Trimethobenzamide

What it is used for

Trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting and for nausea associated with gastroenteritis.

How to take it

(See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS.)

Dosage should be adjusted according to the indication for therapy, severity of symptoms and the response of the patient.

Side effects, and when to stop

There have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions and Parkinson-like symptoms. There have been instances of hypotension reported following parenteral administration to surgical patients. There have been reports of blood dyscrasias, blurring of vision, coma, convulsions, depression of mood, diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, jaundice, muscle cramps and opisthotonos. If these occur, the administration of the drug should be discontinued. Allergic-type skin reactions have been observed; therefore, the drug should be discontinued at the first sign of sensitization. While these symptoms will usually disappear spontaneously, symptomatic treatment may be indicated in some cases.

Who should not take it

Use of any dosage form in patients with known hypersensitivity to trimethobenzamide is contraindicated.

Warnings

Caution should be exercised when administering trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules to children for the treatment of vomiting. Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in children and their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. There are two principal reasons for caution:

• The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules may be confused with the central nervous system signs of an undiagnosed primary disease responsible for the vomiting, e.g., Reye's syndrome or other encephalopathy.
• It has been suspected that drugs with hepatotoxic potential, such as trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules, may unfavorably alter the course of Reye's syndrome. Such drugs should therefore be avoided in children whose signs and symptoms (vomiting) could represent Reye's syndrome.

Trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules may produce drowsiness. Patients should not operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until their individual responses have been determined.

During the course of acute febrile illness, encephalitides, gastroenteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in children and the elderly or debilitated, CNS reactions such as opisthotonos, convulsions, coma and extrapyramidal symptoms have been reported with and without use of trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules or other antiemetic agents. In such disorders caution should be exercised in administering trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules, particularly to patients who have recently received other CNS-acting agents (phenothiazines, barbiturates, belladonna derivatives). Primary emphasis should be directed toward the restoration of body fluids and electrolyte balance, the relief of fever and relief of the causative disease process. Overhydration should be avoided since it may result in cerebral edema.

The antiemetic effects of trimethobenzamide hydrochloride capsules may render diagnosis more difficult in such conditions as appendicitis and obscure signs of toxicity due to overdosage of other drugs.

Storing it

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

DISPENSE IN TIGHT, LIGHT-RESISTANT CONTAINER.