Zerseos 0.5 Mg/2.5 Mg Per 2.5 Ml Nebuliser Solution
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Zerseos 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml Nebuliser solution
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each 2.5ml ampoule contains 0.5mg ipratropium bromide (as 525 micrograms ipratropium bromide monohydrate) and 2.5mg salbutamol (as sulphate).
For the full list of excipients see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Nebuliser Solution.
A polyethylene ampoule containing clear, colourless solution.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Zerseos Nebuliser solution is indicated in the treatment of bronchospasm in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who require symptomatic treatment with both Ipratropium bromide and salbutamol.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
For inhalation use.
The recommended dose is:
Adults (including elderly patients and children over 12 years): The content of one ampoule three or four times daily.
Paediatric population : Zerseos is not recommended in children below 12 years of age due to lack of data on safety and efficacy.
Method of administration :
Zerseos 0.5 mg/2.5 mg per 2.5 ml Nebuliser solution may be administered from a suitable nebuliser, e.g. PARI LC PLUS Nebuliser, jet nebulizer, or an intermittent positive pressure ventilator after the single dose ampoule has been opened and its contents transferred to the nebuliser chamber. The use of the solution for nebulization is not only limited to the given examples, but can also be based on the experience of the clinical professional. For full instructions on the use of the nebuliser the patient should be instructed to read the leaflet of the respective device carefully before starting the inhalation.
Drug delivery characteristics were studied in vitro using the PARI LC PLUS nebuliser device:
|
Droplet size distribution (micrometer) |
Drug delivery rate (microgram s/min) |
Total drug delivered (micrograms/2,5 ml) | ||
|
D10 |
D50 |
D90 | ||
|
1 |
4 |
11 |
Salbutamol: 78.30 Ipratropium: 15.31 |
Salbutamol: 532.96 Ipratropium: 106.23 |
No information is available in respect of pulmonary inhalation and deposition patterns across nebuliser systems that have not been studied.
The use of an alternative untested nebuliser system may alter the pulmonary
deposition of the active substances, this in turn may alter the efficacy and safety of the product and dose adjustment may then become necessary.
The nebuliser solution in the single dose ampoules is intended for inhalation use only and should not be taken orally or administered parenterally.
i. Prepare the nebuliser by following the manufacturer’s instructions and the advice of your doctor.
ii. Carefully separate a new ampoule from the strip. Never use an ampoule that has been opened already.
iii. Open the ampoule by simply twisting off the top always taking care to hold it in an upright position.
iv. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, squeeze all the contents of the plastic ampoule into the nebuliser chamber.
v. Assemble the nebuliser and use it as directed by your doctor. The duration of treatment for the inhalation of a complete dose is usually between five and
15 minutes.
vi. After nebulisation clean the nebuliser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important that the nebuliser is kept clean.
As the single dose units contain no preservatives it is important that the contents are used immediately after opening and a fresh ampoule is used for each administration to avoid microbial contamination. Partly used, opened or damaged single dose units should be discarded.
Any nebuliser solution remaining in the nebuliser chamber should be discarded.
Repeated administration should be done at the earliest after 6 hours.
The daily dosage should not exceed 4 ampoules.
It is strongly recommended that Zerseos should not be mixed with other drugs in the same nebuliser
Renal or hepatic impairment
No data are available. Zerseos Nebulizer solution has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment and should therefore be administered with caution in these patients.
4.3 Contraindications
Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy or tachyarrhythmia.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances (salbutamol, ipratropium bromide) or to atropine or its derivatives or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 and/or other anticholinergics/beta-sympathomimetics.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Patients should be instructed to consult a doctor immediately in the event of acute, rapidly worsening dyspnoea or if a reduced response to treatment becomes apparent.
Immediate hypersensitivity reactions may occur after administration as demonstrated by rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, or pharyngeal oedema and anaphylaxis.
As with other inhalation therapy there is a risk of inhalation-induced bronchoconstriction or paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs the patient will experience an immediate increase in wheezing and shortness of breath after dosing, which should be treated straightaway with an alternative presentation or different fast- acting inhaled bronchodilator. Zerseos should be discontinued immediately, the patient should be assessed and, if necessary, alternative therapy instituted.
There are also rare reports of a number of ocular complications when aerosolised ipratropium bromide, either alone or in combination with a beta2-adrenergic agonist, has been inadvertently sprayed into the eye. Patients must therefore be instructed in the correct use of Zerseos with their nebuliser and must be warned not to allow the nebuliser solution or mist to enter the eyes. To avoid inadvertent entry of drug into the eye, it is preferable to administer the nebulised suspension using a mouthpiece rather than a face mask.
Such ocular complications may include mydriasis, blurring of vision, increased intraocular pressure, eye pain and narrow-angle glaucoma (including acute narrow-angle glaucoma). Patients who may be susceptible to glaucoma should be warned specifically about the need for ocular protection. Antiglaucoma therapy is effective in the prevention of acute narrow-angle glaucoma in susceptible individuals.
Eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos or coloured spots together with red eyes from conjunctival congestion or corneal oedema may be manifestations of acute narrow-angle glaucoma. If any combination of these symptoms develops, treatment with miotic eye drops should be initiated and the patient should seek specialist advice immediately.
In the following conditions Zerseos should only be used after careful assessment of risk/benefit: inadequately controlled diabetes mellitus, recent myocardial infarction and/or severe organic heart or vascular disorders, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, prostatic hypertrophy, bladder outflow obstruction and risk of narrow-angle glaucoma.
Caution should be exercised when Zerseos is used by patients with cardiac disease (severe heart disease, ischaemic disease, arrhythmias). Cardiovascular effects may be seen with sympathomimetic drugs, including salbutamol. There is some evidence from post-marketing data and published literature of rare occurrences of myocardial ischaemia associated with short acting beta-agonists.
Patients with underlying severe heart disease (e.g. ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias or severe heart failure) who are receiving salbutamol for respiratory disease should be warned to seek medical advice if they experience chest pain or other symptoms of worsening heart disease. Attention should be paid to assessment of symptoms such as dyspnoea and chest pain, as they may be either respiratory or cardiac in origin.
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy. Particular caution is advised in severe airway obstruction, as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, diuretics and steroids. Hypokalaemia
can bring about increased sensitivity to arrhythmias in patients being treated with digoxin. Additionally, hypoxia may aggravate the effects of hypokalaemia on cardiac rhythm. It is recommended that serum levels of potassium are monitored in such situations.
Patients with cystic fibrosis may be more prone to disturbances in gastrointestinal motility and therefore ipratropium bromide, as with other anticholinergics, should be used with caution in these patients.
If it is necessary to use higher doses than recommended to control the symptoms of bronchoconstriction (or bronchospasm) the patient’s treatment plan should be reassessed.
Dental caries has been reported with salbutamol use. It is recommended, particularly in children, to pay attention to proper oral hygiene and perform regular dental checkups.
Each ampoule is ready to use and requires no dilution. However, some types of appliances require over 2.5 ml volume: in these cases, add saline to Ipratropium bromide/ salbutamol Cipla to reach the minimum volume required.
Paediatric population:
Zerseos should not be used in children (see section 4.2).
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Concurrent use of additional beta2-agonists, corticosteroids, anticholinergics and xanthine derivatives (e.g theophylline) may enhance the effect of Zerseos on airway function and may increase the severity of side effects. Due to opposing pharmacodynamic interaction with the salbutamol element, a potentially serious reduction in effect may occur during concurrent administration of beta-blockers such as propranolol.
Salbutamol should be administered with caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, since the action of the beta2 adrenergic agonists may be enhanced.
Inhalation of anaesthetics containing halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. halothane, trichloroethylene and enflurane, may increase the susceptibility to cardiovascular side effects of beta2-agonists, which should therefore be monitored closely. Alternatively discontinuation of Zerseos prior to surgical operation should be considered.
Potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2-agonist therapy. Particular caution is advised in severe airway obstruction, as this effect may be potentiated by concomitant treatment with xanthine derivatives, diuretics and steroids. Potentially serious arrhythmias may occur during concomitant administration of digoxin and Zerseos. The interaction risk is aggravated by hypokalaemia and potassium levels should be monitored regularly. Hypokalaemia can bring about increased sensitivity to arrhythmias in patients being treated with digoxin.
The effect of other anticholinergic products may be potentiated.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data from the use of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol together in pregnant women (in early stages of pregnancy). In animal studies there has been evidence of some harmful effects on the foetus at very high dose levels. The potential risk for humans is unknown. Zerseos should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women (especially in the first trimester).
Salbutamol
Experience with the use of beta - agonists during early pregnancy suggests that there is no harmful effect at the doses normally used in inhalation therapy. High systemic doses at the end of pregnancy can cause inhibition of uterine contractions and may give rise to the occurrence of beta - 2 - specific fetal / neonatal reactions such as tachycardia and hypoglycemia. With inhalation therapy at recommended doses, the occurrence of these adverse side effects at the end of pregnancy is not expected.
Ipratropium bromide
There are no human data on its use during pregnancy. Experimental animal studies show no direct or indirect harmful effects during pregnancy. The potential risk for humans is unknown
Breast-feeding
Salbutamol can be used during breastfeeding. It is not known to what extent ipratropium bromide is excreted in human milk. Because of its pharmacokinetic properties, it is not likely that there is a lot excreted in breast milk. Ipatropiumbromide/ Salbutamol Cipla can therefore be used during breastfeeding
Fertility
No studies on the effect on human fertility have been conducted for Ipratropium bromide / Salbutamol Cipla. Animal studies reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of toxicity to reproduction (see section 5.3).
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, patients should be advised that they may experience undesirable effects such as dizziness, accommodation disorder, mydriasis and blurred vision during treatment with Zerseos. If patients experience the above mentioned side effects they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Thus there is no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Based on the MedDRA system organ class and frequencies, adverse events are listed in the table below.
Frequencies are defined as: very common ( 1/10), common ( 1/100 to <1/10), uncommon ( 1/1 000 to < 1/100), rare ( 1/10 000 to <1/1 000), very rare ( 1/10 000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
|
System organ class |
Symptom |
Frequency |
|
Immune system disorders |
Anaphylactic reaction, |
Rare |
|
hypersensitivity, |
Rare | |
|
angioedema of the face, lips and tongue |
Rare | |
|
Metabolism and nutritional disorders |
Hypokalaemia |
Rare |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
mental disorders nervousness |
Rare Uncommon |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Headache |
Uncommon |
|
Dizziness, feeling nervous, tremor, vertigo sweating, |
Uncommon Rare |
|
Eye disorders |
Accommodation disorders |
Rare |
|
Closed-angle glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, pain in the eye, mydriasis, corneal oedema, blurred vision, conjunctival hyperaemia, halo vision |
Rare | |
|
Cardiac disorders |
Palpitations, tachycardia |
Uncommon |
|
Increased systolic blood pressure, Arrhythmias |
Very Rare | |
|
Cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, |
Rare | |
|
supraventricular tachycardia and), |
Rare | |
|
decrease in diastolic blood pressure |
Rare | |
|
Myocardial ischaemia (see Section 4.4) | ||
|
Respiratory, thoracic |
Cough, dysphonia, throat |
Uncommon |
|
and mediastinal |
irritation | |
|
disorders |
Bronchospasm, laryngospasm, paradoxical bronchospasm (i.e., inhalation-induced bronchospasm), dry throat, pharyngeal oedema |
Rare |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Nausea, dry mouth, throat |
Common |
|
irritation |
Rare | |
|
Motility disturbances (e.g diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting), dental caries, mouth oedema, stomatitis, taste changes | ||
|
Skin and |
Rash, itching, Urticaria, |
Rare |
|
subcutaneous tissue |
Hyperhidrosis, angioedema |
Rare |
|
disorders |
Skin reactions |
Uncommon |
|
Musculoskeletal and |
Myalgia, muscle cramp | |
|
connective tissue |
and weakness, muscle |
Rare |
|
disorders |
spasm | |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Urinary retention |
Uncommon |
|
General disorders and administrative site conditions |
Asthenia |
Rare |
See 4.4 for Special warnings and precautions for use
Reporting suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme. Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9 Overdose
Symptoms
Acute effects of overdose with ipratropium bromide are mild and transient due to its poor systemic absorption after either inhalation or oral administration. Any effects of overdose are therefore likely to be related to the salbutamol component.
Manifestations of overdose with salbutamol may include anginal pain, hypertension, hypotension, widening of the pulse pressure, palpitations, hypokalaemia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, chest pain, tremor, flushing, restlessness, nausea, hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, psychotic reactions and dizziness. Metabolic acidosis has also been observed with overdosage of salbutamol. Patients should therefore be monitored closely for the potential unwanted effects from overdose of salbutamol. Hypokalaemia may occur following overdose with salbutamol and therefore serum potassium levels should be monitored.
Treatment
The preferred antidote for overdose with salbutamol is a cardio selective betablocking agent, but caution should be used in administering these drugs to patients with a history of bronchospasm.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Adrenergics and other drugs for obstructive airway diseases ATC code: R03A K04.
Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic agent, which inhibits vagally-mediated reflexes by antagonising the muscarinic action of acetylcholine. The bronchodilation following inhalation of ipratropium bromide is primarily local and specific to the lung and not systemic in nature.
Salbutamol is a beta2-adrenergic agonist, which acts on airway smooth muscle resulting in relaxation. Salbutamol relaxes all smooth muscle from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles and protects against bronchoconstrictor challenges.
Zerseos provides the simultaneous delivery of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate producing effects on both muscarinic and beta2-adrenergic receptors in the lung. This provides enhanced bronchodilation over that provided by each agent singly.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Ipratropium:
Absorption
Based on a cumulative excretion value (CRE0-24h) of about 3-4%, the range of total systemic bioavailability of inhaled doses of ipratropium bromide is estimated at 7 to 9%.
Distribution
Kinetic parameters describing the disposition of ipratropium bromide were calculated from plasma concentrations after i.v. administration. A rapid biphasic decline in plasma concentrations is observed.
The apparent volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss) is approximately 176 L (~ 2.4 L/kg). The drug is minimally (less than 20%) bound to plasma proteins. Ipratropium bromide like any other quaternary ammonium compound, is not expected to readily cross the blood brain barrier.
Metabolism and elimination
Ipratropium has a total clearance of 2.3 L/min and a renal clearance of 0.9 L/min. After administration via inhalation approximately 87%-89% of a dose is metabolised probably mainly in the liver by oxidation.
After administration via inhalation about 3.2% of drug related radioactivity, i.e. parent compound and metabolites, is eliminated in urine. Total radioactivity excreted via the faeces was for this route of administration. The half-life for elimination of drug-related radioactivity following inhalation is 3.2 hours. The main urinary metabolites bind poorly to the muscarinic receptor and have to be regarded as ineffective.
Salbutamol
Absorption
Salbutamol is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration either by the inhaled or the gastric route and has an oral bioavailability of approximately 50%. Mean peak plasma salbutamol concentrations of 492 pg/ml occur within three hours after inhalation of ipratropium/salbutamol.
Distribution
Kinetic parameters were calculated from plasma concentrations after i.v. administration. The apparent volume of distribution (Vz) is approximately 156 L (~ 2.5 L/kg). Only 8% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins. Salbutamol will cross the blood brain barrier reaching concentrations amounting to about five percent of the plasma concentrations.
Metabolism and elimination
Following this single inhaled administration, approximately 27% of the estimated mouthpiece dose is excreted unchanged in the 24-hour urine. The mean terminal half life is approximately 4 hours with a mean total clearance of 480 mL/min and a mean renal clearance of 291mL/min.
Salbutamol is conjugatively metabolised to salbutamol 4'-O-sulphate. The R(-)-enantiomer of salbutamol (levosalbutamol) is preferentially metabolised and is therefore cleared from the body more rapidly than the S(+) -enantiomer. Following intravenous administration, urinary excretion was complete after approximately 24 hours. The majority of the dose was excreted as parent compound (64.2) and 12.0% were excreted as sulphate conjugate. After oral administration urinary excretion of unchanged drug and sulphate conjugate we 31.8% and 48.2 of the dose, respectively.
Absorption characteristics of the combination ipratropium bromide - salbutamol sulphate
Co-administration of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol sulphate does not potentiate the systemic absorption of either component and that therefore the additive
activity of Zerseos is due to the combined local effect on the lung following inhalation.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, carcinogenic potential or toxicity to reproduction.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium chloride
Sulfuric acid (for pH adjustment)
Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
Unopened: 2 years
After removal from foil overwrap: 3 months
After opening the ampoule: Use immediately, discard any unused contents
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Keep ampoules in the outer pouch or carton in order to protect from light.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Each low density polyethylene ampoule contains 2.5 ml of colourless nebuliser solution,
Five plastic ampoules are overwrapped in a triple laminated pouch (polyester film/aluminium foil/ polyethylene film) and packed into cardboard cartons containing 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 ampoules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
For single use only. Use immediately after first opening the ampoule. Discard immediately after first use.
Partly used, opened or damaged ampoules should be disposed in accordance with local requirements.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Cipla (EU) Limited Hillbrow House, Hillbrow Road,
Esher, Surrey, KT10 9NW,
United Kingdom
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 36390/0161
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
13/10/2014
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
13/10/2014