Avandia
Generic Name:rosiglitazone maleate
Brand Name: Avandia
Indications
Avandia is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Dosage and Administration
Avandia is available as 2 mg, 4mg and 8mg tablets.
Normal dosage: Avandia may be administered at a starting dose of 4 mg either as a single daily dose or in 2 divided doses.
Overdose?
In the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the patient's clinical status.
Drug Description
Rosiglitazone maleate is not chemically or functionally related to the sulfonylureas, the biguanides, or the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
Chemically, rosiglitazone maleate is (±) pyridinylamino)ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione, (Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) with a molecular weight of 473.52 (357.44 free base). The molecule has a single chiral center and is present as a racemate. Due to rapid interconversion, the enantiomers are functionally indistinguishable. The structural formula of rosiglitazone maleate is:
The molecular formula is C18H19N3O3S•C4H4O4. Rosiglitazone maleate is a white to off-white solid with a melting point range of 122° to 123° C. The pKa values of rosiglitazone maleate are 6.8 and 6.1. It is readily soluble in ethanol and a buffered aqueous solution with pH of 2.3; solubility decreases with increasing pH in the physiological range.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects include Headache, respiratory infection, back pain, fatigue, diarrhea and hypoglycemia
Precautions
- Due to its mechanism of action, Avandia is active only in the presence of endogenous insulin. Therefore, Avandia should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
- The coadministration of Avandia and insulin is not recommended.
- The use of Avandia with nitrates is not recommended.
- Patients with congestive heart failure should be careful while taking this medicine.
- Avandia should be used with caution in patients with edema.
- Avandia should not be administered to a nursing woman.
Drug Interactions
Avoid the following:
Rifampin, glyburide, glimepiride, metformin, carbose, digoxin,warfarin, ethanol and gemfibrozil.
