CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low dose, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. The recommended dose of AXERT® for elderly patients with normal renal function for their age is the same as that recommended for younger adults.
8.6 Hepatic Impairment
The recommended starting dose of AXERT® in patients with hepatic impairment is 6.25 mg. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 12.5 mg over a 24-hour period [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.2) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
8.7 Renal Impairment
The recommended starting dose of AXERT® in patients with severe renal impairment is 6.25 mg. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 12.5 mg over a 24-hour period [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.3) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
10 OVERDOSAGE
10.1 Signs and Symptoms
Patients and volunteers receiving single oral doses of 100 to 150 mg of almotriptan did not experience significant adverse events. Six additional normal volunteers received single oral doses of 200 mg without serious adverse events. During clinical trials with AXERT® (almotriptan malate), one patient ingested 62.5 mg in a 5-hour period and another patient ingested 100 mg in a 38-hour period. Neither pat
Based on the pharmacology of triptans, hypertension or other more serious cardiovascular symptoms could occur after overdosage.
10.2 Recommended Treatment
There is no specific antidote to AXERT®. In cases of severe intoxication, intensive care procedures are recommended, including establishing and maintaining a patent airway, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation, and monitoring and support of the cardiovascular system.
Clinical and electrocardiographic monitoring should be continued for at least 20 hours even if clinical symptoms are not observed.
It is unknown what effect hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis has on plasma concentrations of almotriptan.
11 DESCRIPTION
AXERT® (almotriptan malate) Tablets contain almotriptan malate, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist. Almotriptan malate is chemically designated as 1-[[[3-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl]methyl]sulfonyl]pyrrolidine (±)-hydroxybutanedioate (1:1) and its structural formula is:
Chemical Structure
Its empirical formula is C17H25N3O2S-C4H6O5, representing a molecular weight of 469.56. Almotriptan is a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder that is soluble in water. AXERT® for oral administration contains almotriptan malate equivalent to 6.25 or 12.5 mg of almotriptan. Each compressed tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: carnauba wax, cellulose, FD&C Blue No. 2 (12.5 mg only), hypromellose, iron oxide (6.25 mg only), mannitol, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, sodium stearyl fumarate and titanium dioxide.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Almotriptan binds with high affinity to 5-HT1D, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1F receptors. Almotriptan has weak affinity for 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors, but has no significant affinity or pharmacological activity at 5-HT2, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, 5-HT6; alpha or beta adrenergic; adenosine (A1, A2); angiotensin (AT1, AT2); dopamine (D1, D2); endothelin (ETA, ETB); or tachykinin (NK1, NK2, NK3) binding site |
