Oxazepam Capsules, USP

CIV

Revised- February 2021

Rx only

      Oxazepam, USP is the first of a chemical series of compounds known as the 3- hydroxybenzodiazepinones. A therapeutic agent providing versatility and flexibility in control of common emotional disturbances, this product exerts prompt action in a wide variety of disorders associated with anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability, and anxiety associated with depression. In tolerance and toxicity studies on several animal species, this product reveals significantly greater safety factors than related compounds (chlordiazepoxide and diazepam) and manifests a wide separation of effective doses and doses inducing side effects.

      Oxazepam, is 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one and has the following structural formula:

         MW 286.72

Oxazepam is a white-crystalline powder.

Each capsule for oral administration contain 10 mg, 15 mg or 30 mg of oxazepam.  

Inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue # 2, FD&C red # 40, ferric oxide black, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sda-3a alcohol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and other inert ingredients.

The 15 mg capsule also contains: FD&C yellow # 6.

The 30 mg capsule also contains: D&C red # 28.

Pharmacokinetic testing in 12 volunteers demonstrated that a single 30 mg dose of a capsule, tablet or suspension will result in equivalent extent of absorption.

For the capsule and tablet, peak plasma levels averaged 450 mg/mL and were observed to occur about 3 hours after dosing. The mean elimination half-life for oxazepam was approximately 8.2 hours (range 5.7 to 10.9 hours).

This product has a single, major inactive metabolite in man, a glucuronide excreted in the urine.

Age (<80 years old) does not appear to have a clinically significant effect on oxazepam kinetics. A statistically significant increase in elimination half-life in the very elderly (> 80 years of age) as compared to younger subjects has been reported, due to a 30% increase in volume of distribution, as well as a 50% reduction in unbound clearance of oxazepam in the very elderly (see PRECAUTIONS, Geriatric Use).

In mice, oxazepam exerts an anticonvulsant (anti-pentylenetetrazol) activity at 50-percent-effective doses of about 0.6 mg/kg orally. (Such anticonvulsant activity of benzodiazepines correlates with their tranquilizing properties.) To produce ataxia (rotabar test) and sedation (abolition of spontaneous motor activity), the 50-percent-effective doses of this product are greater than 5 mg/kg orally. Thus, about ten times the therapeutic (anticonvulsant) dose must be given before ataxia ensues, indicating a wide separation of effective doses and doses inducing side effects.

In evaluation of antianxiety activity of compounds, conflict behavioral tests in rats differentiate continuous response for food in the presence of anxiety-provoking stress (shock) from drug-induced motor incoordination. This product shows significant separation of doses required to relieve anxiety and doses producing sedation or ataxia. Ataxia-producing doses exceed those of related CNS-acting drugs.

Acute oral LD50 in mice is greater than 5000 mg/kg, compared to 800 mg/kg for a related compound (chlordiazepoxide).

Subacute toxicity studies in dogs for four weeks at 480 mg/kg daily showed no specific changes; at 960 mg/kg, two out of eight died with evidence of circulatory collapse. This wide margin of safety is significant compared to chlordiazepoxide HCl, which showed nonspecific changes in six dogs at 80 mg/kg. On chlordiazepoxide, two out of six died with evidence of circulatory collapse at 127 mg/kg, and six out of six died at 200 mg/kg daily. Chronic toxicity studies of oxazepam in dogs at 120 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks produced no toxic manifestation.

Fatty metamorphosis of the liver has been noted in six-week toxicity studies in rats given this product at 0.5% of the diet. Such accumulations of fat are considered reversible, as there is no liver necrosis or fibrosis. Breeding studies in rats through two successive litters did not produce fetal abnormality.

Oxazepam has not been adequately evaluated for mutagenic activity.

In a carcinogenicity study, oxazepam was administered with diet to rats for two years. Male rats receiving 30 times the maximum human dose showed a statistical increase, when compared to controls, in benign thyroid follicular cell tumors, testicular interstitial cell adenomas, and prostatic adenomas. An earlier published study reported that mice fed dietary dosages of 35 or 100 times the human daily dose of oxazepam for 9 months developed a dose-related increase in liver adenomas.1  In an independent analysis of some of the microscopic slides from this mouse study, several of these tumors were classified as liver carcinomas. At this time, there is no evidence that clinical use of oxazepam is associated with tumors.

      Oxazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic.

Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to oxazepam therapy.

This product has been found particularly useful in the management of anxiety, tension, agitation, and irritability in older patients.

Alcoholics with acute tremulousness, inebriation, or with anxiety, associated with alcohol withdrawal are responsive to therapy.

The effectiveness of oxazepam in long-term use, that is, more than 4 months, has not been assessed by systematic clinical studies. The physician should periodically reassess the usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

History of previous hypersensitivity reaction to oxazepam. Oxazepam is not indicated in psychoses.

Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids: Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including oxazepam, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

      Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone.  If a decision is made to prescribe oxazepam concomitantly with opioids, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use, and follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of oxazepam than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking oxazepam, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when oxazepam is used with opioids.  Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use with the opioid have been determined (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions.)

Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction: The use of benzodiazepines, including Oxazepam, exposes users to the risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines often (but not always) involve the use of doses greater than the maximum recommended dosage and commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes, including respiratory depression, overdose, or death (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Abuse).

Before prescribing Oxazepam and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., using a standardized screening tool). Use of Oxazepam, particularly in patients at elevated risk, necessitates counseling about the risks and proper use of Oxazepam along with monitoring for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction. Prescribe the lowest effective dosage; avoid or minimize concomitant use of CNS depressants and other substances associated with abuse, misuse, and addiction (e.g., opioid analgesics, stimulants); and advise patients on the proper disposal of unused drug. If a substance use disorder is suspected, evaluate the patient and institute (or refer them for) early treatment, as appropriate.

Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions: To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Oxazepam or reduce the dosage (a patient-specific plan should be used to taper the dose) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Oxazepam).

Patients at an increased risk of withdrawal adverse reactions after benzodiazepine discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction include those who take higher dosages, and those who have had longer durations of use.

Acute Withdrawal Reactions

The continued use of benzodiazepines, including Oxazepam,   may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of Oxazepam after continued use or administration of flumazenil (a benzodiazepine antagonist) may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life threatening. (e.g., seizures) (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE-Dependence).

Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome

In some cases, benzodiazepine users have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE-Dependence).

As with other CNS-acting drugs, patients should be cautioned against driving automobiles or operating dangerous machinery until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy on oxazepam therapy.

Patients should be warned that the effects of alcohol or other CNS-depressant drugs may be additive to those of Oxazepam, possibly requiring adjustment of dosage or elimination of such agents.

An increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of minor tranquilizers (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and meprobamate) during the first trimester of pregnancy has been suggested in several studies. Oxazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, has not been studied adequately to· determine whether it, too, may be associated with an increased risk of fetal abnormality. Because use of these drugs is rarely a matter of urgency, their use during this period should almost always be avoided. The possibility that a woman of childbearing potential may be pregnant at the time of institution of therapy should be considered. Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant during therapy or intend to become pregnant they should communicate with their physician about the desirability of discontinuing the drug.

The necessity for discontinuation of therapy due to undesirable effects has been rare. Transient, mild drowsiness is commonly seen in the first few days of therapy. If it persists, the dosage should be reduced. In few instances, dizziness, vertigo, headache, and rarely syncope have occurred either alone or together with drowsiness. Mild paradoxical reactions, i.e., excitement, stimulation of affect, have been reported in psychiatric patients; these reactions may be secondary to relief of anxiety and usually appear in the first two weeks of therapy.

      Other side effects occurring during oxazepam therapy include rare instances of minor diffuse skin rashes-morbilliform, urticarial, and maculopapular nausea, lethargy, edema, slurred speech, tremor and altered libido. Such side effects have been infrequent and are generally controlled with reduction of dosage. A case of an extensive fixed drug eruption also has been reported.

Although rare, leukopenia and hepatic dysfunction including jaundice have been reported during therapy. Periodic blood counts and liver-function tests are advisable. Ataxia with oxazepam has been reported in rare instances and does not appear to be specifically related to dose or age.

Although the following side reactions have not as yet been reported with oxazepam, they have occurred with related compounds (chlordiazepoxide and diazepam): paradoxical excitation with severe rage reactions, hallucinations, menstrual irregularities, change in EEG pattern, blood dyscrasias including agranulocytosis, blurred vision, diplopia, incontinence, stupor, disorientation, fever, and euphoria.

      Transient amnesia or memory impairment has been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines.

Controlled Substance

Oxazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

      In the management of overdosage with any drug, it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been taken.

Symptoms

Overdosage of benzodiazepines is usually manifested by varying degrees of central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild cases, symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion and lethargy. In more serious cases, and especially when other drugs or alcohol were ingested, symptoms may include ataxia, hypotonia, hypotension, hypnotic state, stage one (1) to three (3) coma, and very rarely, death.

Management

      Induced vomiting and/or gastric lavage should be undertaken, followed by general supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, and close observation of the patient. Hypotension, though unlikely, usually may be controlled with norepinephrine bitartrate injection. The value of dialysis has not been adequately determined for oxazepam.

The benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil may be used in hospitalized patients as an adjunct to, not as a substitute for, proper management of benzodiazepine overdose. The prescriber should be aware of a risk of seizure in association with flumazenil treatment, particularly in long-term benzodiazepine users and in cyclic antidepressant overdose. The complete flurnazenil package insert including “CONTRAINDICATIONS,” “WARNINGS,” and “PRECAUTIONS” should be consulted prior to use.

Because of the flexibility of this product and the range of emotional disturbances responsive to it, dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effects.

This product is not indicated in pediatric patients under 6 years of age. Absolute dosage for pediatric patients 6 to 12 years of age is not established.

Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Oxazepam

To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue Oxazepam or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly (see WARNINGS: Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE: Dependence).

Oxazepam capsules, USP are available as:

10 mg - Each #4 white opaque/white opaque gelatin capsule, printed FBP660 in black ink on the cap and body contains 10 mg of Oxazepam, USP. Oxazepam Capsules are supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC 52817-290-10)

15 mg - Each #4 red opaque/red opaque gelatin capsule, printed FBP661in black ink on the cap and body, contains 15 mg of Oxazepam, USP. Oxazepam Capsules are supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC 52817-291-10)

30 mg - Each #4 maroon opaque/maroon opaque gelatin capsule, printed FBP662 in black ink on the cap and body, contains 30 mg of Oxazepam, USP. Oxazepam Capsules are supplied in bottles of 100 (NDC 52817-292-10)

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture.

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.

1. FOX, K.A, LAHCEN, R.B.: Liver-cell Adenomas and Peliosis Hepatis in Mice Associated with Oxazepam Res. Commun. Chem Pathol. Pharmacol. 8:481-488,1974.

MEDICATION GUIDE

Oxazepam (ox-AZE-e-pam) Capsules, USP  C-IV

What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?

• Oxazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine. Taking benzodiazepines with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (including street drugs) can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma and death.

Get emergency help right away if any of the following happens:

o shallow or slowed breathing

o breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)

o excessive sleepiness (sedation).

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how taking oxazepam with opioids affects you.

Risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. There is a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction with benzodiazepines, including Oxazepam, which can lead to overdose and serious side effects including coma and death.  

o Serious side effects including coma and death have happened in people who have abused or misused benzodiazepines, including Oxazepam. These serious side effects may include delirium, paranoia, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you get any of these serious side effects.

• You can develop an addiction even if you take Oxazepam exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

o Take Oxazepam exactly as your healthcare provider prescribed.

o Do not share your Oxazepam with other people

o Keep Oxazepam in a safe place and away from children.

Physical dependence and withdrawal reactions.

o Do not suddenly stop taking Oxazepam.  Stopping Oxazepam suddenly can cause serious and life-threatening side effects, including unusual movements, responses, or expressions,  seizures, sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes, depression, seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, an extreme increase in activity or talking, losing touch with reality, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you get any of these symptoms.

o Some people who suddenly stop benzodiazepines have symptoms that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months, including, anxiety, trouble remembering, learning, or concentrating, depression, problems sleeping, feeling like insects are crawling under your skin, weakness, shaking, muscle twitching, burning or prickling feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, and ringing in your ears.

Physical dependence is not the same as drug addiction. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about the differences between physical dependence and drug addiction.

o Do not take more oxazepam than prescribed or take oxazepam for longer than prescribed.

What is oxazepam?

• Oxazepam is a prescription medicine used:
  
  
• to treat anxiety disorders
  
  
• for the short-term relief  of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety that can happen with depression
  
  
• to treat anxiety, tension, agitation and irritability in elderly people
  
  
• to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal including agitation, shakiness (tremor), and anxiety associated with acute alcohol withdrawal.
  
  
• Oxazepam is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it contains oxazepam that can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep oxazepam capsules in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away oxazepam capsules may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your healthcare provider if you have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
  
  
• It is not known if oxazepam is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age.
  
  
• It is known if oxazepam is safe and effective for use longer than 4 months.

Do not take oxazepam  if you:

• are allergic to oxazepam or any of the ingredients in oxazepam capsules. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in oxazepam capsules.

Before you take oxazepam, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have or have had depression,  mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior
  
  
• have liver or kidney problems
  
  
• have or have had problems with fainting or low blood pressure
  
  
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Oxazepam may harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should take oxazepam while you are pregnant.
  
  
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Oxazepam may pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take oxazepam

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Taking oxazepam with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well oxazepam or the other medicines work Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to your healthcare provider.

How should I take oxazepam?

• See "What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?"
  
  
• Take oxazepam exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many oxazepam capsules to take and when to take it.
  
  
• If you take too many oxazepam capsules, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What are the possible side effects of oxazepam?

Oxazepam may cause serious side effects, including:

• See "What is the most important information I should know about oxazepam?"
  
  
• Low blood pressure. Oxazepam can cause low blood pressure especially in elderly people.

Oxazepam can make you sleepy or dizzy and can slow your thinking and motor skills.

o Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how oxazepam affects you.

o Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that may make you sleepy or dizzy while taking oxazepam without first talking to your healthcare provider. When taken with alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness or dizziness, oxazepam may make your sleepiness or dizziness much worse.

The most common side effects of oxazepam include:

These are not all the possible side effects of oxazepam. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store oxazepam?

• Store oxazepam at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  
  
• Keep oxazepam in a tightly closed container and out of the light.
  
  
• Keep oxazepam capsules and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of oxazepam capsules.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use oxazepam for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give oxazepam to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about oxazepam that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in oxazepam?

Active ingredient: oxazepam

Inactive ingredients:

croscarmellose sodium, D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1, FD&C blue # 2, FD&C red # 40, ferric oxide black, gelatin, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sda-3a alcohol, shellac, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide and other inert ingredients.

The 15 mg capsule also contains: FD&C yellow # 6.

The 30 mg also contains: D&C red # 28.

For more information, call TruPharma LLC at 1-877-541-5504

Manufactured by:

Frontida BioPharm, Inc. Philadelphia, PA 19124 USA

Distributed by:

TruPharma LLC, Tampa, FL 33609 USA

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Issued: 02/05/2021

Rev 04, 02/2021

52817-290-10

Oxazepam

Capsules, USP

10 mg

100 capsules

Rx Only

52817-291-10

Oxazepam

Capsules, USP

15 mg

100 capsules

Rx Only

52817-292-10

Oxazepam

Capsules, USP

30 mg

100 capsules

Rx Only