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Brexanolone - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Brexanolone

Generic Name : Brexanolone
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Brexanolone are provided here.

Pronunciation : brex AN oh lone

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Brexanolone, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Brexanolone

India :


Zulresso

Overview of Brexanolone

Brexanolone is an anti-depressant indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) among women.

Why is Brexanolone Prescribed? (Indications)

Brexanolone is indicated for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) among women.

When should Brexanolone not be taken? (Contraindications)

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
End stage renal disease (ESRD)

What is the dosage of Brexanolone?

Brexanolone is available as an Injection: 100 mg/20 mL (5 mg/mL) single-dose vial.
Administer Brexanolone as a continuous intravenous infusion over 60 hours that is 2.5 days.
0 to 4 hrs: Initial dose is 30 mcg/kg/hr
4 to 24 hrs: Increase the dose of Brexanolone to 60 mcg/kg/hr
24 to 52 hrs: Increase the dose of Brexanolone to 90 mcg/kg/hr.
52 to 56 hrs: Decrease dose of Brexanolone to 60 mcg/kg/hr.
56 to 60 hrs: Decrease dose of Brexanolone to 30 mcg/kg/hr.
Before administration dilution is required.

How should Brexanolone be taken?

Patients administered Brexanolone infusion should be monitored for excessive sedation and unconsciousness and necessary treatments should be given. Blood oxygen saturation should be monitored by using continuous pulse oximetry equipped with an alarm. Brexanolone infusion should be started early in the day so that excessive sedation can be recognized. During planned non-sleep periods, excessive sedation should be assessed every 2 hours.

What are the side effects of Brexanolone?

Sleepiness
Dry mouth
Loss of consciousness
Flushing of face or skin

What are the other precautions for Brexanolone?

1.During Brexanolone infusion, patients are at an increased risk for the excessive and sudden loss of consciousness and the patients should be monitored for the same.

2.During infusion of the drug patients should have continuous pulse oximetry monitoring. Immediately stop the infusion if pulse oximeter shows low oxygen saturation.

3.During interactions, patients can bring their babies however a caregiver or relative must be present to take care of the baby when the patient is receiving an infusion of brexanolone.

4.Brexanolone is available only through a restricted program under REMS called ZULRESSO REMS as the sudden loss of consciousness and excessive sedation can cause serious harm.

5.Brexanolone can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some people 24 years of age and younger. Patients should inform the healthcare provider of any changes especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if they develop suicidal thoughts or actions.

6.Inform the healthcare provider about all the previous or present medical conditions, alcohol consumption, if there are any kidney problems, are pregnant, are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed.

7.Inform the healthcare provider if the medications like antidepressants, opioids, and other CNS depressants like benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam or clonazepam are being taken.

8.After receiving brexanolone infusion, do not drive until the feeling of sleepiness is completely gone.

9.Do not consume alcohol while receiving Brexanolone infusion.

What are the Drug Interactions of Brexanolone?

Opioids, benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam,etc) as it can increase sedation.
Anti-depressants like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline and other similar drugs.

What are the storage conditions for Brexanolone?

Store undiluted brexanolone at 2 to 8 oC . Do not freeze and protect from sunlight.
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