Noscabine

Uses

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, especially the nasal mucosa, sinuses and eustachian tube. It is used for the symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), vasomotor rhinitis, the common cold, influenza (flu) and ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or infection. Pseudoephedrine can also be used as a bronchodilator.

Pseudoephedrine is a stereoisomer of Ephedrine with similar but less potent pharmacological activity. It has nasal and bronchial decongestant activity.

Noscapine is a non-sedating isoquinoline alkaloid used primarily for its antitussive properties.

Investigated for use/treatment in lymphoma (non-hodgkin's), leukemia (lymphoid), cancer/tumors (unspecified), and multiple myeloma.

Sodium citrate is an ingredient used for the anticoagulation of whole blood as part of automated apheresis procedures.

Used as an anticoagulant during plasmophoresis as well as a neutralizing agent in the treatment of upset stomach and acidic urine .

Noscabine is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Allergic Disorder, Bronchial Asthma, Common Cold, Cough, Depression, Fever, General Anesthesia Induced Hypotension, Headache, Joint Pain, Myasthenia Gravis, Narcolepsy, Nasal Congestion, Rhinorrhoea, Sore Throat, Dry coughCommon Cold, Cough, Respiratory Diseases, Airway secretion clearance therapyAcidosis, Allergic cough, Allergies, Asthma, Asthma Chronic, Cough, Common Cold, Cough, Coughing caused by Bronchitis, Dehydration, Gouty Arthritis, Heartburn, Metabolic Acidosis, Phlegm, Airway secretion clearance therapy, Oral rehydration therapy, Plasmapheresis, Urine alkalinization therapy, Fluid and electrolyte maintenance therapy, Irrigation during surgical procedures, Irrigation of the ocular surface therapy

How Noscabine works

Ephedrine is a direct and indirect sympathomimetic amine. Ephedrine activates adrenergic α and β-receptors as well as inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake, and increasing the release of norepinephrine from vesicles in nerve cells. These actions combined lead to larger quantities of norepinephrine present in the synapse, for longer periods of time, increasing stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Ephedrine's stimulation of α-1 receptors causes constriction of veins and a rise in blood pressure, stimulation of β-1 adrenergic receptors increase cardiac chronotropy and inotropy, stimulation of β-2 adrenergic receptors causes bronchodilation.

Noscapine's antitussive effects appear to be primarily mediated by its sigma receptor agonist activity. Evidence for this mechanism is suggested by experimental evidence in rats. Pretreatment with rimcazole, a sigma specific antagonist, causes a dose-dependent reduction in antitussive activity of noscapine.

Citrate chelates free calcium ions preventing them from forming a complex with tissue factor and coagulation factor VIIa to promote the activation of coagulation factor X . This inhibits the extrinsic initiation of the coagulation cascade. Citrate may also exert an anticoagulant effect via a so far unknown mechanism as restoration of calcium concentration does not fully reverse the effect of citrate . Citrate is a weak base and so reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to raise the pH. It it further metabolized to bicarbonate which then acts as a systemic alkalizing agent, raising the pH of the blood and urine . It also acts as a diuretic and increases the urinary excretion of calcium.

Dosage

Noscabine dosage

As a decongestant and symptomatic treatment for upper respiratory tract infections the recommended dose is:

Adults: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, up to maximum of 240 mg in 24 hours

Children:

• 6-12 years of age: 1/2 tablet every 4 to 6 hours daily
• 2-5 years of age: 1/4 tablet every 4 to 6 hours daily
• Less than 2 years of age: This drug is not advised unless specifically recommended by a physician.

Side Effects

Serious adverse effects associated with the use of Pseudoephedrine are rare. Symptoms of central nervous system excitation may occur, including sleep disturbances and, rarely, hallucinations have been reported. Skin rashes, with or without irritation, have occasionally been reported.

Toxicity

Patients experiencing an overdose of ephedrine will present with rapidly increasing blood pressure. Manage overdose with blood pressure monitoring, and possibly the administration of parenteral antihypertensives. The LD₅₀ in mice after oral administration is 785mg/kg, after intraperitoneal administration if 248mg/kg, and after subcutaneous administration is 425mg/kg.

Overdose toxicity is mainly due to alkalosis as well as tetany or depressed heart function due to lack of free calcium .

Precaution

Although Pseudoephedrine has virtually no pressor effects in normotensive patients, it should be used with caution in patients suffering mild to moderate hypertension. As with other sympathomimetic agents, Pseudoephedrine should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, elevated intraocular pressure and prostatic enlargement. Caution should be exercised when using the product in the presence of severe hepatic impairment or moderate to severe renal impairment.

Volume of Distribution

Oral ephedrine has an average volume of distribution of 215.6L.

19-39L .

Elimination Route

Oral ephedrine reaches an average C_max of 79.5ng/mL, with a T_max of 1.81h, and a bioavailability of 88%.

Tmax of 98-130min .

Half Life

Oral ephedrine has a plasma elimination half life of approximately 6 hours, but there is a large degree of inter-patient variability.

18-54 min

Clearance

Oral ephedrine has a clearance of 23.3L/h but there is a high degree of inter-patient variability.

Total clearance of 313-1107mL/min .

Elimination Route

Ephedrine is mainly eliminated in the urine. Approximately 60% is eliminated as the unmetabolized parent compound, 13% as benzoic acid conjugates, and 1% as 1,2-dihydroxypropylbenzene.

Largely eliminated through hepatic metabolism with very little cleared by the kidneys .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Although Pseudoephedrine has been in widespread use for many years without apparent ill consequence, there are no specific data on its use during pregnancy. Caution should therefore be exercised by balancing the potential benefit of treatment to the mother against any possible hazards to the developing foetus. Pseudoephedrine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts but the effect of this on breast-fed infants is not known.

Contraindication

Pseudoephedrine is contraindicated in-

• Hypersensitivity of individuals to this drug
• Severe hypertension and coronary artery disease
• Concurrent use of Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) drugs

Acute Overdose

As with other sympathomimetic agents, symptoms of overdosage include irritability, restlessness, tremor, convulsions, palpitations, hypertension and difficulty in micturition. Necessary measures should be taken to maintain and support respiration and control convulsions. Gastric lavage should be performed if indicated. If desired, the elimination of Pseudoephedrine can be accelerated by acid diuresis or by dialysis.

Innovators Monograph

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