Unamol

Unamol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Unamol is a brand name. Its generic name is Cisapride.

Unamol Introduction

Unamol is a gastrointestinal medication with prokinetic properties. It is used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Unamol improves the natural movement of the gastrointestinal tract, allowing food and fluids to move more quickly through the digestive system.

Uses for Unamol

Unamol is used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, as well as to treat symptoms related to GERD and other conditions related to too little stomach acid, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. It is sometimes used to facilitate upper gastrointestinal tract radiological studies. Unamol is also used in veterinary medicine to treat digestive disorders in dogs and cats.

Mechanism of Action

Unamol works by stimulating smooth muscle contraction in the digestive tract. It helps to increase the movement of food and fluids through the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce symptoms of conditions related to slow digestion, such as GERD. Unamol may also decrease the amount of acid secreted by the stomach, which can reduce the risk of GERD-related damage to the digestive system.

How Long Does Unamol Take to Work?

The effects of cisapride typically become noticeable within 1-2 hours after a dose is taken. The effects can last for up to 8 hours, depending on the dose. The maximum effect of any single dose of cisapride usually occurs within 4-6 hours.

Absorption

Unamol is rapidly and completely absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration. It is metabolized in the liver and reaches its maximum concentration in the blood 4-6 hours after ingestion.

Route of Elimination

Unamol is excreted from the body primarily in urine. Approximately 10-15% of a dose of cisapride is eliminated in the feces.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for adults is 10-20mg taken two to three times a day, no more than 60mg per day. The recommended dosage for children is 5-10mg taken two to three times a day, no more than 30mg per day. The dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's response and side effects.

Administration

Unamol is prescribed as tablets, which should be taken orally with water, one to two hours before or after meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.

Side Effects

Common side effects of cisapride include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and dry mouth. Patients may experience side effects such as increased heart rate, palpitations, and fatal irregular heartbeats in rare cases.

Toxicity

Unamol is generally regarded as a low-toxicity drug, but overdosage of the drug can cause severe side effects, including fatal irregular heartbeats. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical care should be sought.

Precautions

Unamol should not be used in pregnant women, as it may cause harm to the fetus. Unamol should also be avoided in patients with an allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients, and patients with certain conditions, such as heart arrhythmias and liver or kidney disease. Patients should inform their doctor of any concomitant medication they are taking before starting cisapride.

Interaction

Unamol may interact with certain drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, and sedatives. Patients should inform their doctor of any concomitant medication they are taking before starting cisapride.

Disease Interaction

Unamol should not be used in patients with certain conditions, such as heart arrhythmias and liver or kidney disease. Patients should inform their doctor of their medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or allergies before starting cisapride.

Drug Interaction

Unamol may interact with certain drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, and sedatives. Patients should tell their doctor of any concomitant medication they are taking before starting cisapride.

Food Interactions

Unamol does not appear to interact with food, but it is recommended that it be taken one to two hours before or after meals for optimal effect.

Pregnancy Use

Unamol should not be used in pregnant women, as it may cause harm to the fetus. Patients should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting cisapride.

Lactation Use

Unamol should not be used in lactating women, as it may be passed through breast milk to the infant. Patients should inform their doctor if they are breastfeeding before starting cisapride.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute overdose of cisapride may include vomiting, abdominal pains, decreased heart rate, dizziness, and tremor. Immediate medical care should be sought if an overdose is suspected.

Contraindication

Unamol is contraindicated in patients with an allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients, and patients with heart arrhythmias or liver or kidney disease.

Use Direction

Unamol tablets should be taken twice or thrice daily one to two hours before or after meals with water. The tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.

Storage Condition

Unamol tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from light, moisture, and heat.

Volume of Distribution

Unamol is rapidly and completely absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration. It is distributed into tissues of the body with high lipid content.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of cisapride is about 2.5-3.5 hours. The maximum effect of any single dose of cisapride usually occurs within 4-6 hours.

Clearance

Unamol is metabolized by the liver and is primarily eliminated through urine. However, a small percentage of the drug is excreted in the feces.

Here you find in details version of Unamol

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Unamol

Q1. What is Unamol?

Unamol is an oral medication used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as acid reflux and constipation. It is also known by the brand names Propulsid and Prepulsid.

Q2. How does Unamol work?

Unamol works by increasing the muscular contractions of the stomach and intestines, allowing food to move through the digestive system more quickly and efficiently. This helps to relieve symptoms associated with acid reflux and constipation.

Q3. Who should not take Unamol?

Unamol should not be taken by people who have certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease, angle-closure glaucoma, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q4. What are the potential side effects of Unamol?

Common side effects of Unamol include dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and headache. More serious side effects may include arrhythmia, agitation, and confusion.

Q5. Is Unamol habit-forming?

Unamol is not habit-forming and does not cause addiction or dependence.

Q6. What other medications can interact with Unamol?

Certain medications can interact with Unamol and should not be taken together. These include certain antibiotics, antifungals, antacids, heart medications, and certain antidepressants. Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions before taking Unamol.

Q7. Can Unamol be taken with food?

Yes, it is recommended to take Unamol with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Q8. What is the recommended dosage for Unamol?

The recommended dosage for Unamol is 20-40mg twice daily or 40-60mg once daily. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding dosage.

Q9. How long does Unamol take to work?

Unamol usually takes about one to four weeks to take effect. However, some patients may experience results sooner.

Q10. Is Unamol available in generic form?

Yes, Unamol is available as a generic medication. It is cheaper and just as effective as the brand name version.

Q11. How should Unamol be stored?

Unamol should be stored at room temperature between 59-86°F (15-30°C). Keep out of reach of children and away from sources of moisture.

Q12. Is Unamol safe for long-term use?

Yes, Unamol is generally safe for long-term use, but patients should consult their doctor to make sure.

Q13. Can Unamol be used to treat other conditions?

Unamol is only approved to treat acid reflux and constipation. It is not approved to treat any other gastrointestinal condition.

Q14. Is Unamol available over-the-counter?

No, Unamol is only available by prescription from a doctor.

Q15. Is Unamol sold in other countries?

Yes, Unamol is sold in other countries, but it is not available in the United States.

Q16. What should I do if I miss a dose?

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual.

Q17. Can I take Unamol with other medications?

Yes, Unamol can be taken with other medications, but patients should talk to their doctor about any potential drug interactions before taking them together.

Q18. Can Unamol be taken by children?

Unamol is not approved for use in children. However, some doctors may prescribe it for certain children with acid reflux or constipation.

Q19. Can I drink alcohol while taking Unamol?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Unamol as they may increase the risk of certain side effects.

Q20. Is Unamol safe for pregnant women?

No, Unamol is not safe for pregnant women and should be avoided.

Q21. Does Unamol cause weight gain?

No, Unamol does not cause weight gain.

Q22. Is Unamol taken once or twice a day?

Unamol can be taken once or twice a day, depending on the doctor's recommendation.

Q23. Is Unamol manufactured in the US?

No, Unamol is not manufactured in the US.

Q24. Does Unamol cause drowsiness?

Unamol can cause drowsiness in some people, so caution should be taken when operating dangerous machinery or performing activities that require alertness.

Q25. Can Unamol treat other gastrointestinal conditions?

No, Unamol is only approved to treat acid reflux and constipation.

Q26. Does Unamol interact with other medications?

Yes, Unamol can interact with other medications and should not be taken with certain antibiotics, antifungals, antacids, heart medications, and certain antidepressants.

Q27. What is the cost of Unamol?

The cost of Unamol varies depending on the pharmacy and the patient's insurance plan. Generic versions of the drug are usually cheaper than the brand name version.

Q28. Is Unamol safe for long-term use?

Yes, Unamol is generally safe for long-term use, but patients should consult their doctor to make sure.

Q29. What should I do if I experience side effects from Unamol?

If side effects occur, they generally resolve within a few days. If side effects are severe or do not improve, patients should alert their doctor.

Q30. Is Unamol safe for elderly people?

Yes, Unamol is considered safe for most elderly people, but they should be monitored for potential side effects.