$Unique_ID{BRK03168}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{glutethimide}
$Subject{Doriden USV Sedative/hypnotic sleeping aid glutethimide insomnia
central nervous system depressant brain spinal cord}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


glutethimide
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Doriden (USV)
     glutethimide (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Sedative/hypnotic (sleeping aid)

INGREDIENT

     glutethimide

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (250 mg and 500 mg)
     Capsules (500 mg)

STORAGE

     Glutethimide tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed containers.

USES

     This medication is used for short-term treatment of insomnia.  It is not
clearly understood how glutethimide works to produce sleep, but it is a
central nervous system depressant (a drug that slows the activity of the brain
and spinal cord).  This drug loses its effectiveness in producing and
maintaining sleep after three to seven days of continuous treatment.

TREATMENT

     You can take glutethimide tablets or capsules either on an empty stomach
or, to avoid stomach irritation, with food or milk (unless your doctor directs
you to do otherwise).  The dose should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before
bedtime.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Drowsiness during the daytime; dizziness; a "hangover" feeling; headache;
nausea; and vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down awhile; change positions slowly, and
be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision; clumsiness; confusion; convulsions; difficulty breathing;
fever; hallucinations; muscle cramps; nightmares; skin rash; slurred speech;
sore throat; trembling; unusual bleeding or bruising; or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Glutethimide interacts with a number of other medications.
     1. Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants
(such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers,
muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers,
and other sleeping medications) or with tricyclic anti-depressants can lead to
extreme drowsiness, and can be dangerous.
     2. Glutethimide can decrease the blood levels and effectiveness of oral
anti-coagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are already taking any of the
medications listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to glutethimide.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have, or if you have ever had, glaucoma; heart arrhythmias; kidney
disease; severe pain; peptic ulcers; enlarged prostate gland; porphyria; or
blockage of the intestines or urinary tract.
     * If this medication makes you drowsy or dizzy, or blurs your vision, do
not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car.
     * This medication has the potential for abuse.  Therefore, it should not
be used in higher doses or for longer periods than recommended by your doctor.
If you have been taking glutethimide for longer than several weeks, check with
your doctor before discontinuing it.  Stopping abruptly can lead to a
withdrawal reaction.  Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually to
prevent this reaction.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women using glutethimide have not yet been completed.  However, it is
known that large amounts of the drug taken during the last three months of
pregnancy can cause the baby to become dependent on the medication, leading to
withdrawal side effects at birth.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breastfeeding an infant.  Small amounts of glutethimide pass into breast milk
and can cause extreme drowsiness in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.