Generic Product News

Donepezil Hydrochloride Orally Disintegrating TabletsMarketed By: Teva Pharmaceuticals (North Wales, PA)

Compared to: Aricept ODT (Eisai Inc)

Indication: Teva announced the FDA approval and launch of donepezil hydrochloride orally disintegrating tablets, the AB-rated generic equivalent to Eisai’s Aricept ODT. Teva’s product is indicated for the treatment of dementia in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease. A typical dosage is 5 to 10 mg, administered once daily, for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease should graduate to a dose of 10 mg after taking a daily dose of 5 mg for 4 to 6 weeks.

Dosage Form: Orally disintegrating Tablets: 5 and 10 mg

For More Information: www.tevausa.com; 888-838-2872 66 n 01.11

Amlodipine Besylate and Benazepril Hydrochloride CapsulesMarketed by: Par Pharmaceutical Companies (Woodcliff Lake, NJ)

Compared to: Lotrel (Novartis)

Indication: Par Pharmaceutical received FDA approval for amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules, the generic version of Novartis’ Lotrel. The capsules contain amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker, and benazepril, an angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules are indicated for the treatment of hypertension in patients not adequately controlled on monotherapy with either agent. They are contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema (with or without previous ACE inhibitor treatment), or patients who are hypersensitive to benazepril, to any other ACE inhibitor, or to amlodipine, and should be discontinued if pregnancy is detected.

Dosage form: Capsules: 2.5/10, 5/10, 5/20, 10/20, 5/40, and 10/40 mg

For More Information: www.parpharm.com; 201-802-4000

Mefenamic Acid CapsulesMarketed by: Paddock Laboratories (Minneapolis, MN)

Compared to: Ponstel (Shionogi Pharma)

Indication: The FDA approved Paddock’s mefenamic acid capsules, a generic version of Shionogi Pharma’s Ponstel. Mefenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain in patients older than 14 years, as well as for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Patients taking mefenamic acid capsules should be aware of the potential cardiovascular side effects and GI discomfort associated with NSAIDs. Mefenamic acid capsules should be taken at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration needed, and treatment should not exceed 7 days.

Dosage Form: Capsules: 250 mg

For More Information: www.paddocklabs.com; 800-328-5113

Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride TabletsMarketed by: Perrigo Pharmaceuticals (Allegan, Michigan)

Manufactured by: Synthon Pharmaceuticals

Compared to: Xyzal (UCB/Sepracor and sanofi-aventis)

Indication: Perrigo and Synthon announced the approval and launch of levocetirizine dihydrochloride tablets, a generic version of Xyzal tablets, which are manufactured by UCB/Sepracor and marketed in the US by sanofi-aventis. Levocetirizine is an antihistamine indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and chronic hives. Levocetirizine tablets are available as immediate release 5-mg scored tablets, which can be broken in half to administer a 2.5- mg dose, if needed. The recommended dose is 1 tablet, taken once daily in the evening.

Dosage Form: Tablets: 5 mg

For More Information: www.perrigo.com; 269-673-8451