ALBAXA 5mg Tablets/Film-coated

What is ALBAXA 5mg

ALBAXA 5 mg is a film‑coated tablet containing Olanzapine as its active ingredient. It falls under the atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic class, designed to manage serious psychiatric disorders.

• Therapeutic class: Atypical antipsychotic.
• Primary indications:
  • Schizophrenia in adults and patients ≥13 years.
  • Bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), alone or with mood stabilizers.
  • Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, especially when used alongside fluoxetine.
• Packaging: 30 film‑coated tablets in an amber HDPE container (protects from light and moisture).
• Generic: Contains 5 mg of Olanzapine — equivalent to brand-name Zyprexa.

Olanzapine works by rebalancing brain neurotransmitters—particularly dopamine and serotonin—to alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, and agitation. Its dual action addresses both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as mood stabilization in bipolar disorder :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

How to use ALBAXA 5mg

Ensure proper use of ALBAXA for maximum benefit and minimized side effects. Guidance from a licensed healthcare provider is mandatory.

• Route: Oral, swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Frequency: Typically once daily, with or without food.
• Regular timing: Take around the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels.
• Missed dose:
  • Take as soon as remembered unless it's nearly time for the next dose.
  • Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Adherence: Continue treatment even if symptoms improve; interrupting abruptly may cause withdrawal or relapse :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Precautions:
  • Refrain from alcohol—it intensifies drowsiness.
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery until you're sure of your response.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up for metabolic parameters (blood sugar, lipids, weight) is essential.

Mode of Action ALBAXA 5mg

The therapeutic effect of Olanzapine stems from its interaction with several neurotransmitter receptors in the brain:

• Dopamine D₂ receptor antagonism: Reduces psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
• Serotonin 5‑HT₂A/2C receptor antagonism: Improves mood, cognition, and emotional regulation.
• Histamine H₁ and α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonism: Can contribute to sedation and orthostatic hypotension.
• Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor blockade: Leads to anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation.

This multi-receptor targeting provides a balanced management of psychosis and bipolar symptoms, offering benefits in both acute and maintenance phases :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

ALBAXA 5mg Interactions ALBAXA 5mg

Olanzapine interacts with various medications and substances. It's vital to inform your healthcare provider about all current treatments:

• CNS depressants: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids—increase sedation and respiratory depression :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Carbamazepine: Induces CYP1A2 → reduces Olanzapine levels and efficacy.
• Fluvoxamine: Inhibits CYP1A2 → raises Olanzapine levels and side‑effect risk :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Anticholinergics: Additive effects → constipation, dry mouth, urinary retention.
• Antihypertensives: May intensify blood pressure lowering → dizziness, fainting.
• Smoking: Induces CYP1A2 → lowers plasma concentration of Olanzapine.
• Metoclopramide, cisapride, pimozide, thioridazine: Can significantly interact—should be avoided :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Other sedatives: Additive drowsiness and cognitive impairment when combined with antihistamines or muscle relaxants :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Dosage of ALBAXA 5mg

Dosages must be personalized based on condition, age, and response:

• Schizophrenia in adults:
  • Starting dose: 5 mg once daily.
  • Adjustment in 5 mg increments at ≥1week intervals.
  • Maintenance: 10–20 mg/day; generally not exceeding 20 mg :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Adolescents (≥13 yrs): Initiate 2.5–5 mg/day; similar titration and range (2.5–20 mg) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Bipolar I disorder:
  • Monotherapy: 10–15 mg/day starting, maintenance 5–20 mg/day.
  • Adjunct therapy: begin at 10 mg/day; same maintenance parameters apply :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Bipolar depression (with fluoxetine):
  • Start at 5 mg nightly; titrate to 5–12.5 mg/day (max 20 mg) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Elderly/debilitated patients: Begin at 2.5–5 mg/day; slow titration with careful monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Renal impairment: No dose adjustment usually required.
• Hepatic impairment: Use cautiously; consider lower starting dose :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Possible side effects of ALBAXA 5mg

Side effects range from common, mild reactions to rare, serious conditions. Report severe symptoms immediately.

• Very common (>10%): Weight gain, sedation/drowsiness, increased appetite, dry mouth, constipation, orthostatic hypotension :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Common (1–10%): Dizziness, headache, tremor, elevated cholesterol/triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, restlessness, fatigue :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Serious (rare):
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, confusion).
  • Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements).
  • Hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis in diabetics :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
  • DRESS (fever, rash, lymph node swelling).
  • Agranulocytosis/leukopenia → infection vulnerability.
  • Seizures, impaired thermoregulation, aspiration due to swallowing issues :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Elderly with dementia: Higher risk of stroke and mortality; boxed warning—shouldn’t be used in dementia-related psychosis :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

ALBAXA 5mg Contraindications ALBAXA 5mg

Do not use if any of the following apply:

• Known hypersensitivity: Allergy to Olanzapine or tablet excipients.
• Dementia‑related psychosis: Increased risk of death :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma (due to anticholinergic effects).
• Comatose states or CNS depression: Exacerbates sedation.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Risk of accumulation and toxicity.
• Phenylketonuria: Some formulations contain aspartame (check excipients).

Caution in patients with a history of seizures, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prostate enlargement, or swallowing difficulties.

Storage of ALBAXA 5mg

Proper storage maintains the medicine’s potency:

• Temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); excursions between 15–30 °C acceptable :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Humidity: Keep in its original container—avoid bathrooms or damp places.
• Light protection: Amber HDPE container safeguards against light exposure.
• Keep out of reach: Store away from children and pets.
• Expiry: Discard after the printed expiry date; follow local guidelines for disposal.