MELLARIL-S

Drug Name: MELLARIL-S

MELLARIL-S DESCRIPTION:
THIORIDAZINE SUSPENSION- ORAL (thigh-oh-RID-uh-zeen)

COMMON MELLARIL-S BRAND NAME(S):
Mellaril

MELLARIL-S SIDE EFFECTS:
Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur, but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur, but report promptly: sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection, fainting. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MELLARIL-S:
MELLARIL-S: Shake well before using each dose. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Your dosage is based on your condition and your response to the medication. MELLARIL-S must be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or stop taking MELLARIL-S without first consulting your doctor. It may take up to two weeks for the full benefit of this medication to take effect.

MELLARIL-S WARNING:
Serious, even fatal heart problems (QTc interval prolongation) have occurred in patients taking thioridazine. This medicine should be used only when treatment with other drugs have failed.

MELLARIL-S USES:
MELLARIL-S is used to treat a mental/emotional condition (schizophrenia) that is untreatable with other drugs. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

MELLARIL-S PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: very high or very low blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease (especially reduced cytochrome P450 enzymes), irregular heartbeat, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution performing tasks that require alertness such as driving or operating machinery Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. MELLARIL-S may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. MELLARIL-S can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Use cautiously. Children should be monitored closely while using MELLARIL-S. MELLARIL-S should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain drugs closely related to this one (phenothiazines) are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MELLARIL-S DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants (including certain SSRIs such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine), sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, propranolol, pindolol, guanethidine, guanadrel, cisapride, metrizamide, cabergoline, lithium, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), drugs that help you sleep, muscle relaxants, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other drugs that can make you drowsy. Also report use of drugs affecting the heart rhythm (QT prolongation) such as: cisapride, pentamidine, certain quinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin), sotalol, amiodarone. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before using cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MELLARIL-S OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

MELLARIL-S NOTES:
Do not share MELLARIL-S with others. Certain tests (such as EKG and electrolytes) may be done as part of drug monitoring before and during therapy.

MISSED MELLARIL-S DOSE:
If you miss a dose and take 1 dose daily, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you take more than 1 dose daily, take it as soon as possible if it is within an hour or so of the missed dose. If not remembered within an hour, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

MELLARIL-S STORAGE:
Store in the original container provided at a room temperature not higher than 77 F (25C). Keep away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.