Sulpralex
Generic Name
Sulpiride
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| sulpralex 500 mg capsule | ৳ 12.05 | ৳ 120.50 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Sulpiride is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, acute psychotic states, and certain depressive conditions. It is also sometimes used for anxiety.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Schizophrenia/Psychosis: 400-800 mg daily, divided into two doses. In some severe cases, up to 1600 mg daily. Depression/Anxiety: 50-300 mg daily. For 500 mg capsule, typically 1 capsule daily.
Elderly
Lower initial doses (e.g., 50-100 mg daily) and gradual titration, with careful monitoring due to increased sensitivity and potential for adverse effects.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment is necessary. For creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min, reduce dose by half. For <30 mL/min, reduce dose to one-third or one-quarter of the usual dose, and administer less frequently.
How to Take
Take orally, with or without food, usually with water. It can be taken once or twice daily as prescribed by the doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Sulpiride selectively blocks dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the brain, which helps to modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission and reduce symptoms of psychosis and depression.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects may begin within a few hours to several days, with full effect taking longer.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (about 70%) via renal filtration.
Half life
Approximately 6-8 hours; prolonged in renal impairment.
Absorption
Slowly and incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is low (25-35%). Peak plasma concentrations are reached 3-6 hours post-oral administration.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized; less than 5% undergoes hepatic metabolism.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Phaeochromocytoma (risk of hypertensive crisis)
- Prolactin-dependent tumors (e.g., pituitary prolactinoma, breast cancer)
- Acute porphyria
- Concomitant use with levodopa or dopamine agonists
- Hypersensitivity to sulpiride or any component of the formulation
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensives
Potentiation of hypotensive effect.
Sucralfate/Antacids
Reduced absorption of sulpiride; administer sulpiride at least 2 hours before these agents.
Levodopa/Dopamine Agonists
Mutual antagonism; contraindicated.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, anxiolytics, opioids)
Increased CNS depression.
Drugs prolonging QT interval (e.g., antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants)
Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include sedation, dystonia, extrapyramidal symptoms, hypotension, and coma. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage and activated charcoal if appropriate. Monitor cardiac function (QT interval).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Sulpiride is excreted into breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Phaeochromocytoma (risk of hypertensive crisis)
- Prolactin-dependent tumors (e.g., pituitary prolactinoma, breast cancer)
- Acute porphyria
- Concomitant use with levodopa or dopamine agonists
- Hypersensitivity to sulpiride or any component of the formulation
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensives
Potentiation of hypotensive effect.
Sucralfate/Antacids
Reduced absorption of sulpiride; administer sulpiride at least 2 hours before these agents.
Levodopa/Dopamine Agonists
Mutual antagonism; contraindicated.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, anxiolytics, opioids)
Increased CNS depression.
Drugs prolonging QT interval (e.g., antiarrhythmics, tricyclic antidepressants)
Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including Torsades de Pointes.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include sedation, dystonia, extrapyramidal symptoms, hypotension, and coma. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage and activated charcoal if appropriate. Monitor cardiac function (QT interval).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Sulpiride is excreted into breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved in many countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Europe)
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic available)
Clinical Trials
Various clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of sulpiride in treating schizophrenia, depressive disorders, and anxiety.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (creatinine clearance)
- Electrolytes (especially potassium and magnesium if QT prolongation risk)
- ECG (before and during treatment, especially with risk factors for QT prolongation)
- Prolactin levels (if symptoms of hyperprolactinemia occur)
Doctor Notes
- Initiate therapy with low doses and titrate gradually to effect, especially in elderly and renally impaired patients.
- Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms, NMS, and QT prolongation.
- Assess cardiovascular risk factors and prolactin levels periodically.
Patient Guidelines
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking Sulpralex suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsening of your condition.
- Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while on this medication.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Sulpralex may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity as tolerated.
- Ensure adequate hydration.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Sulpralex Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
