Complete SPL Sections#
WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS
BOXED WARNING SECTION
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors 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) ] . Escitalopram oxalate is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 7 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ].
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
Escitalopram tablets are indicated for the treatment of: major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Additional pediatric use information is approved for AbbVie Inc.’s LEXAPRO (escitalopram) tablets. However, due to AbbVie Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
DOSAGE FORMS & STRENGTHS SECTION
5 mg are white to off-white, round, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘53’ on the other side. 10 mg are white to off-white, oval shaped, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘54’ on the other side with a deep scoreline between ‘5’ and ‘4’. 20 mg are white to off-white, oval shaped, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘56’ on the other side with a deep scoreline between ‘5’ and ‘6’.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
CONTRAINDICATIONS SECTION
Escitalopram tablets is contraindicated in patients: taking MAOIs with escitalopram tablets or within 14 days of stopping treatment with escitalopram tablets because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of escitalopram tablets within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Starting escitalopram tablets in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. taking pimozide [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. with a hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients in escitalopram tablets.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Discontinuation syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
DRUG INTERACTIONS SECTION
Table 6 presents clinically important drug interactions with escitalopram oxalate. TABLE 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Escitalopram Oxalate Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of SSRIs, including escitalopram oxalate, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Escitalopram oxalate is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Contraindications (4) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Pimozide Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of racemic citalopram with pimozide increases plasma concentrations of pimozide, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index, and may increase the risk of QT prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias compared to use of racemic citalopram alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Escitalopram oxalate is contraindicated in patients taking pimozide [see Contraindications (4) ]. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate and 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 escitalopram oxalate initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of escitalopram oxalate and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warning and Precautions (5.2) ] . Drugs That Interfere With Hemostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin, etc.) Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate and an antiplatelet or anticoagulant may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warning and Precautions (5.7) ] . Sumatriptan Clinical Impact: There have been postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of an SSRI and sumatriptan. Intervention: If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised [see Warning and Precautions (5.2) ] . Carbamazepine Clinical Impact: Combined administration of racemic citalopram (40 mg/day for 14 days) and carbamazepine (titrated to 400 mg/day for 35 days) did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, a CYP3A4 substrate. Intervention: Although trough citalopram plasma levels were unaffected, given the enzyme-inducing properties of carbamazepine, the possibility that carbamazepine might increase the clearance of escitalopram should be considered if the two drugs are coadministered. Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact: Coadministration of escitalopram (20 mg/day for 21 days) with the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (single dose of 50 mg), a substrate for CYP2D6, resulted in a 40% increase in C max and a 100% increase in AUC of desipramine. Intervention: The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Exercise caution during coadministration of escitalopram and drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS SECTION
9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE SECTION
10 OVERDOSAGE
OVERDOSAGE SECTION
The following have been reported with escitalopram 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, wide complex tachyarrhythmias, and torsade de pointes. 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). Prolonged cardiac monitoring is recommended in escitalopram oxalate overdosage ingestions due to the arrhythmia risk. Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a escitalopram oxalate overdose. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
11 DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION SECTION
Escitalopram tablets contain escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), present as escitalopram oxalate salt. Escitalopram is the pure S- enantiomer (single isomer) of the racemic bicyclic phthalane derivative citalopram. Escitalopram oxalate is designated S-(+)-1-[3(dimethyl-amino)propyl]-1-( p -fluorophenyl)-5-phthalancarbonitrile oxalate with the following structural formula: The molecular formula is C 20 H 21 FN 2 O • C 2 H 2 O 4 and the molecular weight is 414.40. Escitalopram oxalate USP occurs as a white to almost white, crystalline powder and is freely soluble in methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), soluble in isotonic saline solution, sparingly soluble in water and ethanol, slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and insoluble in heptane. Escitalopram tablets USP, for oral use, are film-coated, containing 6.38 mg, 12.77 mg, 25.54 mg escitalopram oxalate USP in strengths equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg, respectively, of escitalopram base. The 10 and 20 mg tablets are scored. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients: butylated hydroxyl anisole, butylated hydroxy toluene, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, and talc. The film coating contains hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, and titanium dioxide.
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY SECTION
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
CLINICAL STUDIES SECTION
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
HOW SUPPLIED SECTION
How Supplied Escitalopram Tablets USP, 20 mg are white to off-white, oval shaped, biconvex film-coated tablets debossed with ‘F’ on one side and ‘56’ on the other side with a deep scoreline between ‘5’ and ‘6’. Bottles of 90 NDC 51655-147-26 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide). Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Advise patients, their families and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior, especially during treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to their healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Serotonin Syndrome Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the with the concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort, and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid). Instruct patients to contact their health care provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . Discontinuation Syndrome Advise patients not to abruptly discontinue escitalopram oxalate and to discuss any tapering regimen with their healthcare provider. Inform patients that adverse reactions can occur when escitalopram oxalate is discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Activation of Mania or Hypomania Advise patients and their caregivers to observe for signs of activation of mania/hypomania and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Increased Risk of Bleeding Inform patients about the concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate with NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, other antiplatelet drugs, or other anticoagulants because the combined use has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking or planning to take any prescription or over-the-counter medications that increase the risk of bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Angle Closure Glaucoma Advise patients that taking escitalopram oxalate can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle closure glaucoma. Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angle glaucoma is not a risk factor for angle closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] . Sexual Dysfunction Advise patients that use of escitalopram oxalate may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients. Inform patients that they should discuss any changes in sexual function and potential management strategies with their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] . Concomitant Medications Since escitalopram is the active isomer of racemic citalopram (Celexa), the two agents should not be coadministered. Patients should be advised to inform their physician if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, as there is a potential for interactions. Interference with Psychomotor Performance Because psychoactive drugs may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that escitalopram oxalate therapy does not affect their ability to engage in such activities. Alcohol Patients should be told that, although escitalopram oxalate has not been shown in experiments with normal subjects to increase the mental and motor skill impairments caused by alcohol, the concomitant use of escitalopram oxalate and alcohol in depressed patients is not advised. Pregnancy Advise pregnant women to notify their healthcare providers if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with escitalopram oxalate. Advise patients that escitalopram oxalate use later in pregnancy may lead to increased risk for neonatal complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, tube feeding, and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) of the newborn [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Lactation Advise breastfeeding women using escitalopram oxalate to monitor infants for excess sedation, restlessness, agitation, poor feeding and poor weight gain and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Aurobindo Pharma Limited. Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.aurobindousa.com/medication-guides Distributed by: Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. 279 Princeton-Hightstown Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 Manufactured by: Aurobindo Pharma Limited Hyderabad-500 032, India Revised: 09/2024
SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION
SPL MEDGUIDE SECTION
Dispense with Medication Guide available at: www.aurobindousa.com/medication-guides MEDICATION GUIDE Escitalopram (es'' sye tal' oh pram) Tablets USP What is the most important information I should know about escitalopram tablets? Escitalopram tablets may cause serious side effects, including: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Escitalopram tablets and other antidepressant medicines increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression or other mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions? Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you or your child develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings or if you or your child develop suicidal thoughts or actions. Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled and call your healthcare provider between visits if you are worried about symptoms. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: attempts to commit suicide acting on dangerous impulses acting aggressive, being angry or violent thoughts about suicide or dying new or worse depression new or worsening anxiety panic attacks feeling very agitated or restless new or worse irritability trouble sleeping an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania) other unusual changes in behavior or mood What is escitalopram tablets? Escitalopram tablets is a prescription medicine used to treat: a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and children 12 years of age and older Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults It is not known if escitalopram tablets is safe and effective for use in children under 12 years of age with MDD or children under 7 years of age with GAD. Do not take escitalopram tablets if you or your child: are taking, or have stopped taking within the last 14 days, a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue are taking the antipsychotic medicine pimozide are allergic to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the ingredients in escitalopram tablets. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in escitalopram tablets. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you or your child take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Do not start taking an MAOI for at least 14 days after you or your child have stopped treatment with escitalopram tablets. Before taking escitalopram tablets, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you or your child : have or had seizures or convulsions have, or have a family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania have low blood sodium levels have or had bleeding problems have high pressure in the eye (glaucoma) have heart, liver, or kidney problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Escitalopram tablets may harm the unborn baby. Taking escitalopram tablets during the third trimester of pregnancy may cause the baby to have withdrawal symptoms, or breathing, temperature control, feeding, or other problems after birth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks to the baby if you or your child take escitalopram tablets during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your child become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with escitalopram tablets. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Escitalopram passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed the baby during treatment with escitalopram tablets. If you or your child breastfeed during treatment with escitalopram tablets, call your healthcare provider if the baby develops sleepiness or fussiness, or is not feeding or gaining weight well. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you or your child take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Escitalopram tablets and some medicines may affect each other and may cause serious side effects. Escitalopram tablets may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect the way escitalopram tablets work. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: medicines used to treat migraine headache known as triptans tricyclic antidepressants lithium tramadol, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, or other opioids tryptophan buspirone amphetamines St. John’s Wort medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) diuretics medicines that can affect blood clotting such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and warfarin Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you or your child are taking any of these medicines. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take escitalopram tablets with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any other medicines during treatment with escitalopram tablets without talking to your healthcare provider first. Stopping escitalopram tablets suddenly may cause you or your child to have serious side effects. See, “What are the possible side effects of escitalopram tablets?” Know the medicines you or your child take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get new medicine. How should I take escitalopram tablets? Take escitalopram tablets exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of escitalopram tablets until it is the right dose for you or your child. Take escitalopram tablets 1 time each day, in the morning or the evening. Take escitalopram tablets with or without food. If you or your child take too much escitalopram tablets, call your healthcare provider or Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What should I avoid while taking escitalopram tablets? Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how escitalopram tablets affects you. Escitalopram tablets can cause sleepiness or may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Do not drink alcohol during treatment with escitalopram tablets. What are the possible side effects of escitalopram tablets? Escitalopram tablets may cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about escitalopram tablets?” Serotonin syndrome. A potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome can happen when escitalopram tablets is taken with certain other medicines. See “Do not take escitalopram tablets if you?” Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you or your child have any of the following signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations) confusion coma fast heartbeat blood pressure changes sweating shaking (tremors), stiff muscles, or muscle twitching flushing dizziness seizures high body temperature (hyperthermia) nausea, vomiting, diarrhea loss of coordination Discontinuation syndrome. Suddenly stopping escitalopram tablets may cause you or your child to have serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may want to decrease the dose slowly. Symptoms may include: changes in...
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NDC: 51655-147-26