Monday, September 19, 2016

COLESTID granules for oral suspension





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Colestid granules for oral suspension 5g


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Each level scoopful or sachet contains 5.0 grams of Colestipol hydrochloride BP.



For excipients see 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Granules for oral suspension.



Light yellow, tasteless and odourless granules.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Colestid is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet in the management of patients with elevated cholesterol levels who have not responded adequately to diet. It may be used alone or in combination with additional lipid lowering agents.



Dietary therapy specific for the type of hypercholesterolaemia should be the initial treatment of choice. Excess body weight may be an important factor and weight reduction should be attempted prior to drug therapy in the overweight. The use of drugs should be considered only when reasonable attempts have been made to obtain satisfactory results with non-drug method. When drug therapy is begun, the patient should be instructed of the importance of adhering to the correct diet.



Although Colestid is effective in all types of hypercholesterolaemia, it is medically most appropriate in patients with Fredrickson's type II hyperlipoproteinaemia.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Route of administration: Oral, mixed with water or other fluids.



Adults:



The recommended initial daily adult dosage of colestipol hydrochloride is 5 grams either once or twice daily.



For adults colestipol hydrochloride is recommended in doses of 5 - 30 grams taken as one dose or two divided doses. Initiation of therapy is recommended at 5 grams either once or twice daily with 5 gram increments at one month intervals. Appropriate use of lipid profiles including LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides is advised so that optimal, but not excessive doses are used to obtain the desired therapeutic effect on LDL-cholesterol level. If the desired therapeutic effect is not obtained at a dose of 5 - 30 grams/day with good compliance and acceptable side-effects, combined therapy or alternate treatment should be considered.



Patients should take other drugs at least one hour before or four hours after Colestid to minimise possible interference with their absorption. However, Colestid and Gemfibrozil may be used in the same patient when administered 2 hours apart (see Interactions).



Preparation:



Colestid Granules should always be taken mixed in a liquid such as orange or tomato juice, water, skimmed milk or non-carbonated beverage. The contents of the sachet or level scoopful should be added to 100 ml or more of the preferred aqueous vehicle and mixed thoroughly until dispersed. Colestid may also be taken in soups or with cereals, pulpy fruits with a higher water content or yoghurt.



Elderly Patients:



At present there are no extensive clinical studies with colestipol in patients over the age of 65. Review of available data does not suggest that the elderly are more predisposed to side effects attributable to colestipol than the general population; however, therapy should be individualised and based on each patient's clinical characteristics and tolerance to the medication.



Children:



Dosage in children has not been established.



4.3 Contraindications



Colestipol is contra-indicated in individuals who have previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to its use.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Warnings:



Before instituting therapy with Colestid, diseases contributing to increased blood cholesterol such as hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, dysproteinaemias and obstructive liver disease should be looked for and specifically treated.



To avoid accidental inhalation or oesophageal distress, Colestid should not be taken in its dry form.



Colestid may elevate serum triglyceride levels when used as sole therapy. This elevation is generally transient but may persist in some individuals. A significant rise in triglyceride level should be considered as an indication for dose reduction, drug discontinuation, or combined or alternate therapy.



The use of Colestid in children has been limited; however, it does appear to be effective in lowering serum cholesterol in older children and young adults. Because bile acid sequestrants may interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, appropriate monitoring of growth and development is essential. Dosage and long term safety in children has not been established.



Precautions:



Because it sequesters bile acids, Colestid may interfere with normal fat absorption and thus may alter absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. A study in humans found only one patient in whom a prolonged prothombin time was noted. Most studies did not show a decrease in vitamin A, D or E levels during the administration of Colestid; however, if Colestid is to be given for a long period these vitamin levels should be monitored and supplements given if necessary.



Both clinical usage and animal studies with Colestid have provided no evidence of drug related intestinal neoplasms. Colestid is not mutagenic in the Ames test.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



In man, Colestid may delay or reduce the absorption of certain concomitant oral drugs (digitalis and its glycosides, propranolol, chlorothiazide and hydrochlorothiazide, tetracycline hydrochloride, penicillin G, gemfibrozil and furosemide). Particular caution should be taken with digitalis preparations since conflicting results have been obtained for the effect of Colestid on the availability of digoxin and digitoxin. Colestid has been shown not to interfere with the absorption of clindamycin, clofibrate, asparin, tolbutamide, warfarin, methyldopa and phenytoin. The clinical response to concomitant medication should be closely monitored and appropriate adjustments made.



Repeated doses of Colestid given prior to a single dose of propranolol in human trials have been reported to decrease propranolol absorption. However, in a follow-up study in normal subjects, single dose administration of Colestid and propranolol or multiple dose administration of both agents did not affect the extent of propranolol absorption. Effects on the absorption of other beta-blockers have not been determined. Patients on propranolol should be observed when Colestid is either added or deleted from a therapeutic regimen.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Safety for use in pregnant women has not been established. The use of Colestid in pregnancy or lactation or by women of childbearing age requires that the potential benefits of treatment be weighed against the possible hazards to the mother and child.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No adverse effect has been reported.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Side-effects



The most common adverse reactions reported with Colestid have been of a functional gastro-intestinal nature. The most frequent is constipation which is usually mild, transient and responsive to the usual adjunctive measures. At times, constipation can be severe and may be accompanied by impaction. As such, haemorrhoids can be aggravated, and infrequent blood in the stools has been reported. Less frequent gastro-intestinal complaints are abdominal discomfort, belching, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Rarely, peptic ulceration and bleeding, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis have been reported, although these are not necessarily drug related.



Transient and modest elevation of SGOT and alkaline phosphatase have been observed. No medical significance is attached to these observed changes.



Although not necessarily drug-related, the following non gastro-intestinal medical events have been reported during clinical trials at a similar incidence to placebo.



Cardiovascular: Chest pain, angina and tachycardia have been infrequently reported.



Hypersensitivity: Rash has been infrequently reported. Urticaria and dermatitis have been rarely noted.



Musculoskeletal: Musculoskeletal pain, aches and pains in the extremities, joint pain and arthritis, and backache have been reported.



Neurological: Headache, migraine headache and sinus headache have been reported. Other infrequently reported complaints include dizziness, light-headedness, and insomnia.



Miscellaneous: Anorexia, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the hands or feet, have been infrequently reported.



4.9 Overdose



No toxic effects due to overdosage have been reported. Should overdosage occur, obstruction of the gastro-intestinal tract would be expected to occur. Treatment would be determined by the location and degree of obstruction.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Ion exchange resin which lowers plasma cholesterol through binding with bile acids in the intestinal lumen.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Colestid is not absorbed; its action is limited to the lumen of the gastro-intestinal tract, and it is passed in the faeces. It binds bile acids in the intestinal lumen and causes them to be excreted in the faeces together with the polymer. When the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids is interrupted, cholesterol conversion to bile acids is enhanced and plasma cholesterol levels are thereby lowered.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Both clinical and animal studies with Colestid have provided no evidence of drug related intestinal neospasms. Colestid is not mutagenic in the Ames test.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Colloidal Anhydrous Silica Ph.Eur



6.2 Incompatibilities



None



6.3 Shelf Life



4 years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



None



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Paper/Aluminium foil/vinyl sachets of 5 gm in packs of 30 sachets



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



None



Administrative Data


7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Pharmacia Limited



Ramsgate Road



Sandwich



Kent CT13 9NJ



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 0032/0055



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



26 October 1992



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



November 2007



Company Reference: CL4_0




Friday, September 16, 2016

Colchicine 500 microgram Tablets






COLCHICINE 500 MICROGRAM TABLETS



Colchicine



Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.


  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.

  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

  • If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.



In this leaflet:


  • 1. What Colchicine Tablets are and what they are used for

  • 2. Before you take Colchicine Tablets

  • 3. How to take Colchicine Tablets

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store Colchicine Tablets

  • 6. Further information




What Colchicine Tablets Are And What They Are Used For


The name of your medicine is Colchicine Tablets.


The active ingredient, colchicine, in Colchicine Tablets is an anti-gout agent.


Colchicine Tablets are used to treat gout attacks. They are also used to prevent flare-ups of gout when treatment is started with other drugs such as allopurinol, probenecid and sulfinpyrazone.




Before You Take Colchicine Tablets



Do not take Colchicine Tablets if you are:


  • allergic to colchicine or any of the other ingredients of Colchicine Tablets (see list under ‘What Colchicine Tablets contain’)

  • pregnant

  • under 12 years of age

  • undergoing haemodialysis

  • suffering from severe kidney impairment.



Take special care with Colchicine Tablets if you:


  • are elderly (aged 65 years or older)

  • feel exhausted and worn out

  • have problems with your heart, kidneys, liver or digestive system

  • are breast-feeding.

If you have any doubts about whether you should take these tablets then discuss things more fully with your doctor or pharmacist.




Taking other medicines


Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, as taking another medicine whilst you are taking Colchicine Tablets can affect how they or the other medicine works.


In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:


  • ciclosporin, a drug used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients (your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with Colchicine Tablets or alter the dose of ciclosporin)

  • erythromycin or clarithromycin, used to treat infections.

You may need to take extra vitamin B12 if you have to take Colchicine Tablets in high doses or for a long time.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding


You should not take Colchicine Tablets if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant without first discussing this with your doctor.


Do not take Colchicine Tablets if you are breast-feeding without talking to your doctor first.


Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.




Driving and using machines


Colchicine Tablets should not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.




Important information for patients with an intolerance to some sugars


Colchicine Tablets contain lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Colchicine Tablets.





How To Take Colchicine Tablets


Always take Colchicine Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Swallow your Colchicine Tablets whole with a glass of water.


Your doctor will tell you how many Colchicine Tablets to take and for how long you should take them.



For adults for the treatment of gout:


  • The usual adult dose for the treatment of gout is two Colchicine Tablets at the start of treatment followed by one Colchicine Tablet every two to three hours until relief of pain is obtained.

  • If you are sick or have diarrhoea you should stop taking Colchicine Tablets and tell your doctor.

  • You should not take more than 12 Colchicine Tablets as a course of treatment (your doctor will advise you).

  • You should wait three days before starting another course of Colchicine Tablets.



For adults for prevention of flare-ups of gout:


  • The usual adult dose for prevention of flare-ups of gout is two to three Colchicine Tablets daily.

  • Your doctor will decide which dose is best for you.



For elderly patients or patients with other problems


Elderly patients or patients with other problems, especially kidney problems, will need lower or less frequent doses.




If you take more Colchicine Tablets than you should


If you take more Colchicine Tablets than you are supposed to, contact your doctor or nearest hospital accident and emergency department immediately. Take this leaflet and any Colchicine Tablets you have left with you.




If you forget to take Colchicine Tablets


If you forget to take a dose take another as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose do not take the missed dose at all. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.





Possible Side Effects


Like all medicines Colchicine Tablets can cause side effects, particularly when treatment is first started, although not everybody gets them.


If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Colchicine Tablets immediately and contact a doctor or the nearest hospital accident and emergency department:


  • a feeling of burning or rawness in the mouth and throat making swallowing difficult

  • feeling or being sick

  • diarrhoea with blood in it

  • severe stomach pain

  • being unable to pass water.

Side effects that are rare include:


  • ‘pins and needles’

  • muscle loss

  • muscle cramps or weakness

  • hair loss

  • blood disorders

  • inhibition of spermatogenesis (the inability to produce sperm).


If high doses of Colchicine Tablets are taken


High doses of Colchicine Tablets can cause diarrhoea, rashes or affect the kidneys or liver.



If any of the side effects get serious or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.




How To Store Colchicine Tablets



Keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children.


  • Do not take Colchicine Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

  • Do not take Colchicine Tablets if you notice that they are showing signs of deterioration such as discolouration.

  • Do not store above 25°C.

  • Store in the original package in order to protect from light.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.




Further Information



What Colchicine Tablets contain


The active ingredient in Colchicine Tablets is Colchicine. Each tablet contains 500 micrograms of colchicine (on a dried weight basis).


The other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, stearic acid and purified talc.




What Colchicine Tablets look like and the contents of the pack


Colchicine Tablets are white to pale yellow in colour and are either unmarked or marked CP on one face. Colchicine Tablets are available in plastic (polypropylene or polyethylene) containers of 100 tablets.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer



Marketing Authorisation Holder:



Wockhardt UK Limited

Ash Road North

Wrexham

LL13 9UF

UK



Manufacturer:



CP Pharmaceuticals Limited

Ash Road North

Wrexham

LL13 9UF

UK





Other formats


To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:



0800 198 5000 (UK Only)


Please be ready to give the following information:



Product name: Colchicine 500 microgram Tablets



Reference number: 29831/0055


This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.


This leaflet was last approved in October 2008.



103772/3


CP5


209643





Co-danthramer capsules and Strong Co-danthramer capsules





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Co-danthramer capsules



Strong Co-danthramer capsules


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



Co-danthramer capsules contain Dantron 25 mg and Poloxamer 188 200 mg.



Strong Co-danthramer capsules contain Dantron 37.5 mg and Poloxamer 188 500 mg.



For excipients, see section 6.1.



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Capsule, hard



Co-danthramer capsules have light brown bodies, opaque orange caps and are marked CX and Napp.



Strong Co-danthramer capsules have light brown bodies, opaque green caps and are marked CXF and Napp.



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Constipation in terminally ill patients



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Adults



One or two capsules at bedtime.



Children under 12 years of age



Co-danthramer capsules: One capsule at bedtime or as recommended by the physician.



Strong Co-danthramer capsules: Not recommended.



Elderly



As recommended by the physician.



4.3 Contraindications



In common with other gastro-intestinal evacuants, Co-danthramer capsules should not be given when acute or painful conditions of the abdomen are present or when the cause of the constipation is thought to be an intestinal obstruction. Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents of the product. Peanut or soya allergies. Pregnancy and lactation.



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Oral administration of dantron has been reported to cause liver or intestinal tumours in rats and mice. There is no sound evidence to conclude a no effect dose and therefore there may be a risk of such effects in humans.



Co-danthramer use should therefore be restricted to the licensed indications.



In babies, children and patients wearing nappies there may be staining of the buttocks. This may lead to superficial sloughing of the skin. Therefore, Co-danthramer should not be given to infants in nappies and should be used with caution in all incontinent patients.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



None stated.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Co-danthramer capsules are contraindicated in pregnant women and nursing mothers.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



None stated.



4.8 Undesirable Effects



Dantron may cause temporary harmless pink or red colouring of the urine and peri-anal skin. With prolonged high dosage the mucosa of the large intestine may become coloured.



4.9 Overdose



In case of overdosage, patients should be given plenty of fluids. An anti-cholinergic preparation such as atropine sulphate may be given to offset the excessive intestinal motility.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Dantron combinations



ATC code: A06A B53



Co-danthramer owes its laxative action to the mild purgative dantron which is the subject of a monograph in the British Pharmacopeia. This is an anthraquinone derivative chemically related to emodin, the active principle of cascara and other naturally occurring products such as senna, aloes and rhubarb. It acts on the nerve endings of the myenteric plexus and stimulates the muscles of the large intestine.



Poloxamer 188 is a wetting agent which increases the penetration of water into faecal material. The surface activity of the poloxamer has a lubricant effect on the gut contents.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Like other anthraquinone compounds, dantron is partially absorbed from the small intestine. Because it does not affect the small intestine, griping and cramping do not occur. Dantron begins to act between 6-12 hours after administration.



Poloxamer 188 is not absorbed and is fully recovered in the faeces.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



There are no pre-clinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included in other sections of the SPC.



6. Pharmaceutical Particulars



6.1 List Of Excipients



Butylhydroxytoluene (E321)



Capsule shell



Gelatin



Erythrosine (E127)



Iron oxide (E172)



Indigo carmine (E132)



Titanium dioxide (E171)



Sodium dodecylsulphate



Printing ink



Opacode S-1-7020 HV white 005



(containing shellac, soya, lecithin, 2-ethoxyethanol,



dimethicone, E171))



6.2 Incompatibilities



Not applicable.



6.3 Shelf Life



Three years



6.4 Special Precautions For Storage



Do not store above 30oC.



6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container



Clear or pale yellow blister packs (aluminium foil sealed to 250µm PVC with a PVdC coating of at least 40 gsm thickness), containing 60 capsules.



6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling



No special requirements.



7. Marketing Authorisation Holder



Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd



Cambridge Science Park



Milton Road



Cambridge CB4 0GW



United Kingdom



8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)



PL 16950/0017-0018



9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation



19 October 1994/9 December 2005



10. Date Of Revision Of The Text



25 February 2009



11. Legal category


POM



® The Napp device is a Registered Trade Mark



© Napp Pharmaceuticals Ltd 2009




Co-amoxiclav 400 / 57mg / 5ml Powder for Oral Suspension (Sandoz Limited)





1. Name Of The Medicinal Product



Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension


2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition



1 ml reconstituted suspension (corresponding to 0.160 g powder) contains:



Amoxicillin trihydrate corresponding to 80 mg amoxicillin.



Potassium clavulanate corresponding to 11.4 mg clavulanic acid.



Excipient(s):



1 ml reconstituted suspension contains 1.7 mg of aspartame.



1 ml reconstituted suspension contains sorbitol



1 ml reconstituted suspension contains glucose



For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1



3. Pharmaceutical Form



Powder for oral suspension:



Off-white powder



4. Clinical Particulars



4.1 Therapeutic Indications



Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension is indicated for the treatment of the following infections in adults and children (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 5.1):



• Acute bacterial sinusitis (adequately diagnosed)



• Acute otitis media



• Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (adequately diagnosed)



• Community acquired pneumonia



• Cystitis



• Pyelonephritis



• Skin and soft tissue infections in particular cellulitis, animal bites, severe dental abscess with spreading cellulitis.



• Bone and joint infections, in particular osteomyelitis.



Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.



4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration



Doses are expressed throughout in terms of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid content except when doses are stated in terms of an individual component.



The dose of Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension that is selected to treat an individual infection should take into account:



• The expected pathogens and their likely susceptibility to antibacterial agents (see section 4.4)



• The severity and the site of the infection



• The age, weight and renal function of the patient as shown below.



The use of alternative presentations of Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension (e.g. those that provide higher doses of amoxicillin and/or different ratios of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid) should be considered as necessary (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).



For adults and children



The duration of therapy should be determined by the response of the patient. Some infections (e.g. osteomyelitis) require longer periods of treatment. Treatment should not be extended beyond 14 days without review (see section 4.4 regarding prolonged therapy).



Adults and children



Recommended doses:



• standard dose: (for all indications) 875 mg/125 mg two times a day;



• higher dose - (particularly for infections such as otitis media, sinusitis, lower respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections): 875 mg/125 mg three times a day.



Children < 40 kg



Children may be treated with Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension tablets, suspensions or paediatric sachets.



Recommended doses:



• 25 mg/3.6 mg/kg/day to 45 mg/6.4 mg/kg/day given as two divided doses;



• up to 70 mg/10 mg/kg/day given as two divided doses may be considered for some infections (such as otitis media, sinusitis and lower respiratory tract infections).



No clinical data are available for Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension 7:1 formulations regarding doses higher than 45 mg/6.4 mg/kg per day in children under 2 years.



There are no clinical data for Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension 7:1 formulations for patients under 2 months of age. Dosing recommendations in this population therefore cannot be made.



Elderly



No dose adjustment is considered necessary.



Renal impairment



No adjustment in dose is required in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) greater than 30 ml/min.



In patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min, the use of Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspensionpresentations with an amoxicillin to clavulanic acid ratio of 7:1 is not recommended, as no recommendations for dose adjustments are available.



Hepatic impairment



Dose with caution and monitor hepatic function at regular intervals (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).



Method of administration



Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension is for oral use.



Administer at the start of a meal to minimise potential gastrointestinal intolerance and optimise absorption of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.



Therapy can be started parenterally according the of the IV-formulation and continued with an oral preparation.



Shake to loosen powder, add water as directed, invert and shake.



Shake the bottle before each dose (see section 6.6).



4.3 Contraindications



Hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the penicillins or to any of the excipients.



History of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) to another beta-lactam agent (e.g. a cephalosporin, carbapenem or monobactam).



History of jaundice/hepatic impairment due to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (see section 4.8).



4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use



Before initiating therapy with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactam agents (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).



Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactoid) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and in atopic individuals. If an allergic reaction occurs, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid therapy must be discontinued and appropriate alternative therapy instituted.



In the case that an infection is proven to be due to an amoxicillin-susceptible organisms(s) then consideration should be given to switching from amoxicillin/clavulanic acid to amoxicillin in accordance with official guidance.



This presentation of Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension is not suitable for use when there is a high risk that the presumptive pathogens have reduced susceptibility or resistance to beta-lactam agents that is not mediated by beta-lactamases susceptible to inhibition by clavulanic acid. This presentation should not be used to treat penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.



Convulsions may occur in patients with impaired renal function or in those receiving high doses (see section 4.8).



Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be avoided if infectious mononucleosis is suspected since the occurrence of a morbilliform rash has been associated with this condition following the use of amoxicillin.



Concomitant use of allopurinol during treatment with amoxicillin can increase the likelihood of allergic skin reactions.



Prolonged use may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.



The occurrence at the treatment initiation of a feverish generalised erythema associated with pustula may be a symptom of acute generalised exanthemous pustulosis (AGEP) (see Section 4.8). This reaction requires Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension discontinuation and contra-indicates any subsequent administration of amoxicillin.



Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.8).



Hepatic events have been reported predominantly in males and elderly patients and may be associated with prolonged treatment. These events have been very rarely reported in children. In all populations, signs and symptoms usually occur during or shortly after treatment but in some cases may not become apparent until several weeks after treatment has ceased. These are usually reversible. Hepatic events may be severe and, in extremely rare circumstances, deaths have been reported. These have almost always occurred in patients with serious underlying disease or taking concomitant medications known to have the potential for hepatic effects (see section 4.8).



Antibiotic-associated colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life threatening (see section 4.8). Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhoea during or subsequent to the administration of any antibiotics. Should antibiotic-associated colitis occur, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should immediately be discontinued, a physician be consulted and an appropriate therapy initiated. Anti-peristaltic medicinal products are contra-indicated in this situation.



Periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic and haematopoietic function is advisable during prolonged therapy.



Prolongation of prothrombin time has been reported rarely in patients receiving amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Appropriate monitoring should be undertaken when anticoagulants are prescribed concomitantly. Adjustments in the dose of oral anticoagulants may be necessary to maintain the desired level of anticoagulation (see section 4.5 and 4.8).



In patients with renal impairment, the dose should be adjusted according to the degree of impairment (see section 4.2).



In patients with reduced urine output, crystalluria has been observed very rarely, predominantly with parenteral therapy. During the administration of high doses of amoxicillin, it is advisable to maintain adequate fluid intake and urinary output in order to reduce the possibility of amoxicillin crystalluria. In patients with bladder catheters, a regular check of patency should be maintained (see section 4.9).



During treatment with amoxicillin, enzymatic glucose oxidase methods should be used whenever testing for the presence of glucose in urine because false positive results may occur with non-enzymatic methods.



The presence of Clavulanic acid in Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension may cause a non-specific binding of IgG and albumin by red cell membranes leading to a false positive Coombs test.



There have been reports of positive test results using the Bio-Rad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA test in patients receiving amoxicillin/clavulanic acid who were subsequently found to be free of Aspergillus infection. Cross-reactions with non-Aspergillus polysaccharides and polyfuranoses with Bio-Rad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA test have been reported. Therefore, positive test results in patients receiving amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be interpreted cautiously and confirmed by other diagnostic methods.



Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension contains 1.7 mg of aspartame (E951) per ml, a source of phenylalanine. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with phenylketonuria.



Patients with rare heriditary problems of fructose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.



4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction



Oral anticoagulants



Oral anticoagulants and penicillin antibiotics have been widely used in practice without reports of interaction. However, in the literature there are cases of increased international normalised ratio in patients maintained on acenocoumarol or warfarin and prescribed a course of amoxicillin. If co-administration is necessary, the prothrombin time or international normalised ratio should be carefully monitored with the addition or withdrawal of amoxicillin. Moreover, adjustments in the dose of oral anticoagulants may be necessary (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).



Methotrexate



Penicillins may reduce the excretion of methotrexate causing a potential increase in toxicity.



Probenecid



Concomitant use of probenecid is not recommended. Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin. Concomitant use of probenecid may result in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin but not of clavulanic acid.



4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation



Pregnancy



Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). Limited data on the use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid during pregnancy in humans do not indicate an increased risk of congenital malformations. In a single study in women with preterm, premature rupture of the foetal membrane it was reported that prophylactic treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid may be associated with an increased risk of necrotising enterocolitis in neonates. Use should be avoided during pregnancy, unless considered essential by the physician.



Lactation



Both substances are excreted into breast milk (nothing is known of the effects of clavulanic acid on the breast-fed infant). Consequently, diarrhoea and fungus infection of the mucous membranes are possible in the breast-fed infant, so that breast-feeding might have to be discontinued. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should only be used during breast-feeding after benefit/risk assessment by the physician in charge.



4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines



No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, undesirable effects may occur (e.g. allergic reactions, dizziness, convulsions), which may influence the ability to drive and use machines (see section 4.8).



4.8 Undesirable Effects



The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.



The ADRs derived from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance with Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension, sorted by MedDRA System Organ Class are listed below.



The following terminologies have been used in order to classify the occurrence of undesirable effects.



Very common (



Common (



Uncommon (



Rare (



Very rare (<1/10,000)



Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)




























































































Infections and infestations


 


Mucocutaneous candidosis




Common




Overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms




Not known




Blood and lymphatic system disorders


 


Reversible leucopenia (including neutropenia)




Rare




Thrombocytopenia




Rare




Reversible agranulocytosis




Not known




Haemolytic anaemia




Not known




Prolongation of bleeding time and prothrombin time1




Not known




Immune system disorders10


 


Angioneurotic oedema




Not known




Anaphylaxis




Not known




Serum sickness-like syndrome




Not known




Hypersensitivity vasculitis




Not known




Nervous system disorders


 


Dizziness




Uncommon




Headache




Uncommon




Reversible hyperactivity




Not known




Convulsions2




Not known




Gastrointestinal disorders


 


Diarrhoea




Common




Nausea3




Common




Vomiting




Common




Indigestion




Uncommon




Antibiotic-associated colitis4




Not known




Black hairy tongue




Not known




Tooth discoloration11




Not known




Hepatobiliary disorders


 


Rises in AST and/or ALT5




Uncommon




Hepatitis6




Not known




Cholestatic jaundice6




Not known




Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 7


 


Skin rash




Uncommon




Pruritus




Uncommon




Urticaria




Uncommon




Erythema multiforme




Rare




Stevens-Johnson syndrome




Not known




Toxic epidermal necrolysis




Not known




Bullous exfoliative-dermatitis




Not known




Acute generalised exanthemous pustulosis (AGEP)9




Not known




Renal and urinary disorders


 


Interstitial nephritis




Not known




Crystalluria8




Not known




1 See section 4.4



2 See section 4.4



3 Nausea is more often associated with higher oral doses. If gastrointestinal reactions are evident, they may be reduced by taking Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension at the start of a meal.



4 Including pseudomembranous colitis and haemorrhagic colitis (see section 4.4)



5 A moderate rise in AST and/or ALT has been noted in patients treated with beta-lactam class antibiotics, but the significance of these findings is unknown.



6 These events have been noted with other penicillins and cephalosporins (see section 4.4).



7 If any hypersensitivity dermatitis reaction occurs, treatment should be discontinued (see section 4.4).



8 See section 4.9



9 See section 4.4



10 See sections 4.3 and 4.4



11 Superficial tooth discolouration has been reported very rarely in children. Good oral hygiene may help to prevent tooth discolouration as it can usually be removed by brushing.


 


4.9 Overdose



Symptoms and signs of overdose



Gastrointestinal symptoms and disturbance of the fluid and electrolyte balances may be evident. Amoxicillin crystalluria, in some cases leading to renal failure, has been observed (see section 4.4).



Convulsions may occur in patients with impaired renal function or in those receiving high doses.



Amoxicillin has been reported to precipitate in bladder catheters, predominantly after intravenous administration of large doses. A regular check of patency should be maintained (see section 4.4).



Treatment of intoxication



Gastrointestinal symptoms may be treated symptomatically, with attention to the water/electrolyte balance.



Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.



5. Pharmacological Properties



5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties



Pharmacotherapeutic group: Combinations of penicillins, incl. beta-lactamase inhibitors; ATC code: J01CR02.



Mode of action



Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin (beta-lactam antibiotic) that inhibits one or more enzymes (often referred to as penicillin-binding proteins, PBPs) in the biosynthetic pathway of bacterial peptidoglycan, which is an integral structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis leads to weakening of the cell wall, which is usually followed by cell lysis and death.



Amoxicillin is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases produced by resistant bacteria and therefore the spectrum of activity of amoxicillin alone does not include organisms which produce these enzymes.



Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactam structurally related to penicillins. It inactivates some beta-lactamase enzymes thereby preventing inactivation of amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid alone does not exert a clinically useful antibacterial effect.



PK/PD relationship



The time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (T>MIC) is considered to be the major determinant of efficacy for amoxicillin.



Mechanisms of resistance



The two main mechanisms of resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are:



• Inactivation by those bacterial beta-lactamases that are not themselves inhibited by clavulanic acid, including class B, C and D.



• Alteration of PBPs, which reduce the affinity of the antibacterial agent for the target.



Impermeability of bacteria or efflux pump mechanisms may cause or contribute to bacterial resistance, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria.



Breakpoints



MIC breakpoints for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are those of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST)




























































Organism




Susceptibility Breakpoints (µg/ml)


  

 


Susceptible




Intermediate




Resistant




Haemophilus influenzae1







-




> 1




Moraxella catarrhalis1







-




> 1




Staphylococcus aureus 2







-




> 2




Coagulase-negative staphylococci 2






 


> 0.25




Enterococcus1







8




> 8




Streptococcus A, B, C, G5







-




> 0.25




Streptococcus pneumoniae3







1-2




> 2




Enterobacteriaceae1,4




-




-




> 8




Gram-negative Anaerobes1







8




> 8




Gram-positive Anaerobes1







8




> 8




Non-species related breakpoints1







4-8




> 8




1 The reported values are for Amoxicillin concentrations. For susceptibility testing purposes, the concentration of Clavulanic acid is fixed at 2 mg/l.



2 The reported values are Oxacillin concentrations.



3 Breakpoint values in the table are based on Ampicillin breakpoints.



4 The resistant breakpoint of R>8 mg/l ensures that all isolates with resistance mechanisms are reported resistant.



5 Breakpoint values in the table are based on Benzylpenicillin breakpoints.


   


The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species, and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.











Commonly susceptible species




Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms



Enterococcus faecalis



Gardnerella vaginalis



Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible)£



Coagulase-negative staphylococci (methicillin-susceptible)



Streptococcus agalactiae



Streptococcus pneumoniae1



Streptococcus pyogenes and other beta-haemolytic streptococci



Streptococcus viridans group



Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms



Capnocytophaga spp.



Eikenella corrodens



Haemophilus influenzae2



Moraxella catarrhalis



Pasteurella multocida



Anaerobic micro-organisms



Bacteroides fragilis



Fusobacterium nucleatum



Prevotella spp.




Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem




Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms



Enterococcus faecium $



Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms



Escherichia coli



Klebsiella oxytoca



Klebsiella pneumoniae



Proteus mirabilis



Proteus vulgaris




Inherently resistant organisms




Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms



Acinetobacter sp.



Citrobacter freundii



Enterobacter sp.



Legionella pneumophila



Morganella morganii



Providencia spp.



Pseudomonas sp.



Serratia sp.



Stenotrophomonas maltophilia



Other micro-organisms



Chlamydophila pneumoniae



Chlamydophila psittaci



Coxiella burnetti



Mycoplasma pneumoniae




$ Natural intermediate susceptibility in the absence of acquired mechanism of resistance.



£All methicillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid



1Streptococcus pneumoniae that are resistant to penicillin should not be treated with this presentation of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).



2 Strains with decreased susceptibility have been reported in some countries in the EU with a frequency higher than 10%.



5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties



Absorption



Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, are fully dissociated in aqueous solution at physiological pH. Both components are rapidly and well absorbed by the oral route of administration. Absorption of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is optimised when taken at the start of a meal. Following oral administration, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are approximately 70% bioavailable. The plasma profiles of both components are similar and the time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) in each case is approximately one hour.



The pharmacokinetic results for a study, in which amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (875 mg/125 mg tablets given twice daily) was administered in the fasting state to groups of healthy volunteers are presented below.




















































Mean (± SD) pharmacokinetic parameters


     


Active substance(s) administered




Dose




Cmax




Tmax *




AUC (0-24h)




T 1/2




(mg)




(µg/ml)




(h)




(µg.h/ml)




(h)


 


Amoxicillin


     


AMX/CA



875/125 mg




875




11.64



± 2.78




1.50



(1.0-2.5)




53.52



± 12.31




1.19



± 0.21




Clavulanic acid


     


AMX/CA



875 mg/125 mg




125




2.18



± 0.99




1.25



(1.0-2.0)




10.16



± 3.04




0.96



± 0.12




AMX – amoxicillin, CA – clavulanic acid



* Median (range)


     


Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid serum concentrations achieved with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are similar to those produced by the oral administration of equivalent doses of amoxicillin or clavulanic acid alone.



Distribution



About 25% of total plasma clavulanic acid and 18% of total plasma amoxicillin is bound to protein. The apparent volume of distribution is around 0.3-0.4 l/kg for amoxicillin and around 0.2 l/kg for clavulanic acid.



Following intravenous administration, both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid have been found in gall bladder, abdominal tissue, skin, fat, muscle tissues, synovial and peritoneal fluids, bile and pus. Amoxicillin does not adequately distribute into the cerebrospinal fluid.



From animal studies there is no evidence for significant tissue retention of drug-derived material for either component. Amoxicillin, like most penicillins, can be detected in breast milk. Trace quantities of clavulanic acid can also be detected in breast milk (see section 4.6).



Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid have been shown to cross the placental barrier (see section 4.6).



Biotransformation



Amoxicillin is partly excreted in the urine as the inactive penicilloic acid in quantities equivalent to up to 10 to 25% of the initial dose. Clavulanic acid is extensively metabolized in man and eliminated in urine and faeces and as carbon dioxide in expired air.



Elimination



The major route of elimination for amoxicillin is via the kidney, whereas for clavulanic acid it is by both renal and non-renal mechanisms.



Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid has a mean elimination half-life of approximately one hour and a mean total clearance of approximately 25 l/h in healthy subjects. Approximately 60 to 70% of the amoxicillin and approximately 40 to 65% of the clavulanic acid are excreted unchanged in urine during the first 6 h after administration of single Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension 250 mg/125 mg or 500 mg/125 mg tablets. Various studies have found the urinary excretion to be 50-85% for amoxicillin and between 27-60% for clavulanic acid over a 24 hour period. In the case of clavulanic acid, the largest amount of drug is excreted during the first 2 hours after administration.



Concomitant use of probenecid delays amoxicillin excretion but does not delay renal excretion of clavulanic acid (see section 4.5).



Age



The elimination half-life of amoxicillin is similar for children aged around 3 months to 2 years and older children and adults. For very young children (including preterm newborns) in the first week of life the interval of administration should not exceed twice daily administration due to immaturity of the renal pathway of elimination. 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.



Gender



Following oral administration of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid to healthy males and female subjects, gender has no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of either amoxicillin or clavulanic acid.



Renal impairment



The total serum clearance of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid decreases proportionately with decreasing renal function. The reduction in drug clearance is more pronounced for amoxicillin than for clavulanic acid, as a higher proportion of amoxicillin is excreted via the renal route. Doses in renal impairment must therefore prevent undue accumulation of amoxicillin while maintaining adequate levels of clavulanic acid (see section 4.2).



Hepatic impairment



Hepatically impaired patients should be dosed with caution and hepatic function monitored at regular intervals.



5.3 Preclinical Safety Data



Nonclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of safety pharmacology, genotoxicity and toxicity to reproduction.



Repeat dose toxicity studies performed in dogs with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid demonst

Clipper 5mg sustained release tablets






clipper 5 mg



Gastro-resistant Prolonged-release Tablets



beclometasone dipropionate



Important things you need to know about Clipper Tablets



  • Beclometasone dipropionate is a steroid medicine, prescribed for many different conditions, including serious illnesses.


  • You need to take it regularly to get the maximum benefit.


  • Don't stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor - you may need to reduce the dose gradually.


  • Beclometasone dipropionate can cause side effects in some people (read section 4 below). Some problems such as mood changes (feeling depressed, or 'high'), or stomach problems can happen straight away. If you feel unwell in any way, keep taking your tablets, but see your doctor straight away.


  • Some side effects only happen after weeks or months. These include weakness of arms and legs, or developing a rounder face (read section 4 for more information).


  • If you take it for more than 3 weeks, you will get a blue 'steroid card': always keep it with you and show it to any doctor or nurse treating you.


  • Keep away from people who have chickenpox or shingles, if you have never had them. They could affect you severely. If you do come into contact with chickenpox or shingles, see your doctor straight away.


Now read the rest of this leaflet. It includes other important information on the safe and effective use of this medicine that might be especially important for you. This leaflet was last updated on 12/2008.




In this leaflet:



  • 1. What Clipper Tablets are and what they are used for


  • 2. Before you take Clipper Tablets


  • 3. How to take Clipper Tablets


  • 4. Possible side effects


  • 5. How to store Clipper Tablets


  • 6. Further information




What Clipper Tablets are and what they are used for


Beclometasone dipropionate belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. Their full name is corticosteroids. These corticosteroids occur naturally in the body, and help to maintain health and well-being. Boosting your body with extra corticosteroids (such as beclometasone dipropionate) is an effective way to treat various illnesses involving inflammation in the body. Beclometasone dipropionate reduces this inflammation, which could otherwise go on making your condition worse. You must take this medicine regularly to get maximum benefit from it.


Clipper Tablets have been prescribed by your doctor to treat your ulcerative colitis. This is a disease which affects the colon (the large intestine or bowel), the rectum (the lower end of the large intestine), and causes the lining of the colon to become ulcerated and inflamed, resulting in pain, redness and swelling. These tablets act locally in the affected area to reduce the inflammation.


They are called gastro-resistant prolonged release tablets because they are made with a coating that allows them to pass through the stomach without dissolving until they reach the large intestine or bowel, where the coating breaks down for the beclometasone dipropionate to be released slowly.




Before you take Clipper Tablets



Do not take Clipper Tablets:


  • if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to beclometasone dipropionate or any of the other ingredients contained in your tablets (these are listed in section 6, Further Information)

  • if you have tuberculosis (TB)

  • if you have an infection of the colon or rectum caused by a fungus or virus

  • if you have a serious liver disease



Take special care with Clipper Tablets and always tell your doctor if you have:


  • liver problems

  • kidney problems

  • diabetes

  • an ulcer of the stomach or intestine

  • high blood pressure

  • osteoporosis, a condition where loss of bony tissue results in brittle bones

  • Addison's disease or hypoadrenalism, a condition caused by low secretions of corticosteroid hormone from the adrenal glands

  • increased pressure in your eyes, called glaucoma

  • a cataract, a condition where the lens of the eye becomes opaque leading to poor vision or blindness

  • an infection of the bowel


  • severe depression or manic-depression (bipolar disorder), or if any of your close family has had these illnesses. This includes having had depression while taking steroid medicines like beclometasone dipropionate. If this applies to you, talk to a doctor before taking beclometasone dipropionate.

If you are going to start taking, or are already taking steroid medicines, such as Clipper, for more than three weeks, your doctor or pharmacist will give you a "steroid warning card". It is important that you always carry this card with you until your doctor tells you that you don't need to.


If you have never had chickenpox, shingles or measles, do not have close contact with people whom you know have these diseases. If you become ill, or are exposed to someone with chickenpox, shingles, measles or an infectious disease contact your doctor immediately.




Mental problems while taking beclometasone dipropionate


Mental health problems can happen while taking steroids like beclometasone dipropionate (see also section 4 - Possible side effects):


  • these illnesses can be serious

  • usually they start within a few days or weeks of starting the medicine

  • they are more likely to happen at high doses

  • most of these problems go away if the dose is lowered or the medicine is stopped. However, if problems do happen they might need treatment.

Talk to a doctor if you (or someone taking this medicine), show any signs of mental problems. This is particularly important if you are depressed, or might be thinking about suicide. In a few cases, mental problems have happened when doses are being lowered or stopped.




Taking other medicines:


Before starting treatment, please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.


In particular, if you are already using or taking other steroid medicines.




Pregnancy and breast-feeding:


If you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or are breast-feeding, you must tell your doctor before taking this medicine.




Driving and using machines:


Clipper Tablets should not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, some people may feel sleepy or drowsy after taking this medicine. If these tablets affect you in this way after taking them, you must not drive or operate machinery or perform any tasks which require you to concentrate and remain alert.




Important information about some of the ingredients of Clipper Tablets:


Clipper Tablets contain lactose monohydrate. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.





How to take Clipper Tablets


Always take Clipper Tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. It is important that you take your tablets regularly.


Clipper Tablets are specially formulated so that you only have to take your tablets once a day, preferably in the morning. It is best to take your tablets on an empty stomach or after a light breakfast.


Take your tablets with a glass of liquid e.g. water. Do not break or chew your tablets.



Dosage:


The usual adult dose, including the elderly is one 5 mg tablet once a day.


Your treatment will usually last up to four weeks. Do not stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you.


Children must not take this medicine.




If you take more Clipper Tablets than you should:


If you take more Clipper Tablets than you should, immediately contact your doctor or pharmacist.




If you forget to take Clipper Tablets:


If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.




If you stop taking Clipper Tablets:



Do not stop taking your tablets, even if you feel better, unless told to do so by your doctor.



If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.




Possible side effects


Like all medicines, Clipper Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.



Serious side effects: tell a doctor straight away


Steroids including dexamethasone can cause serious mental health problems. These are common in both adults and children. They can affect about 5 in every 100 people taking medicines like dexamethasone:


  • feeling depressed, including thinking about suicide

  • feeling high (mania) or moods that go up and down

  • feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, difficulty in thinking or being confused and losing your memory

  • feeling, seeing or hearing things which do not exist. Having strange and frightening thoughts, changing how you act or having feelings of being alone.

If you notice any of these problems talk to a doctor straight away.



The following side effects have also been reported. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from any of these side effects but do not stop treatment unless told to do so. If you are not sure what the side effects below are, ask your doctor to explain them to you.



Uncommon side effects which may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people are:


  • feeling sick (nausea)

  • constipation

  • stomach pains

  • flu-like illness

  • fever

  • very heavy periods

  • headache

  • anxiety

  • sleepiness

  • muscle cramps


Taking high doses of beclometasone dipropionate over a long period of time can cause systemic effects. These are rare side effects which may affect fewer than 1 in 1000 people and include:


  • problems with how your adrenal glands work (adrenosuppression)

  • a round, puffy face (called "moon face")

  • a build up of fat on the back of the neck (called "buffalo hump")

  • a build up of excess fat in the body (obesity)

  • yeast infection in the mouth

  • a decrease in the number of white blood cells called leucocytes and monocytes, which help the body fight infection by destroying harmful micro-organisms in the blood

  • an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells called granulocytes

  • severe redness and inflammation of facial skin

  • headache

  • raised pressure within the skull

  • decrease in bone mineral density (thinning of the bones)

  • increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma)

  • cataracts

If you experience any of the above side effects and they cause you distress, are severe or last for several days, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. While taking these tablets if you notice anything unusual or a side effect which is not mentioned in this leaflet, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.




How to store Clipper Tablets


  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

  • Do not take Clipper Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

  • This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

  • Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.



Further Information



What Clipper Tablets contain


  • The active substance is beclometasone dipropionate.

  • The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, hypromellose (E464), microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, macrogol 4000, methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer, titanium dioxide (E171) and talc.



What Clipper Tablets look like and contents of the pack


Clipper 5 mg Gastro-resistant Prolonged-release Tablets are ivory white and are round and convex in shape. They are available in blister packs of 10 and 30 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.




Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer


The Marketing Authorisation Holder of Clipper is



Chiesi Ltd

Cheadle Royal Business Park

Highfield

Cheadle

SK8 3GY

UK


The manufacturer of Clipper is



Doppel Farmaceutici S.r.l

Via Martiri della Foibe 1

Cortemaggiore (Piacenza)

Italy



This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:




Italy: Bidiclin

Spain: Bidiclin

Greece: Bidiclin

UK: Clipper





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CP0004/4


509019 CLT 0409


87K44.03/01