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Medication Information:
Sibutramine (generic) - Meridia
(brand)
Manufacturer: Knoll Pharmaceutical Co., Mount Olive,
N.J.
Classification: An appetite-suppressing weight-loss drug
for people who are obese (at least 20 per-cent over their ideal
body weight). This drug should not be used for weight reduction
below ideal body weight.
Common Usage: For weight loss in obese patients in
conjunction with a monitored treatment plan also involving diet,
behavior changes and exercise.
Common
Major Side Effects: Headache, constipation, dry mouth,
insomnia.
Interactions with Other Medications: Sibutramine should not
be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as
selegiline (Eldepryl) or selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as fluoxetine
(Prozac). It also should not be taken with over-the-counter drugs
that may raise blood pressure or heart rate such as decongestants
and cough, cold and allergy medications containing
phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine. Other drugs that should be used with caution
because of potential problems include antibiotics
ketoconazole (Nizoral) and erythro-mycin (E-Myein),
cimetidine (Tagamet), alcohol, warfarin (Cownadin),
phenytoin (Dilantin), lithium (Eskalith),
sumatriptan (Imitrex) or tryptophan.
Common
Dosages: The recommended starting dose of sibutramine is 10
mg once daily. It may be taken with or without food. If there is
inadequate weight loss, the dose may be titrated after four weeks
to a total of 15 mg once daily. The 5 mg dose should be reserved
for patients who do not tolerate the 10 mg dose. Doses above 15 mg
daily are no recommended due to increased adverse effects and no
increase in efficacy.
Identification: Sihutramine is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, or
15 mg capsules. The 5 mg capsules are blue and yellow and imprinted
with "Meridia" on the cap and "5" on the body of the capsule. The
10 mg capsules are blue and white and imprinted with "Meridia" on
the cap and "10" on the body. The 15 mg capsules are yellow and
white and are imprinted with "Meridia" on the cap and "15" on the
body.
Storage: Always keep tablets dry, tightly-capped and away
from direct light, heat and moisture. Keep tablets away from
children. Discontinued medication should be discarded.
Edited by
Stephen R. Saklad, Pharm.D.
A SERVICE OF
Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.
For more specific information, consult your physician or
pharmacist.
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