Queta
Generic Name
Quetiapine Fumarate
Manufacturer
Example Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| queta 100 mg tablet | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 210.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic, depressive, and maintenance episodes), and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage varies greatly by indication. Typically starts at 25-50 mg daily, titrated gradually to an effective dose, which can range from 300 mg to 800 mg daily in divided doses or as an extended-release tablet.
Elderly
Lower starting dose (e.g., 25 mg daily) and slower titration are recommended due to increased sensitivity and potential for adverse effects. Max 300-400 mg/day for most indications.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is generally required for patients with renal impairment, but caution is advised, especially during initial titration.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food. Immediate-release tablets can be taken two or three times daily. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole once daily, preferably in the evening, and not crushed, chewed, or divided.
Mechanism of Action
Quetiapine acts as an antagonist at D2 (dopamine) and 5-HT2A (serotonin) receptors, which are thought to be the primary mechanisms for its antipsychotic effects. It also has affinity for alpha-1 adrenergic and H1 histaminergic receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antipsychotic effects may take several weeks, but sedative effects can be seen within hours.
Excretion
Approximately 73% excreted in urine and 20% in feces within 120 hours, mainly as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 7 hours for quetiapine, and 12 hours for the active metabolite norquetiapine.
Absorption
Rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration, peak plasma concentrations occur within 1.5 hours.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4, to inactive and active metabolites (norquetiapine).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, protease inhibitors).
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive agents
May potentiate the hypotensive effects of quetiapine.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
May enhance CNS depressant effects, leading to increased sedation and drowsiness.
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin)
May significantly decrease quetiapine plasma concentrations, reducing its efficacy. Dosage adjustment of quetiapine may be required.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, protease inhibitors)
May significantly increase quetiapine plasma concentrations, leading to increased risk of adverse effects. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Management is supportive, including maintaining an open airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and monitoring cardiovascular function. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding as quetiapine is excreted in human milk and may cause adverse effects in infants.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, protease inhibitors).
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive agents
May potentiate the hypotensive effects of quetiapine.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
May enhance CNS depressant effects, leading to increased sedation and drowsiness.
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin)
May significantly decrease quetiapine plasma concentrations, reducing its efficacy. Dosage adjustment of quetiapine may be required.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, protease inhibitors)
May significantly increase quetiapine plasma concentrations, leading to increased risk of adverse effects. Concomitant use is contraindicated.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Management is supportive, including maintaining an open airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and monitoring cardiovascular function. There is no specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during breastfeeding as quetiapine is excreted in human milk and may cause adverse effects in infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
FDA Approved
Patent Status
Generic versions available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Quetiapine has undergone extensive clinical trials supporting its efficacy and safety for approved indications, including studies on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood glucose (initially and periodically)
- Lipid profile (initially and periodically)
- Thyroid function tests (periodically, especially if signs/symptoms of thyroid dysfunction appear)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential (if signs of infection or decreased WBC count appear)
Doctor Notes
- Before initiating treatment, screen for risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including baseline weight, BMI, fasting glucose, and lipid profile.
- Monitor for signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and tardive dyskinesia throughout treatment.
- Consider the risk of orthostatic hypotension, particularly during initial titration and in elderly patients.
- Educate patients on the importance of adherence, potential side effects, and warning signs.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking Queta suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness.
- Report any unusual muscle movements, fever, stiffness, or changes in heart rate to your doctor immediately.
- Be aware of symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger) and notify your doctor.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Queta can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, especially at the beginning of treatment. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to manage weight gain, a common side effect.
- Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness and risk of falls due to orthostatic hypotension.
- Regularly monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels as advised by your doctor.
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