Queta-XR
Generic Name
Quetiapine Extended-Release 50 mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Various Pharmaceutical Companies
Country
Various
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| queta xr 50 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Queta-XR 50 mg Tablet contains Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic, depressive, or mixed episodes), and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose for schizophrenia is typically 300 mg/day, titrated up to 400-800 mg/day. For bipolar disorder, initial dose is 300 mg/day, titrated up to 400-800 mg/day. For major depressive disorder, initial dose is 50 mg/day at bedtime, increasing to 150-300 mg/day. Dosing must be individualized.
Elderly
Lower starting dose (e.g., 50 mg/day) and slower titration may be required due to increased sensitivity and risk of orthostatic hypotension.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment is generally needed for renal impairment. Caution advised.
How to Take
Take orally once daily, preferably in the evening, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or split.
Mechanism of Action
Quetiapine's therapeutic effects are mediated through a combination of antagonism at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. It also has affinity for histamine H1 and adrenergic alpha1 and alpha2 receptors, contributing to some of its side effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antipsychotic effects may take several days to weeks to become fully apparent. Sedative effects may begin within hours.
Excretion
Approximately 73% excreted in urine and 20% in feces, largely as inactive metabolites. Less than 1% of unchanged quetiapine is excreted in urine or feces.
Half life
Approximately 7 hours for quetiapine and 12 hours for the active metabolite norquetiapine.
Absorption
Well absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached approximately 6 hours post-dose for extended-release formulation. Food has no significant effect on bioavailability.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system. The main active metabolite is norquetiapine (N-desalkylquetiapine).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone, protease inhibitors)
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergic Drugs
May increase risk of anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation).
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
Increased risk of sedation and central nervous system depression.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
May decrease quetiapine levels, requiring dose increase.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin)
May increase quetiapine levels, requiring dose reduction.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C), away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive, including maintaining an open airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and monitoring cardiovascular function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Quetiapine is excreted into human milk; breastfeeding is not recommended.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation
- Concomitant use with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, nefazodone, protease inhibitors)
Drug Interactions
Anticholinergic Drugs
May increase risk of anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation).
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
Increased risk of sedation and central nervous system depression.
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
May decrease quetiapine levels, requiring dose increase.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin)
May increase quetiapine levels, requiring dose reduction.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C), away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive, including maintaining an open airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and monitoring cardiovascular function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Quetiapine is excreted into human milk; breastfeeding is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, refer to the product packaging for specific details.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
FDA Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (generic available)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of quetiapine XR in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Studies focused on its extended-release profile for once-daily dosing and its metabolic and cardiovascular safety profile.
Lab Monitoring
- Fasting glucose and lipid profile (before treatment and periodically during treatment)
- Weight and BMI (regularly)
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, T4) (before treatment and periodically for some patients)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) (especially if experiencing signs of infection)
Doctor Notes
- Titrate dose slowly, especially in elderly patients, to minimize adverse effects.
- Monitor patients for metabolic changes (weight, lipids, glucose) and cardiovascular risks.
- Counsel patients and caregivers on the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially at the start of treatment or during dose changes.
- Be vigilant for signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) or Tardive Dyskinesia.
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or split it.
- Be aware of potential drowsiness or dizziness, especially at the start of treatment or after dose changes.
- Report any unusual mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or signs of metabolic changes (e.g., excessive thirst, urination) to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Quetiapine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially at the start of treatment. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that quetiapine XR therapy does not affect them adversely.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity to help manage potential weight gain and metabolic changes.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase the sedative effects of quetiapine.
- Stay hydrated, especially when experiencing dry mouth.
- Regularly monitor your weight and report any significant changes to your doctor.
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