Qutap
Generic Name
Quetiapine
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| qutap 25 mg tablet | ৳ 3.00 | ৳ 30.00 |
| qutap 100 mg tablet | ৳ 10.00 | ৳ 60.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Qutap (Quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic, depressive, or mixed episodes), and as an adjunct to antidepressants for major depressive disorder. It helps restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, improving mood, thinking, and behavior.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Schizophrenia (IR): Initial 25-50 mg twice daily, titrate to 300-450 mg/day. Bipolar Mania (IR): Initial 50 mg twice daily, titrate to 400-800 mg/day. Bipolar Depression (ER): 300 mg once daily at bedtime. MDD Adjunct (ER): Initial 50 mg at bedtime, titrate to 150-300 mg/day.
Elderly
Lower starting doses (e.g., 25 mg/day initially) and slower titration recommended due to increased sensitivity and potential for orthostatic hypotension.
Renal_impairment
Lower starting doses (e.g., 25 mg/day initially) and slower titration recommended. Monitor for adverse effects.
How to Take
Oral. IR tablets can be taken with or without food. ER tablets should be taken without food or with a light meal, preferably in the evening. Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed, chewed, or split.
Mechanism of Action
Quetiapine works by antagonizing multiple neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors, histamine H1 receptors, and adrenergic α1 and α2 receptors. Its antipsychotic effect is primarily attributed to a combination of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonism.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antipsychotic effects typically manifest within days to weeks. Sedative effects can be rapid.
Excretion
Primarily excreted via urine (73%) and feces (20%) as metabolites, with less than 1% as unchanged drug.
Half life
Approximately 6-7 hours for quetiapine and ~12 hours for norquetiapine (active metabolite).
Absorption
Rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1.5 hours for IR tablets and 6 hours for ER tablets.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. Main active metabolite is norquetiapine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., protease inhibitors, azole antifungals).
Drug Interactions
CNS Depressants
Increased sedative effects when co-administered with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants.
CYP3A4 Inducers
Can significantly decrease quetiapine plasma concentrations, reducing efficacy. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Antihypertensives
May enhance hypotensive effects due to alpha-1 adrenergic blockade.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Can significantly increase quetiapine plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Avoid concomitant use.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), protected from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and anticholinergic effects. Management is primarily supportive; maintain airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, monitor cardiovascular function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Neonates exposed during the third trimester are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms. Quetiapine is excreted in human milk; use with caution or consider discontinuing nursing.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., protease inhibitors, azole antifungals).
Drug Interactions
CNS Depressants
Increased sedative effects when co-administered with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants.
CYP3A4 Inducers
Can significantly decrease quetiapine plasma concentrations, reducing efficacy. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Antihypertensives
May enhance hypotensive effects due to alpha-1 adrenergic blockade.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Can significantly increase quetiapine plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Avoid concomitant use.
Storage
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), protected from moisture and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, sedation, tachycardia, hypotension, and anticholinergic effects. Management is primarily supportive; maintain airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, monitor cardiovascular function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Neonates exposed during the third trimester are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms. Quetiapine is excreted in human milk; use with caution or consider discontinuing nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date, check specific packaging for details.
Availability
Available in pharmacies worldwide
Approval Status
FDA and DGDA approved
Patent Status
Generic versions available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established quetiapine's efficacy and safety for its approved indications, leading to its widespread use in psychiatry.
Lab Monitoring
- Fasting glucose
- Lipid profile
- Weight and BMI
- Blood pressure
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
Patient Guidelines
- Take Qutap exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop suddenly.
- Qutap may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice while taking Qutap.
- Report any unusual muscle movements, fever, severe stiffness, or confusion to your doctor immediately.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar and cholesterol levels may be required.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Driving Precautions
May cause sedation, dizziness, or impaired motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that quetiapine does not affect them adversely.
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