Indications
Duloxetine Hydrochloride is indicated for the- Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)Management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.Chronic Musculoskeletal PainUrinary stress incontinence.
Drug Class
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Pharmacology
Duloxetine is a combined serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NE) reuptake inhibitor. It weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake with no significant affinity for histaminergic, dopaminergic, cholinergic and adrenergic receptors. Duloxetine dose-dependently increases extracellular levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in various brain areas of animals.
Dosage
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Starting dose- 20-30 mg b.i.d or 60 mg once daily, Target dose- 60 mg once daily, max. dose- 60 mg once dailyDiabetic peripheral neuropathy: Starting dose- 60 mg/day (once daily), Target dose- 60 mg once daily, max. dose- 60 mg once dailyChronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Starting dose- 30 mg/day, Target dose- 60 mg once daily, max. dose- 60 mg once dailyUrinary stress incontinence: Starting dose- 40 mg /day, Target dose- 80 mg/day (twice daily, max. dose- 80 mg/day (twice daily).
Interaction
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, Duloxetine should not be used in combination with non selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. Inhibitors of CYP1A2: Because CYP1A2 is involved in Duloxetine metabolism, concomitant use with potent inhibitors of CYP1A2 is likely to result in higher concentrations of Duloxetine. Therefore, Duloxetine should not be administered in combination with potent inhibitors of CYP1A2 like fluvoxamine. CNS medicinal products: Caution is advised when Duloxetine is taken in combination with other centrally acting medicinal products or substances, including alcohol and sedative medicinal products (e.g., benzodiazepines, morphinomimetics, antipsychotics, phenobarbital, sedative antihistamines).
Contraindications
Duloxetine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to this drug or any of the inactive ingredients. Concomitant use in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. It should be avoided in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Side Effects
The most commonly observed adverse events in Duloxetine hydrochloride treated patients were nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, somnolence, increased sweating, hyperhidrosis and asthenia. It may slightly increase blood pressure. No clinically significant differences were observed for QT, PR, and QRS intervals between Duloxetine -treated and placebo-treated patients.
Precautions
Duloxetine hydrochloride should ordinarily not be prescribed to patients with substantial alcohol use. Blood pressure should be measured prior to initiating treatment and periodically measured throughout treatment. It should be used cautiously in patients with a history of mania, seizure disorder and controlled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Pediatric Use
Use in children: Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.
Overdose Effects
There is limited clinical experience with Duloxetine overdose in humans. There is no specific antidote to Duloxetine. In case of acute overdose, treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdose with any drug. An adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation should be assured, and cardiac rhythm and vital signs should be monitored. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage with a large-bore orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection, if needed, may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion or in symptomatic patients. Activated charcoal may be useful in limiting absorption of Duloxetine from the gastrointestinal tract.
Storage Condition
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture.