Limpet
Generic Name
Lormetazepam 3 mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Acme Laboratories Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
---|---|---|
limpet 3 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 126.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Limpet 3 mg Tablet contains Lormetazepam, a short-acting benzodiazepine primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety, particularly when anxiety prevents sleep. It helps to induce sleep and reduce anxiety.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For insomnia: 1-2 mg orally, 30 minutes before bedtime. Maximum dose is 3 mg daily. Treatment duration should be as short as possible, usually 2-4 weeks including tapering.
Elderly
0.5-1 mg orally, 30 minutes before bedtime. Lower doses are recommended due to increased sensitivity and potential for adverse effects.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage reduction may be required, starting with the lowest effective dose. Regular monitoring is advised.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally with water, preferably 30 minutes before bedtime. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. It should be swallowed whole.
Mechanism of Action
Lormetazepam enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It binds to specific benzodiazepine receptors on the GABA-A receptor complex, increasing chloride ion influx and hyperpolarizing the neuron, leading to reduced neuronal excitability, sedation, and anxiolysis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of hypnotic effect typically within 15-30 minutes.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in the urine as glucuronide conjugates.
Half life
Elimination half-life is approximately 10-12 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via glucuronidation, to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Lormetazepam or any benzodiazepine
- Severe respiratory insufficiency
- Severe hepatic insufficiency
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
- Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- Children and adolescents under 18 years
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Potentiates the sedative effect of Lormetazepam, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and profound sedation. Concurrent use is contraindicated.
Cimetidine
May inhibit the metabolism of Lormetazepam, leading to increased plasma concentrations and enhanced effects. Dose reduction of Lormetazepam may be required.
Fluvoxamine
Can significantly increase Lormetazepam levels due to inhibition of its metabolism, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids, antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics)
Increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and hypotension. Caution and dose adjustment are necessary.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not freeze.
Overdose
Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, diminished reflexes, hypotension, and respiratory depression, potentially leading to coma or death in severe cases. Management is primarily supportive, maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation. Flumazenil may be used as an antidote in severe cases to reverse benzodiazepine effects, but caution is advised due to potential for withdrawal seizures, especially in chronic users.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D. Not recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, due to potential risks of congenital malformations. Use during late pregnancy may cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome or 'floppy infant syndrome'. Lormetazepam passes into breast milk and is not recommended during lactation as it may cause sedation and feeding difficulties in the infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
3 years from the date of manufacture
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated Lormetazepam's efficacy as a hypnotic for the short-term management of insomnia, showing improved sleep onset and duration. Studies also confirm its relatively short half-life compared to other benzodiazepines, which may reduce daytime sedation. Ongoing research focuses on its long-term safety profile and withdrawal protocols.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (for long-term use or in patients with hepatic impairment)
- Renal function tests (for patients with renal impairment)
- Blood counts (if clinically indicated for suspected blood dyscrasias)
Doctor Notes
- Prescribe for the shortest possible duration (2-4 weeks max) to minimize dependence risk. Inform patients of abuse potential.
- Emphasize gradual tapering off the medication to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia.
- Assess for co-morbid psychiatric conditions or substance use disorder before initiating therapy.
- Caution patients about additive CNS depressant effects when co-administered with alcohol or other sedatives.
- Regularly review the necessity for continued treatment and consider non-pharmacological alternatives.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking Limpet suddenly, as this can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms; always taper the dose gradually under medical supervision.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and other CNS depressants while taking this medicine.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, including herbal supplements, you are taking.
- Use for the shortest possible duration to minimize the risk of dependence.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose and remember it within a short time after your usual bedtime (e.g., within an hour or two), you may take it. However, if it's much later and you'll soon need your next regular dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Limpet can cause significant drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration and coordination. Patients should be strictly advised not to drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness until they are certain that the medication does not adversely affect their performance.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice good sleep hygiene (e.g., maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure a dark quiet and cool room, avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bed).
- Incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or light exercise into your daily routine.
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