Consumer medicine information

Novistig

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate); Neostigmine methylsulfate

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Novistig

Active ingredient

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate); Neostigmine methylsulfate

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Novistig.

What is in this leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you are given Novistig.

This leaflet answers some common questions about Novistig. It does not contain all the available information. The most up-to-date Consumer Medicine Information can be downloaded from www.ebs.tga.gov.au.

Reading this leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of giving you Novistig against the benefits this medicine is expected to have for you.

If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may want to read it again.

What Novistig is used for

Novistig contains glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and neostigmine methylsulfate.

Neostigmine belongs to a group of medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors. It has the effect of reversing the action of certain muscle-relaxing medicines.

Novistig is used at the end of an operation to reverse the effects of some of the medicines used during surgery such as anaesthetics and muscle relaxants.

Glycopyrronium bromide belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergic medicines. Its purpose is to block some of the unwanted effects that may occur with neostigmine such as slowing the heart rate or excess production of saliva.

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

Novistig is only available with a doctor's prescription.

Novistig is not addictive.

Before you are given Novistig

Novistig is not suitable for everyone.

When you must not be given it

You must not be given Novistig:

  • at the same time as you are also receiving suxamethonium, a muscle relaxant usually given during operations
  • if you have blockage of the intestines or urinary tract.

Tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the above.

You must not be given Novistig if you are allergic to any medicine containing glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate), neostigmine methylsulfate or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Novistig must not be used after the expiry date ('EXP') printed on the pack, or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. The solution must be clear before use.

If you are not sure whether you should be given Novistig, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you are given it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:

  • recent surgery involving the intestine or bladder
  • other intestinal or bladder problems
  • asthma
  • glaucoma
  • heart disease or other heart problems
  • epilepsy
  • low or high blood pressure
  • Parkinson's disease
  • stomach ulcer or bowel problems
  • hiatus hernia
  • kidney problems
  • Addison's disease
  • an overactive thyroid gland
  • difficulty urinating, or enlarged prostate
  • myasthenia gravis, a muscle weakness disorder
  • nerve or brain disorder, brain damage, or Down’s Syndrome.

It may not be safe for you to be given Novistig if you have any of these conditions.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. The safety of the use of this medicine in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant has not been established. Novistig is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.

Do not breast-feed if you are using this medicine. The active ingredient in Novistig passes into breast milk and there is a possibility that your baby may be affected.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you are given Novistig.

Taking other medicines

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

Tell any healthcare professional who is prescribing a new medicine for you that you are using Novistig.

Some medicines and Novistig may interfere with each other. These include:

  • corticosteroids
  • antibiotics
  • lithium
  • chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, quinine
  • medicine for heart problems including beta-blockers
  • medicines to treat depression (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, MAOI's)
  • medicines used to treat mental illness (e.g. clozapine)
  • medicines used to relieve pain (e.g. nefopam)
  • amantadine, which is used to treat Parkinson’s disease or viral infections
  • sugammadex or suxamethonium, muscle relaxants usually given during operations.

The above medicines may be affected by Novistig, or may affect how well it works. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while being given Novistig.

How Novistig is given

How it will be given

Novistig will be given to you by injection by a doctor or a specially trained nurse.

How much will be given

Your doctor will know how much Novistig you should be given.

The need for more doses will depend on how well your body responds to the treatment. Your doctor will decide how many injections you need, and how often you should receive them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

If you receive the wrong dose, Novistig may not work as well and your problem may not improve.

While you are being given Novistig

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are using Novistig. Likewise, tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are being given this medicine.

Things to be careful of

Be careful if you are elderly or unwell. Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, or blurred vision, which may increase the risk of a fall.

Be careful during warm weather and temperature, and/or with physical exercise after use of Novistig. It may reduce your ability to sweat and can therefore cause overheating.

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Novistig affects you. It may cause your eyesight to become weak and this could interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Ask your doctor for advice before you drive or operate machinery.

In case of overdose

If you are given too much

As Novistig is given to you in hospital under the supervision of your doctor, it is very unlikely that you will receive an overdose.

However, symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, sweating, increased saliva and changes in heart rate.

Immediately tell your doctor or nurse if you think that you or anyone else may have been given too much Novistig. They have information on how to recognise and treat an overdose.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given Novistig.

Like all medicines, Novistig may occasionally cause side effects in some people. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • fast, slow or irregular heart beat
  • high blood pressure
  • flushing
  • sweating or unable to sweat
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • dry mouth or increased saliva or mucous production
  • dry and/or itchy skin
  • constipation, diarrhoea
  • difficulty urinating or involuntary urination or defecation
  • impotence
  • reduced milk supply in breastfeeding women
  • blurred vision or other problems with your eyesight
  • headache
  • nervousness, drowsiness or restlessness
  • dizziness, faintness or weakness
  • unable to sleep, sleep disorder
  • over-excitement in children
  • confusion, especially in elderly people
  • fever
  • feeling bloated or stomach cramps
  • loss or alteration of taste
  • muscle weakness, muscle cramps or twitching
  • increased secretion of tears from the eyes
  • slurred speech
  • inability to smile, swallow, speak, cough, track objects with eyes
  • inability to perform a deep breath
  • chest discomfort
  • facial weakness, facial numbness.

These side effects are usually mild.

Rare side effects include: injection site reactions like itchy skin, swelling, pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
  • cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness, discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, e.g. pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

These may be serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are rare.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After being given Novistig

Storage

Novistig will be stored in the pharmacy or on the ward under the recommended storage conditions.

It must be kept in a cool dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Disposal

Any Novistig which has passed its expiry date, or is left in the container after use, will be disposed of in a safe manner by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Product description

What it looks like

Novistig is a clear sterile solution for injection.

It is available in glass ampoules of 1 mL in size. Each carton contains 10 ampoules.

Ingredients

Active ingredients:

  • glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate)
  • neostigmine methylsulfate.

Inactive ingredients:

  • dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate
  • citric acid
  • sodium hydroxide
  • water for injections.

Novistig does not contain lactose, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes. Preservative and sulfite free.

Sponsor details

Boucher & Muir Pty Ltd
Level 9, 76 Berry Street
North Sydney NSW 2060

AUST R 303637

Date of preparation

This leaflet was prepared on 20 August 2019.

Published by MIMS December 2019

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Novistig

Active ingredient

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate); Neostigmine methylsulfate

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and neostigmine methylsulfate.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each 1 mL of solution for injection contains 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and 2.5 mg of neostigmine methylsulfate.

Excipients with known effect.

Each 1 mL contains 3 mg (0.13 mmol) sodium.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.
The solution is preservative free and sulfite free.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Clear, colourless sterile solution for injection in clear glass ampoules, free of any visible particles, intended for parenteral intravenous administration.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Reversal of residual non-depolarising (competitive) neuromuscular block.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage.

This fixed-dose combination product contains a 0.5 mg:2.5 mg/1 mL of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate): neostigmine in a fixed 1:5 ratio. If other ratios of these agents are required, these should be prepared using available monotherapy products.

Adults.

0.2 mg glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) per 1 mg neostigmine intravenously. Alternatively, a dose of 0.016 mL/kg intravenously, equivalent to 0.008 mg/kg glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) with 0.04 mg/kg neostigmine.

Children (1 month to 12 years).

0.016 mL/kg intravenously, equivalent to glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) 0.008 mg/kg and neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg.
Total doses in excess of 2 mL are not recommended as this dose of neostigmine may produce depolarising neuromuscular block.

Method of administration.

This medicine is for intravenous administration.
It contains no antimicrobial preservative and is for use in one patient on one occasion only. Discard any residue.
Novistig should be administered when the first twitch response is substantially greater than 10% of baseline, or when a second twitch is present.
Adequacy of the reversal of the neuromuscular block needs to be based on a clinical assessment of the patient and not train-of-four responses alone, unless quantitative (numeric) assessment is made of neuromuscular function.
Patients should be monitored for clinical signs of residual blockade (e.g. difficulty maintaining a patent airway, generalised weakness, inadequate ventilatory effort) following cessation of the anaesthetic and extubation.
Novistig should be used as is and should not be further diluted prior to use (also see Section 6.2 Incompatibilities).

Dosage adjustment.

Renal impairment.

The duration of effect may be prolonged in patients with renal impairment since glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and neostigmine are excreted mostly in the urine. Dosage adjustment may be needed for patients in renal failure.

Elderly.

In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or drug therapy.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the two active substances, or to any of the excipients listed, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.
Mechanical obstruction of intestinal or urinary tract.
This medicine should not be given in conjunction with suxamethonium as neostigmine potentiates the depolarising myoneural blocking effects of this agent.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Novistig.

Neuromuscular function monitoring must be available for every patient in whom neuromuscular blockade has been induced and should be used whenever the anaesthetist is considering extubation following the use of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockade.
Antagonism of the neuromuscular block with a cholinesterase inhibitor should not be initiated before at least two to four responses to train-of-four stimulation are observed.
Re-administration of muscle relaxant shortly after use of Novistig should be done with caution: competing at the neuro-muscular junction there may be increased levels of acetyl choline and neostigmine has some direct postsynaptic cholinomimetic effects, thus resistance to muscle relaxation may be seen. There will still be some previously administered relaxant in the patient, thus prolonged recovery may also be seen.
The administration of sugammadex after neostigmine reversal may increase muscle relaxation as all muscle relaxant is removed and the neuro muscular inhibition by neostigmine is revealed.
Neostigmine may prolong the depolarising neuromuscular blocking action of depolarising muscle relaxants such as suxamethonium and prolonged apnoea may result (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Administer with caution to patients with bronchospasm. Neostigmine alone induces significant bronchoconstriction, whereas neostigmine combined with glycopyrrolate causes bronchodilation. Secretions may be thickened with neostigmine (also see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties).
Administer with caution to patients with severe bradycardia. Further falls in heart rate may occur.
Anticholinergic drugs can cause ventricular arrhythmias when administered during inhalation anaesthesia especially in association with halogenated hydrocarbons.
Earlier literature reports of a high incidence (5 - 15%) in fit patients of arrhythmia associated with reversal after halothane are not supported by more recent studies (since 2008) where the reported incidence of reversal after sevoflurane or propofol was ~ 1%.
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is a quaternary ammonium compound and thus does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. It is therefore less likely to cause postoperative confusion which is a particular concern in elderly patients.
Glycopyrrolate/neostigmine should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with glaucoma; increases in intraocular pressure have been reported.
Administration of anticholinesterase agents to patients with intestinal anastomosis may produce rupture of the anastomosis or leakage of intestinal contents.
Novistig should be used with caution in patients with mechanical urinary tract obstruction such as obstructive uropathy, and prostatic hypertrophy, and in patients who have undergone recent bladder surgery.
Novistig should be used with caution in patients:
with mechanical gastrointestinal tract obstruction such as paralytic ileus, intestinal atony. Diarrhoea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy;
who have undergone recent intestinal surgery;
with severe ulcerative colitis and toxic megacolon complicating ulcerative colitis.
Novistig should be used with caution in patients with unstable cardiovascular status:
autonomic neuropathy, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension or hyperthyroidism since an increase in heart may occur, recent myocardial infarction or coronary occlusion, hypotension.
Hiatus hernia associated reflux may be aggravated following administration of this medicine.
Large doses of quaternary ammonium anticholinergic compounds have been shown to block end-plate nicotinic receptors. This should be considered before using Novistig in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

In the presence of fever and in high environmental temperature, reduced sweating can occur with glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate), causing heat prostration (fever and heat stroke). Use very cautiously when the ambient temperature is high and in pyrexic patients, especially children and the elderly, who have a tendency to sweat less.

Neostigmine.

Use neostigmine with caution in patients with epilepsy, vagotonia, parkinsonism or Addison's disease.

Use in renal impairment.

Use Novistig with caution in patients with renal impairment. Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and neostigmine are excreted mostly in the urine.
Please also see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

Use in the elderly.

In a study of 59 patients over 65 years of age (32 with cardiovascular disease) receiving neostigmine 50 microgram/kg with glycopyrronium 10 microgram/kg, compared to previous studies in healthy adults, the initial increase in heart rate is higher, the subsequent falls in heart rate are less in elderly patients and the incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias was higher. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or drug therapy.

Paediatric use.

A paradoxical reaction characterised by hyperexcitability may occur in paediatric patients taking large doses of anticholinergics including glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).
Infants and young children, patients with Down's Syndrome, and paediatric patients with spastic paralysis or brain damage may experience an increased response to anticholinergics, thus increasing the potential for side effects.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

There is increased risk of antimuscarinic side effects in patients taking drugs with antimuscarinic effects such as MAOIs, amantadine, clozapine, tricyclic antidepressants and nefopam.
Excessive cholinergic blockade can occur if glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is given in patients taking belladonna alkaloids or other synthetic anticholinergic agents (such as antiparkinsonism agents), phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, some antihistamines, narcotic analgesics such as pethidine, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones or amantadine.
Concurrent administration of anticholinergics and corticosteroids may result in increased intraocular pressure.

Neostigmine.

Corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids may decrease the anticholinesterase effects of neostigmine.
Conversely anticholinesterase effects may increase after stopping corticosteroids.

Depolarising muscle relaxants.

Neostigmine may prolong the Phase I block of depolarising muscle relaxants such as suxamethonium (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Prolonged muscle paralysis with extended periods of apnoea may occur unless IPPV (intermittent positive pressure ventilation) is maintained.

Aminoglycosides, local/general anaesthetics, antiarrhythmic agents.

Anticholinesterase agents can be effective in reversing neuromuscular block induced by aminoglycoside antibiotics. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, local and some general anaesthetics, and antiarrhythmic agents may interfere with neuromuscular transmission and should be used cautiously, particularly in patients with myasthenia gravis. The dose of neostigmine may need to be increased accordingly.
Quinine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, beta-blockers and lithium may reduce the effectiveness of treatment with neostigmine.

QT interval.

In 10 healthy adults anaesthetised with propofol and no muscle relaxants, 30 min after neostigmine 50 microgram/kg plus glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) 10 microgram/kg mean QTcB prolongations was 5.3 ms.
Please see Section 6.2 Incompatibilities.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No data available.
(Category B2)

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

Clinically the safe use of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) has not been established. Single-dose studies in humans found that only very small amounts of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) passed the placental barrier. Therefore, the drug should not be used in pregnant women or those likely to become pregnant, unless the expected benefits outweigh any potential risk.
Reproduction studies in rats and rabbits did not reveal any teratogenic effects from glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate). Diminished rates of conception and of survival of weaning were observed in rats, in a dose-related manner. Studies in dogs suggest that this may be due to diminished seminal secretion, which is evident at high doses of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate). The significance of this for humans is not clear.

Neostigmine.

Cholinergic effects in the neonate are rare.
The safety of neostigmine in pregnancy has not been established with respect to possible adverse effects on foetal development. Anticholinesterase agents may cause uterine irritability and induce premature labour when given IV to pregnant women near term. Therefore, neostigmine should not be used in pregnant women or those likely to become pregnant unless the expected benefits outweigh any potential risk.
 Anticholinergic agents may suppress lactation. It is not known whether glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is excreted in human milk.
Evidence indicates that only negligible amounts of neostigmine enter the breast milk; nevertheless, the possibility of adverse effects on the breast-feeding infant should be considered.
Therefore, this product is not recommended for nursing mothers unless the expected benefits outweigh any potential risk.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

In the ambulatory patient glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) may produce drowsiness or blurred vision. The patient should be warned not to engage in activities requiring mental alertness such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery or performing hazardous work.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Inadequate reversal.

Studies have shown ~ 31% to 50% of patients have clinically significant residual neuromuscular blockade with train-of-four ratios less than 0.90 following surgery. Patients with train-of-four ratios less than 0.90 are at increased risk for hypoxemic events, impaired control of breathing during hypoxia, airway obstruction, postoperative pulmonary complications (there is an increase in the risk of aspiration) and symptoms of muscle weakness.
Clinical signs include:
weakness (head lift, hand grip, eye opening, or tongue protrusion); inability to smile, swallow, speak, cough, track objects with eyes; or inability to perform a deep or vital capacity breath.
Symptoms also include blurry vision, diplopia, facial weakness, facial numbness, and general weakness.

Adverse reactions.

Adverse reactions in a study in 14 healthy volunteers receiving neostigmine 2.5 mg with glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) 450 microgram repeated after ¼ h in 9 of the volunteers included: muscle weakness 14 (100%), blurred vision 13 (93%), abdominal cramping 13 (93%), dry mouth 11 (79%), nausea 11 (79%), vomiting 1 (7%); none of these were seen in the 7 subjects receiving saline placebo.
Across 5 trials in the literature among 225 patients receiving glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) and neostigmine to reverse effect of the muscle relaxant, the following adverse reactions were reported. See Table 1.

Reported adverse reactions.

Novistig.

Immune system disorders.

Hypersensitivity, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction.

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

The following reported adverse reactions are extensions of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate)'s fundamental pharmacological actions:

Cardiovascular.

Tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, bradycardia, palpitation and arrhythmia, hypertension, hypotension, cardiac arrest, heart block, prolonged QTc interval.

Dermatological.

Flushing and inhibition of sweating. Severe allergic reactions or drug idiosyncrasies including urticaria and other dermal manifestations, pruritus, dry skin.

Gastrointestinal.

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, taste alterations, including loss of taste.

Genitourinary.

Urinary hesitancy and retention, impotence, micturition urgency.

Ocular.

Blurred vision due to mydriasis, cycloplegia, photophobia, increased ocular tension.

Nervous system.

Inhibition of transmission at neuromuscular junction, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, seizure, insomnia, some degree of mental confusion (especially in the elderly), hyperexcitability in children.

Pregnancy and perinatal.

Suppression of lactation.

Respiratory system.

Respiratory arrest, bronchial secretion reduced.

General.

Hyperpyrexia, bloated feeling, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction, hypersensitivity.
Injection site reactions including pruritus, oedema, erythema, pain have been reported rarely.

Neostigmine.

Adverse reactions generally associated with neostigmine overdosage are:

Cardiovascular.

Cardiac arrhythmias (especially bradycardia), hypotension, syncope, cardiac arrest.

Dermatological.

Rash and urticaria.

Central nervous system.

Headache, dizziness, convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma, drowsiness, restlessness, ataxia, slurred speech, agitation and fear.

Gastrointestinal.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, flatulence, increased peristalsis and involuntary defaecation.

Genitourinary.

Involuntary urination or desire to urinate.

Musculoskeletal.

Muscle cramps, fasciculation, general weakness and paralysis.

Respiratory.

Increased oral, pharyngeal and bronchial secretions, dyspnoea, bronchospasm, respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, tight chest and wheezing.

Allergic.

Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

Other.

Increased sweating and salivation, miosis, vision changes, nystagmus and lacrimation.

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 http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

The mainstay of overdose treatment is supportive and symptomatic care. The treatment of overdosage depends upon whether signs of anticholinesterase or anticholinergic overdosage are predominant presenting features.
Neostigmine overdosage can cause cholinergic crisis, which is characterised by increasing muscle weakness. Cholinergic crisis can lead to respiratory paralysis, which may result in death. Signs of overdosage due to muscarinic effects may include abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, increased bronchial secretion, salivation, diaphoresis and miosis. Nicotinic effects consist of muscular cramps, fasciculations and general weakness. Bradycardia and hypotension may also occur.
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) signs and symptoms of overdosage: these may include tachycardia, ventricular irritability, hypotension, respiratory failure and neuromuscular blockade leading to muscular weakness and possibly paralysis.
Neostigmine overdosage may be treated by the intravenous administration of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) 200 - 600 micrograms (0.2 - 0.6 mg) or atropine 400 - 1200 micrograms (0.4 - 1.2 mg). In severe cases, respiratory depression may occur and artificial ventilation may be necessary in such patients.
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) overdosage may be treated by the administration of neostigmine methylsulfate 1000 micrograms (1.0 mg) for each 1000 micrograms (1.0 mg) of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) known to have been administered. As glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is a quaternary ammonium agent, symptoms of overdosage are peripheral rather than central in nature; centrally acting anticholinesterase drugs such as physostigmine are therefore unnecessary to treat glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) overdosage.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Novistig.

The following are from the literature:
In healthy volunteers glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate)/neostigmine in combination produces muscle weakness in a dose related fashion, affecting hand grip strength, single twitch height, dysphagia and to some extent diplopia.
Neostigmine-induced weakness with characteristics of phase-1 depolarising neuromuscular blockade was evidenced by fasciculations of multiple muscle groups, depression of the single twitch height, no fade in train-of-four and increased neuromuscular blockade after the second dose of anticholinesterase agent and muscle weakness.
Thus residual post-operative weakness may be both inadequate reversal and neostigmine induced weakness (especially with large doses).
Respiratory muscle weakness produces decreased volumes (FEV1 and FVC).
In spinal injured patients the net effect of the glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate)/ neostigmine combination is bronchodilation (as assessed by resistance to flow).
In healthy volunteers, there were no significant differences in heart rate, however, there were significant differences over time in mean arterial pressure (p = 0.003), with a maximal change from baseline of mean (SD) +10 (8.7) mmHg, +11 (9.2) % in the neostigmine group at 10 min, compared with +0.34 (5.6) mmHg, +0.37 (6.1)% in the placebo group at 10 min (p = 0.009).
When used to reverse neuromuscular blockade in post-operative patients, the cardiac effects vary with the anaesthetic agents used including the muscle relaxant.
Geometric mean recovery time after neostigmine/glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) from second twitch (T2) to train-of four ratio (TOFR) > 0.9 was after rocuronium 17.0 min (95% CI 11.6 - 24.8), after vecuronium 17.9 min (13.1 - 24.3), and after rocuronium in Korean subjects 14.8 min (12.4 - 17.6).

Neostigmine.

Mechanism of action.

Neostigmine is an anticholinesterase agent which inhibits reversibly the hydrolysis of acetylcholine by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase. As a result, acetylcholine accumulates at cholinergic synapses and its effects are prolonged and exaggerated. Neostigmine is therefore capable of producing a generalised cholinergic response, including miosis, increased tonus of intestinal and skeletal musculature, constriction of bronchi and ureters, bradycardia and stimulation of salivary and sweat glands.
Extremely high doses produce CNS stimulation followed by CNS depression.

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

Mechanism of action.

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is a synthetic anticholinergic agent. Like other anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agents, it inhibits the action of acetylcholine on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but lack cholinergic innervation. These peripheral cholinergic receptors are present in the autonomic effector cells of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, the sinoatrial node, the atrioventricular node, exocrine glands, and, to a limited degree, in the autonomic ganglia. Thus, it diminishes the volume and free acidity of gastric secretions and controls excessive pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions. Doses which produce marked antisialogogue actions have little effect on heart rate, visual accommodation, or pupil size.
Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) antagonises muscarinic symptoms (e.g. bronchorrhoea, bronchospasm, bradycardia, and intestinal hypermotility) induced by cholinergic drugs such as anticholinesterases.
The vagal blocking effects persist for 2 to 3 hours and the antisialogogue effects persist up to 7 hours. With intravenous injection, the onset of action is generally evident within one minute.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Distribution.

Pharmacokinetic studies in normal volunteers given a single intravenous infusion of 0.4 mg glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) showed that the drug undergoes a rapid distribution/elimination phase (t1/2 = 5 min). The peak plasma concentration immediately following the end of the infusion was 26.4 ± 7.6 mg/mL, and the volume of distribution was 0.158 ± 0.28 L/kg, which suggests that glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is not widely distributed to the tissues.
The highly polar quaternary ammonium group of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) limits its passage across lipid membranes, such as the blood-brain barrier.
The major site of uptake of neostigmine is the liver. Because of its quaternary ammonium structure, in moderate doses, neostigmine does not cross the blood-brain barrier to produce CNS effects.

Metabolism.

For glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate), over 80% of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine in 48 hours.
Neostigmine is excreted in urine as unchanged drug (50%) and metabolites. It is metabolised partly by the hydrolysis of the ester linkage and partly by microsomal enzymes in the liver.

Excretion.

Excretion of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is via the urine and bile, with a terminal elimination phase half-life of 1.7 hours. Radioactivity studies have shown that 85% is excreted in the urine within 48 hours.
Following IV administration the elimination half-life of neostigmine ranges from 47 to 60 minutes. Approximately 80% of a single IM dose of neostigmine is excreted in the urine in 24 hours.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Novistig contains dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.
Since the stability of glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) is questionable above a pH of 6.0, do not inject glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate) at the same intramuscular site or combine it in the same syringe with: thiopentone sodium; chloramphenicol; diazepam; dimenhydrinate; methohexitone sodium; pentazocine lactate; pentobarbitone sodium; quinalbarbitone; or sodium bicarbonate. A gas will evolve or a precipitate may form.
Mixing with dexamethasone, sodium phosphate or a buffered solution of lactated Ringer's solution will result in a pH higher than 6.0.
Please 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.
Keep the ampoules in the outer carton to protect from light.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Novistig injection is presented in clear glass ampoules packed in cardboard cartons containing 10 ampoules.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

Use in one patient on one occasion only. Contains no antimicrobial preservative. If only part of an ampoule is used, discard the remaining solution.
In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate).

Molecular formula: C19H28BrNO3. Molecular weight: 398.33.

Neostigmine methylsulfate.

Molecular formula: C13H22N2O6S. Molecular weight: 334.4.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

Glycopyrronium bromide (glycopyrrolate): 596-51-0.
Neostigmine methylsulfate: 51-60-5.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.