Teva-Nabilone
Teva-Nabilone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Teva-Nabilone is a brand name. Its generic name is Nabilone.
Teva-Nabilone
Teva-Nabilone is a synthetic form of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating certain symptoms of cancer and AIDS. It is a synthetic cannabinoid and is used as an anti-emetic and in pain management. Teva-Nabilone is only available as a prescription medication in the United States.
Uses For
Teva-Nabilone is used to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, as well as the pain, exhaustion, and lack of appetite associated with AIDS and cancer patients in the palliative care setting. It is also used for neuropathic pain and to treat the side effects of chemotherapy such as nerve pain.
Mechanism of Action
Teva-Nabilone binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, acting like an agonist. It stimulates the release of endorphins which act as natural analgesics and can activate CB2 receptors, helping to reduce inflammation. Teva-Nabilone has also been found to increase dopamine levels in the mesolimbic reward systems in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Teva-Nabilone usually starts working within 30 minutes to one hour after ingestion. Effects are usually felt within a few hours and can last for six to eight hours. However, the length of time it takes for nabilone to take effect and the duration of its effects can vary from person to person.
Absorption
Teva-Nabilone is absorbed rapidly when taken either orally or sublingually, reaching peak concentrations approximately two hours after ingestion. The bioavailability of nabilone is approximately 70% when taken orally.
Route of Elimination
Teva-Nabilone is metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP 3A4 enzymes. It is then eliminated mainly through the kidneys, and also in small amounts through the feces and urine.
Dosage
The recommended initial adult dose of nabilone is 1 mg twice daily and can be increased progressively up to a maximum of 4mg per day. Before increasing the dose, patients should evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of the drug. Patients should also be monitored for adverse effects at regular intervals. The decision of increasing the dose or continuing with the same dose should be made after consulting with the doctor.
Administration
Teva-Nabilone can be taken orally by tablets or capsules, or it can be taken sublingually in a liquid solution. It is also available in a topical lotion.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of nabilone include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, impaired motor coordination, confusion, anxiety, memory problems, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, seizure can occur. Teva-Nabilone can also cause changes in mood, appetite, and sensations of pain.
Toxicity
Teva-Nabilone has a low potential for toxicity, but adverse effects may occur with larger doses or with risky drug combinations. Overdose of nabilone can lead to extreme sedation, coma, and death.
Precautions
Teva-Nabilone should not be used if the patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with liver, kidney, or heart disease. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking nabilone as it can cause drowsiness and impair motor functions.
Interactions
Teva-Nabilone may interact with other drugs, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, stimulants, anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, and drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Therefore, patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking prior to starting nabilone.
Disease Interaction
Teva-Nabilone may interact with certain diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, AIDS, hepatitis B and C, glaucoma, diabetes, asthma, and seizure disorders. It may also interact with conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Therefore, it is important to discuss these conditions with the healthcare provider prior to prescribing nabilone.
Drug Interaction
Teva-Nabilone may interact with certain drugs, including some antibiotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, opioid analgesics, hormones, and psychotropic medications. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking prior to starting nabilone.
Food Interactions
Teva-Nabilone may interact with certain foods, including grapefruit juice, which may increase concentrations of nabilone in the plasma and lead to increased side effects. Alcohol and marijuana may also increase side effects and impair motor function. Patients should inform their doctor of all food and beverages they consume prior to starting nabilone.
Pregnancy Use
Teva-Nabilone is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to lack of safety data, and because it may cause serious adverse effects in the developing fetus. Therefore, patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant prior to starting nabilone.
Lactation Use
Teva-Nabilone is not recommended for use in lactating women due to lack of safety data. Patients should inform their doctor if they are breastfeeding prior to starting nabilone.
Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of nabilone can result in extreme drowsiness, confusion, and coma. It can also cause respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, seizures, and death. Therefore, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these symptoms.
Contraindication
Teva-Nabilone is contraindicated in patients who have a known hypersensitivity to cannabinoids, as well as in patients who have a history of addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is also not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in patients with severe liver or kidney disease.
Use Direction
Patients should take nabilone as prescribed by their healthcare provider. It is important to follow the doctor’s advice regarding dosing, as well as to discuss any potential drug interactions prior to taking the medication. The dose should be taken with food or a snack to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Storage Condition
Teva-Nabilone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should also be kept in a secure place out of reach of children. It is important to check the expiration date when taking this medication, as expired nabilone can be harmful.
Volume of Distribution
Teva-Nabilone has a volume of distribution of about 1.3 L/kg. This means it is widely distributed throughout the body once absorbed.
Half Life
The half life of Teva-Nabilone is about 2-6 hours, meaning it is carried through the body in half the amount of time it took to reach peak concentrations.
Clearance
The clearance of nabilone is about 18 L/hr, indicating that it is quickly eliminated from the body.
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