Medicine Information

Opexa

Name: Opexa
Brand: Opexa
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet20 mgAtypical AntipsychoticsATC: N05AH03

Generic Name

Olanzapine

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
opexa 20 mg tablet	৳ 15.00	৳ 150.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Opexa 20 mg tablet contains Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It helps to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

Treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

Prevention of recurrence in patients with bipolar disorder whose manic episode has responded to olanzapine treatment.

Dosage

Adults

Schizophrenia: Initial dose 5-10 mg once daily, usually at bedtime. Target dose 10 mg once daily. Dosage range 5-20 mg/day. Bipolar mania: Initial dose 10-15 mg once daily. Dosage range 5-20 mg/day. Maintenance: 10 mg/day.

Elderly

A lower starting dose of 5 mg/day may be considered, particularly if factors like severe hepatic impairment or slow metabolism are present.

Renal_impairment

No routine dosage adjustment is required for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.

Hepatic_impairment

A lower starting dose of 5 mg/day is recommended for moderate hepatic impairment. Gradual dose escalation should be considered.

How to Take

Opexa tablets should be taken orally once daily, with or without food. It is usually taken at bedtime. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed.

Mechanism of Action

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent that exhibits high affinity for serotonin 5HT2A/2C, 5HT6, 5HT7; dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4; muscarinic M1-M5; adrenergic alpha1; and histamine H1 receptors. It is believed that its antipsychotic activity is mediated through a combination of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonism.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Symptomatic improvement may be observed within a few days to weeks, full therapeutic effect can take several weeks.

Excretion

Approximately 57% of the dose is excreted in urine and 30% in feces, mainly as metabolites.

Half life

Mean elimination half-life is 21-54 hours (average 33 hours).

Absorption

Well absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations reached in 5-8 hours. Food does not affect the rate or extent of absorption.

Metabolism

Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by direct glucuronidation and by CYP1A2 and to a lesser extent by CYP2D6. Major metabolites are largely inactive.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to olanzapine or any component of the formulation.
Patients with known narrow-angle glaucoma.

Drug Interactions

CNS Depressants

Increased CNS depressant effects when co-administered with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants.

CYP1A2 Inducers

Carbamazepine, a CYP1A2 inducer, can decrease olanzapine levels. Increased olanzapine dose may be necessary.

Antihypertensives

May enhance the hypotensive effects of certain antihypertensive agents.

CYP1A2 Inhibitors

Fluvoxamine, a CYP1A2 inhibitor, can increase olanzapine levels. Dose reduction of olanzapine may be necessary.

Levodopa and Dopamine Agonists

Olanzapine may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, severe dizziness, unusual muscle movements, and seizures. Treatment is supportive, focusing on maintaining an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation, and managing symptoms such as hypotension and seizures.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Olanzapine is excreted in human breast milk; therefore, mothers should not breastfeed while taking Opexa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip30 tablets per box

Shelf Life

24 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved (local and international)

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, demonstrating superiority over placebo and comparable efficacy to some other antipsychotics.

Lab Monitoring

Baseline and periodic monitoring of blood glucose (for hyperglycemia/diabetes).
Baseline and periodic monitoring of lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides).
Liver function tests (LFTs) if clinically indicated.
Weight monitoring regularly.

Doctor Notes

Prioritize metabolic monitoring (glucose, lipids, weight) for all patients on olanzapine due to significant risk of metabolic syndrome.
Educate patients on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) to mitigate weight gain and metabolic risks.
Consider dose reduction or switch to another antipsychotic if metabolic side effects are unmanageable or if there is a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Patient Guidelines

Take Opexa exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Be aware of potential side effects such as drowsiness and weight gain, and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Driving Precautions

Opexa can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, especially at the beginning of treatment. Patients should be cautious about driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Adopt a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity to help manage potential weight gain.
Avoid alcohol while taking Opexa, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
Stay hydrated and avoid overheating, especially in warm weather or during strenuous exercise.