SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Brand names: Sertraline Hydrochloride, Sertraline hydrochloride, SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE, Zoloft, sertraline HCl, sertraline hydrochloride, SERTRALINE, Sertraline HCl
Boxed warning
WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors ( 5.1 )
Warnings
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Sertraline HCl Capsules are contraindicated in patients: Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs, (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Taking pimozide [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . With known hypersensitivity to sertraline or the excipients in Sertraline HCl Capsules (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.2 )] . Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or use within 14 days of stopping MAOIs ( 4 , 7.1 ) Concomitant use of pimozide ( 4 , 7.1 ) Known hypersensitivity to sertraline or excipients ( 4 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE The following have been reported with sertraline HCl tablet overdosage: Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co-ingestants including alcohol. Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a sertraline overdose. Consider contacting a Poison Center (1-800-221-2222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Protein-bound drugs: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Sertraline HCl Capsules or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) CYP2D6 substrates: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Sertraline HCl Capsules [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 4. Clinically-Significant Drug Interactions with Sertraline HCl Capsules Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of SSRIs, including Sertraline HCl Capsules, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Sertraline HCl Capsules is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pimozide Clinical Impact: Increased plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, may increase the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Intervention: Concomitant use of pimozide and Sertraline HCl Capsules is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of Sertraline HCl Capsules with other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of Sertraline HCl Capsules and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) Clinical Impact: The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with Sertraline HCl Capsules may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of Sertraline HCl Capsules and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein Clinical Impact: Sertraline is highly bound to plasma protein. The concomitant use of Sertraline HCl Capsules with another drug that is highly bound to plasma protein may increase free concentrations of sertraline or other tightly-bound drugs in plasma [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Intervention: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Sertraline HCl Capsules or other protein-bound drugs as warranted. Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact: Sertraline HCl Capsules are a CYP2D6 inhibitor [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . The concomitant use of Sertraline HCl Capsules with a CYP2D6 substrate may increase the exposure of the CYP2D6 substrate. Intervention: Decrease the dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate if needed with concomitant Sertraline HCl Capsules use. Conversely, an increase in dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate may be needed if Sertraline HCl Capsules are discontinued. Phenytoin Clinical Impact: Phenytoin is a narrow therapeutic index drug. Sertraline HCl Capsules may increase phenytoin concentrations. Intervention: Monitor phenytoin levels when initiating or titrating Sertraline HCl Capsules. Reduce phenytoin dosage if needed. Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval Clinical Impact: The risk of QTc prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., TdP) is increased with concomitant use of Sertraline HCl Capsules with other drugs which prolong the QTc interval [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Intervention: Pimozide is contraindicated for use with Sertraline HCl Capsules. Avoid the concomitant use of drugs known to prolong the QTc interval. 7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with Sertraline HCl Based on pharmacokinetic studies with another sertraline HCl formulation, no dosage adjustment of Sertraline HCl Capsules is necessary when used in combination with cimetidine. Additionally, no dosage adjustment is required for diazepam, lithium, atenolol, tolbutamide, digoxin, and drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, when Sertraline HCl Capsules is administered concomitantly [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 7.3 False-Positive Screening Tests for Benzodiazepines False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for benzodiazepines have been reported in patients taking another sertraline HCl product. This finding is due to lack of specificity of the screening tests. False-positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of Sertraline HCl Capsules. Confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, will distinguish sertraline from benzodiazepines.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following [See Clinical Studies ( 14 )] : Major depressive disorder (MDD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Panic disorder (PD) Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Social anxiety disorder (SAD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Sertraline hydrochloride tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of ( 1 ): Major depressive disorder (MDD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Panic disorder (PD) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Social anxiety disorder (SAD) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Do not initiate treatment with Sertraline HCl Capsules. Use another sertraline HCl product for initial dosage, titration, and dosages below 150 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) Recommended dosage is 150 mg or 200 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) Maximum recommended dosage is 200 mg once daily ( 2.1 ) Swallow capsules whole. Do not open, crush, or chew ( 2.2 ) When discontinuing Sertraline HCl Capsules, reduce dose gradually whenever possible. Gradual dosage reduction will require use of another sertraline HCl product ( 2.5 , 5.5 ) 2.1 Dosage in Patients with MDD and OCD Do not initiate treatment with Sertraline HCl Capsules because the only available dose strengths are 150 mg and 200 mg. Use another sertraline HCl product for initial dosage, titration, and dosages below 150 mg once daily. Refer to Prescribing Information of the other sertraline HCl products for the recommended dosage for those products. Sertraline HCl Capsules can be initiated in patients receiving 100 mg or 125 mg of sertraline HCl for at least one week. The recommended dosage of Sertraline HCl Capsules is 150 mg or 200 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 200 mg once daily. 2.2 Administration Instructions Administer Sertraline HCl Capsules orally. Swallow capsules whole; do not open, crush, or chew. 2.3 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Sertraline HCl Capsules Prior to initiating treatment with Sertraline HCl Capsules or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 2.4 Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of Sertraline HCl Capsules. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping Sertraline HCl Capsules before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 2.5 Discontinuation of Treatment with Sertraline HCl Capsules Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of Sertraline HCl Capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping Sertraline HCl Capsules abruptly whenever possible. Given that dosage strengths lower than 150 mg of Sertraline HCl Capsules are not available, gradual dosage reduction will require the use of another sertraline HCl product.
All identified pills
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Hypersensitivity reactions to sertraline [See Contraindications ( 4 )] QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when taken with pimozide [See Contraindications ( 4 ) , Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] ] Suicidal thoughts and behaviors [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin syndrome [See Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] Increased risk of bleeding [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Activation of mania/hypomania [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4) ] Discontinuation syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Seizures [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Angle-closure glaucoma [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hyponatremia [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Sexual Dysfunction [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and twice placebo) in pooled placebo-controlled MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD clinical trials were nausea, diarrhea/loose stool, tremor, dyspepsia, decreased appetite, hyperhidrosis, ejaculation failure, and decreased libido ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below are from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of sertraline hydrochloride (mostly 50 mg to 200 mg per day) in 3066 adults diagnosed with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and PMDD. These 3066 patients exposed to sertraline hydrochloride for 8 to12 weeks represent 568 patient-years of exposure. The mean age was 40 years; 57% were females and 43% were males. The most common adverse reactions (≥5% and twice placebo) in all pooled placebo-controlled clinical trials of all sertraline hydrochloride-treated patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD were nausea, diarrhea/loose stool, tremor, dyspepsia, decreased appetite, hyperhidrosis, ejaculation failure, and decreased libido (see Table 3). The following are the most common adverse reactions in trials of sertraline hydrochloride (≥5% and twice placebo) by indication that were not mentioned previously. MDD: somnolence; OCD: insomnia, agitation; PD: constipation, agitation; PTSD: fatigue; PMDD: somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal pain; SAD: insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, malaise. Table 3: Common Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adults with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and PMDD Adverse reactions that occurred greater than 2% in sertraline hydrochloride-treated patients and at least 2% greater in sertraline hydrochloride-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. Sertraline Hydrochloride (N=3066) Placebo (N=2293) Cardiac disorders Palpitations 4% 2% Eye disorders Visual impairment 4% 2% Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 26% 12% Diarrhea/Loose Stools 20% 10% Dry mouth 14% 9% Dyspepsia 8% 4% Constipation 6% 4% Vomiting 4% 1% General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 12% 8% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased appetite 7% 2% Nervous system disorders Dizziness 12% 8% Somnolence 11% 6% Tremor 9% 2% Psychiatric Disorders Insomnia 20% 13% Agitation 8% 5% Libido Decreased 6% 2% Reproductive system and breast disorders Ejaculation failure Denominator used was for male patients only (n=1316 sertraline hydrochloride; n=973 placebo). 8% 1% Erectile dysfunction 4% 1% Ejaculation disorder 3% 0% Male sexual dysfunction 2% 0% Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Hyperhidrosis 7% 3% Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials In all placebo-controlled studies in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD, 368 (12%) of the 3066 patients who received sertraline hydrochloride discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 93 (4%) of the 2293 placebo-treated patients. In placebo-controlled studies, the following were the common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in sertraline hydrochloride-treated patients: MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD: nausea (3%), diarrhea (2%), agitation (2%), and insomnia (2%). MDD (>2% and twice placebo): decreased appetite, dizziness, fatigue, headache, somnolence, tremor, and vomiting. OCD: somnolence. PD: nervousness and somnolence. Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of SSRI treatment. However, reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, in part because patients and healthcare providers may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in labeling may underestimate their actual incidence. Table 4 below displays the incidence of sexual adverse reactions reported by at least 2% of sertraline hydrochloride-treated patients and twice placebo from pooled placebo-controlled trials. For men and all indications, the most common adverse reactions (>2% and twice placebo) included: ejaculation failure, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, and male sexual dysfunction. For women, the most common adverse reaction (≥2% and twice placebo) was decreased libido. Table 4: Most Common Sexual Adverse Reactions (≥2% and twice placebo) in Men or Women from Sertraline Hydrochloride Pooled Controlled Trials in Adults with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and PMDD Sertraline Hydrochloride Placebo Men only (N=1316) (N=973) Ejaculation failure 8% 1% Libido decreased 7% 2% Erectile dysfunction 4% 1% Ejaculation disorder 3% 0% Male sexual dysfunction 2% 0% Women only (N=1750) (N=1320) Libido decreased 4% 2% Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients In 281 pediatric patients treated with sertraline hydrochloride in placebo-controlled studies, the overall profile of adverse reactions was generally similar to that seen in adult studies. Adverse reactions that do not appear in Table 3 (most common adverse reactions in adults) yet were reported in at least 2% of pediatric patients and at a rate of at least twice the placebo rate include fever, hyperkinesia, urinary incontinence, aggression, epistaxis, purpura, arthralgia, decreased weight, muscle twitching, and anxiety. Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Sertraline Hydrochloride Other infrequent adverse reactions, not described elsewhere in the prescribing information, occurring at an incidence of < 2% in patients treated with sertraline hydrochloride were: Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Tinnitus Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism Eye Disorders: Mydriasis, blurred vision Gastrointestinal Disorders: Hematochezia, melena, rectal hemorrhage General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Edema, gait disturbance, irritability, pyrexia Hepatobiliary Disorders: Elevated liver enzymes Immune System Disorders: Anaphylaxis Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypoglycemia, increased appetite Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Arthralgia, muscle spasms, tightness, or twitching Nervous System Disorders: Ataxia, coma, convulsion, decreased alertness, hypoesthesia, lethargy, psychomotor hyperactivity, syncope Psychiatric Disorders: Aggression, bruxism, confusional state, euphoric mood, hallucination Renal and Urinary Disorders: Hematuria Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: Galactorrhea, priapism, vaginal hemorrhage Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Bronchospasm, epistaxis, yawning Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Alopecia; cold sweat; dermatitis; dermatitis bullous; pruritus; purpura; erythematous, follicular, or maculopapular rash; urticaria Vascular Disorders: Hemorrhage, hypertension, vasodilation 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of sertraline hydrochloride tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Bleeding or Clotting Disorders Increased coagulation times (altered platelet function) Cardiac Disorders AV block, bradycardia, atrial arrhythmias, QTc-interval prolongation, ventricular tachycardia (including Torsade de Pointes) [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] Endocrine Disorders Gynecomastia, hyperprolactinemia, menstrual irregularities, SIADH Eye Disorders Blindness, optic neuritis, cataract Hepatobiliary Disorders Severe liver events (including hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure with some fatal outcomes), pancreatitis Hemic and Lymphatic Disorders Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia and pancytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, lupus-like syndrome, serum sickness Immune System Disorders Angioedema Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders Hyponatremia, hyperglycemia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders Rhabdomyolysis, trismus Nervous System Disorders Serotonin syndrome, extrapyramidal symptoms (including akathisia and dystonia), oculogyric crisis Psychiatric Disorders Psychosis, enuresis, paroniria Renal and Urinary Disorders Acute renal failure Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Pulmonary hypertension, eosinophilic pneumonia, anosmia, hyposmia Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Photosensitivity skin reaction and other severe cutaneous reactions, which potentially can be fatal, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) Vascular Disorders Cerebrovascular spasm (including reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and Call- Fleming syndrome), vasculitis