Volant
Generic Name
Volant-50-mg-capsule
Manufacturer
MediCorp Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| volant 50 mg capsule | ৳ 13.00 | ৳ 130.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Volant 50 mg capsule is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain other mood disorders by restoring the balance of a natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dose 50 mg once daily. May be increased to a maximum of 100 mg once daily after several weeks if needed, based on clinical response.
Elderly
Initial dose 25 mg once daily. May be cautiously increased to 50 mg once daily, considering reduced renal and hepatic function.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min); consider lower starting dose.
How to Take
Take Volant capsule orally once daily, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole; do not chew, crush, or open it. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day.
Mechanism of Action
Volant selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by neurons in the central nervous system, thereby prolonging the action of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This leads to an increase in serotonin concentration, which is associated with its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Initial therapeutic effects may be observed within 1-2 weeks, but full antidepressant effect typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Excretion
Mainly excreted via urine (approximately 60%) and feces (approximately 35%) as metabolites.
Half life
Approximately 24-36 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Absorption
Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentrations achieved within 4-8 hours. Bioavailability is approximately 70-80%.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily via CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, into inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Volant or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI treatment.
- Concomitant use with pimozide.
Drug Interactions
MAOIs
Concomitant use may lead to serious, sometimes fatal, reactions including Serotonin Syndrome. Allow at least 14 days between discontinuing an MAOI and initiating Volant, and vice versa.
Other Serotonergic Drugs
Increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome with triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, and St. John's Wort.
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet Agents
Increased risk of bleeding due to inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tremor, agitation, and dizziness. Severe overdose may lead to coma, seizures, and Serotonin Syndrome. Management involves symptomatic and supportive measures. 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. Small amounts may be excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering to a nursing mother. Consult your doctor.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to Volant or any component of the formulation.
- Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI treatment.
- Concomitant use with pimozide.
Drug Interactions
MAOIs
Concomitant use may lead to serious, sometimes fatal, reactions including Serotonin Syndrome. Allow at least 14 days between discontinuing an MAOI and initiating Volant, and vice versa.
Other Serotonergic Drugs
Increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome with triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, and St. John's Wort.
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet Agents
Increased risk of bleeding due to inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tremor, agitation, and dizziness. Severe overdose may lead to coma, seizures, and Serotonin Syndrome. Management involves symptomatic and supportive measures. 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. Small amounts may be excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administering to a nursing mother. Consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
DGDA Approved
Patent Status
Patent Pending
Clinical Trials
Volant has undergone extensive placebo-controlled and active-comparator clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Lab Monitoring
- Routine lab monitoring is generally not required.
- Monitor serum sodium levels in patients at risk for hyponatremia.
- Consider liver function tests if hepatic impairment is suspected or develops.
Doctor Notes
- Counsel patients on delayed onset of action and importance of adherence.
- Monitor for suicidality, especially at initiation and dose changes, in young adults.
- Assess for potential drug interactions, especially with serotonergic agents and anticoagulants.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Volant exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor before stopping or changing your dose.
- It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits of this medication. Continue taking it even if you don't feel better immediately.
- Report any worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior 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 scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Volant may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Ensure adequate sleep.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen symptoms and interact with the medication.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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