Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp

Description

About

The human thought process is an outcome of one’s cognitive capabilities enabled by chemical transmitters in the brain (neurotransmitters) that helps weave these thoughts while maintaining a balance between reality and fantasy. Certain mental disorders tend to cloud one’s judgment to discriminate between reality and fictitious thinking, culminating in hallucination, altered perceptions, and behavior changes. This could be due to changes in the levels of key neurotransmitters in the brain. Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp belongs to a class of drugs called “antipsychotics” used to treat serious mental conditions like schizophrenia. It can also be used to treat tics – uncontrolled body movements, behavioral problems, mania, mental retardation, and excessively active children. 

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp chemically contains Haloperidol, known as the first-generation/Typical antipsychotic drug. It works by blocking dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, and helps elevate dopamine levels in the brain thereby elevating mood and helping with the cognitive function of the brain. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to control symptoms after starting the treatment. Abrupt discontinuation of Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp can cause withdrawal symptoms for which reason it is tapered down gradually before stopping the treatment altogether. The time duration for which you will be taking this medicine is determined by your doctor. 

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is available in form of an injectable solution to be injected by a healthcare professional in prescribed doses. Every 1 ml of this solution contains 5 mg of Haloperidol concentrate. The dosage depends on age, the severity of the condition, weight, the patient’s response to medicine, and their comorbidities. Care must be exercised in elderly patients due to the increased risk of side effects; they must be given the lowest effective dose for a brief period only.  Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is started on a low dose which may be repeated as per need. Children less than 6 years of age and women who are pregnant or planning to have a family or lactating mothers must not use this drug due to safety risks involved. The most common side effects observed with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fainting spells, tremors, gait, and balance problems. 

Indications

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is prescribed to children, men, and women for the treat:

• Schizophrenia 

• Tourette’s syndrome (Tics)

• Mania 

• Hyperactive children

• Acute agitation  

How does Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp work?

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp chemically contains Haloperidol, known as the first-generation/Typical antipsychotic drug. It works by blocking dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, and helps elevate dopamine levels n the brain thereby elevating mood and helping with the cognitive function of the brain. 

How to use Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp?

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is a fast-acting drug available in injection form which should only be given via Intramuscular injection to be administered deep into the muscle preferably gluteal muscles. This drug must be administered by a healthcare professional as per need in prescribed doses example in cases of acute episodes, Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp can be administered which becomes effective within 30 to 45 minutes of injecting.  In general, the doses if required can be given taken at 4 to 8 hours intervals. Dosage is dependent upon your age, weight, condition, and response to the treatment, taking more than advised is likely to cause side effects.

A glass ampoule with a marking present is packaged containing the drug. Before each use closely check the contents of the container which must appear clear and particle free. Marking is designated to help you snap off the part to access medicine inside. Firmly hold the ampoule between fingers and with the other hand snap off the ampoule with slight pressure at the marking. Take out the contents in a long gauge syringe, usually 21 mm. Take out the first few drops of medicine by pressing the syringe before injecting it to remove air bubbles. Always follow sterile, aseptic techniques while injecting and discarding the syringe following universal protocol for sharp disposal.

Available Potency of Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp 

• 5 mg/ 1ml –   Ampoules

Dosage

Adult Dose

Schizophrenia or Psychosis

Fast-acting IM injection can be given for quick management of acute symptoms. This is also short-acting

First Dose: 2-5 mg to be given Intramuscularly and then at  4 to 8 hourly intervals if required

Maximum Daily Safe Dose: Up to 20 mg per day (IM)

Pediatric Dose

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp  is not safe to be prescribed to children under 6 years of age.

Schizophrenia or Psychosis

6-12 years :

Staring Dose – 1-3 mg to be taken as an IM injection and afterward if required at 4 to 8 hourly intervals

Maximum Daily Dose: 0.15 mg/kg/day  

>12 years:

2-5 mg to be given Intramuscularly and then at  4 to 8 hourly intervals if required

Maximum Daily Safe Dose: Up to 20 mg per day (IM)

Acute Agitation

> 12 years: 2 – 5 mg to be given Intramuscularly and then again at a 1-hour interval 

Dose adjustment can be done when needed

Elderly dose 

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp must be used with caution in patients aged 60 and above. Dose adjustment may be required in case of impaired renal or liver function. Your physician will set the dose most appropriate for your health status. There is a very high risk of tardive dyskinesia, it must be administered cautiously with at least an effective dose

Usually, half of the actual adult dose, able to give clinical results should be given with careful monitoring

Pregnancy use and lactation

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is FDA pregnancy risk category C which has shown adverse effects on the unborn baby in studies and trials conducted on animals, therefore if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor. Also Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp may be secreted into human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking it.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp:

• Allergic reaction to Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp or one of its constituents (read the label carefully)

• Severe mental depression 

• Comatose patients 

• Parkinson’s disease 

• Dementia with Lewy bodies 

• Pregnancy 

• Children less than 3 years of age 

• Epilepsy

• Patients with a prolonged history of alcohol or substance abuse 

• Myasthenia gravis 

• Glaucoma 

Precautions‌ ‌

Please‌ ‌tell‌ ‌your‌ ‌doctor‌ ‌about‌ ‌any‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌following‌ ‌conditions‌ before starting or during the treatment with ‌Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp:‌ ‌

• History of drug-associated allergies. Carefully read the label for the composition of your medicine

• Mild to moderate liver disease

• History of thyroid gland problems or a kidney disease 

• ‌Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp if taken in more than the prescribed dosage can lead to severe heart conditions manifested on ECG as prolonged QT intervals. This can be fatal if left untreated 

• Patients with hypokalemia and low serum levels of other electrolytes must be monitored carefully since adverse effects on the heart can be more pronounced in these patients 

• Elderly population must be treated with extreme caution with ‌Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp. Tardive dyskinesia is very commonly developed in this age group 

• Avoid physical exertion, ‌Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp causes a decrease in sweating that could give you a heatstroke

• Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp tends to alter blood cell count in some patients like neutrophils, and white blood cells, depleting their amount in the blood. Monitoring is advised

• ‌Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp has sedative effects which may induce drowsiness, avoid driving/riding a bike or operating any heavy machinery, or sharp tools till you feel better

• Rule out the possibility of any tumor first, particularly those causing  ‘prolactin secretion. Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp can cause high levels of ‘prolactin in the blood

• Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of head injury or stroke/ blood clots in the brain

• Patients with severe mental depression must not be treated with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp

• Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp can cause dependence and may be abused. Strict prescription and supervision are advised 

• Dose adjustments are done gradually and carefully. Similarly, abruptly stopping the treatment with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp is not advised

• Consumption of alcohol is not advised with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp and may increase or decrease its absorption, so your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of these interacting drugs are given below:

• Amiodarone 

• Disopyramide 

• Antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine, Duloxetine, etc.

• Anxiolytics like Alprazolam

• Azole antifungals like ketoconazole 

• Perphenazine

• Pimozide 

• Antibiotics like azithromycin, erythromycin 

• Rifampicin 

• Antimalarials such as halofantrine

• Antiemetics like dolasetron, promethazine 

• Chemotherapeutic drugs like toremifene 

• Antiepileptics like Carbamazepine, phenytoin 

• Verapamil

• John’s Wort 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Soreness at the site of injection

• Nausea 

• Headache 

• Flatulence / heartburn 

• Drowsiness 

• Dizziness

• Sedation 

• Agitation 

• Mask-like facial expressions 

Rare side effects

• Anaphylactic reaction 

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue 

• fever/ chills

• Restlessness

• Decreased sweating 

• Hypersalivation 

• Mental confusion

• Abnormal or absence of motor coordination

• Arrhythmias (Prolonged QT interval)

• Swelling of ankles

• Cardiac arrest

• Palpitations 

• Mood swings 

• Enlarged or pain in breasts

• Milk secretion (due to high prolactin)

• Changes in blood pressure

• Retrograde amnesia

• Behavior changes 

• Tardive dyskinesia 

• Disturbance in the menstrual cycle 

• Decreased libido 

• Erectile dysfunction in men 

• Muscle stiffness 

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

• Difficulty in urination 

HOW TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS

• Soreness at the site of injection – a cold compress can be used for 5 minutes to ease out the soreness

• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.

• Feeling drowsy – If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe

• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.

• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better, and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.

• Muscular Aches and Pains – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

• Flatulence – This can be eased by consuming smaller, more frequent meals that don’t trigger your flatulence. Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 

• Heartburn – can be dealt with by chewing on mint-flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body. Standing up straighter, adding ginger to the daily diet, elevating the patient’s upper body, and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.

• Blurred vision- this side effect tends to go away on its own if a few days; patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime. If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.

• Dehydration- Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) help combat dehydration.

FAQs

#1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp DO?

It is an “antipsychotic” (D2 receptor inhibitor) that works by increasing the levels of natural substances that help elevate dopamine levels in the brain thereby elevating mood and helping with the cognitive function of the brain. 

#2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp TO START WORKING?

Normally it takes a few weeks varying from  30 to 45 minutes for Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp to start clinical improvement.

#3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp FOR?

Time duration depends on why you’re taking Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp and the exact duration must be determined by your doctor. Rapidly acting Injections are used as per need and large doses are not prescribed for longer durations.

#4. CAN I STOP TAKING Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal problems like difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and uncontrollable muscle movements. 

#5. IS Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp HIGHLY ADDICTIVE?

Yes, it is addictive and may cause dependence, both physical and psychological, hence stopping the medicine abruptly can cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

#6. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp?

No, Consuming alcohol when taking Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 

#7. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, and seizures. Contact your doctor or rush to a nearby emergency immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#8. CAN I TAKE Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp. 

#9. CAN THE USE OF Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp CAUSE DROWSINESS?

It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

#10. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp?

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp tends to make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

#11. HOW SHOULD Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp BE STORED?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

#12. CAN Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp AFFECT MY SEXUAL ACTIVITY?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp. It may cause a decrease in libido and erection problems in men. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#13. WILL Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp AFFECT MY FERTILITY? 

Serenace 5mg Injection 25 amp can create disturbance in the menstrual cycle which is reversible. High prolactin levels can cause problems in ovulation in women. Discuss it with your doctor.