhosis

The usual initial dose is 5 mg or 10 mg of intravenous torsemide, administered together with an

aldosterone antagonist or a potassium·sparing diuretic. If the diuretic response is inadequate, the dose

should be titrated upward by approximately doubling until the desired diuretic response is obtained.

Single doses higher than 40 mg have not been adequately studied.

Chronic use of any diuretic in hepatic disease has not been studied in adequate and well-controlled

trials.

HypertenSion

The usual initial dose is 5 mg daily. If the 5 mg dose does not provide adequate reduction in blood

pressure within 4 to 6 weeks, the dose may be increased to 10 mg daily. If the response to 10 mg is

insufficient, an additional anti-hypertensive agent should be added to the treatment regimen.



How is Torsemide Injection Supplied


Torsemide Injection 10 mg/mL, is available as follows:

2 mL single dose vials in cartons of 10 - NDC# is 0517-0770-10

5 mL single dose vials in cartons of 10 - NDC# is 0517-0771-10

Storage

Store at 200 to 250 C (680 to 7]0 F) (See USP Controlled Room Temperature). DO NOT FREEZE.



SAMPLE OUTER PACKAGE LABEL










TORSEMIDE  
torsemide  injection










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)52584-771 (0517-0771)
Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUSDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
Torsemide (Torsemide)Torsemide10 mg  in 1 mL





Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
No Inactive Ingredients Found


















Product Characteristics
Color    Score    
ShapeSize
FlavorImprint Code
Contains      






















Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
152584-771-101 VIAL In 1 BAGcontains a VIAL
15 mL In 1 VIALThis package is contained within the BAG (52584-771-10)
252584-771-011 VIAL In 1 BAGcontains a VIAL
25 mL In 1 VIALThis package is contained within the BAG (52584-771-01)










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA09065606/01/2010


Labeler - General Injectables and Vaccines, Inc. (108250663)
Revised: 05/2011General Injectables and Vaccines, Inc.

More Torsemide Injection resources


  • Torsemide Injection Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Torsemide Injection Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Torsemide Injection Drug Interactions
  • Torsemide Injection Support Group
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zolpidem Oral, Oromucosal


zole-PI-dem


Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.


  • Ambien

  • Ambien CR

  • Edluar

  • Zolpimist

Available Dosage Forms:


  • Tablet

  • Tablet, Extended Release

  • Spray

Therapeutic Class: Nonbarbiturate Hypnotic


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zolpidem is available only with your doctor's prescription.


Before Using zolpidem


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


Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or "amnesia". When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zolpidem only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems.


Allergies


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


Pediatric


Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of zolpidem in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.


Geriatric


Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of zolpidem in the elderly. However, confusion, dizziness, and falling are more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of zolpidem. Elderly patients may require a lower dose to help reduce unwanted effects.


Pregnancy








Pregnancy CategoryExplanation
All TrimestersCAnimal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding


Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.


Interactions with Medicines


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


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


  • Alprazolam

  • Buspirone

  • Butabarbital

  • Chlordiazepoxide

  • Chlorpromazine

  • Clonazepam

  • Clorazepate

  • Dexmedetomidine

  • Diazepam

  • Diphenhydramine

  • Doxylamine

  • Estazolam

  • Eszopiclone

  • Ethchlorvynol

  • Flumazenil

  • Flurazepam

  • Fospropofol

  • Halazepam

  • Hydromorphone

  • Hydroxyzine

  • Lorazepam

  • Meprobamate

  • Midazolam

  • Oxazepam

  • Oxycodone

  • Pentobarbital

  • Phenobarbital

  • Prazepam

  • Promethazine

  • Propofol

  • Quazepam

  • Ramelteon

  • Secobarbital

  • Tapentadol

  • Temazepam

  • Thioridazine

  • Triazolam

  • Zaleplon

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


  • Bupropion

  • Carbamazepine

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Desipramine

  • Ketoconazole

  • Rifampin

  • Sertraline

  • St John's Wort

  • Telaprevir

  • Venlafaxine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol


Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.


Using zolpidem with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use zolpidem, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.


  • Ethanol

  • food

Other Medical Problems


The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of zolpidem. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


  • Alcohol abuse, history of or

  • Drug abuse or dependence, history of—Dependence on zolpidem may develop.

  • Diseases affecting metabolism or disease involving blood circulation—Caution should be used in patients with these medical problems.

  • Emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung disease or

  • Mental depression, history of or

  • Mental illness, history of or

  • Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) or

  • Sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)—Use with caution. Zolpidem may make these conditions worse.

  • Kidney disease or

  • Liver disease—Use with caution. Higher blood levels of zolpidem may result, increasing the chance of side effects.

Proper Use of zolpidem


Take zolpidem only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).


zolpidem should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.


Take zolpidem just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. zolpidem works very quickly to put you to sleep.


You should swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew them.


Do not take zolpidem when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.


Zolpidem should not be taken with food or right after a meal. It will work faster if you take it on an empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.


If you are using the oral spray for the first time, it must be primed by spraying it for 5 times in a safe direction away from your face and other people. If the oral spray has not been used for 14 days, it must be primed again with 1 spray.


To use the oral spray:


  • Pull the child-resistant cap to separate it from the base.

  • Remove the clear protective cap from the pump.

  • Hold the container upright with the black spray opening pointed directly into your mouth.

  • Fully press down on the pump to make sure that a full dose (5 mg) of is sprayed directly into the mouth over the tongue. If a 10 mg dose is prescribed by your doctor, a second spray should be given.

  • Put the clear protective cap back over the pump after each use.

To use the sublingual tablets:


  • Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it. Do not use the tablet if the seal of the blister pack is broken.

  • Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the top layer of paper, then push the tablet through the foil.

  • Place the tablet under your tongue. It should melt quickly. Do not crush, chew, or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink anything after using zolpidem.

  • If you are taking Intermezzo®, check the time before you take zolpidem. Intermezzo® should be taken only if at least 4 hours of sleep remain before the planned time of awakening.

Use only the brand of zolpidem that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.


Dosing


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


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


  • For the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping):
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime.

      • Older adults—6.25 mg once a day at bedtime.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (oral spray):
      • Adults—10 milligrams (mg) or 2 sprays into the mouth at bedtime.

      • Older adults—5 mg or 1 spray into the mouth at bedtime.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (sublingual tablets):
      • Adults—
        • Edluar™: 10 milligrams (mg) placed under the tongue at bedtime.

        • Intermezzo®: 1.75 mg (for women) and 3.5 mg (for men) placed under the tongue at bedtime.


      • Older adults—Intermezzo®: 1.75 mg (for both men and women) placed under the tongue at bedtime.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.


    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—10 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime.

      • Older adults—5 mg once a day at bedtime.

      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.



Missed Dose


If you miss a dose of zolpidem, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.


Storage


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


Keep out of the reach of children.


Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.


Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.


Throw the child-resistant container of the oral spray when the 60 sprays have already been used.


Precautions While Using zolpidem


It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure zolpidem is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.


If you think you need to take zolpidem for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem.


zolpidem will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; medicine for seizures or barbiturates; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using zolpidem.


zolpidem may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Even though zolpidem is taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Also, zolpidem may cause double vision or other vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to zolpidem before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.


If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking zolpidem, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking zolpidem are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.


zolpidem may cause sleep-related behaviors such as driving a car (sleep-driving), walking (sleep-walking), having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep or not fully awake. If these reactions occur, tell your doctor right away.


If you will be taking zolpidem for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Stopping zolpidem suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.


After taking zolpidem for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights after you stop taking it.


If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of zolpidem, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of zolpidem or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with zolpidem may lead to breathing problems and unconsciousness. Some signs of an overdose are severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering, and troubled breathing.


Zolpidem may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking zolpidem and call your doctor right away if you have itching; hives; hoarseness; trouble breathing or swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while you are using zolpidem.


Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


zolpidem Side Effects


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


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


Less common
  • Clumsiness or unsteadiness

  • confusion

  • mental depression

Rare
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • falling

  • fast heartbeat

  • hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

  • skin rash

  • swelling of the face

  • trouble with sleeping

  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability

  • wheezing or difficulty with breathing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:


Symptoms of overdose
  • Clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe)

  • dizziness (severe)

  • double vision or other vision problems

  • drowsiness (severe)

  • nausea (severe)

  • slow heartbeat

  • troubled breathing

  • vomiting (severe)

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


More common
  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Less common
  • Abdominal or stomach pain

  • abnormal or decreased touch sensation

  • abnormal sensation of movement

  • appetite disorder

  • balance disorder

  • binge eating

  • bladder pain

  • bloated

  • bloody or cloudy urine

  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

  • change in hearing

  • chest discomfort

  • chills

  • confusion about identity, place, and time

  • constipation

  • continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

  • daytime drowsiness

  • diarrhea

  • difficult, burning, or painful urination

  • difficulty with moving

  • difficulty with swallowing

  • discouragement

  • double vision or other vision problems

  • drugged feelings

  • dryness of mouth

  • ear drainage

  • earache

  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

  • eye redness

  • false or unusual sense of well-being

  • fear

  • feeling of unreality

  • feeling sad or empty

  • fever

  • frequent bowel movements

  • frequent urge to urinate

  • full feeling

  • general feeling of discomfort or illness

  • generalized slowing of mental and physical activity

  • headache

  • hearing loss

  • heartburn

  • hives or welts

  • itching ears

  • joint pain

  • lack of appetite

  • lack of feeling or emotion

  • lack or loss of self-control

  • lack or loss of strength

  • longer or heavier menstrual periods

  • loss of balance

  • loss of interest or pleasure

  • memory problems

  • mood swings

  • muscle aches, cramping, pain, or stiffness

  • nausea

  • nervousness

  • nightmares or unusual dreams

  • pain in the joints

  • passing gas

  • redness of the skin

  • redness or soreness of the throat

  • sense of detachment from self or body

  • shortness of breath or troubled breathing

  • skin rash

  • skin wrinkling

  • sneezing

  • sore throat

  • stress symptoms

  • stuffy or runny nose

  • swollen joints

  • tiredness

  • trouble concentrating

  • trouble with sleeping

  • vision blurred

  • visual depth perception altered

  • vomiting

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


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

See also: zolpidem Oral, Oromucosal side effects (in more detail)



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


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  • Insomnia

Micro-K



potassium chloride

Dosage Form: capsule, extended release
Micro-K® Extencaps®

Micro-K® 10 Extencaps®

(Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Capsules, USP)

U.S. Patent No. 4,259,315

Rx Only

P3511-4 06/05



DESCRIPTION


Micro-K® Extencaps® Capsules and Micro-K® 10 Extencaps® Capsules are oral dosage forms of microencapsulated potassium chloride containing 600 and 750 mg, respectively, of potassium chloride, USP, equivalent to 8 and 10 mEq of potassium, respectively.


Dispersibility of potassium chloride (KCI) is accomplished by microencapsulation and a dispersing agent. The resultant flow characteristics of the KCI microcapsules and the controlled release of K+ ions by the microcapsular membrane are intended to avoid the possibility that excessive amounts of KCI can be localized at any point on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.


Each crystal of KCI is microencapsulated by a patented process with an insoluble polymeric coating which functions as a semi-permeable membrane; it allows for the controlled release of potassium and chloride ions over an eight-to ten-hour period. Fluids pass through the membrane and gradually dissolve the potassium chloride within the microcapsules. The resulting potassium chloride solution slowly diffuses outward through the membrane. Micro-K® and Micro-K® 10 are electrolyte replenishers. The chemical name of the active ingredient is potassium chloride and the structural formula is KCI. Potassium chloride, USP, occurs as a white, granular powder or as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.


The inactive ingredients are edible ink, ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide. May contain FD&C Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 6 aluminum lakes.



CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY


Potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes, including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle, and the maintenance of normal renal function.


The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane.


Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day.


Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake. Such depletion usually develops slowly as a consequence of therapy with diuretics, primary or secondary hyperaldosteronisms, diabetic ketoacidosis, or inadequate replacement of potassium in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition. Depletion can develop rapidly with severe diarrhea, especially if associated with vomiting. Potassium depletion due to these causes is usually accompanied by a concomitant loss of chloride and is manifested by hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Potassium depletion may produce weakness, fatigue, disturbances of cardiac rhythm (primarily ectopic beats), prominent U-waves in the electrocardiogram, and in advanced cases, flaccid paralysis and/or impaired ability to concentrate urine.


If potassium depletion associated with metabolic alkalosis cannot be managed by correcting the fundamental cause of the deficiency, e.g., where the patient requires long-term diuretic therapy, supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.


In rare circumstances (e.g., patients with renal tubular acidosis) potassium depletion may be associated with metabolic acidosis and hyperchloremia. In such patients potassium replacement should be accomplished with potassium salts other than the chloride, such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.



INDICATIONS AND USAGE


BECAUSE OF REPORTS OF INTESTINAL AND GASTRIC ULCERATION AND BLEEDING WITH CONTROLLED-RELEASE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE PREPARATIONS, THESE DRUGS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO CANNOT TOLERATE OR REFUSE TO TAKE LIQUID OR EFFERVESCENT POTASSIUM PREPARATIONS OR FOR PATIENTS IN WHOM THERE IS A PROBLEM OF COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PREPARATIONS.


  1. For the treatment of patients with hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in digitalis intoxications, and in patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis. If hypokalemia is the result of diuretic therapy, consideration should be given to the use of a lower dose of diuretic, which may be sufficient without leading to hypokalemia.

  2. For the prevention of hypokalemia in patients who would be at particular risk if hypokalemia were to develop e.g., digitalized patients or patients with significant cardiac arrhythmias, hepatic cirrhosis with ascites, states of aldosterone excess with normal renal function, potassium-losing nephropathy, and certain diarrheal states.

The use of potassium salts in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential hypertension is often unnecessary when such patients have a normal dietary pattern and when low doses of the diuretic are used. Serum potassium should be checked periodically, however, and if hypokalemia occurs, dietary supplementation with potassium-containing foods may be adequate to control milder cases. In more severe cases, and if dose adjustment of the diuretic is ineffective or unwarranted, supplementation with potassium salts may be indicated.



CONTRAINDICATIONS


Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may complicate any of the following conditions: chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis such as diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency, or the administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) (see OVERDOSAGE).


Controlled-release formulations of potassium chloride have produced esophageal ulceration in certain cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to an enlarged left atrium. Potassium supplementation, when indicated in such patients, should be given as a liquid preparation.


All solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride are contraindicated in any patient in whom there is structural, pathological (e.g., diabetic gastroparesis) or pharmacologic (use of anticholinergic agents or other agents with anticholineric properties at sufficient doses to exert anticholinergic effects) cause for arrest or delay in capsule passage through the gastrointestinal tract.



WARNINGS



Hyperkalemia (see OVERDOSAGE)


In patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium, the administration of potassium salts can produce hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. This occurs most commonly in patients given potassium by the intravenous route but may also occur in patients given potassium orally. Potentially fatal hyperkalemia can develop rapidly and be asymptomatic. The use of potassium salts in patients with chronic renal disease, or any other condition which impairs potassium excretion, requires particularly careful monitoring of the serum potassium concentration and appropriate dosage adjustments.



Interaction with Potassium-Sparing Diuretics


Hypokalemia should not be treated by the concomitant administration of potassium salts and a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), since the simultaneous administration of these agents can produce severe hyperkalemia.



Interaction with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors


Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril) will produce some potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Potassium supplements should be given to patients receiving ACE inhibitors only with close monitoring.



Gastrointestinal Lesions


Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Based on spontaneous adverse reaction reports, enteric-coated preparations of potassium chloride are associated with an increased frequency of small bowel lesions (40 - 50 per 100,000 patient years) compared to sustained-release wax matrix formulations (less than one per 100,000 patient years). Because of the lack of extensive marketing experience with microencapsulated products, a comparison between such products and wax matrix or enteric-coated products is not available. Micro-K® Extencaps® and Micro-K® 10 Extencaps® are microencapsulated capsules formulated to provide a controlled rate of release of microencapsulated potassium chloride and thus to minimize the possibility of high local concentration of potassium near the gastrointestinal wall.


Prospective trials have been conducted in normal human volunteers in which the upper gastrointestinal tract was evaluated by endoscopic inspection before and after one week of solid oral potassium chloride therapy. The ability of this model to predict events occurring in usual clinical practice is unknown. Trials which approximated usual clinical practice did not reveal any clear differences between the wax matrix and microencapsulated dosage forms. In contrast, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in subjects receiving a high dose of a wax matrix controlled-release formulation under conditions which did not resemble usual or recommended clinical practice (i.e., 96 mEq per day in divided doses of potassium chloride administered to fasted patients, in the presence of an anticholinergic drug to delay gastric emptying). The upper gastrointestinal lesions observed by endoscopy were asymptomatic and were not accompanied by evidence of bleeding (hemoccult testing). The relevance of these findings to the usual conditions (i.e., non-fasting, no anticholinergic agent, smaller doses) under which controlled-release potassium chloride products are used is uncertain; epidemiologic studies have not identified an elevated risk, compared to microencapsulated products, for upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients receiving wax matrix formulations. Micro-K® Extencaps® and Micro-K® 10 Extencaps® should be discontinued immediately and the possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation considered if severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occur.



Metabolic Acidosis


Hypokalemia in patients with metabolic acidosis should be treated with an alkalinizing potassium salt such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.



PRECAUTIONS:



General


The diagnosis of potassium depletion is ordinarily made by demonstrating hypokalemia in a patient with a clinical history suggesting some cause for potassium depletion. In interpreting the serum potassium level, the physician should bear in mind that acute alkalosis per se can produce hypokalemia in the absence of a deficit in total body potassium, while acute acidosis per se can increase the serum potassium concentration into the normal range even in the presence of a reduced total body potassium. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis, requires careful attention to acid-base balance and appropriate monitoring of serum electrolytes, the electrocardiogram, and the clinical status of the patient.



Information for Patients


Physicians should consider reminding the patient of the following: To take each dose with meals and with a full glass of water or other suitable liquid. To take each dose without crushing, chewing, or sucking the capsules. To take this medicine following the frequency and amount prescribed by the physician. This is especially important if the patient is also taking diuretics and/or digitalis preparations. To check with the physician if there is trouble swallowing capsules or if the capsules seem to stick in the throat.


To check with the physician at once if tarry stools or other evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is noticed.



Laboratory Tests


Regular serum potassium determinations are recommended, especially in patients with renal insufficiency or diabetic nephropathy. When blood is drawn for analysis of plasma potassium it is important to recognize that artifactual elevations can occur after improper venipuncture technique or as a result of in vitro hemolysis of the sample.



Drug Interactions


Potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (see WARNINGS).



Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility


Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and fertility studies in animals have not been performed. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent.



Pregnancy



Teratogenic Effects: Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Micro-K®. It is unlikely that potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia would have an adverse effect on the fetus or would affect reproductive capacity.



Nursing Mothers


The normal potassium ion content of human milk is about 13 mEq per liter. Since oral potassium becomes part of the body potassium pool, so long as body potassium is not excessive, the contribution of potassium chloride supplementation should have little or no effect on the level in human milk.



Pediatric Use


Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.



Geriatric Use


Clinical studies of potassium chloride extended-release capsules did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.


This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.



Adverse Reactions


One of the most severe adverse effects is hyperkalemia (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and OVERDOSAGE). Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration have been reported in patients treated with Micro-K® Extencaps® (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS). In addition to gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration, perforation and obstruction have been reported in patients treated with other solid KCI dosage forms, and may occur with Micro-K® Extencaps®.


The most common adverse reactions to the oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. These symptoms are due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and are best managed by taking the dose with meals, or reducing the amount taken at one time. Skin rash has been reported rarely with potassium preparations.



OVERDOSAGE


The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired or if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS). It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5 - 8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-waves, depression of ST segment, and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9 - 12 mEq/L).


Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: (1) elimination of foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium-sparing properties; (2) intravenous administration of 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL; (3) correction of acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate; (4) use of exchange resins, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis. In treating hyperkalemia, it should be recalled that in patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity.


The extended release feature means that absorption and toxic effects may be delayed for hours. Consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug.



DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION


The usual dietary intake of potassium by the average adult is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion sufficient to cause hypokalemia usually requires the loss of 200 mEq or more of potassium from the total body store.


Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. The dose for the prevention of hypokalemia is typically in the range of 20 mEq per day. Doses of 40 to 100 mEq per day or more are used for the treatment of potassium depletion. Dosage should be divided if more than 20 mEq per day is given such that no more than 20 mEq is given in a single dose. Because of the potential for gastric irritation (see WARNINGS), Micro-K® Extencaps® should be taken with meals and with a full glass of water or other liquid.


Patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules may sprinkle the contents of the capsule onto a spoonful of soft food. The soft food, such as applesauce or pudding, should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of cool water or juice to ensure complete swallowing of the microcapsules. The food used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. Any microcapsule/food mixture should be used immediately and not stored for future use.



HOW SUPPLIED


Micro-K® Extencaps containing 600 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride (equivalent to 8 mEq K), are pale orange capsules, imprinted "Micro-K" on the cap and "Ther-Rx 010" on the body, packaged as follows:

NDC 64011-010-04 bottle of 100 capsules

NDC 64011-010-08 bottle of 500 capsules

NDC 64011-010-11 Dis-Co® unit dose packages of 100 capsules


Micro-K® 10 Extencaps® containing 750 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride (equivalent to 10 mEq K), are pale orange and opaque white capsules, imprinted "Micro-K 10" on the cap and "Ther-Rx 009" on the body, packaged as follows:

NDC 64011-009-04 bottle of 100 capsules

NDC 64011-009-08 bottle of 500 capsules

NDC 64011-009-11 Dis-Co® unit dose packages of 100 capsules


Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).


Dispense in tight container.


Mktd. by Ther-Rx Corp. St. Louis, MO 63044


06/05

P3511-4



NDC 64011-010-04 100 Capsules


Micro-K

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(600 mg)

8 mEq K


Rx Only Ther-Rx Corporation



NDC 64011-010-08 500 Capsules


Micro-K

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(600 mg)

8 mEq K


Rx Only Ther-Rx Corporation



Dis-Co

NDC 64011-010-11


Micro-K

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(600 mg)

8 mEq K


Rx Only

100 Capsules (Unit Dose Pack)

Ther-Rx Corporation



NDC 64011-009-04 100 Capsules


Micro-K 10

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(750 mg)

10 mEq K


Rx Only Ther-Rx Corporation



NDC 64011-009-08 500 Capsules


Micro-K 10

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(750 mg)

10 mEq K


Rx Only Ther-Rx Corporation



Dis-Co

NDC 64011-009-11


Micro-K

Extencaps

(potassium chloride)


(750 mg)

10 mEq K


Rx Only

100 Capsules (Unit Dose Pack)

Ther-Rx Corporation










Micro-K EXTENCAPS 
potassium chloride  capsule, extended release










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)64011-010
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (POTASSIUM CATION)POTASSIUM CHLORIDE600 mg




















Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ETHYLCELLULOSE (100 CPS) 
FD&C BLUE NO. 2 
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 
GELATIN 
MAGNESIUM STEARATE 
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE 
FD&C RED NO. 40 


















Product Characteristics
ColorORANGE (orange)Scoreno score
ShapeCAPSULE (CAPSULE)Size23mm
FlavorImprint CodeMicro;k;Ther;Rx;010
Contains      


















Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
164011-010-04100 CAPSULE In 1 BOTTLENone
264011-010-08500 CAPSULE In 1 BOTTLENone
364011-010-11100 CAPSULE In 1 BLISTER PACKNone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01823808/01/2009







Micro-K 10 EXTENCAPS 
potassium chloride  capsule, extended release










Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)64011-009
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    








Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (POTASSIUM CATION)POTASSIUM CHLORIDE750 mg




















Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ETHYLCELLULOSE (100 CPS) 
FD&C BLUE NO. 2 
FD&C YELLOW NO. 6 
GELATIN 
MAGNESIUM STEARATE 
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE 
FD&C RED NO. 40 


















Product Characteristics
ColorORANGE (orange) , WHITE (white)Scoreno score
ShapeCAPSULE (CAPSULE)Size23mm
FlavorImprint CodeMicro;K;Ther;Rx;009
Contains      


















Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
164011-009-04100 CAPSULE In 1 BOTTLENone
264011-009-08500 CAPSULE In 1 BOTTLENone
364011-009-11100 CAPSULE In 1 BLISTER PACKNone










Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01823808/01/2009


Labeler - Ther-Rx Corporation (055041706)

Registrant - KV Pharmaceutical (006291405)









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
KV Pharmaceutical161097225manufacture









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
KV Pharmaceutical034060843analysis









Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
KV Pharmaceutical152053658manufacture
Revised: 12/2009Ther-Rx Corporation

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