$Unique_ID{BRK03220} $Pretitle{} $Title{mesoridazine} $Subject{Serentil Boehringer Ingelheim Phenothiazine tranquilizer mesoridazine mental illness psychosis manic manic-depressive behavioral problems children chemicals nerve transmission brain anxiety} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. mesoridazine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Serentil (Boehringer Ingelheim) TYPE OF DRUG Phenothiazine tranquilizer INGREDIENT mesoridazine DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) Oral concentrate (25 mg per ml, with 0.61% alcohol) STORAGE The tablet form of this medicine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. The oral concentrate form of this medication should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. If the oral concentrate turns slightly yellow, the medicine is still effective and can be used. However, if the oral concentrate changes color markedly or has particles floating in it, it should not be used; rather, it should be discarded down the sink. This medication should never be frozen. USES Mesoridazine is prescribed to treat certain types of mental illness, such as psychosis, the manic phase of manic-depressive illness, and severe behavioral problems in children. This medication is thought to relieve the symptoms of mental illness by blocking certain chemicals involved in nerve transmission in the brain. Mesoridazine may also be used to treat anxiety. TREATMENT To avoid stomach irritation during treatment with mesoridazine, you can take the tablet form of this medication with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully with the dropper provided and then added to four ounces (1/4 cup) or more of water, milk, or a carbonated beverage or to applesauce or pudding immediately prior to administration. To prevent possible loss of effectiveness, the medication should not be diluted in tea, coffee, or apple juice. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose (unless your doctor directs you to do so). The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or mental symptoms may not become apparent for two weeks after you start to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation; decreased sweating; diarrhea; discoloration of the urine to red, pink, or red-brown; dizziness; drooling; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; jitteriness; menstrual irregularities; nasal congestion; restlessness; vomiting; or weight gain. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. 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; breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep disorders; sore throat; tremors; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or bruising; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Mesoridazine interacts with several other types of medications: 1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol, other central nervous system depressants (such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications), or tricyclic antidepressants. 2. Mesoridazine can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines, guanethidine, and levodopa. 3. The combination of mesoridazine with antiarrhythmic agents such as quinidine may result in impaired heart function. 4. The effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, propranolol, phenytoin, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased when combined with this medication. 5. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness of this medication. 6. Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines may decrease the absorption of mesoridazine from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, at least one hour should separate doses of one of these medicines and mesoridazine. Before starting this drug, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any drugs you are currently taking. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to mesoridazine or any other phenothiazine tranquilizers (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, and triflupromazine) or to loxapine. * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have or have ever had any blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast cancer, blockage in the urinary or digestive tract, drug-induced depression, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic ulcers, or an enlarged prostate gland. * Tell your doctor about any recent exposure to a pesticide or an insecticide. Mesoridazine may increase the side effects from the exposure. * To prevent oversedation, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Be careful on stairs. * Prior to having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Mesoridazine can decrease sweating and heat release from the body. You should, therefore, avoid becoming overheated by strenuous exercise in hot weather and avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas. * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. If the drug is stopped abruptly, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache, increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or worsening of your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually. * If you are planning to have a myelogram, or any other procedure in which dye is injected into your spinal cord, tell your doctor that you are taking this medication. * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate form of this medication on your skin or clothing; it may cause redness and irritation of the skin. * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems without first checking with your doctor. The combination of these drugs with mesoridazine may cause high blood pressure. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Small amounts of this medication cross the placenta. Although there are reports of safe use of this drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in newborn infants whose mothers received this type of medication close to term. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in the nursing infant. ---------------- 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.