Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S

Description

About 

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S is prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease (a disorder of the nervous system causing difficulties like dyskinesia (sudden uncontrolled movements), loss of control and balance) as well as extrapyramidal side effects caused by other Parkinson’s medications. However, it may also be given in a combination form with the drugs like levodopa and carbidopa. 

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S works by improving control over muscles and reducing stiffness. Its mechanism of action is still not fully understood but it is thought to be releasing dopamine from nerve endings of the brain along with stimulation of norepinephrine. 

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S is also used as an antiviral for symptomatic and prophylactic treatment of viruses like influenza, Influenza A, and Herpes zoster. 

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S comes in five different available forms including tablet, capsule which can both be immediate release or extended-release, and a syrup form. The immediate-release capsule tablets and the syrup form can be taken once or twice a day, however, the extended-release capsules are commonly prescribed once daily at bedtime and the extended-release tablets are prescribed once daily in the morning. 

Indications

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S can be used to treat:

Dyskinesia with Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms and prophylaxis of influenza virus, influenza A

Drug-induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms.

How Does Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S Work

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S works as anti dyskinetic by releasing dopamine at the brain cells’ nerve endings along with stimulating norepinephrine, more research needs to be conducted on its mechanism of action as it is still unclear as to how it works. 

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S works as an antiviral but the activity is unknown. It targets and inhibits the replication of influenza A M2 ion channel protein. 

The two mechanisms are unrelated. 

How To Use {{Product}}

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S is to be ingested orally with water to help the tablet flow down the throat easily. It can be consumed with or without food. The extended-release capsule or tablets are NOT to be chewed, crushed, or split. Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S should be ingested only as directed by the medical expert. Do not stop the consumption of the product without the doctor’s recommendation. 

Dosage

For Parkinson:

Extended-release capsule-

 Adult Dosage

137mg daily for 1 week at bedtime then can be gradually increased to twice daily as prescribed by your doctor.

Child Dosage 

Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Extended-release tablet:

– Adult Dosage 

129mg once daily in the morning then can be gradually increased per week as prescribed by your doctor.

Child Dosage 

Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Elderly Dosage

Parkinson disease:

100 mg which may be increased to twice daily as per your doctor’s recommendation. 

For Influenza type A :

Adults:

100 mg once daily for 4-5 days. 

Child from 9 to 12 years:100 mg once daily 4-5 days.

Children from 1 to 9 years: use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

 Prophylaxis: 100 mg once daily for 6 weeks or 2-3 weeks after vaccination. 

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S is not deemed safe to be used in pregnancy or for women trying to conceive. Complications during pregnancy have been reported.

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S has been reported to pass into breast milk, causing undesirable effects hence making it unsafe to be consumed during the lactation period.

Contraindications

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S:

• Epilepsy 
• History of gastric ulcers
• History of drug abuse
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Eczema
• Any psychotic disorder
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Chronic heart failure
• Orthostatic hypotension
• End-stage phetamine renal disease. 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S:

• renal (Kidney) impairment
• Diabetes 
• Alcohol abuse 
• Pregnant women 
• Breastfeeding women 
• Elderly patients
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness 

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of 

CNS stimulants:

• dextroam

• atomoxetine

• Methylphenidate

Anticholinergics: 

• diphenhydramine
• scopolamine
• tolterodine
• Benztropine 

Heart drugs:

• triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide

Antimalarial drugs

Influenza vaccine

Adverse Effects

Like most medicines Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S has certain side effects which include:

Common Adverse Effects

These effects are mild and tend to resolve on their own in a couple of days.

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia 
• GI disturbance
• Anxiety

Severe Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor.

• Hallucination
• Coma
• Heart failure
• Intense urges
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome- fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, irregular pulse muscle rigidity. 

How to cope with some of the adverse effects:

• Nausea: 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.
• Dizziness: 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.

FAQ’S

#1. How To Store Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S?

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2. Is It SAFE To Have Painkillers While Taking Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S?

Yes. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S under the supervision of a doctor.

#3. Should I take this medication with or without food?

This medication can be taken with or without food mostly at bedtime.

#4. What needs to be assessed before taking this medication?

Periodically measuring blood pressure is important before starting this medication.

#5. What would happen if I suddenly stop the use of Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S?

Symmetrel 100mg Capsule 1 ‘S should never be stopped abruptly as it can cause effects such as confusion, paranoia, slurred speech, anxiety, depression, agitation, and hallucination. The medication always needs to be tapered off by a medical expert.

#6. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medication?

No. alcohol consumption along with this medication can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and confusion.

#7. How long does this drug stay in the system?

The half-life seen in 19 volunteers was 9-31 hours.