inositol

section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

ih-NOH-si-tawl

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: anti-rds agents, antiobsessive agents, vitamins

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Panic disorder.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Lithium-induced psoriasis.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Inositol is an essential component of cell membrane phospholipids. It is a constituent of the intracellular phosphatidyl inositol second messenger system which is linked to serotonin, norepinephrine, and cholinergic receptors. It may have similar benefits as SSRIs in panic disorder and OCD. It induces ovulation by improving insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Inositol helps psoriasis triggered by lithium through an unknown mechanism. In infants with RDS, inositol lowers inspiratory oxygen requirements, mean airway pressure, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence in premature infants not receiving surfactant when compared to placebo.

Therapeutic effects:

Improvement in OCD and panic disorder symptoms.
Induces ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Improved RDS symptoms in infants with RDS.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

Bipolar disorder;
Pregnancy and lactation.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

GI: nausea

Neuro: dizziness, fatigue, headache

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Inositol levels may be ↓ by carbamazepine, lithium, and valproic acid.

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): Panic disorder: 12–18 grams/day. OCD: 18 grams/day. Polycystic ovary syndrome: 1200 mg/day. Lithium-induced psoriasis: 6 grams/day.
IV (Infants ): RDS: 80 mg/kg/day.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Injection: PowderCapsules

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess is dependent on use; assess area appropriate for use.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer with meals.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Instruct patient to take as directed.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Improvement in area of use.

US Brand Names ⬆

antialopecia factor, cyclohexitol, lipositol, vitamin B8