WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Acute Dystonic Reactions And Other Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), manifested primarily as acute dystonic reactions, may occur with Tigan. Dystonic reactions may include sudden onset of muscular spasms, especially in the head and neck or opisthotonos. Other EPS include laryngospasm, dysphagia, and oculogyric crisis. Involuntary spasms of the tongue and mouth may lead to difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Anticholinergic drugs can be used to treat acute dystonic reactions.
EPS may also include akathisia, restlessness, akinesia, and other parkinsonian-like symptoms (e.g., tremor). Depending on the severity of symptoms, reduce the daily dosage of Tigan by increasing the dosing interval or discontinue Tigan [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Avoid Tigan in patients receiving other drugs that are likely to cause EPS (e.g. antipsychotics) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Masking Of Other Serious Disorders
EPS and other CNS symptoms which can occur in patients treated with Tigan may be confused with CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease (e.g., encephalopathy, metabolic imbalance, Reye’s syndrome)) [see Acute Dystonic Reactions And Other Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), Other CNS Reactions]. If CNS symptoms occur, evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing Tigan for each patient.
Other CNS Reactions
Other serious CNS adverse reactions such as coma, depression of mood, disorientation, and seizures have been reported with Tigan administration. The recent use of other drugs that cause CNS depression or EPS symptoms (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and anticholinergics) may also increase the risk for these serious CNS reactions [see Acute Dystonic Reactions And Other Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), Effects On The Ability To Drive Or Operate Machinery]. Consider reducing the daily dosage of Tigan by increasing the dosing interval or discontinuing the drug [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Hepatotoxicity
Tigan is potentially hepatotoxic [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Avoid use of Tigan in patients whose signs and symptoms suggest the presence of hepatic impairment. Discontinue Tigan in patients who develop impaired liver function while taking Tigan.
Effects On The Ability To Drive Or Operate Machinery
Tigan can cause drowsiness and may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery [see Acute Dystonic Reactions And Other Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS), Other CNS Reactions]. Concomitant use of other drugs that cause CNS depression or EPS symptoms (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, and anticholinergics) may increase this effect. Either Tigan or the other interacting drug should be chosen, depending on the importance of the drug to the patient [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery until they are reasonably certain that Tigan does not affect them adversely.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
The limited available data with trimethobenzamide in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. No adverse developmental effect was observed in animal reproduction studies with administration of trimethobenzamide hydrochloride during organogenesis in pregnant rats at doses 0.16 and 0.8 times the recommended human dose (RHD) and in pregnant rabbits at doses 1.6 times the RHD [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
Reproduction studies with trimethobenzamide hydrochloride were conducted in rats and rabbits following administration of trimethobenzamide hydrochloride during organogenesis and no adverse developmental effect was observed in either species. The only effects observed were an increased percentage of embryonic resorptions or stillborn pups in rats administered 20 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg (0.16 and 0.8 times the RHD of 1200 mg/day, based on body surface area) and increased resorptions in rabbits receiving 100 mg/kg (1.6 times the RHD of 1200 mg/day, based on body surface area). In each study, these adverse effects were attributed to one or two dams.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information on the presence of trimethobenzamide in human milk, the effects of Tigan on the breastfed infant or the effects of Tigan on milk production. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of Tigan to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Tigan and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Tigan or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of Tigan in pediatric patients has not been established.
Tigan is not recommended for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of EPS and other serious CNS effects, and the risk of exacerbation of underlying disease in pediatric patients with Reye’s Syndrome, or other hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of trimethobenzamide did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Although there are studies reported in the literature that included geriatric patients 65 years and older with younger patients, it is not known if there are differences in efficacy or safety parameters for geriatric and non-geriatric patients treated with Tigan. Trimethobenzamide is excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because geriatric patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, reduce the daily dosage of Tigan by increasing the dosing interval and adjust as needed based upon therapeutic response and tolerability. Monitor renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION , Renal Impairment].
Renal Impairment
Trimethobenzamide is eliminated by renal excretion [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance 70 mL/min/1.73m2 or less), reduce the daily dosage by increasing the dosing interval and adjust as needed based upon therapeutic response and tolerability. Monitor renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hepatic Impairment
Avoid Tigan in patients whose signs and symptoms suggest the presence of hepatic impairment due to the risk of hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Discontinue Tigan in patients who develop impaired liver function while taking Tigan.