Class: Analgesic anti-inflammatory

Manufacturer: Laboratory & Allied Ltd. Plot No. 209/10349, Mombsa road

Dosage Form: Tablet

Similar Brands: Zulu SP

Uses:

Zalac SP is indicated for the relief of inflammation, pain and fever following operation or traumatic injury. It may be used for acute gout; migraine; painful muscle spasm associated with static and functional disorders of the spine; relief of pain following surgery for disc prolapse/osteoarthritis of the hip; ankylosing spondylitis; osteoarthritis; symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation in post-traumatic pain; cervical pain and low back pain

Dosage:

The recommended dose is 1 tablet two times daily after meals. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed. In case of a missed dose, the missed dose should be taken as soon as noticed or, skipped if it is about time for next dose after which a regular schedule should be continued. The dose should not be doubled.

Side Effects:

The following side effects may occur due to the active ingredients in Zalac SP tablets: Dizziness; Vertigo; Ulcerative stomatitis; Elevation of circulating levels of hepatic enzymes and serum creatinine levels; Gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, diarrhea, melaena, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, anorexia, nausea or vomiting may occur; Peptic ulcers, perforation or gastrointestinal bleeding, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly, may occur. Haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, exacerbation of colitis and Crohn’s disease have been reported; Vascular and cardiac disorders that have been reported include: oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure. Allergic reactions such as redness, rashes, pruritus or dermatitis; Tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, and feet; Dry mouth; Increased muscle spasms; Yellowing of the skin or eyes; Unexplained flu-like symptoms

Warnings & Precautions:

Special precautions should be observed when treating patients with hepatic porphyria; bleeding tendencies; blood disorders; Crohn’s disease; decreased heart function; history of peptic ulcers; inflammation of the bowel and back passage; recent major surgery; stomach disorders; intestinal disorders; hepatic impairment; renal impairment; hypertension; low blood pressure or who are on medication to treat high blood pressure or on birth control pills use with Zalac SP.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

Not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Zalac SP may increase plasma concentrations of lithium, digoxin and methotrexate. Activity of anticoagulants and CNS depressants may be increased and of diuretics inhibited. Effects of zidovudine may be decreased. When concomitantly administered with potassium sparing diuretics, serum potassium should be monitored. Zalac SP may be enhance cyclosporine nephrotoxicity and may precipitate convulsions when co-administered with quinolone antibiotics. Chronic excessive ingestion of alcohol will potentiate hepatotoxicity of paracetamol in the preparation. Cholestyramine and activated charcoal administered immediately following Zalac SP will reduce absorption of paracetamol from the preparation while domperidone and metoclopramide will enhance absorption of paracetamol. Zalac SP may intensify the effect of anticoagulants when administered concomitantly.

Contraindications:

Zalac SP should be used with caution in children and the elderly.
Zalc SP is contra-indicated in: pregnancy; neonates; breastfeeding; hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs or any of the ingredients of Zalac SP; active peptic ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or intestines. Zalac SP should be given with caution to those patients on anticoagulant therapy, those with blood coagulation abnormalities and those with moderate or serious hepatic or renal disorders.

Price: Ksh 350/- (Zalac SP Tablets 10's)

Notes:

Zolac SP is available in pack of 1 x 10s & 2 x 14s

Treatment of effects of overdose

Give symptomatic and supportive treatment. Induce emesis or remove from the body gastric lavage and administer charcoal in repeated doses. Treat with antacid if necessary.
N-acetylsysteine is the specific antidote for paracetamol poisoning given initially at a dose of 150mg/kg body weight as IV infusion over 15 minutes followed by same dose over 20 hours then followed by a maintenance dose of 75mg/kg orally every 4-6 hours for 2-3 days. Hemodialysis can be done in emergency conditions.