Aldonil Od Tablet ( 10 Tab )

ALDONIL OD TABLET ( 10 TAB ) by ZYDUS HEALTHCARE LIMITED

Name: ALDONIL OD TABLET is a brand-name medication manufactured by Zydus Healthcare Limited (also referred to as Zydus Cadila).

Composition: The active ingredient in ALDONIL OD TABLET is Epalrestat, typically in a 150 mg strength. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors.

Uses: ALDONIL OD TABLET is prescribed for the management of diabetic neuropathy, a common and serious complication of diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy involves nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels, often affecting the legs and feet. This medicine helps alleviate symptoms such as burning sensations, sharp pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness associated with nerve damage by inhibiting the aldose reductase enzyme, which prevents the accumulation of sorbitol in nerves and tissues.

Dosage and Administration: ALDONIL OD TABLET can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in your system and ensure you don't miss a dose. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your individual needs and response to the medication. It may take up to three months to experience the full benefits, so consistent and regular use is crucial. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, elevated liver enzymes (detected through liver function tests), diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache. These are usually temporary and resolve as your body adjusts.
• Serious Side Effects (Rare): Serious allergic reactions, severe skin rashes, and significant liver problems, which may manifest as yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe itching, or swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor about any pre-existing kidney or liver conditions before starting treatment.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor, as the use of ALDONIL OD TABLET is advised with caution, and only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
• Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as it can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
• ALDONIL OD TABLET may cause dizziness; therefore, you should only drive or operate machinery if you are alert.
• It is not recommended for children as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
• Regular blood tests may be necessary to monitor liver function during treatment.
• This medicine manages diabetic neuropathy but does not replace medications that control blood sugar levels; continue all other prescribed diabetes medicines.
• A holistic treatment plan including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, as advised by your healthcare provider, enhances the effectiveness of ALDONIL OD TABLET.
• Do not take this medicine if you have known allergies to Epalrestat or any other ingredients.

Storage: Store ALDONIL OD TABLET below 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the reach and sight of children.

Aldonil OD Tablet, containing Epalrestat 150 mg, is a medication used to manage diabetic neuropathy, a common nerve disorder associated with diabetes. This medication helps alleviate symptoms and aims to slow the progression of nerve damage. Below are frequently asked questions about Aldonil OD Tablet.

What is Aldonil OD Tablet used for?

Aldonil OD Tablet is primarily used to manage diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage resulting from long-term high blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. It helps relieve symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sharp pains, cramps, and muscle weakness, particularly in the hands and feet. The medicine also helps protect nerves from further damage.

How does Aldonil OD Tablet work?

Aldonil OD Tablet contains Epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor. It works by blocking the enzyme aldose reductase, which is responsible for converting excess glucose into sorbitol within the body's cells. In diabetes, the accumulation of sorbitol in nerve cells is believed to contribute to nerve damage. By inhibiting this enzyme, Aldonil OD Tablet reduces sorbitol buildup, thereby preventing osmotic stress and protecting nerve cells from further harm.

What is the usual dosage for Aldonil OD Tablet?

The daily dose of Aldonil OD Tablet should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage may be adjusted based on the severity of your diabetic neuropathy and your response to the treatment. It can be taken with or without food, but for best results and to maintain consistent levels in your body, it should be taken at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it. It may take up to three months to experience the full benefits of this medicine, and it is important to continue taking it regularly as directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Aldonil OD Tablet?

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and increased liver enzyme levels, which can be detected through blood tests. Other reported side effects can include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, dry mouth, and rash. Most side effects are temporary and resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if any side effects persist, worsen, or become bothersome, you should consult your doctor. In rare cases, serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, severe skin rashes, or significant liver problems (e.g., yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe itching, swelling) may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

Is Aldonil OD Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Caution is advised when taking Aldonil OD Tablet during pregnancy. It is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered absolutely necessary by a doctor, where the potential benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks. Limited information is available regarding its use in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Caution is also advised if you are breastfeeding. Aldonil OD Tablet is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women unless absolutely essential. You should consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits, as your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medication based on your clinical condition.

Can Aldonil OD Tablet be taken with other medications?

Aldonil OD Tablet may interact with other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal medicines you are currently taking. For instance, Aldonil OD Tablet may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of insulin medications and oral hypoglycemic agents (like metformin or glibenclamide), potentially leading to low blood sugar. Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin and rifampicin, might also affect how epalrestat is processed in your body. You should continue taking other prescribed diabetes medications for blood sugar control, as Aldonil OD Tablet primarily manages nerve damage and does not replace those medicines.

What precautions should be taken while using Aldonil OD Tablet?

Before starting Aldonil OD Tablet, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions, especially liver or kidney problems, as caution is advised, and your liver function may need to be monitored through regular blood tests. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking this medication as it may increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery. Aldonil OD Tablet is generally not recommended for children under 18 years of age, and older patients should use it under medical supervision. This medicine is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management as advised by your doctor.

What happens if a dose of Aldonil OD Tablet is missed?

If you forget to take a dose of Aldonil OD 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 Aldonil OD Tablet be stored?

Aldonil OD Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it at room temperature, typically between 15-30°C, and protect it from moisture and humidity. It should be kept in its original packaging until ready for use and stored out of the reach of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.