OXETINE 20 Tablets

What is OXETINE 20

OXETINE 20 is a prescription medication that contains Fluoxetine hydrochloride as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Each tablet contains 20 mg of fluoxetine, designed for oral administration. The medication is provided in a 10-tablet blister pack, suitable for short-term or monthly supply.

• Generic Name: Fluoxetine (as Hydrochloride)
• Brand Name: OXETINE 20
• Pharmacologic Class: SSRI Antidepressant
• Common Uses:
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Age Group: Adults and adolescents (age ≥8 years in some indications)

How to use OXETINE 20

OXETINE 20 should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimal therapeutic benefits and minimize potential side effects.

• Route of Administration: Oral
• Timing:
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Best taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
• Swallowing Instructions:
  • Swallow the tablet whole with water.
  • Do not crush or chew the tablet unless directed by a doctor.
• Missed Dose:
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose—do not double the dose.
• Discontinuation:
  • Do not stop taking OXETINE 20 abruptly without medical advice.
  • A gradual tapering is often necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Mode of Action OXETINE 20

Fluoxetine, the active ingredient in OXETINE 20, works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. It enhances the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, contributing to mood regulation and symptom improvement in depressive and anxiety disorders.

• Primary Mechanism:
  • Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) into the presynaptic neuron.
  • Increases the extracellular concentration of serotonin in the brain.
• Secondary Effects:
  • May indirectly influence dopamine and norepinephrine activity.
  • Improves emotional regulation, anxiety, and compulsive behavior.
• Onset of Action:
  • Therapeutic effects may begin after 1–2 weeks.
  • Full antidepressant effect often observed after 4–6 weeks.
• Half-life:
  • Fluoxetine has a long half-life (~4–6 days) and an active metabolite (norfluoxetine) with a half-life of up to 16 days.

OXETINE 20 Interactions OXETINE 20

Fluoxetine can interact with a variety of medications, herbs, and supplements. These interactions may affect the efficacy or safety of one or both substances. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining medications.

• Serotonergic Drugs:
  • Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, tramadol, or St. John's Wort.
• MAO Inhibitors:
  • Contraindicated—must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting fluoxetine, and 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting an MAOI.
• Antiplatelets/Anticoagulants:
  • May increase bleeding risk when used with aspirin, warfarin, or NSAIDs.
• Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6:
  • Fluoxetine inhibits CYP2D6 and may affect drugs like tamoxifen, codeine, and beta-blockers.
• Alcohol:
  • May enhance sedative effects and worsen depressive symptoms; avoid concurrent use.

Dosage of OXETINE 20

The dosage of OXETINE 20 depends on the condition being treated, the patient's response to therapy, and other medical factors. It should always be tailored by a physician.

• Major Depressive Disorder:
  • Initial dose: 20 mg once daily
  • Maintenance dose: 20–60 mg daily based on response
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
  • Initial dose: 20 mg/day
  • Target dose: 40–60 mg/day (may go up to 80 mg/day)
• Panic Disorder:
  • Start with 10 mg/day to reduce initial anxiety
  • Increase to 20 mg/day after one week
• Bulimia Nervosa:
  • Standard dose: 60 mg/day
• Geriatric and Hepatic Impairment:
  • Use lower initial doses and titrate slowly

Possible side effects of OXETINE 20

OXETINE 20 may cause side effects that vary from mild to serious. Patients should be informed and monitored, especially during the initial treatment phase.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Insomnia or drowsiness
  • Anxiety, restlessness
  • Dry mouth
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia)
  • Seizures (rare)
  • QT prolongation (in high doses or predisposed patients)
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults and adolescents
• Withdrawal Symptoms (if stopped abruptly):
  • Dizziness, nausea, headache
  • Irritability, mood swings
  • Electric shock-like sensations ("brain zaps")

OXETINE 20 Contraindications OXETINE 20

OXETINE 20 is contraindicated in specific situations where its use may be harmful. A complete medical history should be assessed before initiating treatment.

• Known Hypersensitivity:
  • To fluoxetine or any formulation components (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis)
• Concurrent Use with MAO Inhibitors:
  • High risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis
• Use with Pimozide or Thioridazine:
  • Risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
• Severe Hepatic Impairment:
  • Use with caution and under strict supervision
• Children under 8 years:
  • Not approved unless specifically indicated

Storage of OXETINE 20

Proper storage of OXETINE 20 is essential to maintain its potency and safety. Always refer to the product’s packaging for specific manufacturer instructions.

• Temperature:
  • Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F–86°F)
• Humidity:
  • Keep in a dry place; avoid storage in the bathroom
• Light Exposure:
  • Store in original packaging to protect from light
• Keep Out of Reach of Children:
  • Store securely to avoid accidental ingestion
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of expired or unused medication via a pharmacy take-back program