Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
The precise mechanism by which Atomoxetine produces its therapeutic effects in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is unknown. But, it is thought to be related to selective inhibition of the pre-synaptic nor-epinephrine transporter. Atomoxetine is well-absorbed after oral administration and is minimally affected by food. It is eliminated primarily by oxidative metabolism through the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzymatic pathway.
Initial Treatment:Children and Adolescents up to 70 kg Body Weight: Atomoxetine should be initiated at a total daily dose of approximately 0.5mg/kg and increased after a minimum of three days to a target total daily dose of approximately 1.2mg/kg administered either as a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. After an additional two to four weeks, the total daily dose may be increased to a maximum of 1.4mg/kg in patients who have not achieved an optimal response. The maximum recommended total daily dose in children and adolescents is 1.4mg/kg or 100mg, whichever is less.Children and Adolescents over 70 kg Body Weight and Adults: Atomoxetine should be initiated at a total daily dose of 40mg and increased after a minimum of three days to a target total daily dose of approximately 80mg administered either as a single daily dose in the morning or as evenly divided doses in the morning and late afternoon/early evening. After an additional two to four weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum of 100mg in patients who have not achieved an optimal response. The maximum recommended total daily dose in children and adolescents over 70 kg is 100mg.Maintenance/Extended Treatment: There is no evidence available from controlled trials to indicate how long the patient with ADHD should be treated with Atomoxetine. It is generally agreed, however, that pharmacological treatment of ADHD may be needed for extended periods. Nevertheless, the physician who elects to use Atomoxetine for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the medicine for the individual patient.Pediatric use: The pharmacokinetics of Atomoxetine have not been evaluated in children under 6 years of age.
Slower titration of Attentin may be necessary in those patients who are also taking CYP2D6 inhibitor medicines. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors- Attentin should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within two weeks after discontinuing MAOIs. Treatment with MAOIs should not be initiated within two weeks after discontinuing Attentin. Anti-hypertensive drugs and Vasopressor Agents- Because of possible effects on blood pressure, Attentin should be used cautiously with Anti-hypertensive drugs and vasopressor agents or other drugs that increase blood pressure. Tricyclic Antidepressants- Attentin can increase the adverse cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants if co-administered.
Hypersensitivity: Atomoxetine is contra-indicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to it.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Atomoxetine should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within two weeks after discontinuing MAOIs. Treatment with MAOIs should not be initiated within two weeks after discontinuing Atomoxetine. With other medicines that affect brain monoamine concentrations, there have been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions when taken in combination with MAOIs. These reactions include hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma. Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Such reactions may occur when these medicines are given concurrently or in close proximity.Narrow Angle Glaucoma: In clinical studies, the use of Atomoxetine was associated with an increased risk of mydriasis and therefore not recommended in patients with narrow angle glaucoma.Atomoxetine is contra-indicated in patients with: Severe Cardiovascular Disorders, symptomatic cardiovascular diseases, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma.
Very common: blood pressure increased, heart rate increased.Common: abdominal pain, rash, dyspepsia, early morning awakening, ejaculation disorder, ejaculation failure, fatigue, lethargy, tachycardia, paraesthesia, chills.Uncommon: peripheral coldness.
Pregnancy Category B3. No adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted in pregnant women. Atomoxetine should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. Lactation: Atomoxetine and/or its metabolites were excreted in the milk of rats. It is not known if Atomoxetine is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised if Atomoxetine is administered to a nursing woman.
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: Suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) was statistically more frequently observed in clinical trials among children and adolescents treated with Attentin (5/1357; [0.37%]) compared to those treated with placebo (0/851; [0%]). There was one report of suicidal behaviour in a patient in this age group treated with Attentin compared with no reports in patients treated with placebo.Aggressive Behaviour or Hostility: Although there is no conclusive evidence that Attentin causes aggressive behaviour or hostility, during clinical trials these events were more frequently observed in children and adolescents treated with Attentin compared to those receiving placebo (overall risk ratio of 1.33- not statistically significant).Seizures: The pre-clinical and clinical trial data for Attentin do not suggest that Attentin is proconvulsive. However, seizures have been very rarely reported in post-marketing spontaneous reports. Attentin should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures.Cardiovascular Effects: Attentin can affect heart rate and blood pressure. It is recommended that the heart rate and blood pressure be measured before treatment is started and periodically during treatment to detect possible clinically important increases.
The most commonly reported gastrointestinal symptoms including somnolence, dizziness, tremor, and abnormal behaviour. Hyperactivity and agitation have also been reported. Signs and symptoms consistent with mild to moderate sympatheticnervous system activation (e.g. tachycardia, blood pressure increased, mydriasis, dry mouth) were also observed. Most events were mild to moderate. In some cases of overdose involving Attentin, seizures and very rarely QT prolongation have been reported. There is limited clinical trial experience with Attentin overdose. No fatal overdoses occurred in clinical trials.
CNS stimulant drugs
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.
{'Indications': 'Attentin capsule is indicated for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as defined by DSM-IV criteria in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents and adults.'}