Sodium Oxybate

Generic Name: sodium oxybate

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Sodium Oxybate

11 DESCRIPTION Sodium oxybate, a CNS depressant, is the active ingredient in sodium oxybate oral solution. The chemical name for sodium oxybate is sodium 4-hydroxybutyrate. The molecular formula is C 4 H 7 NaO 3 , and the molecular weight is 126.09 g/mole. The chemical structure is: Sodium oxybate is a white to off-white, powder that is very soluble in aqueous solutions.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Sodium oxybate, a CNS depressant, is the active ingredient in sodium oxybate oral solution. The chemical name for sodium oxybate is sodium 4-hydroxybutyrate. The molecular formula is C 4 H 7 NaO 3 , and the molecular weight is 126.09 g/mole. The chemical structure is: Sodium oxybate is a white to off-white, powder that is very soluble in aqueous solutions.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sodium oxybate oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy. Pediatric use information is approved for Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s XYREM (sodium oxybate) Oral Solution. However, due to Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Sodium oxybate oral solutio n is a central nervous system depressant indicated for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy (1).

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage for Adult Patients Initiate dosage at 4.5 g per night orally, divided into two doses ( 2.1 ). Titrate to effect in increments of 1.5 g per night at weekly intervals (0.75 g at bedtime and 0.75 g taken 2.5 to 4 hours later) ( 2.1 ). Recommended dosage range: 6 g to 9 g per night orally ( 2.1 ). Total Nightly Dose Take at Bedtime Take 2.5 to 4 Hours Later 4.5 g per night 2.25 g 2.25 g 6 g per night 3 g 3 g 7.5 g per night 3.75 g 3.75 g 9 g per night 4.5 g 4.5 g Important Administration Information Prepare both doses prior to bedtime; dilute each dose with approximately ¼ cup of water in pharmacy-provided containers ( 2.3 ). Allow 2 hours after eating before dosing ( 2.3 ). Take each dose while in bed and lie down after dosing ( 2.3 ).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions appear in other sections of the labeling: CNS depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Abuse and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Respiratory Depression and Sleep-Disordered Breathing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Depression and Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Other Behavioral or Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Parasomnias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Use in Patients Sensitive to High Sodium Intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Most common adverse reactions in adults (≥5% and at least twice the incidence with placebo) were nausea, dizziness, vomiting, somnolence, enuresis, and tremor (6.1).

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Concomitant use with divalproex sodium: An initial reduction in sodium oxybate oral solution dose of at least 20% is recommended (2.5, 7.2). 7.1 Alcohol, Sedative Hypnotics, and CNS Depressants Sodium oxybate oral solution is contraindicated for use in combination with alcohol or sedative hypnotics. Use of other CNS depressants may potentiate the CNS-depressant effects of sodium oxybate oral solution [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. 7.2 Divalproex Sodium Concomitant use of sodium oxybate oral solution with divalproex sodium results in an increase in systemic exposure to GHB, which was shown to cause a greater impairment on some tests of attention and working memory in a clinical study [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Warnings

WARNING: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DEPRESSION and ABUSE AND MISUSE. Central Nervous System Depression Sodium oxybate is a CNS depressant. In clinical trials at recommended doses, obtundation and clinically significant respiratory depression occurred in adult patients treated with sodium oxybate oral solution [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CNS depression: Use caution when considering the concurrent use of sodium oxybate oral solution with other CNS depressants (5.1). Caution patients against hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness or motor coordination within the first 6 hours of dosing or after first initiating treatment until certain that sodium oxybate oral solution does not affect them adversely (5.1). Depression and suicidality: Monitor patients for emergent or increased depression and suicidality (5.5). Confusion/Anxiety: Monitor for impaired motor/cognitive function (5.6). Parasomnias: Evaluate episodes of sleepwalking (5.7). High sodium content in sodium oxybate oral solution: Monitor patients with heart failure, hypertension, or impaired renal function (5.8). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Sodium oxybate oral solution is contraindicated for use in: combination with sedative hypnotics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. combination with alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of sodium oxybate in pregnant women. Oral administration of sodium oxybate to pregnant rats (150, 350, or 1,000 mg/kg/day) or rabbits (300, 600, or 1,200 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis produced no clear evidence of developmental toxicity; however, oral administration to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in increased stillbirths and decreased offspring postnatal viability and growth, at a clinically relevant dose [see Data] . In the U.S.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Sodium oxybate oral solution is a clear to slightly opalescent oral solution. Each prescription includes one bottle of sodium oxybate oral solution with attached press in bottle adaptor, and an oral measuring device (plastic syringe).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Oxybate used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sodium oxybate oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy. Pediatric use information is approved for Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s XYREM (sodium oxybate) Oral Solution. However, due to Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information. Sodium oxybate oral solutio n is a central nervous system depressant indicated for the treatment of cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy (1).

What are the side effects of Sodium Oxybate?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions appear in other sections of the labeling: CNS depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Abuse and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Respiratory Depression and Sleep-Disordered Breathing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Depression and Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Other Behavioral or Psychiatric Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Parasomnias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Use in Patients Sensitive to High Sodium Intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Most common adverse reactions in adults (≥5% and at least twice the incidence with placebo) were nausea, dizziness, vomiting, somnolence, enuresis, and tremor (6.1).

Can I take Sodium Oxybate during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of sodium oxybate in pregnant women. Oral administration of sodium oxybate to pregnant rats (150, 350, or 1,000 mg/kg/day) or rabbits (300, 600, or 1,200 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis produced no clear evidence of developmental toxicity; however, oral administration to rats throughout pregnancy and lactation resulted in increased stillbirths and decreased offspring postnatal viability and growth, at a clinically relevant dose [see Data] . In the U.S.

What are the important warnings for Sodium Oxybate?

WARNING: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) DEPRESSION and ABUSE AND MISUSE. Central Nervous System Depression Sodium oxybate is a CNS depressant. In clinical trials at recommended doses, obtundation and clinically significant respiratory depression occurred in adult patients treated with sodium oxybate oral solution [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CNS depression: Use caution when considering the concurrent use of sodium oxybate oral solution with other CNS depressants (5.1). Caution patients against hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness or motor coordination within the first 6 hours of dosing or after first initiating treatment until certain that sodium oxybate oral solution does not affect them adversely (5.1). Depression and suicidality: Monitor patients for emergent or increased depression and suicidality (5.5). Confusion/Anxiety: Monitor for impaired motor/cognitive function (5.6). Parasomnias: Evaluate episodes of sleepwalking (5.7). High sodium content in sodium oxybate oral solution: Monitor patients with heart failure, hypertension, or impaired renal function (5.8). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Sodium oxybate oral solution is contraindicated for use in: combination with sedative hypnotics [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. combination with alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.