Levazeo 25 Tablet

LEVAZEO 25 TABLET

LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is a medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily used to manage various gastrointestinal and certain psychiatric disorders.

• Name: Levazeo 25 Tablet (Brand name)

• Composition: Each tablet contains 25 mg of Levosulpiride.

• Uses: LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is indicated for the treatment of:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including acid reflux, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, and bloating.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion), non-ulcer dyspepsia, and issues related to delayed gastric emptying, such as diabetic gastroparesis.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Psychotic disorders like somatic symptom disorders and chronic schizophrenia with negative symptoms. It works by increasing the pressure of the inferior esophageal sphincter, enhancing gastrointestinal motility, and blocking dopamine receptors in the brain to improve mood, behavior, and thoughts.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • The recommended adult dosage is typically one 25 mg tablet, three times daily, taken before meals.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Take the medication regularly at the same time each day as advised by your doctor.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Dizziness, sleepiness, weakness, vertigo (spinning sensation), headache, fatigue, restlessness, constipation, increased prolactin levels in the blood, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), sedation, maculopapular rash. In women, menstrual irregularities, gynaecomastia (breast enlargement), and galactorrhoea (milk secretion) may occur.
  • Serious (rare): Muscle stiffness or shaking (extrapyramidal symptoms), high fever (possible Neuroleptic malignant syndrome), seizures, and abnormal heart rhythm. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

• Precautions:

  • Avoid if allergic to levosulpiride or any components of the tablet.
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Avoid alcohol consumption as it can enhance side effects like drowsiness and sedation.
  • May cause dizziness and drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, epilepsy/seizures, mania, high blood pressure, breast cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, blockages/perforations, dementia, heart problems, or blood clot issues.
  • Not recommended for children under 18 years of age.
  • Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially antipsychotics, metoclopramide, sodium bicarbonate, and opioids, as interactions may occur. Antacids should be taken at least 2 hours apart from LEVAZEO 25 TABLET.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C.
  • Protect from direct sunlight and moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.
  • Store in the original package. Do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently Asked Questions about LEVAZEO 25 TABLET

What is LEVAZEO 25 TABLET used for?

LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is primarily used to manage various gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia (indigestion), and issues related to delayed gastric emptying, including diabetic gastroparesis. It also helps alleviate symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Additionally, it may be used to treat certain mental health conditions such as somatic symptom disorders and chronic schizophrenia with negative symptoms.

How does LEVAZEO 25 TABLET work?

LEVAZEO 25 TABLET contains Levosulpiride, which has antidopaminergic properties. It works by blocking specific dopamine D2 receptors both in the brain and in the gastrointestinal tract. This action helps to enhance gut movement and increase gastrointestinal motility without disrupting its rhythm, thereby preventing the backflow of food and acid from the stomach into the food pipe. By blocking chemical receptors in the brain, it can also help improve mood, behavior, and thoughts in the context of psychotic disorders.

What is the usual dosage of LEVAZEO 25 TABLET?

For adults, the recommended dosage is typically one 25 mg tablet, three times daily, taken before meals. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dose and duration of treatment.

What are the possible side effects of LEVAZEO 25 TABLET?

Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, headache, fatigue, constipation, and weight gain. Some individuals might also experience menstrual irregularities in women, breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) or milk secretion (galactorrhoea) in both men and women, and a decrease in libido. More serious, though rare, side effects can include abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms) and a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or any concerning symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Is LEVAZEO 25 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is generally considered unsafe and is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby and potential effects on breastfed infants. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can LEVAZEO 25 TABLET be taken with other medications?

LEVAZEO 25 TABLET can interact with certain medications. For example, it may interact with antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids (pain relievers), and medications that neutralize stomach acidity (like those containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide), which can reduce its effectiveness. Muscle relaxants (e.g., atropine, dicyclomine) and certain painkillers (e.g., codeine, ibuprofen) can also alter its effects on gut motility. It is essential to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking LEVAZEO 25 TABLET?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can enhance side effects like drowsiness and sedation.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have conditions such as epilepsy or seizures, breast cancer, pheochromocytoma (a type of tumor), gastrointestinal bleeding, blockage or perforation, dementia, heart problems, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Children: LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is generally not recommended for use in children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.

What happens if a dose of LEVAZEO 25 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of LEVAZEO 25 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should LEVAZEO 25 TABLET be stored?

Store LEVAZEO 25 TABLET at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep it in its original package, protected from light and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date.