Generic Meridia

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Sibutramine under the brand name Meridia is an oral prescription drug for the treatment of obesity. Bearing the actual generic name Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydrate, Meridia acts as an appetite suppressant through a unique mechanism of action. It is a centrally-acting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor structurally allied to amphetamines. Manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, the drug comes under Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. Though Sibutramine has no potential for drug abuse, its use as an anorectic (causing loss of appetite) is the only reason why it is categorized as a controlled drug. Overprescription of anorectics had led to several cases of abuse or addiction in the mid-20 th century.

 

MECHANISM OF ACTION

 

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, Meridia (Sibutramine) acts by altering neurotransmitters inside the brain. Neurotransmitters are actually chemicals generated and discharged by nerves to communicate with each other. Reuptake is a process within the brain that involves the attachment of released neurotransmitters to other nerves or adoption of these chemicals again by the nerves that release them. So, Meridia inhibits this reuptake process of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, thereby modifying the balance of neurotransmitters within the nerve cells and influencing function and interaction of nerves.

 

COMPOSITION

 

Meridia is supplied in 5 mg (blue and yellow); 10mg (blue and white), and 15mg (white and yellow) capsule form. Sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate is the active ingredient in this medication that also contains a number of inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, NF; lactose monohydrate, NF; magnesium stearate, NF; and colloidal silicon dioxide, NF in a hard-gelatin capsule.

 

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

 

Meridia (Sibutramine) is indicated for patients to manage their obesity. It is employed for weight loss as well as maintenance of weight loss and should be well-supported by a reduced calorie diet. Obese patients who have an initial body mass index greater than and equal to 30 kg/m 2 or greater than and equal to 27 kg/m 2 along with other risk factors like controlled hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes should use Sibutramine.

 

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

 

The initial dosage of Meridia (Sibutramine) is 10 mg capsule taken once daily, mostly in the morning. If this proves inadequate, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage to 15 mg after a minimum of 4 weeks to obtain the desired effect. Various clinical trials have studied doses of up to 60 mg. You may take Sibutramine with or without food. Patients who don’t tolerate the 10 mg dose should be administered a 5 mg dose. The decisions regarding dose adjustment should be taken only after examining blood pressure and heart rate changes thoroughly.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

 

The use of Meridia (Sibutramine) is contraindicated in a number of situations. It is contraindicated in patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Patients with hypersensitivity to Sibutramine or any other inactive ingredients of Meridia should not use the medication. It is also contraindicated in people with a major eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Meridia should not be prescribed to patients who are taking other centrally-acting weight loss drugs.