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Indications

REMS


Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: edema, orthostatic hypotension, HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS

Derm: pruritus, rash

EENT: blurred vision, glaucoma, nystagmus

F and E: F and E, hypernatremia

GI: constipation, dry mouth, liver enzymes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting

GU: sexual dysfunction, urinary retention

Metab: weight gain

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, hyperreflexia, insomnia, tremor, twitching, weakness, euphoria, paresthesia, restlessness, SEIZURES, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/BEHAVIORS

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Drug-Food:

Availability

  • Tablets: 15 mg

Route/Dosage

  • PO (Adults ): 15 mg 3 times daily; to 60–90 mg/day in divided doses; after maximal benefit achieved, gradually to smallest effective dose (15 mg/day or every other day).

US Brand Names

Nardil

Action

  • Inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase, resulting in an accumulation of various neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) in the body.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Improved mood.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antidepressants

Pharmacologic Classification: monamine oxidase inhibitors

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized by the liver; excreted in urine as metabolites and unchanged drug.

Half-Life: 12 hr.

Time/Action Profile

( antidepressant effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO2–4 wk3–6 wk2 wk

 



Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Take missed doses if remembered within 2 hr; otherwise, omit and return to regular dosage schedule. Do not discontinue abruptly as withdrawal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, malaise, nightmares, agitation, psychosis, seizures) may occur.
  • Caution patient to avoid alcohol, CNS depressants, OTC drugs, and foods or beverages containing tyramine (see Food Sources for Specific Nutrients) or excessive caffeine during and for 2 wk after therapy has been discontinued; they may precipitate a hypertensive crisis. Instruct patient to notify health care provider immediately if symptoms of hypertensive crisis (severe headache, palpitations, chest or throat tightness, sweating, dizziness, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting) develop.
  • Advise patient, family, and caregivers to look for suicidality, especially during early therapy or dose changes. Notify health care provider immediately if thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, new or worse irritability, aggressiveness, acting on dangerous impulses, mania, or other changes in mood or behavior.
  • May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
  • Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension. Older adults are at risk for this side effect.
  • Instruct patient to consult with health care provider before taking any new prescription, OTC, or herbal product.
  • Advise patient to notify health care provider if dry mouth, urinary retention, or constipation occurs. Frequent rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless candy or gum may dry mouth. An in fluid intake, fiber, and exercise may prevent constipation.
  • Advise patient to notify health care provider of medication regimen before surgery. If possible, therapy should be discontinued at least 2 wk before surgery.
  • Instruct patient to carry identification describing medication regimen at all times.
  • Emphasize the importance of participation in psychotherapy if recommended by health care provider and follow-up exams to evaluate progress. Ophthalmologic testing should also be done periodically with long-term therapy.
  • Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Pronunciation

FEN-el-zeen