Consumer medicine information

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

Sertraline

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline

Active ingredient

Sertraline

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

SUMMARY CMI

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary

The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline contains the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride. Blooms The Chemist Sertraline is used to treat depression and conditions called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder. For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline? in the full CMI.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to sertraline hydrochloride or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline? in the full CMI.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Sertraline and affect how it works. A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

  • Your doctor will tell you exactly how much to take depending on your condition.
  • Swallow the tablet(s) with a full glass of water. The tablets can be broken in half, but should not be chewed.
  • If you need to break Blooms The Chemist Sertraline hold the tablet with both hands and snap along the break-line. More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline? in the full CMI.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Things you should do
  • Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes.
  • If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
  • You should wait at least 14 days after stopping Blooms The Chemist Sertraline before starting medicines for depression or obsessive illnesses from the MAOI medicine group such as moclobemide, selegiline, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Things you should not do
  • Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not let yourself run out of tablets over the weekend or on holidays. Suddenly stopping Blooms The Chemist Sertraline can cause dizziness, light headedness, numbness, unusual tingling feelings or shakiness.
Driving or using machines
  • Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Blooms The Chemist Sertraline affects you.
Drinking alcohol
  • Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
Looking after your medicine
  • Store tablets below 25°C.

For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline? in the full CMI.

6. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects: headache, dizziness, shaking or tremors, unusually overactive, muscle stiffness or weakness, decrease or loss of touch or other senses, sleepiness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, dry mouth, nausea, feeling sick. Serious side effects: agitation, nervousness, anxiety, frightening dreams, yawning, abnormal thinking, teeth grinding, symptoms of agitation, anxiety, fits or seizures, thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide or self-harm. For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.



FULL CMI

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

Active ingredient(s): sertraline hydrochloride

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?
2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?
5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline contains the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride. Blooms The Chemist Sertraline belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by blocking the uptake of a chemical called serotonin into nerve cells in the brain. Serotonin and other chemicals called amines are involved in controlling mood.

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline is used to treat depression and conditions called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

2. What should I know before I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Warnings

Do not use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline if:

  • you are allergic to sertraline hydrochloride, any other similar medicines such as other medicines in the same class (SSRIs) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
    - shortness of breath
    - wheezing or difficulty breathing
    - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
    - rash, itching or hives on the skin.
  • you have epilepsy not properly controlled by medication
  • are taking another medicine for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking it within the last 14 days. Taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline with a MAOI such as moclobemide, selegiline, phenelzine and tranylcypromine may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and convulsions (fits).
  • you are taking:
    - tryptophan (contained in protein-based foods or dietary proteins)
    - methadone (used to treat drug addiction)
    - dextromethorphan (used as a cough suppressant in cold and flu medications)
    - medicines used for pain management e.g. fentanyl, tapentadol, tramadol or pethidine
    - medicines used to treat migraine e.g. sumatriptan
    - phentermine, used to help weight loss.
    These medicines can cause an exaggerated response to Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.
  • you are taking pimozide, used to treat disturbances in thinking, feeling and behaviour.

Check with your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
    - epilepsy or seizures (fits)
    - liver or kidney problems
    - any other mental illness
    - a tendency to bleed more than normal
    - heart conditions causing irregular heartbeats
    - diabetes mellitus
    - glaucoma, an eye condition.
  • take any medicines for any other condition

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

There have been reports that babies exposed to sertraline hydrochloride and other antidepressants during the third trimester of pregnancy may develop complications after birth.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Use in Children

  • Do not give Blooms The Chemist Sertraline to children or adolescents under the age of 18 unless the doctor has prescribed it for the treatment of OCD. Blooms The Chemist Sertraline is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with Blooms The Chemist Sertraline and affect how it works. These include:

  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), medicines used for the treatment of depression.
    Taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline with, or within 14 days of stopping a MAOI may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and convulsions.
  • other MAOI drugs such as linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat pneumonia and certain skin infections
  • other medicines used for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive illnesses (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, venlafaxine)
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings
  • tryptophan (contained in protein-based foods or dietary proteins)
  • phentermine (weight-reducing medicines)
  • dextromethorphan, used in cold and flu medicines to suppress cough
  • medicines for strong pain management such as fentanyl, tapentadol, tramadol or pethidine
  • methadone, a medicine used to treat drug addiction
  • medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis (e.g. aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac)
  • pimozide, used to treat disturbances in thinking, feeling and behaviour
  • St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders
  • clozapine, a medicine used to treat schizophrenia
  • medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) such as dexamphetamine and lisdexamphetamine
  • diazepam or other medicines that act on the brain or nervous system
  • phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy
  • sumatriptan, a medicine used to treat migraine
  • medicines for irregular heartbeats e.g. flecainide
  • warfarin or other medicines that stop the blood from clotting
  • cimetidine, a medicine used to treat reflux and ulcers
  • antibiotics
  • grapefruit.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

4. How do I use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

How much to take

  • For depression in adults, the usual starting dose is one Blooms The Chemist Sertraline 50 mg tablet each day. The dose can be increased gradually up to a maximum dose of 200 mg a day if necessary.
  • For obsessive compulsive disorder in children (6-12 years) the usual starting dose is 25 mg per day (half a 50 mg Blooms The Chemist Sertraline tablet), increasing to 50 mg per day after one week.
  • For obsessive compulsive disorder in adults and adolescents (13-18 years) the usual starting dose is one 50 mg Blooms The Chemist Sertraline tablet each day.
  • For panic disorder in adults the usual starting dose is 25 mg per day (half a 50 mg Blooms The Chemist Sertraline tablet), increasing to 50 mg per day after one week.
  • The maximum recommended dose of Blooms The Chemist Sertraline for the conditions listed above is 200 mg per day.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you.
  • They will tell you exactly how much to take.

When to take Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

  • Take your medicine at about the same time each day, either in the morning or evening.
    Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
  • Blooms The Chemist Sertraline can be taken with or without food.

How to take Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

  • Swallow the tablet(s) with a full glass of water.
  • The tablets can be broken in half, but should not be chewed.
  • If you need to break Blooms The Chemist Sertraline hold the tablet with both hands and snap along the break-line.

How to long to take Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

  • Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.
    Most medicines for depression take time to work, so do not be discouraged if you do not feel better straight away.
    It may take 2 to 4 weeks or even longer to feel the full benefit of this medicine.
    Even when you feel well, you may need to take Blooms The Chemist Sertraline for several months or longer.
  • Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
  • Do not stop taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, or change the dose, without first checking with your doctor.
    Occasionally the symptoms of depression or other psychiatric conditions may include thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. It is possible that these symptoms may continue or increase until the full anti-depressant effect of your medicine becomes apparent (i.e. one to two months).
  • You or anyone close to you or caring for you should watch for these symptoms and tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you have any distressing thoughts or experiences during this initial period or at any other time.
  • Contact your doctor if you experience any worsening of your depression or other symptoms at any time during your treatment.

If you forget to use Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

Take your dose as soon as you remember, and continue to take it as you would normally.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you use too much Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

If you think that you have used too much Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, you may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too many tablets you may feel drowsy, sick in the stomach (nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea), have fast or irregular heartbeats, suffer from tremors, feel agitated or dizzy. Coma has also been reported with overdose.

You should immediately:

  • phone the Poisons Information Centre
    (by calling 13 11 26), or
  • contact your doctor, or
  • go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

5. What should I know while using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline?

Things you should do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.

Children should have regular check-ups with the doctor to monitor growth and development.

If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.

It may interact with other medicines used during surgery and cause unwanted side effects.

If you are about to have any urine tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

It may interfere with the results of some tests.

Call your doctor straight away if you:

  • If you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
    If you are a woman of child-bearing age, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.
  • Have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes.
    A worsening of depressive symptoms including thoughts of suicide or self-harm may occur in the first one or two months of you taking this medicine or when the doctor changes your dose. These symptoms should be controlled when the full effect of Blooms The Chemist Sertraline takes place.
    Children, adolescents or young adults under the age of 24 years are more likely to experience these effects during the first few months of treatment.
    Patients and caregivers should be alert and monitor for these effects.
    Signs and symptoms of suicide include:
    - thoughts or talk of death or suicide
    - thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
    - any recent attempts of self-harm
    - increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability or agitation
    - worsening of depression.

All mention of suicide or violence must be taken seriously.

If you or someone you know is demonstrating these warning signs of suicide while taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, contact your doctor or a mental health professional right away.

Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

Things you should not do

  • Do not take Blooms The Chemist Sertraline to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
  • Do not stop taking your medicine or change the dose without checking with your doctor.
  • Do not let yourself run out of tablets over the weekend or on holidays.
    Suddenly stopping Blooms The Chemist Sertraline can cause dizziness, light headedness, numbness, unusual tingling feelings or shakiness.

Things to be careful of

If you are feeling drowsy or are uncoordinated, be careful that you do not fall over.

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, like other medicines in this class, may increase your risk of bone fracture.

You should wait at least 14 days after stopping Blooms The Chemist Sertraline before starting medicines for depression or obsessive illnesses from the MAOI medicine group such as moclobemide, selegiline, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.

All of the above precautions are important even after you have stopped taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

The effects of Blooms The Chemist Sertraline may last for some days after you have stopped taking it.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Blooms The Chemist Sertraline affects you.

Some medicines for depression may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery or do things that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to Blooms The Chemist Sertraline, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Looking after your medicine

  • Keep your medicine in the original container.
    If you take it out of its original container it may not keep well.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place below 25°C away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

  • in the bathroom or near a sink, or
  • in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack, if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effectsWhat to do
Mood or brain related
  • headache, dizziness, shaking or tremors, unusually overactive, muscle stiffness or weakness, decrease or loss of touch or other senses, sleepiness, drowsiness, impaired concentration
  • sleeping difficulties
Gut or Gastrointestinal related
  • dry mouth, nausea, feeling sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
  • increased or decreased appetite
  • weight increase or loss
  • inflammation of the colon (causing diarrhoea).
Skin related
  • unusual hair loss or thinning
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sun
Others
  • increased sweating, rash and hives
  • tiredness, fever, feeling unwell
  • hot flush, high blood pressure
  • vision disturbance
  • menstrual irregularities, sexual problems, sexual dysfunction including impaired sexual function in males, difficulty in passing urine, blood in the urine, or increased frequency
  • persistent noise in the ears
  • tingling and numbness of hands and feet
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
They are generally mild and do not cause patients to stop taking Blooms The Chemist Sertraline.

Serious side effects

Serious side effectsWhat to do
Mood or brain related
  • fits or seizures
  • thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide or self-harm
  • agitation, nervousness, anxiety, frightening dreams, yawning, abnormal thinking, teeth grinding, symptoms of agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea and tingling or numbness of the hands and feet after stopping Blooms The Chemist Sertraline
  • uncontrollable movements of the body, shuffling walk, unusual weakness
  • sudden onset of severe headache
Muscles or joint related
  • uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head, neck and body, temporary paralysis or weakness of muscles
  • lockjaw
  • painful, swollen joints
Lungs related
  • difficulty in breathing, wheezing or coughing
Heart related
  • palpitations, fainting or chest pain
  • irregular heartbeats
Allergy related
  • signs of allergy such as rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing or difficulty breathing
Skin related
  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
Others
  • symptoms of sudden fever with sweating, fast heart beat and muscle stiffness, which may lead to loss of consciousness
  • fever, sore throat, swollen glands, mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising under the skin
  • abnormal bleeding including vaginal bleeding
Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people. Some of these side effects (e.g., changes in thyroid function, liver function or glucose control) can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.

What Blooms The Chemist Sertraline contains

Active ingredient
(main ingredient)		sertraline hydrochloride
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate
  • hyprolose
  • sodium starch glycollate
  • magnesium stearate
  • hypromellose
  • purified talc
  • titanium dioxide

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What Blooms The Chemist Sertraline looks like

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline 50mg – white, capsule shaped, scored, film-coated tablet, marked with SE|50 on one side (Aust R 421509).

Blooms The Chemist Sertraline 100mg – white, capsule shaped, scored, film-coated tablet, marked with SE|100 on one side (Aust R 421510).

Pack size of 30 tablets.

Who distributes Blooms The Chemist Sertraline

Sandoz Pty Ltd
100 Pacific Highway
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
Tel: 1800 726 369

This leaflet was prepared in December 2023.

Published by MIMS September 2024

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline

Active ingredient

Sertraline

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Sertraline hydrochloride.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline 50 mg tablets contain 50 mg sertraline (as hydrochloride).
Blooms the Chemist Sertraline 100 mg tablets contain sertraline 100 mg (as hydrochloride).
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline 50 mg film-coated tablets are white, capsule shaped, scored film-coated tablet, coded SE/50 on one side.
Blooms the Chemist Sertraline 100 mg film-coated tablets are white, capsule shaped, scored film-coated tablet, coded SE/100 on one side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Treatment of children (aged 6 years and older) and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder.
Treatment of major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder in adults.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage (dose and interval).

Children and adolescents (6 to 18 years).

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The administration of sertraline in children with OCD (ages 6 to 12 years) is recommended to commence at 25 mg/day (half a 50 mg tablet) for the first week and then increasing to 50 mg/day. Adolescents (ages 13 to 18 years) may commence at 50 mg/day. Clinical effects may be noted after two weeks of treatment, but clinical responses should be monitored for six weeks before any increase in dose. In children, a dose of 200 mg/day should not be exceeded. Sertraline has an elimination half-life of about 26 hours; a once daily dose in the morning is recommended.

Adults (18 years and older).

Major depression/obsessive compulsive disorder.

Initial treatment.

Sertraline treatment should be initiated with a dose of 50 mg once daily. The usual therapeutic dose for depression and OCD is 50 mg/day. While a relationship between dose and antidepressant and anti-obsessive effect has not been established, patients were dosed in a range of 50 to 200 mg/day in the clinical trials demonstrating the antidepressive and anti-obsessive effectiveness of sertraline. Consequently, patients not responding to a 50 mg/day dose may benefit from dose increases up to a maximum of 200 mg/day. Given the 24 hour elimination half-life of sertraline, dose changes should not occur at intervals of less than one week. The onset of therapeutic effect may be seen within seven days; however for full activity two to four weeks are usually necessary for depression, and possibly even longer for OCD.
Following initial response, sertraline has been associated with sustained efficacy, safety and tolerability in up to 2 years of treatment of OCD. If no effect is apparent after six to eight weeks, discontinuation of treatment should be considered. Studies of efficacy did not examine the role of psychotherapy.
Panic disorder.

Initial treatment.

Therapy for panic disorder should commence at 25 mg/day (half a 50 mg tablet), increasing to 50 mg/day after one week. This dosage regimen has been demonstrated to reduce the frequency of early treatment-emergent side effects commonly experienced on initiation of treatment of panic disorder. The long-term efficacy of sertraline in panic disorder has not been established.

General.

The daily dose for all indications may be increased in 50 mg increments over a period of weeks. However, dose titrations in 50 mg increments will depend on tolerability and clinical response. The interval between dose increments should be at least one week. The maximum recommended dose of sertraline is 200 mg/day.
The onset of therapeutic effect may be seen after a week, however, most responders can be expected to show a good response within two to four weeks.
During prolonged maintenance therapy for any indication, dosage should be kept at the lowest effective level.

Method of administration.

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline should be administered once daily, either in the morning or evening. Sertraline may be administered with or without food.

Dosage adjustment.

Hepatic impairment.

Particular care should be taken in patients with hepatic impairment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Elderly.

Use in elderly requires no special precautions. The usual adult dosage is recommended.

Maintenance/ continuation/ extended treatment.

There is evidence to suggest that depressed patients responding during an initial eight week treatment phase will continue to benefit during an additional 16 weeks of treatment. While there are insufficient data regarding benefits from treatment beyond 24 weeks, it is generally agreed among expert psychopharmacologists that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy. Whether the dose of antidepressant needed to induce remission is identical to the dose needed to maintain and/or sustain euthymia is unknown.
Discontinuation should be accomplished by a gradual reduction in dosage.

4.3 Contraindications

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sertraline or any of the components in Blooms the Chemist Sertraline (see Section 6.1 List of Excipients).
Concomitant use in patients taking pimozide is contraindicated (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Cases of serious reactions, sometimes fatal, have been reported in patients receiving sertraline in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) including the selective MAOI selegiline and the reversible MAOI (reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (RIMA)) moclobemide, and MAOI drugs, e.g. linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible non-selective MAOI) and methylene blue. Some cases presented with features resembling the serotonin syndrome. Similar cases, sometimes fatal, including hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include confusion, irritability and extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma have been reported with other antidepressants during combined treatment with an MAOI and in patients who have recently discontinued an antidepressant or an anti-obsessional medicine and have been started on an MAOI. Sertraline should not be used in combination with an MAOI, or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. Similarly, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping sertraline before starting an MAOI.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Serotonin syndrome (SS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

The development of potentially life-threatening syndromes like serotonin syndrome (SS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including treatment with sertraline. The risk of SS or NMS with SSRIs is increased with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs [including amphetamines, triptans, and opioids (e.g. fentanyl and its analogues, tramadol, dextromethorphan, tapentadol, pethidine, methadone, pentazocine)], with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including MAOIs), antipsychotics and other dopamine antagonists. SS symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g. agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g. tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g. hyperreflexia, incoordination) and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea). Some signs of SS, including hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuation of vital signs, and mental status changes resemble NMS. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of signs and symptoms of SS or NMS syndrome (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Other serotonergic medicines.

Coadministration of SSRIs such as sertraline with other medicines which enhance the effects of serotonergic neurotransmission, such as amphetamines, tryptophan, phentermine, fentanyl and its analogues, tramadol or 5-HT agonists, dextromethorphan, tapentadol, pethidine or methadone should be undertaken only with caution and avoided whenever possible due to the potential for pharmacodynamic interaction.

St John's wort.

Concomitant use of the herbal remedy St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in patients receiving SSRIs should be avoided since there is a possibility of serotonergic potentiation.

Switching from other antidepressants or anti-obsessional medicines.

There is limited controlled experience regarding the optimal timing of switching from other antidepressants or anti-obsessional medicines to sertraline. Care and prudent medical judgment should be exercised when switching, particularly from long-acting agents. The duration of a washout period for switching from one SSRI to another has not been established.

QTc prolongation/torsade de pointes (TdP).

Cases of QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP) have been reported during post-marketing use of sertraline. The majority of reports occurred in patients with other risk factors for QTc prolongation/TdP. Therefore, sertraline should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QTc prolongation (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Activation of mania/hypomania.

During premarketing testing, hypomania or mania occurred in approximately 0.4% of sertraline treated patients. Activation of mania/hypomania has also been reported in a small proportion of patients with major affective disorder treated with other antidepressant and anti-obsessional medicines. Hyperkinesia has been noted in paediatric patients treated with sertraline for OCD, with an incidence of 8/53 (15.1%) for sertraline versus 3/54 (5.6%) for placebo in 6 to 12 year olds, and 0/39 (0%) for sertraline versus 1/41 (2.4%) for placebo in 13 to 17 year olds.

Weight loss.

Significant weight loss may be an undesirable result of treatment with sertraline for some patients but, on average, patients in controlled trials had minimal 0.5 to 1 kg weight loss, versus smaller changes on placebo. Only rarely (< 0.1%) have sertraline patients been discontinued for weight loss. In paediatric patients, weight loss was seen in 2/53 (3.8%) versus 0/54 (0%) of 6 to 12 year old patients and 3/39 (7.7%) versus 0/41 (0%) of 13 to 17 year olds treated with sertraline versus placebo. It is recommended that paediatric patients receiving long-term treatment should be monitored for weight and growth, consistent with good medical care.

Seizures.

Seizures are a potential risk with antidepressant and anti-obsessional medicines. Seizures were reported in three out of 4,000 patients (0.08%) treated with sertraline in the development program for depression. No seizures were reported in patients treated with sertraline in the development program for panic. During the development program for OCD, four out of 1,801 patients (0.2%) exposed to sertraline experienced seizures. In the paediatric OCD trial program, the incidence of seizures in the adolescent (13 to 17 year old) population was 3/163 (1.8%) on sertraline compared with 0/41 (0%) on placebo. Seizures/convulsions were not noted in the 6 to 12 year old patients. In all these cases, the relationship to sertraline therapy was uncertain. Since sertraline has not been evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder it should be avoided in patients with unstable epilepsy; patients with controlled epilepsy should be carefully monitored. Sertraline should be discontinued in any patient who develops seizures.

Clinical worsening and suicide risk.

The risk of suicide attempt is inherent in depression and may persist until significant remission occurs. The risk of suicide must be considered in all depressed patients.
Because of the coexistence of depression in patients with other psychiatric disorders, such as OCD and panic disorder, the same precautions should be observed when treating patients with these disorders as when treating patients with depression.
Patients with depression may experience worsening of their depressive symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behaviours (suicidality) whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. As improvement may not occur during the first few weeks or more of treatment, patients should be closely monitored for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of a course of treatment, or at the time of dose changes, either increases or decreases. Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse or whose emergent suicidality is severe, abrupt in onset, or was not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be alerted about the need to monitor for any worsening of their condition and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation/behaviour or thoughts of harming themselves and to seek medical advice immediately if these symptoms present. Patients with co-morbid depression associated with other psychiatric disorders being treated with antidepressants should be similarly observed for clinical worsening and suicidality.
Pooled analysis of 24 short-term (4 to 16 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of nine antidepressant medicines (SSRIs and others) in 4400 children and adolescents with major depressive order (16 trials), obsessive compulsive disorder (4 trials) or other psychiatric disorders (4 trials) have revealed a greater risk of adverse events representing suicidal behaviour or thinking (suicidality) during the initial treatment period (generally the first one to two months) in those receiving antidepressants. The average risk of such events in patients treated with an antidepressant was 4% compared with 2% of patient treated with placebo. There was considerable variation in risk among the antidepressants but there was a tendency towards an increase for almost all antidepressants studied. The risk of suicidality was most consistently observed in the major depressive disorder trials but there were signals of risk arising from trials in other psychiatric indications (obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder) as well. No suicides occurred in these trials. It is unknown whether the suicidality risk in children and adolescent patients extends to use beyond several months. The nine antidepressant medicines in the pooled analyses included five SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) and four non-SSRIs (bupropion, mirtazapine, nefazodone, venlafaxine).
A further pooled analysis of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant medicines (SSRIs and others) showed the increased risk of suicidal thinking and behaviour (suicidality) during the initial treatment period (generally the first one to two months) extends to young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
Symptoms of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility (aggressiveness), impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania and mania, have been reported in adults, adolescents and children being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and non-psychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either worsening of depression and/or emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established there is concern that such symptoms may be precursors of emerging suicidality.
Families and caregivers of children and adolescents being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or for any other condition (psychiatric or non-psychiatric) should be informed about the need to monitor these patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behaviour, and other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to health care providers. It is particularly important that monitoring be undertaken during the initial few months of antidepressant treatment or at times of dose increase or decrease.
Prescriptions for sertraline should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.

Weak uricosuric effect.

Sertraline is associated with a mean decrease in serum uric acid of approximately 7%. The clinical significance of this weak uricosuric effect is unknown, and there have been no reports of acute renal failure with sertraline.

Sexual dysfunction.

SSRIs may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)). There have been reports of long-lasting sexual dysfunctions where the symptoms have continued despite discontinuations of SSRIs.

Abnormal bleeding/haemorrhage.

Bleeding abnormalities have been reported with the use of SSRIs (including purpura, haematoma, epistaxis, vaginal bleeding, ecchymoses, gastrointestinal bleeding and life-threatening haemorrhage). This risk may be potentiated by concurrent use of atypical antipsychotics and phenothiazines, most tricyclic antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other medicines that affect coagulation. Sertraline should therefore be used with caution in patients concomitantly treated with medicines that increase the risk of bleeding or in patients with a past history of abnormal bleeding or those with predisposing conditions. Pharmacological gastroprotection should be considered for high risk patients.

Hyponatraemia.

Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SSRIs or SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) including sertraline. In many cases, hyponatremia appears to be the result of a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Cases of serum sodium levels lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Elderly patients may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs. Also patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume-depleted may be at greater risk (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in the elderly). Discontinuation of sertraline should be considered in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia and appropriate medical intervention should be instituted. Signs and symptoms of hyponatraemia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness and unsteadiness that may lead to falls. Signs and symptoms associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.

Bone fractures.

Epidemiological studies show an increased risk of bone fractures in patients receiving serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) including sertraline. The mechanism leading to this risk is not fully understood.

Diabetes/loss of glycaemic control.

Cases of new onset diabetes mellitus have been reported in patients receiving SSRIs including sertraline. Loss of glycaemic control including both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia has also been reported in patients with and without pre-existing diabetes. Patients should therefore be monitored for signs and symptoms of glucose fluctuations. Diabetic patients especially should have their glycaemic control carefully monitored since their dosage of insulin and/or concomitant oral hypoglycaemic drug may need to be adjusted.

Angle-closure glaucoma.

SSRIs including sertraline may have an effect on pupil size resulting in mydriasis. This mydriatic effect has the potential to narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle-closure glaucoma, especially in patients pre-disposed. Sertraline should therefore be used with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma or history of glaucoma.

Use in patients with concomitant illness.

Caution is advisable in using sertraline in patients with diseases or conditions that could affect metabolism or haemodynamic responses. Sertraline has not been evaluated or used to any appreciable extent in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease. Patients with these diagnoses were excluded from clinical studies during the product's premarket testing. However, the electrocardiograms (ECG) of 774 patients who received sertraline in double blind trials were evaluated and the data indicate that sertraline is not associated with the development of significant ECG abnormalities.

Symptoms associated with discontinuation.

During marketing of sertraline and other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these medicines, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g. paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. While these events are generally self-limiting, some have been reported to be severe.
Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment with sertraline. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more gradual rate (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in lactation; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Drug abuse and dependence.

In human studies, sertraline has not demonstrated potential for abuse. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study of comparative abuse liability of sertraline, alprazolam and d-amphetamine in humans, sertraline did not produce positive subjective effects indicative of abuse potential, such as euphoria or drug liking. As with any CNS active drug, physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of drug abuse and follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of sertraline misuse or abuse (e.g. development of tolerance, incrementation of dose, drug seeking behaviour).

Electroconvulsive therapy.

There are no clinical studies establishing the risks or benefits of the combined use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and sertraline.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Sertraline is extensively metabolised by the liver. A multiple dose pharmacokinetic study in subjects with mild, stable cirrhosis administered sertraline 50 mg/day for 21 days demonstrated a prolonged elimination half-life and approximately a three-fold greater AUC and Cmax for sertraline and a two-fold greater AUC and Cmax for the metabolite in comparison to normal subjects. There were no significant differences in plasma protein binding observed between the two groups. The use of sertraline in patients with hepatic disease should be approached with caution. Patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment have not been studied. A lower or less frequent dose should be used in patients with hepatic impairment.

Use in renal impairment.

Sertraline is extensively metabolised. Excretion of unchanged drug in urine is a minor route of elimination. In a study of patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min) or moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min) administered sertraline 50 mg/day for 21 days, multiple dose pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-24 or Cmax) were not statistically significantly different compared to controls. Half-lives were similar and there were no differences in plasma protein binding of all the groups studied. This study indicates that, as expected from the low renal excretion of sertraline, sertraline dosing does not have to be adjusted based on degree of renal impairment.

Use in the elderly.

Several hundred elderly patients have participated in clinical studies with sertraline. The pattern of adverse effects in the elderly was similar to that in younger patients.

Paediatric use.

A total of 225 paediatric patients have completed OCD trials with sertraline. The safety profile of sertraline in these paediatric studies is comparable to that observed in the adult OCD studies.
Only limited clinical evidence is available concerning long-term safety data in children and adolescents, including effects on growth, sexual maturation and cognitive and behavioural developments. Physicians must monitor paediatric patients on long-term treatment for abnormalities in growth and development.
Safety and effectiveness in paediatric patients below the age of 6 have not been established.
Sertraline should not be used in children and adolescents below the age of 18 years for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The efficacy and safety of sertraline has not been satisfactorily established for the treatment of major depressive disorder in this age group.

Effects on laboratory tests.

False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for benzodiazepines have been reported in patients taking sertraline. This is due to lack of specificity of the screening tests. False positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of sertraline therapy. Confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, will distinguish sertraline from benzodiazepines.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

See Section 4.3 Contraindications.

Pimozide.

Increased pimozide levels have been demonstrated in a study of single low dose pimozide (2 mg) with sertraline coadministration. Coadministration of pimozide and sertraline increased pimozide Cmax and AUC by 35% and 37%, respectively. These increased levels did not significantly increase the QTc interval. While the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, due to the narrow therapeutic index of pimozide, concomitant administration of sertraline and pimozide is contraindicated. There are no data with pimozide at doses greater than 2 mg (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Drugs that prolong the QTc interval.

The risk of QTc prolongation and/or ventricular arrhythmias (e.g. TdP) is increased with concomitant use of other drugs which prolong the QTc interval (e.g. some antipsychotics and antibiotics) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, QTc prolongation/torsade de pointes (TdP); Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

CNS depressants and alcohol.

Although sertraline did not potentiate the cognitive and psychomotor effects of alcohol in experiment with normal subjects, the concomitant use of sertraline and alcohol in depressed patients is not recommended.

Coadministration of medicines with serotonergic action.

Sumatriptan.

There have been rare post-marketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, incoordination, confusion, anxiety and agitation following the use of sertraline and sumatriptan. If concomitant treatment with sertraline and sumatriptan is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Other serotonergic medicines.

See Section 4.3 Contraindications, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Serotonin syndrome (SS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and Other serotonergic medicines.

St John's wort.

See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use.

Medicines that interfere with haemostasis (NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin, etc).

Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in haemostasis. There is an association between the use of psychotropic medicines that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of abnormal bleeding. Concurrent use of an NSAID, aspirin or warfarin potentiates the risk. Thus, patients should be cautioned about using such medicines concurrently with sertraline.

Potential effects of co-administration of medicines highly bound to plasma proteins.

Because sertraline is tightly bound to plasma protein, the administration of sertraline to a patient taking another medicine which is bound to protein may cause a shift in plasma concentrations potentially resulting in an adverse effect. Conversely, adverse effects may result from displacement of protein bound sertraline by other protein bound medicines. However, in three formal interaction studies with diazepam, tolbutamide and warfarin respectively, sertraline was not shown to have any significant effects on the protein binding of the substrate (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Warfarin and Other medicine interactions).

Warfarin.

Co-administration of sertraline 200 mg daily with warfarin resulted in an 8% delay in normalisation for prothrombin time compared to placebo (p < 0.02). The clinical significance of this is unknown. Accordingly, prothrombin time should be carefully monitored when sertraline therapy is initiated or stopped.

Lithium.

In placebo-controlled trials in normal volunteers, the co-administration of sertraline with lithium did not significantly alter the lithium pharmacokinetics, but did result in an increase in tremor relative to placebo, indicating a possible pharmacodynamic interaction. Co-administering sertraline with medications, such as lithium, which may act via serotonergic mechanism, should be undertaken with caution in patients and appropriately monitored.

Phenytoin.

A placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers given sertraline 200 mg and phenytoin 100 mg for 10 days, did not produce statistically significant differences in phenytoin pharmacokinetic parameters between the sertraline and placebo groups. Nonetheless, it is recommended that plasma phenytoin concentrations be monitored following initiation of sertraline therapy, with appropriate adjustments to the phenytoin dose.
In addition, co-administration of phenytoin may cause a reduction of sertraline plasma levels.

Medicines metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP)2D6.

There is variability among antidepressants in the extent to which they inhibit the activity of isozyme CYP 2D6, and in fact sertraline at lower doses has a less prominent inhibitory effect on 2D6 than some others in the class. Nevertheless, even sertraline has the potential for clinically important 2D6 inhibition. The clinical significance of this depends on the extent of the inhibition and the therapeutic index of the co-administered medicine. Consequently, concomitant use of a medicine metabolised by CYP 2D6 with sertraline may require lower doses than usually prescribed for the other medicine. Furthermore, whenever sertraline is withdrawn for co-therapy, an increased dose of the co-administered medicine may be required. CYP 2D6 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index include TCAs, class 1C antiarrhythmics such as propafenone and flecainide, and methadone, In formal interaction studies, sertraline 50 mg daily produced increases (p < 0.001) in desipramine Cmax (44%) and AUC (mean 23-37%).

Medicines metabolised by other CYP enzymes (CYP3A3/4, CPY2C9, CYP2C19, CYP1A2).

CYP3A3/4.

In vivo interaction studies have demonstrated that administration of sertraline for 17-21 days at the high dose of 200 mg daily did not statistically significantly inhibit the CYP3A3/4 metabolism of carbamazepine or terfenadine. In addition, the administration of sertraline 50 mg daily for 14 days did not statistically significantly inhibit the CYP3A3/4 mediated metabolism of alprazolam. The results of these studies suggest that sertraline is not likely to be a clinically important inhibitor of CYP3A3/4.
Coadministration of sertraline with metamizole, which is an inducer of metabolising enzymes including CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 may cause a reduction in plasma concentrations of sertraline with potential decrease in clinical efficacy, therefore, caution is advised when metamizole and sertraline are administered concurrently; clinical response and/or drug levels should be monitored as appropriate.

CYP2C9.

The apparent lack of clinically significant effects of the chronic administration of sertraline at the high dose of 200 mg daily on plasma concentrations of tolbutamide, phenytoin and warfarin suggests that sertraline is not a clinically important inhibitor of CYP2C9 (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Other medicine interactions, Phenytoin and Warfarin).

CYP2C19.

The apparent lack of clinically significant effects of the chronic administration of sertraline at the high dose of 200 mg daily on plasma concentrations of diazepam suggests that sertraline is not a clinically important inhibitor of CYP2C19 (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions, Other medicine interactions).

CYP1A2.

An in vitro study indicates that sertraline is a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2.

Other medicine interactions.

Formal medicine interaction studies have been performed with sertraline. Changes in medicine levels as a result of interactions have been demonstrated. The precise clinical significance of these changes is unknown.

Cimetidine.

Co-administration of cimetidine caused a statistically significant increase in sertraline mean AUC by 50% and Cmax, by 24% and t1/2 by 26%.

Atenolol/digoxin.

Sertraline had no effect on the beta-adrenergic blocking activity of atenolol. No interaction was observed with digoxin.

Diazepam.

Co-administration of diazepam showed a statistically significant decrease in diazepam clearance of 32% from baseline compared to a 19% decrease with placebo. Tmax for desmethyldiazepam was also statistically significantly prolonged by 23% in the sertraline group versus a decrease in the placebo group.

Glibenclamide.

No interaction was observed with glibenclamide.

Clozapine.

As in the co-administration with other SSRIs, isolated cases of increased clozapine levels have been reported.

Microsomal enzyme induction.

Preclinical studies have shown sertraline to induce hepatic microsomal enzymes. In clinical studies, sertraline was shown to induce hepatic enzymes minimally as determined by a small (5%) but statistically significant decrease in antipyrine half-life following administration of 200 mg/day for 21 days.

Other interactions.

Grapefruit juice.

The administration of sertraline with grapefruit juice is not recommended.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

A decrease in fertility was seen in one of two rat studies at a dose of 80 mg/kg (giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg).
(Category C)
This category is defined as medicines which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible.
Neonates exposed to sertraline, other SSRIs, or SNRIs, late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalisation, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnoea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycaemia, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a medicine discontinuation syndrome.

Teratogenic effects.

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 80 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg.
There was no evidence of teratogenicity at any dose level. However, sertraline was associated with delayed ossification in foetuses, probably secondary to effects on the dams.

Non-teratogenic effects.

Observational studies have provided evidence of an increased risk (less than 2-fold) of postpartum haemorrhage following exposure to SSRIs, including sertraline, especially within the month prior to birth.
There was also decreased neonatal survival following maternal administration of sertraline at doses giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg. The decrease in pup survival was shown to be most probably due to in-utero exposure to sertraline. The clinical significance of these effects is unknown. Similar effects have been described with other antidepressants.
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, sertraline should not be used during pregnancy unless in the judgment of the physician, the expected benefit justifies the risk to the foetus. The use of SSRIs in the third trimester may result in a withdrawal state in the newborn infant.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant if taking sertraline.
Exposure during late pregnancy to SSRIs may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1 to 2 per 1000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. In a retrospective case-control study of 377 women whose infants were born with PPHN and 836 women whose infants were born healthy, the risk for developing PPHN was approximately six-fold higher for infants exposed to SSRIs after the 20th week of gestation compared to infants who had not been exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. A study of 831,324 infants born in Sweden in 1997 to 2005 found a PPHN risk ratio of 2.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.3) associated with patient-reported maternal use of SSRIs ''in early pregnancy'' and a PPHN risk ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 1.2 to 8.3) associated with a combination of patient-reported maternal use of SSRIs ''in early pregnancy'' and an antenatal SSRI prescription ''in later pregnancy''.

Labour and delivery.

The effect of sertraline on labour and delivery in humans is unknown.
 Only limited data concerning sertraline levels in breast milk are available. However, in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking sertraline, there have been reports of adverse effects. Because sertraline is excreted in human milk, breastfeeding while on sertraline is not recommended. If sertraline is used during lactation, the physician should be aware that withdrawal reactions have been reported in some neonates whose mothers had been on SSRI antidepressants, including sertraline.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

In controlled studies, sertraline did not cause sedation and did not interfere with psychomotor performance. However, as psychotropic drugs may impair the mental or physical attributes required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or using machinery the patient should be cautioned accordingly.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse events are listed within body systems and categorised by frequency according to the following definitions: very common: > 10%; common: ≥ 1% and < 10%; uncommon: ≥ 0.1% and < 1%; rare: ≥ 0.01% and < 0.1%; unknown: cannot be estimated from available data.

Placebo-controlled clinical trial data.

The following adverse events occurred at a frequency of 1% or more among sertraline patients and at least twice the frequency seen in placebo patients, who participated in placebo-controlled clinical trials (adults - depression, OCD, panic disorder; paediatric OCD - children and adolescents). In these clinical trials most patients received doses of 50 to 200 mg/day. These events are not necessarily related to sertraline treatment.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Common: decreased appetite.

Psychiatric disorders.

Very common: insomnia.
Common: agitation, anxiety, anorexia, bruxism, libido decreased, nervousness, nightmare, thinking abnormal.

Nervous system disorders.

Very common: tremor, somnolence, dizziness.
Common: convulsion (including myoclonus), hypoaesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, disturbance in attention.

Eye disorders.

Common: visual impairment.

Cardiac disorders.

Common: palpitations.

Vascular disorders.

Common: hot flush.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Common: yawning.

Gastrointestinal.

Very common: diarrhoea, nausea.
Common: vomiting, dry mouth, dyspepsia.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Common: rash, hyperhidrosis, urticaria.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Common: urinary retention.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Common: ejaculation disorder, sexual dysfunction (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), vaginal haemorrhage, menstrual irregular.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Very common: fatigue.
Common: malaise, pyrexia.

Investigations.

Common: weight increased, weight decreased.
Other adverse events reported (incidence > 10%) and not meeting the above criteria were dry month, dizziness, diarrhoea/loose stools, headache and abdominal pain (paediatric OCD patients only).
In a 12 week placebo controlled study in paediatric patients with OCD, adverse events of at least 5% incidence that were seen with a statistically significantly increased level for sertraline compared with placebo were headache, insomnia and agitation in 6 to 12 year olds. For 13 to 17 year olds, the comparable categories were insomnia, decreased appetite and tremor. Most of the effects seen were mild to moderate in severity. In these clinical trials, sexual dysfunction was not specifically reported. However, in common with all other SSRIs, sexual dysfunction in males and, to a lesser extent, females has been reported in adult studies.
The side effect profile commonly observed in double-blind, placebo controlled studies in patients with panic disorder and social phobia (social anxiety disorder) was similar to that observed in clinical trials patients with depression.

Adverse effects from clinical rrials in paediatric MDD.

In clinical trials in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with major depressive disorder the following adverse events were reported at a frequency of at least 2% of subjects and occurred at a rate of at least twice that of placebo: diarrhoea (9.5% vs 1.6%), agitation (6.3% vs 1.1%), decreased appetite (5.3% vs 1.1%), vomiting (4.2% vs 1.1%), hyperkinesia (2.6% vs 0.5%), dry mouth (2.1% vs 0.5%), tremor (2.1% vs 0%) and urinary incontinence (2.1% vs 0%). The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events was 9% (n=17) with sertraline and 2.1% (n=4) with placebo. The most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse events, whether or not related to sertraline were aggression (1.6%), agitation (1.63%), suicidal ideation (1.6%), hyperkinesia (1.1%), suicide attempt (1.1%) and aggravated depression (1.1%).
In the safety analysis, suicide attempt was reported in the same number in sertraline (2/189, 1.1%) and placebo (2/184, 1.1%) with an incidence of suicide attempts in sertraline-treated subjects of 1.1% (2 attempts in 2/189 subjects) versus 1.6% in placebo-treated subjects (3 attempts in 2/184 subjects). Suicidal ideation was reported by 3 sertraline treated patients (1.6%) and no placebo-treated patients. This difference is not statistically significant. Note that sertraline should not be used in children and adolescents to treat MDD (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Post-marketing experience.

In addition to the adverse events reported from the clinical trials above, the following adverse events, which are not necessarily related to sertraline, as adverse events are also reported in the context of post-marketing exposure, when the relationship of these adverse events to sertraline may not be differentiated clearly from effects of concomitant medications or disease states for which sertraline was prescribed.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Rare: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia.

Immune system disorders.

Uncommon: hypersensitivity.
Rare: anaphylactoid reaction.

Endocrine disorders.

Rare: inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, hyperprolactinaemia, hypothyroidism.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Common: increased appetite.
Rare: diabetes mellitus, hyponatraemia, hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia.

Psychiatric disorders.

Uncommon: hallucination, aggression, confusional state, depressive symptoms, euphoric mood.
Rare: psychotic disorder, mania.

Nervous system disorders.

Very common: headache.
Common: hypertonia, paraesthesia.
Uncommon: syncope, muscle contractions involuntary, migraine.
Rare: coma, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, visual field defect.
Unknown: amnesia. Also reported were signs and symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome, in some cases associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs, that included agitation, confusional state, hyperhidrosis, diarrhoea, pyrexia, hypertension, muscle rigidity and tachycardia.

Eye disorders.

Uncommon: mydriasis, periorbital oedema, eye pain.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Common: tinnitus.

Cardiac disorders.

Uncommon: tachycardia.
Rare: atrial arrhythmia, bradycardia, atrioventricular block, QTc prolongation and torsade de pointes, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, blood cholesterol increased.

Vascular disorders.

Common: hypertension.
Uncommon: haemorrhage, predominantly of the skin and mucous membranes, including purpura, epistaxis, haematomas, vaginal haemorrhage and gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Rare: cerebrovascular vasoconstriction (including reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and Call-Fleming syndrome), vasculitis.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Uncommon: bronchospasm.
Rare: eosinophilic pneumonia.
Unknown: dyspnoea.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Common: constipation, abdominal pain.
Uncommon: gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Rare: pancreatitis.
Unknown: microscopic colitis.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Uncommon: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased.
Rare: serious liver injury (including hepatitis, jaundice and hepatic failure).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: pruritus, alopecia.
Rare: serious exfoliative skin disorders (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), angioedema, photosensitivity skin reaction.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Common: arthralgia.
Uncommon: muscle spasms, muscle cramps.
Rare: rhabdomyolysis, trismus.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Uncommon: haematuria, urinary incontinence.
Rare: enuresis.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Rare: priapism, galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Common: movement disorders (including extrapyramidal symptoms such as akathisia, dystonia and gait disturbance), chest pain, asthenia.
Uncommon: gait disturbance, oedema peripheral.
Rare: face oedema, drug withdrawal syndrome (symptoms following the discontinuation of sertraline have been reported and included agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea and paraesthesia).

Investigations.

Rare: platelet function test abnormal, increased coagulation times, laboratory test abnormal.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Rare: fracture.

Discontinuation symptoms.

Rare: symptoms following the discontinuation of sertraline have been reported and included agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, nausea and paraesthesia.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

On the evidence available, sertraline has a wide margin of safety in overdose. Overdoses in adults of 700 to 1200 mg have not resulted in serious symptoms. Ingestion of 4000 mg resulted in seizures in an adolescent. The largest known ingestion is 13.5 g with recovery reported. Another overdose of 2.5 g of sertraline alone resulted in death. Overdosage of 400 and 500 mg in two children have resulted in serotonin syndrome.

Signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of overdose include serotonin-mediated side effects such as electrocardiogram QT prolonged, TdP (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials) somnolence, gastrointestinal disturbances (such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting), tachycardia, tremor, agitation and dizziness. Other important adverse events reported with sertraline overdose (single or multiple medicines) include bradycardia, bundle branch block, coma, convulsions, delirium, hallucinations, hypertension, hypotension, manic reaction, pancreatitis, QT-interval prolongation, stupor and syncope. Hyperthermia, increased respirations and cutaneous vasodilation have also been reported. Minor ECG abnormalities, palpitations, prolonged tachycardia and increased pulse rate have also been reported following paediatric overdose. Seizures have been reported rarely. Serotonin syndrome may result following significant overdose, and onset may be delayed. A death due to asthma exacerbation has been reported following sertraline overdose.
Deaths have been reported involving overdoses of sertraline, primarily in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. Therefore, any overdosage should be treated aggressively.
Elevated liver enzymes and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels have been noted following acute overdose. Hyponatraemia secondary to SIADH has been reported following overdose and has been severe enough to cause seizures.

Treatment of overdosage.

In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple medicine involvement. Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any antidepressant. Cardiac and vital signs monitoring is recommended along with general symptomatic and supportive measures. Establish and maintain an airway, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, if necessary. Patients should be monitored for potential cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or hepatic abnormalities. Also monitor for signs/symptoms of serotonin syndrome (mental status changes, hyperthermia, myoclonus, autonomic instability, high CK levels) and possible seizures.
There are no specific antidotes for sertraline. Activated charcoal should be considered in treating overdose and is most effective when administered within one hour of ingestion. In patients who are not fully conscious or have impaired gag reflex, consideration should be given to administering activated charcoal via nasogastric tube once the airway is protected. Routine use of a cathartic with activated charcoal is not recommended as there is no evidence that cathartics reduce medicine absorption and cathartics are known to cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances and occasionally hypotension.
Induction of emesis is not recommended because of the potential for CNS depression and seizures. Due to the large volume of distribution of sertraline, forced diuresis, dialysis, haemoperfusion, and exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Sertraline hydrochloride is an antidepressant for oral administration. It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents.
The mechanism of action of sertraline is presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin (5HT). Studies at clinically relevant doses in humans have demonstrated that sertraline blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. In vitro studies in animals also suggest that sertraline is a potent and selective inhibitor of neuronal serotonin reuptake and has only very weak effects on noradrenaline and dopamine neuronal reuptake. In vitro studies have shown that sertraline has no significant affinity for adrenergic (alpha1, alpha2, beta), cholinergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopaminergic, histaminergic, serotonergic (5HT1A, 5HT1B, 5HT2) or benzodiazepine receptors; antagonism of such receptors has been hypothesised to be associated with various anticholinergic, sedative and cardiovascular effects for other psychotropic medicines. The chronic administration of sertraline was found in animals to down regulate brain noradrenaline receptors as has been observed with other clinically effective antidepressant and antiobsessional medicines. Sertraline does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.
Medicines known to influence serotonin receptors in animals and isolated cell preparations have been used to investigate possible 5HT receptor abnormalities in patients with OCD. No clear picture has emerged but OCD symptoms were worsened by meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a mixed agonist at serotonin receptors, in untreated OCD patients in comparison to healthy controls, but not after patients had been treated with the nonselective 5HT reuptake inhibitor clomipramine. Tricyclic antidepressants without SRI effects have no efficacy in OCD.

Clinical trials.

Major depression.

Adults.

The efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of a major depressive episode in adults was established in controlled trials of six to eight weeks in outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-III category of major depressive disorder. Efficacy and safety have been established in studies up to 24 weeks.
A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day for at least two weeks). It should include at least four of the following eight symptoms: change in sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation.
The antidepressant action of sertraline in hospitalised depressed patients has not been adequately studied. A study of depressed outpatients who had responded to sertraline during an initial eight week open treatment phase and were then randomised to continuation on sertraline or placebo demonstrated a significantly lower relapse rate over the next eight weeks for patients taking sertraline compared to those on placebo. Therefore, the physician who elects to use sertraline for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the medicine for the individual patient.
Obsessive compulsive disorder.

Children and adolescents.

The effectiveness of sertraline for the treatment of OCD was first demonstrated in a 12 week, multicentre, parallel group study in a paediatric outpatient population (children and adolescents, ages 6 to 17). Patients in this study were initiated at doses of either 25 mg/day (children, ages 6 to 12) or 50 mg/day (adolescents, ages 13 to 17), and then titrated over the next four weeks to a maximum dose of 200 mg/day, if tolerated. The mean dose for completers was 178 mg/day. Dosing was once a day in the morning or evening. Patients in this study had moderate to severe OCD (DSM-III-R) with mean baseline ratings on the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CYBOCS) total score of 22. Patients receiving sertraline experienced a mean reduction of approximately 7 points on the CYBOCS total score which was significantly greater than the mean 3 point reduction for placebo patients. Analyses for age and gender effects on outcome did not suggest any differential responsiveness on the basis of age or sex.
The safety of sertraline use in children and adolescents, ages 6 to 18, for 52 weeks, was established in a flexible dose, open extension study of 137 patients who had completed the initial 12 week, double blind, placebo controlled study. Sertraline was administered at doses of either 25 mg/day (children, ages 6 to 12) or 50 mg/day (adolescents, ages 13 to 18) and then titrated in weekly 25 mg/day or 50 mg/day increments, respectively, to a maximum dose of 200 mg/day based upon clinical response. The mean dose for completers was 157 mg/day. In this 52 week study sertraline was well tolerated with an adverse event profile generally similar to that observed in the acute 12 week paediatric study. In the 12 week study, a marginally greater number of sertraline treated patients (90%) experienced one or more adverse events (irrespective of causality), when compared to placebo (73%). The majority of adverse events in the sertraline group were classified as mild to moderate in severity.

Adults.

The efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of OCD were established in three controlled trials (each 8 to 12 weeks long) of non-depressed adult outpatients with mild, moderate or severe OCD, diagnosed on the basis of DSM-III or DSM-III-R criteria. Efficacy and safety were maintained in a 40 week continuation of the 12 week fixed dose, placebo controlled study. In patients with OCD, the obsessions or compulsions must cause marked distress, be time consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning in order to meet the DSM-III-R diagnosis of OCD.
Obsessions are recurrent, persistent ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that are ego dystonic. Compulsions are repetitive, purposeful and intentional behaviours performed in response to an obsession or in a stereotyped fashion, and are recognised by the person as excessive or unreasonable. In three double blind, multicentre, parallel group, placebo controlled trials, clinically relevant and statistically significant improvements in response rates (40%) were noted in sertraline treatment groups.
In a 12 week double blind fixed dose placebo controlled study in OCD, 26% of patients receiving placebo were regarded as responders to therapy, whereas 40% of patients receiving sertraline were regarded as responders.

Long-term treatment.

In an open extension study of the 40 week continuation study mentioned above, 38 patients treated with sertraline received 2 full years of sertraline treatment. Sertraline responders treated for more than one year continued improvement during a second year of open treatment.
In addition, to assess the efficacy of sertraline in preventing relapse in patients who had achieved a sustained response during 52 weeks of single-blind sertraline therapy, a 28 week double-blind, placebo-controlled extension study of 223 patients demonstrated continued significant improvement in OCD symptoms when compared to placebo, with completion rates in the sertraline and placebo groups of 70% and 48%, respectively.
Panic disorder.

Adults.

The efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of panic disorder in adults has been evaluated in four double blind, placebo controlled clinical trials for up to 12 weeks: two flexible dose studies and two fixed dose studies. At the last week of treatment (week 10 or 12), both flexible dose studies and one of the fixed dose studies showed statistically significant differences from placebo in favour of sertraline in terms of mean change from baseline in the total number of DSM-III-R defined panic attacks (last observation carried forward analysis). As the flexible dose studies were of identical protocol, data for these investigations can be pooled. The mean number of full panic attacks at baseline was 6.2/week (n = 167) in the sertraline group and 5.4/week in the placebo group (n = 175). At week 10 (last observation carried forward analysis), the mean changes from baseline were 4.9/week and 2.5/week for the sertraline and placebo groups, respectively. The proportion of patients having no panic attacks at the final evaluation was 69% in the sertraline group and 57% in the placebo group. The mean daily dose administered at the last week of treatment was approximately 120 mg (range: 25 to 200 mg) in the flexible dose studies. All patients entered into clinical trials had a DSM-III-R diagnosis of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. It was found in the flexible dose studies that initiating treatment at 25 mg/day for one week led to a lower incidence of early discontinuations.
The primary efficacy measure was the number of DSM-III-R defined panic attacks occurring each week. Secondary efficacy variables measured included the Sheehan Panic and Anticipatory Anxiety Scale (PAAS), Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) rating of severity of Illness and Improvement.
The statistically significant superiority of sertraline over placebo in the treatment of panic disorder was demonstrated by the reduction in the number of panic attacks per week at study endpoint. Analyses of the secondary efficacy variables confirmed that the reduction in panic attack frequency was associated with significant improvement in a broad range of disease symptoms. No clear dose dependency has been demonstrated over the 50 to 200 mg/day dose range investigated in the fixed dose studies. Efficacy beyond 12 weeks has not been assessed.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Systemic bioavailability.

In humans, following oral once daily dosing over the range of 50 to 200 mg for 14 days, mean peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of sertraline occurred between 4.5 and 8.4 hours after dosing. The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours. Based on this pharmacokinetic parameter, steady-state sertraline plasma levels should be achieved after approximately one week of once daily dosing. Linear dose proportional pharmacokinetics were demonstrated in a single dose study in which the Cmax and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of sertraline were proportional to dose over a range of 50 to 200 mg. Consistent with the terminal elimination half-life, there is an approximately twofold accumulation, compared to a single dose of sertraline, with repeated dosing over a 50 to 200 mg dose range. The single dose bioavailability of sertraline tablets is approximately equal to an equivalent dose of solution.
In a single dose study of Blooms the Chemist Sertraline tablets, Tmax was found to be 2-6 hours and the average half-life was found to be 23 hours (range of 13-37 hours).
The effects of food on the bioavailability of sertraline were studied in subjects administered a single dose with and without food. AUC was slightly increased when the medicine was administered with food but the Cmax was 25% greater, while the time to reach peak plasma concentration decreased from eight hours after dosing to 5.5 hours. These changes were not considered clinically significant.

Distribution.

Animal studies indicate that sertraline has a large apparent volume of distribution.
In vitro protein binding studies performed with radiolabelled 3H-sertraline showed that sertraline is highly bound to serum proteins (98%) in the range of 20 to 500 nanogram/mL. However, at up to 300 and 200 nanogram/mL concentrations respectively, sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline did not alter the plasma protein binding of two other highly protein bound medicines, i.e. warfarin and propranolol (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Metabolism.

Sertraline undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. The principal initial pathway of metabolism for sertraline is N-demethylation. N-desmethylsertraline has a plasma terminal elimination half-life of 62 to 104 hours. Both in vitro biochemical and in vivo pharmacological testing have shown N-desmethylsertraline to be substantially less active than sertraline. Both sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline undergo oxidative deamination and subsequent reduction, hydroxylation and glucuronide conjugation. In a study of radiolabelled sertraline involving two healthy male subjects, sertraline accounted for less than 5% of the plasma radioactivity. Desmethylsertraline exhibits time related, dose dependent increases in AUC0-24, Cmax and Cmin with about a five to ninefold increase in these pharmacokinetic parameters between day 1 and day 14.

Excretion.

In a study of radiolabelled sertraline involving two healthy male subjects, sertraline accounted for less than 5% of the plasma radioactivity. About 40 to 45% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine in nine days. Unchanged sertraline was not detectable in the urine. For the same period, about 40 to 45% of the administered radioactivity was accounted for in faeces, including 12 to 14% unchanged sertraline.

Pharmacokinetics.

Children and adolescents.

The pharmacokinetics of sertraline in paediatric OCD patients have been shown to be comparable with adults (although paediatric patients metabolise sertraline with slightly greater efficiency). However, lower doses may be advisable for paediatric patients, given their lower body weights (especially those patients 6 to 12 years), in order to avoid excessive plasma levels.

Adults.

Sertraline plasma clearance was compared in male and female young subjects (18 to 45 years) and elderly subjects (≥ 65 years) in an open label, multiple dose study. Eleven subjects in each group received sertraline once daily for 30 days according to a titrated regimen up to 200 mg/day. No significant differences in Cmax, AUC or elimination half-life were found for the young women or the elderly of either sex. In comparison, Cmax and AUC were lower and the half-life shorter in young men. Thus, the elimination of sertraline appears to be slightly more rapid in young males. Although these differences are statistically significant, they are unlikely to be clinically significant. The ratios of sertraline clearance to desmethylsertraline clearance of the four groups were similar.

Hepatic impairment.

Sertraline is extensively metabolised by the liver. A multiple dose pharmacokinetic study in subjects with mild, stable cirrhosis administered sertraline 50 mg/day for 21 days demonstrated a prolonged elimination half-life and approximately a three-fold greater AUC and Cmax for sertraline and a two-fold greater AUC and Cmax for the metabolite in comparison to normal subjects. Patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment have not been studied. If sertraline is administered to patients with hepatic impairment, a lower or less frequent dose should be considered (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Renal impairment.

In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min) or moderate to severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance 10-29 mL/min) administered sertraline 50 mg/day for 21 days, multiple dose pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-24 or Cmax were not statistically significantly different compared with controls. This indicates that sertraline dosing does not have to be adjusted based on degree of renal impairment.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Sertraline had no genotoxic effects, with or without metabolic activation, based on the following assays: bacterial mutation assay; mouse lymphoma mutation assay; and tests for cytogenetic aberrations in vivo in mouse bone marrow and in vitro in human lymphocytes.

Carcinogenicity.

The carcinogenic potential of sertraline has not been fully elucidated. Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were carried out in CD-1 mice and Long-Evans rats (at doses up to 40 mg/kg), giving rise to plasma drug exposure levels similar to or slightly higher than that achieved following the maximum recommended human dose of 200 mg. There was a dose related increase in the incidence of liver adenomas in male mice receiving sertraline at 10 to 40 mg/kg. No increase was seen in female mice or in rats of either sex receiving the same treatments, nor was there an increase in hepatocellular carcinomas. Liver adenomas have a variable rate of spontaneous occurrence in the CD-1 mouse and are of unknown significance to humans. There was an increase in follicular adenomas of the thyroid in female rats receiving sertraline at 40 mg/kg; this was not accompanied by thyroid hyperplasia. While there was an increase in uterine adenocarcinomas in rats receiving sertraline at 10 to 40 mg/kg compared to placebo controls, this effect was not clearly medicine related.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline tablets also contain inactive (excipients) ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, hyprolose, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, purified talc, titanium dioxide.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.
For information on interactions with other medicines and other forms of interactions see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Blooms the Chemist Sertraline 50 mg and 100 mg film-coated tablets packed in PVC/Al blister packs of 30 tablets.
Not all presentations may be marketed in Australia.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Sertraline hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder that is slightly soluble in water and isopropyl alcohol and sparingly soluble in ethanol.

Chemical structure.


Chemical name: (1S,4S)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-N-methyl-1-naphthalenamine hydrochloride.
Molecular formula: C17H17NCl2.HCl.
Molecular weight: 342.7.

CAS number.

79559-97-0.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.

Summary Table of Changes