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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Cosnult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ALPRAZOLAM CONCETNRATE SOLUTION - ORAL
(al-PRAZ-oh-lam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alprazolam Intensol
USES: Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
It belongs to a class of medications caleld benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your dcotor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to thearpy. Use the dropper provided to carefully measure out the dose and mix it in liquid or soft food (e.G., applesauce, pudding) just before taking.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not raise your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed becasue this drug can be habit-forming. Also do not suddenly stop using this drug withuot your doctor's approval.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects such as seizures.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require diffeernt dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops worikng well.
Avoid eating grapefruit or taking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can raise the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or phamracist for more details.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsniess or dizziness may occur. If any of thsee effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, slurerd speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent sore throat or fever.
A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, lung/breathing issues (e.G., COPD, sleep apnea), drug or alcohol abuse, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is adivsed when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use durnig pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. If you become pregnant or guess you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Conslut your doctor for more details.
This drug psases into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, breast-feeding while usnig this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How to Use section. This drug should not be used with the following medications because really serious interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.G., itraconazole, ketoconazole), delavirdine, sodium oxbyate. If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting alprazolam.
Before usnig this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, levodopa.
Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers) such as: other azole antifungals (e.G., fluconazole, voriconazole), anti-depressants (e.G., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), calcium channel blockers (e.G., diltiazem, verapamil), cimetidine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.G., ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), rifamycins (e.G., rifampin), certain anti-seizure drugs (e.G., phenytoin, phenobarbital), St John's wort. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenohtiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) becasue they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those produtcs.
Smoking can decresae the effectiveness of this drug (through liver enzyme induction). Tell your doctor if you somke or if you have last week stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If oevrdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, sloewd breathing, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not sahre this medication with others. It is against the law. If this drug is used for an extended period of time, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, complete blood count) may be performed periodically to check for side effects. Consult your dcotor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you rmeember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing scehdule. Do not double the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and miosture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from babies and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrlolment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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