Katerzia (amlodipine) Oral Suspension
Katerzia (amlodipine) Oral Suspension
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Contraindications:
KATERZIA is contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to amlodipine.
Warnings and Precautions:
Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because of the gradual onset of action, acute hypotension is unlikely.
Worsening angina and acute myocardial infarction can develop after starting or increasing the dose of KATERZIA, particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease.
Because KATERZIA is extensively metabolized by the liver, and the plasma elimination half-life is 56 hours in patients with impaired hepatic function, titrate slowly when administering KATERZIA to patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Adverse Reactions:
The most common dose-related adverse reaction to amlodipine is edema.
Incidents of dose-related dizziness, flushing, and palpitation also have been observed.
For several reported adverse experiences that appear to be drug and dose related (edema, flushing, palpitations), there was a greater incidence in women than in men associated with amlodipine treatment.
Other adverse experiences not dose-related but reported are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and somnolence.
Drug Interactions:
Impact of Other Drugs on Amlodipine
Co-administration with CYP3A inhibitors (moderate and strong) results in increased systemic exposure to amlodipine and may require dose reduction.
Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inhibitors to determine the need for dose adjustment.
Blood pressure should be closely monitored when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inducers.
Impact of Amlodipine on Other Drugs:
Co-administration of simvastatin with amlodipine increases the systemic exposure of simvastatin. Limit the dose of simvastatin in patients on amlodipine to 20 mg daily.
Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. Frequent monitoring of trough blood levels of cyclosporine and tacrolimus is recommended and adjust the dose when appropriate.
PregnancyLimited data on post-marketing use of amlodipine in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriages. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled hypertension during pregnancy.
LactationLimited available data from a published clinical lactation study reports that amlodipine is present in human milk. No adverse effects of amlodipine on the breastfed infant have been observed.
Pediatric UseAmlodipine (2.5 to 5 mg daily) is effective in lowering blood pressure in patients 6 to 17 years. The effect of amlodipine on blood pressure in patients less than 6 years of age is not known.
Geriatric UseIn general, dose selection for elderly patients should be cautious, usually starting with a lower initial dose.
Hepatic ImpairmentA lower initial dose may be required for patients with hepatic insufficiency.
