ALBAXA 10mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ALBAXA 10mg

ALBAXA 10mg is a film-coated tablet formulation that contains Olanzapine as its active pharmaceutical ingredient. It is primarily used in the management of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

• Therapeutic Class: Atypical antipsychotics (also known as second-generation antipsychotics).
• Indications: ALBAXA is used to treat:
  • Schizophrenia – particularly in adults with acute symptoms and for maintenance therapy.
  • Manic episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder, either alone or in combination with mood stabilizers.
  • Prevention of recurrence in bipolar disorder after a successful response to initial treatment.
• Form: Tablets, Film-coated
• Packaging: Supplied in 30’s Amber HDPE Container for protection from light and moisture.

Olanzapine, the generic component of ALBAXA, helps in managing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, and disorganized thinking, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life and daily functioning.

How to use ALBAXA 10mg

Proper use of ALBAXA is essential for maximizing treatment benefits and minimizing side effects. It should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

• Route: Oral administration
• Timing: Usually taken once daily, with or without food.
• Swallow Whole: Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Take it with water.
• Adherence:
  • Take at the same time every day to maintain steady blood levels.
  • Do not skip doses even if symptoms improve.
  • Do not stop taking abruptly without consulting your doctor.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless it's close to the time for your next dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Avoid Alcohol: May enhance central nervous system (CNS) depression.

Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor response, dosage adjustment, and possible side effects.

Mode of Action ALBAXA 10mg

Olanzapine, the active ingredient in ALBAXA, exerts its therapeutic effect by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

• Receptor Binding: It blocks multiple neurotransmitter receptors, including:
  • Dopamine D2 receptors
  • Serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptors
  • Histamine H1 receptors
  • Adrenergic alpha-1 receptors
  • Muscarinic cholinergic receptors
• Antipsychotic Effect: Primarily through antagonism of dopamine and serotonin receptors, reducing hallucinations and delusional thinking.
• Mood Stabilization: Modulates the balance of neurotransmitters, which helps in stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder.
• Onset of Action: Noticeable improvement in acute symptoms may be seen within a few days, but full therapeutic effect may take weeks.

This multi-receptor profile makes Olanzapine effective for both positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (social withdrawal, lack of motivation) in schizophrenia and mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.

ALBAXA 10mg Interactions ALBAXA 10mg

Olanzapine can interact with various medications, altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. Inform your healthcare provider of all drugs you are taking.

• CNS Depressants:
  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam)
  • Opioids
  • Other antipsychotics
  • Can cause additive sedation and respiratory depression.
• Antihypertensives: May enhance blood pressure-lowering effects, causing dizziness or fainting.
• Carbamazepine: Induces CYP1A2, reducing olanzapine plasma concentration and efficacy.
• Fluvoxamine: Inhibits CYP1A2, increasing olanzapine levels and risk of side effects.
• Anticholinergics: Additive effects can increase risk of constipation, dry mouth, or urinary retention.
• Smoking: Induces CYP1A2 enzyme and may decrease drug levels; dose adjustment may be needed if smoking is started or stopped.

Always consult a pharmacist or physician before starting or stopping any medication while on ALBAXA.

Dosage of ALBAXA 10mg

Dosage must be individualized based on patient response, clinical condition, and tolerance.

• Adults with Schizophrenia:
  • Initial: 5–10 mg once daily
  • Target range: 10–20 mg/day
• Bipolar Mania (Monotherapy or Adjunct):
  • Initial: 10–15 mg once daily
  • Maintenance: 5–20 mg/day
• Elderly or Debilitated Patients:
  • Start at lower dose (e.g., 5 mg/day) with close monitoring.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; start at a lower dose if needed.
• Maximum Dose: Generally should not exceed 20 mg/day.

Dosage adjustments should be made gradually, typically at intervals of no less than one week.

Possible side effects of ALBAXA 10mg

While many patients tolerate ALBAXA well, some may experience side effects, particularly during initial therapy or dose adjustments.

• Very Common (>10%):
  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Increased appetite
• Common (1–10%):
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness or orthostatic hypotension
  • Elevated blood sugar or lipids
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, stiffness)
• Uncommon/Rare:
  • Seizures
  • Agranulocytosis (very rare)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • Liver enzyme elevation

Patients should report any unusual symptoms such as involuntary movements, confusion, or signs of infection to their doctor immediately.

ALBAXA 10mg Contraindications ALBAXA 10mg

ALBAXA is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used in the following situations:

• Known Hypersensitivity: Allergy to Olanzapine or any of the tablet’s excipients.
• Narrow-Angle Glaucoma: Due to anticholinergic properties.
• Severe Hepatic Impairment: Increased risk of drug accumulation and toxicity.
• Comatose or CNS Depressed Patients: May exacerbate CNS depression.
• Phenylketonuria (if contains aspartame): Some formulations may not be suitable due to excipient content.

Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

Storage of ALBAXA 10mg

Proper storage of ALBAXA ensures its stability and efficacy over time.

• Temperature: Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions permitted between 15–30°C.
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place. Avoid storing in damp or steamy areas like bathrooms.
• Light: Protect from light. Store in the amber HDPE container provided.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: As with all medications, accidental ingestion by children can be dangerous.
• Do Not Use After Expiry Date: Check the expiration date printed on the container label.

Do not discard via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine properly.