Alquen

Symptomaticreliefofheartburn, indigestion,acidindigestionand hyperacidity.

• relieves heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach
• prevents heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach brought on by eating or drinking certain foods and beverages

Adults:

Alquen is indicated for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, benign gastric ulcer, post - operative ulcer, reflux oesophagitis, Zollinger - Ellison Syndrome and the following conditions where reduction of gastric secretion and acid output is desirable:

The prophylaxis of gastrointestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients, the prophylaxis of recurrent haemorrhage in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers and before general anaesthesia in patients considered to be at risk of acid aspiration (Mendelson's Syndrome), particularly obstetric patients during labour. For appropriate cases, Zantac tablets are also available.

Children (6 months to 18 years):

Alquen is indicated for the short term treatment of peptic ulcer and the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux, including reflux oesophagitis and symptomatic relief of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

Adults (Including the elderly) and children 16 years of age and older:

Swallow one Alquen 75 Relief tablet whole, with a drink of water, as soon as you have symptoms. If symptoms persist for more than one hour or return, take another tablet. Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours.

Do not take the tablets for more than 6 days without the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.

Children under 16 years

Not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Directions

• adults and children 12 years and over:
  • to relieve symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water
  • to prevent symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn
  • can be used up to twice daily (do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours)
• children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Other Information

• do not use if printed foil under bottle cap is open or torn (bottles)
• do not use if individual blister unit is open or torn (blisters)
• do not use if individual foil packet is open or torn (pouch)
• store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
• avoid excessive heat or humidity
• this product is sodium and sugar free

(- Other special - populations)

Posology

Adults (including elderly) / Adolescents (12 years and over)

Alquen may be given either as a slow (over 2 minutes) intravenous injection up to a maximum of 50 mg, after dilution to a volume of 20 ml per 50 mg dose, which may be repeated every 6 to 8 hours; or as an intermittent intravenous infusion at a rate of 25 mg per hour for two hours; the infusion may be repeated at 6 to 8 hour intervals, or as an intramuscular injection of 50 mg (2 ml) every 6 to 8 hours.

Prophylaxis of haemorrhage from stress ulceration or recurrent haemorrhage:

In the prophylaxis of haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients or the prophylaxis of recurrent haemorrhage in patients bleeding from peptic ulceration, parenteral administration may be continued until oral feeding commences. Patients considered to be still at risk may then be treated with Zantac tablets 150 mg twice daily.

In the prophylaxis of upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration in seriously ill patients a priming dose of 50 mg as a slow intravenous injection followed by a continuous intravenous infusion of 0.125 - 0.250 mg/kg/hr may be preferred.

Prophylaxis of Mendleson's syndrome:

In patients considered to be at risk of developing acid aspiration syndrome, Alquen 50 mg may be given intramuscularly or by slow intravenous injection 45 to 60 minutes before induction of general anaesthesia.

Children / Infants (6 months to 11 years)

() - Other special populations

Alquen may be given as a slow (over 2 minutes) i.v. injection up to a maximum of 50 mg every 6 to 8 hours.

Peptic Ulcer Acute Treatment and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux

Intravenous therapy in children with peptic ulcer disease is indicated only when oral therapy is not possible.

For acute treatment of peptic ulcer disease and gastro-oesophageal reflux in paediatric patients, Alquen may be administered at doses that have been shown to be effective for these diseases in adults and effective for acid suppression in critically ill children. The initial dose (2.0 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg, maximum 50 mg) may be administered as a slow intravenous infusion over 10 minutes, either with a syringe pump followed by a 3 mL flush with normal saline over 5 min, or following dilution with normal saline to 20 mL. Maintenance of pH > 4.0 can be achieved by intermittent infusion of 1.5 mg/kg every 6 h to 8 h. Alternatively treatment can be continuous, administering a loading dose of 0.45 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 0.15 mg/kg/hr.

Neonates (under 1 month)

(- Pharmacokinetic properties - Other special populations)

Patients over 50 years of age

- Other special populations

Patients with renal impairment

Accumulation of ranitidine with resulting elevated plasma concentrations will occur in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min). Accordingly, it is recommended in such patients that ranitidine be administered in doses of 25 mg.

Method of administration

Intravenous or intramuscular injection

Ranitidine is contraindicated for people known to be hypersensitive to the drug or any of the ingredients of Alquen 75 Relief tablets.

No information provided.

Treatment with a histamine H₂-antagonist such as Alquen 75 Relief may mask symptoms associated with carcinoma of the stomach and may therefore delay diagnosis of the condition.

Ranitidine is excreted via the kidney and so plasma levels of the drug are increased in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min). Alquen 75 Relief is not suitable for these patients without medical supervision.

People taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially those with a history of peptic ulcer and the elderly, should not self-medicate with Alquen 75 Relief but seek their doctor's advice before use.

People with a history of porphyria should avoid use of the product.

Consumers will be advised not to purchase a second pack of tablets without the advice of a pharmacist of doctor.

The product is not indicated in the following people without seeking their doctor's advice:

- Patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 50ml/min) and/or hepatic impairment.

- Patients under regular medical supervision for other reasons.

- Patients taking medications either physician prescribed or self-prescribed.

- Those with difficulty swallowing, persistent stomach pain or unintended weight loss in association with symptoms of indigestion.

- Those who are middle-aged or elderly with new or recently changed symptoms of indigestion.

In patients such as the elderly, persons with chronic lung disease, diabetes or the immunocompromised, there may be an increased risk of developing community acquired pneumonia.

A large epidemiological study showed an increased risk of developing community acquired pneumonia in current users of ranitidine alone versus those who had stopped treatment, with an observed adjusted relative risk increase of 1,82 (95% CI 1,26-2,64).

WARNINGS

Allergy alert: Do not use if you are allergic to ranitidine or other acid reducers

Do Not Use

• if you have trouble or pain swallowing food, vomiting with blood, or bloody or black stools. These may be signs of a serious condition. See your doctor.
• with other acid reducers
• if you have kidney disease, except under the advice and supervision of a doctor

Ask A Doctor Before Use If You Have

• had heartburn over 3 months. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.
• heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating or dizziness
• chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath; sweating; pain spreading to arms, neck or shoulders; or lightheadedness
• frequent chest pain
• frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn
• unexplained weight loss
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

Stop Use And Ask A Doctor If

• your heartburn continues or worsens
• you need to take this product for more than 14 days

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

• adults and children 12 years and over:
  • to relieve symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water
  • to prevent symptoms, swallow 1 tablet with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before eating food or drinking beverages that cause heartburn
  • can be used up to twice daily (do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours)
• children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Other Information

• do not use if printed foil under bottle cap is open or torn (bottles)
• do not use if individual blister unit is open or torn (blisters)
• do not use if individual foil packet is open or torn (pouch)
• store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F)
• avoid excessive heat or humidity
• this product is sodium and sugar free

PRECAUTIONS

See above.

Malignancy

The possibility of malignancy should be excluded before commencement of therapy in patients with gastric ulcer as treatment with ranitidine may mask symptoms of gastric carcinoma.

Renal Disease

Ranitidine is excreted via the kidney and so plasma levels of the drug are increased in patients with renal impairment.

Bradycardia in association with rapid administration of Alquen has been reported rarely, usually in patients with factors predisposing to cardiac rhythm disturbances. Recommended rates of administration should not be exceeded.

It has been reported that the use of higher than recommended doses of intravenous H₂-antagonists has been associated with rises in liver enzymes when treatment has been extended beyond five days.

Rare clinical reports suggest that ranitidine may precipitate acute porphyric attacks. Ranitidine should therefore be avoided in patients with a history of acute porphyria.

In patients such as the elderly, persons with chronic lung disease, diabetes or the immunocompromised, there may be an increased risk of developing community acquired pneumonia. A large epidemiological study showed an increased risk of developing community acquired pneumonia in current users of ranitidine alone versus those who had stopped treatment, with an observed adjusted relative risk increase of 1.82 (95% CI 1.26-2.64).. Post-marketing data indicate reversible mental confusion, depression, and hallucinations have been reported most frequently in severely ill and elderly patients.

No known effect

None reported.

The following convention has been utilised for the >

Blood & Lymphatic System Disorders

Very Rare:

Blood count changes (leucopenia, thrombocytopenia). These are usually reversible. Agranulocytosis or pancytopenia, sometimes with marrow hypoplasia or marrow aplasia.

Immune System Disorders

Rare:

Hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, fever, bronchospasm, hypotension and chest pain).

Very Rare:

Anaphylactic shock

These events have been reported after a single dose.

Psychiatric Disorders

Very Rare:

Reversible mental confusion, depression and hallucinations.

These have been reported predominantly in severely ill and elderly patients.

Nervous System Disorders

Very Rare:

Headache (sometimes severe),dizziness and reversible involuntary movement disorders.

Eye Disorders

Very Rare:

Reversible blurred vision.

There have been reports of blurred vision, which is suggestive of a change in accommodation.

Cardiac Disorders

Very Rare:

As with other H₂ receptor antagonists bradycardia and A-V Block.

Vascular Disorders

Very Rare:

Vasculitis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Very Rare:

Acute pancreatitis. Diarrhoea.

Uncommon:

Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea. (these symptoms mostly improved during continued treatment).

Hepatobiliary Disorders

Rare:

Transient and reversible changes in liver function tests.

Very Rare

Hepatitis (hepatocellular, hepatocanalicular or mixed) with or without jaundice, these were usually reversible.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Rare:

Skin Rash.

Very Rare:

Erythema multiforme, alopecia.

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders

Very Rare:

Musculoskeletal symptoms such as arthralgia and myalgia.

Renal and Urinary Disorders

Very rare:

Acute interstitial nephritis.

Rare:

Elevation of plasma creatinine (usually slight; normalised during continued treatment)

Reproductive System and Breast Disorders

Very Rare:

Reversible impotence. Breast symptoms and breast conditions (such as gynaecomastia and galactorrhea).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Please see WARNINGS.

The following convention has been utilised for the classification of undesirable effects: very common (>1/10), common (>1/100, <1/10), uncommon (>1/1000, ≤1/100), rare (>1/10,000, ≤1/1000), very rare (≤1/10,000). Adverse event frequencies have been estimated from spontaneous reports from post-marketing data.

Paediatric population

The safety of ranitidine has been assessed in children aged 0 to 16 years with acid-related disease and was generally well tolerated with an adverse event profile resembling that in adults. There are limited long term safety data available, in particular regarding growth and development.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Symptoms and Signs

Ranitidine is very specific in action and no particular problems are expected following overdose with the drug. Up to 6g per day has been administered without untoward effect.

Treatment

Symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given as appropriate. If need be, the drug may be removed from the plasma by haemodialysis.

No information provided.

Symptoms and signs

Zantac is very specific in action and accordingly, no particular problems are expected following overdosage with the drug.

Treatment

Symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given as appropriate.

ATC Code

Pharmacotherapeutic group: H2-receptor antagonist, ATC code: A02BA02

Pharmacotherapeutic group

H2-receptor antagonists, ATC code: A02BA02

Mechanism of Action

Ranitidine is a specific, rapidly acting histamine H2-antagonist. It inhibits basal and stimulated secretion of gastric acid, reducing both the volume and the acid and pepsin content of the secretion

Pharmacodynamic Effects

Ranitidine has a long duration of action and a single 75 mg dose effectively suppresses gastric acid secretion for at least 12 hours.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: H2-receptor antagonists

ATC code: A02BA02

Mechanism of action

Ranitidine is a specific, rapidly acting histamine H₂-antagonist. It inhibits basal and stimulated secretion of gastric acid, reducing both the volume and the acid and pepsin content of the secretion.

The clinical data available mentions the use of ranitidine in children to prevent stress ulcers. No direct evidence for prevention of stress ulcers is available. Treatment for these patients is based on the observation that pH is above 4 after administration of ranitidine. The value of this surrogate parameter in children with stress ulcers remains to be established.

Absorption

Following oral administration of 150 mg ranitidine, maximum plasma concentrations (300 to 550 ng/mL) occurred after 1-3 hours. Two distinct peaks or a plateau in the absorption phase result from reabsorption of drug excreted into the intestine. The absolute bioavailability of ranitidine is 50-60%, and plasma concentrations increase proportionally with increasing dose up to 300 mg.

Absorption is not significantly impaired by food or antacids.

Distribution

Ranitidine is not extensively bound to plasma proteins (15%), but exhibits a large volume of distribution ranging from 96 to 142 L.

Metabolism

Ranitidine is not extensively metabolised. The fraction of the dose recovered as metabolites includes 6% of the dose in urine as the N-Oxide, 2% as the S-Oxide, 2% as desmethyl ranitidine and 1-2% as the furoic acid analogue.

Elimination

Plasma concentrations decline bi-exponentially, with a terminal half-life of 2-3 hours. The major route of elimination is renal. After IV administration of 150 mg ³H- ranitidine, 98% of the dose was recovered, including 5% in the faeces and 93% in the urine, of which 70% was unchanged parent drug. After oral administration of 150 mg ³H-ranitidine, 96% of the dose was recovered, 26% in the faeces and 70% in urine of which 35% was unchanged parent drug. Less than 3% of the dose is excreted in bile. Renal clearance is approximately 500mL/min, which exceeds glomerular filtration indicating net renal tubular secretion.

Special Patient Populations

- Patients over 50 years of age

In patients over 50 years of age, half-life is prolonged (3-4 h) and clearance is reduced, consistent with the age-related decline of renal function. However, systemic exposure and accumulation are 50% higher. This difference exceeds the effect of declining renal function, and indicates increased bioavailability in older patients.

Absorption

Absorption of ranitidine after intramuscular injection is rapid and peak plasma concentrations are usually achieved within 15 minutes of administration.

Distribution

Ranitidine is not extensively bound to plasma proteins (15%), but exhibits a large volume of distribution ranging from 96 to 142 L.

Metabolism

Ranitidine is not extensively metabolised. The fraction of the dose recovered as metabolites is similar after both oral and i.v. dosing; and includes 6% of the dose in urine as the N-oxide, 2& as the S-oxide, 2% as desmethylranitidine and 1 to 2% as the furoic acid analogue.

Elimination

Plasma concentrations decline bi-exponentially, with a terminal half-life of 2-3 hours. The major route of elimination is renal. After IV administration of 150 mg 3H-ranitidine, 98% of the dose was recovered, including 5% in faeces and 93% in urine, of which 70% was unchanged parent drug. After oral administration of 150 mg 3H-ranitidine, 96% of the dose was recovered, 26% in faeces and 70% in urine of which 35% was unchanged parent drug. Less than 3% of the dose is excreted in bile. Renal clearance is approximately 500 mL/min, which exceeds glomerular filtration indicating net renal tubular secretion.

Other special populations

Children/infants (6 months and above)

Limited pharmacokinetic data show that there were no significant differences in half-life (range for children 3 years and above: 1.7 - 2.2 h) and plasma clearance (range for children 3 years and above: 9 - 22 ml/min/kg) between children and healthy adults receiving intravenous ranitidine when correction is made for body weight. Pharmacokinetic data in infants is extremely limited but appears to be in line with that for older children.

Patients over 50 years of age

In patients over 50 years of age, half-life is prolonged (3-4 h) and clearance is reduced, consistent with the age-related decline of renal function. However, systemic exposure and accumulation are 50% higher. This difference exceeds the effect of declining renal function, and indicates increased bioavailability in older patients.

Neonates (under 1 month)

Limited pharmacokinetic data from term babies undergoing treatment with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (EMCO) suggests that plasma clearance following iv administration may be reduced (1.5-8.2 ml/min/kg) and the half-life increased in the new-born. Clearance of ranitidine appeared to be related to the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the neonates.

Extensive studies have been carried out in animals. The pharmacology of ranitidine hydrochloride shows it to be a surmountable H2 receptor antagonist which produces an inhibition of gastro acid secretion. Extensive toxicological investigators have been conducted which predicted a very safe profile for clinical use. This safety has been confirmed by extensive use in patients for many years.

Non-clinical data revealed no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated-dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenic potential and toxicity to reproduction and development.

No special instructions

Alquen has been shown to be compatible with the following intravenous infusion fluids:-

0.9% Sodium Chloride BP

5% Dextrose BP

0.18% Sodium Chloride and 4% Dextrose BP

4.2% Sodium Bicarbonate BP

Hartmann's Solution.

All unused admixtures of Alquen with infusion fluids should be discarded 24 hours after preparation.

Although compatibility studies have only been undertaken in polyvinyl chloride infusion bags (in glass for Sodium Bicarbonate BP) and a polyvinyl chloride administration set it is considered that adequate stability would be conferred by the use of a polyethylene infusion bag.