Meprobamate (Andaxin) is a non-benzodiazepine tranquilizer that is used in the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders.
Meprobamate Uses:
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Anxiety:
- For helping with worries and nervousness:
- It's not the top choice, says groups like the American Psychiatric Association, World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, and British Association for Psychopharmacology, to use meprobamate first when treating anxiety problems.
Meprobamate (Andaxin) Dose in Adults:
Meprobamate (Andaxin) Dose in the treatment of Anxiety:
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Take it by mouth: 1.2 to 1.6 grams per day, split into different times;
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The most you should take in a day is 2.4 grams.
Discontinuation:
-
If you've been using it for a long time, you should gradually reduce the dose over two weeks before stopping.
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This helps avoid withdrawal symptoms such as loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and feeling anxious.
Meprobamate (Andaxin) Dose in Childrens:
Meprobamate (Andaxin) Dose in the treatment of Anxiety:
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Children ≥6 years:
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Take between 200 to 600 milligrams per day by mouth, spread across 2 to 3 doses.
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When stopping after using for a long time, make sure to gradually decrease the dose over two weeks.
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This is important to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and anxiety.
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Adolescents:
-
The dosage is the same as for adults.
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Pregnancy Risk Category: D/ X
- Not safe to use during pregnancy:
- Avoid it because it can pass through the placenta, potentially leading to birth defects.
Use during breastfeeding
- Present in breast milk:
- It can be found in breast milk.
Dose in Kidney Disease:
-
The manufacturer doesn't suggest changing the dose, but you can follow these guidelines:
- For kidney function between 10 to 50 mL/minute: Take it every 9 to 12 hours.
- For kidney function less than 10 mL/minute: Take it every 12 to 18 hours.
- For hemodialysis: No need to adjust the dosage.
- For peritoneal dialysis: Take it every 12 to 18 hours.
- For continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Take it every 9 to 12 hours.
Dose in Liver disease:
No need to change the dose.
Side effects of Meprobamate (Andaxin):
-
Cardiovascular:
- Abnormal electroencephalogram
- Tachycardia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Peripheral edema
- Palpitations
- Severe hypotension
- Syncope
-
Central nervous system:
- Slurred speech
- Chills
- Paradoxical excitation
- Drowsiness Euphoria
- Overstimulation
- Headache
- Paresthesia
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Ataxia
-
Dermatologic:
- Dermatitis Erythema multiforme
- Skin rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
-
Endocrine & metabolic:
- Exacerbation of porphyria
-
Gastrointestinal:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Proctitis
- Stomatitis
- Vomiting
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Genitourinary:
- Anuria
- Oliguria
-
Hematologic & oncologic:
- Bruise
- Agranulocytosis
- Purpura
- Aplastic anemia
- Leukopenia
- Immune thrombocytopenia
- Petechia
- Eosinophilia
-
Hypersensitivity:
- Angioedema
- Anaphylaxis
- Hypersensitivity reaction
-
Neuromuscular & skeletal:
- Weakness
-
Ophthalmic:
- Accommodation disturbance
-
Respiratory:
- Bronchospasm
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Miscellaneous:
- Fever
Contraindications to Meprobamate (Andaxin):
-
If you're allergic or sensitive to meprobamate or any part of the medication, it's not suitable for you.
Warnings and precautions
-
Allergy reactions:
-
If you already have skin problems, taking this medication might lead to allergic reactions, especially if you take the fourth dose.
-
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Depression in the CNS:
- Be careful when using this product as it may cause CNS depression or drowsiness.
- If you use it along with alcohol or other sedatives, the risk of CNS depression increases.
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Depression:
- It's important to handle patients with depression or thoughts of self-harm with extra care and attention.
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Use of drugs:
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People who have a history of using or being dependent on drugs may be at risk of developing addiction.
-
This could result in psychological tolerance.
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Hepatic impairment:
- If someone already has liver problems, it's important to handle their condition with care.
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Renal impairment:
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It's important to take pre-existing kidney problems into consideration.
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Seizure disorder:
- If you have a seizure disorder, it's important to take preventive measures to avoid seizures.
Meprobamate: Drug Interaction
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Alcohol (Ethyl |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). |
|
Alizapride |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Brexanolone |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. |
|
Brimonidine (Topical) |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Bromopride |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Cannabidiol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Cannabis |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Chlorphenesin Carbamate |
May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
CNS Depressants |
May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. |
|
Dimethindene (Topical) |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Doxylamine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. |
|
Dronabinol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Esketamine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
HydrOXYzine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Kava Kava |
May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Lofexidine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Drugs listed as exceptions to this monograph are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. |
|
Magnesium Sulfate |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
MetyroSINE |
CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. |
|
Minocycline (Systemic) |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Nabilone |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Piribedil |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. |
|
Pramipexole |
CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. |
|
ROPINIRole |
CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. |
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Rotigotine |
CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. |
|
Rufinamide |
May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. |
|
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors |
CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Specifically, the risk of psychomotor impairment may be enhanced. |
|
Tetrahydrocannabinol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Trimeprazine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Yohimbine |
May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antianxiety Agents. |
|
Risk Factor D (Consider therapy modification) |
|
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Blonanserin |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Risk |
|
Buprenorphine |
|
|
Chlormethiazole |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk |
|
Droperidol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Exceptions to this monograph are discussed in further detail in separate drug interaction monographs. Risk |
|
Flunitrazepam |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Risk |
|
HYDROcodone |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of HYDROcodone. Management: Avoid concomitant use of hydrocodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk |
|
Lemborexant |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk |
|
Methotrimeprazine |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce adult dose of CNS depressant agents by 50% with initiation of concomitant methotrimeprazine therapy. Further CNS depressant dosage adjustments should be initiated only after clinically effective methotrimeprazine dose is established. Risk |
|
Opioid Agonists |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk |
|
OxyCODONE |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk |
|
Perampanel |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Patients taking perampanel with any other drug that has CNS depressant activities should avoid complex and high-risk activities, particularly those such as driving that require alertness and coordination, until they have experience using the combination. Risk |
|
Sodium Oxybate |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to combined use. When combined use is needed, consider minimizing doses of one or more drugs. Use of sodium oxybate with alcohol or sedative hypnotics is contraindicated. Risk |
|
Suvorexant |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk |
|
Tapentadol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Avoid concomitant use of tapentadol and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk |
|
Zolpidem |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk |
|
Risk Factor X (Avoid combination) |
|
|
Azelastine (Nasal) |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Azelastine (Nasal). |
|
Bromperidol |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Orphenadrine |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. |
|
Oxomemazine |
May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. |
|
Paraldehyde |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. |
|
Thalidomide |
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. |
Monitoring parameters:
-
Symptoms of anxiety:
- Feeling worried or fearful
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle tension
-
Mental status:
- Refers to a person's overall mental and emotional condition
-
Signs of overdose:
- Confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady movements
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
How to administer?
You can take it after eating.
Mechanism of action of Meprobamate (Andaxin):
It reduces complex spinal reflexes that involve multiple neurons and affects the thalamus and limbic system.
Onset of action:
- Sedation begins after about 1 hour
Metabolism:
- Takes place in the liver
Elimination half-life:
- Approximately 10 hours
Excretion:
- 8% to 20% is eliminated unchanged in urine
- 10% is excreted in feces as metabolites
International Brand Names of Meprobamate:
- Andaxin
- Centryl
- Ecuanil
- Equanil
- Koligin
- Meprate
- Mepro
- Meprobamat
- Meprodil
- Miltaun
- Oasil
- Pertranquil
- Praol
- Probamato
- Probamyl
- Procalmadiol
- Quaname
- Quanil
- Reposo-Mono
- Restenil
- Sanobamat
- Tranquilin
- Visano
Meprobamate Brand Names in Pakistan:
No Brands Available in Pakistan.
 Injection.webp)