Consumer medicine information

Temtabs

Temazepam

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Temtabs

Active ingredient

Temazepam

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Temtabs.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about TEMTABS. It does not contain all of the available information.

It 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 you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about taking this medicine.

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

What TEMTABS is used for

TEMTABS is used to treat sleeping problems, also called insomnia.

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.

TEMTABS contains the active ingredient temazepam, a benzodiazepine. It is thought to work by acting on the brain chemicals.

In general, benzodiazepines such as TEMTABS should be taken for short periods only (for example 2 to 4 weeks). Continuous long term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. The use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence on the medicine.

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

Before you take it

When you must not take it

Do not take TEMTABS if you are allergic to:

  • Temazepam or any other benzodiazepine medicines
  • Any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing; wheezing or shortness of breath.

Do not take TEMTABS if you have:

  • severe and chronic lung disease or breathing difficulties
  • sleep apnoea.

Do not take this medicine if the packaging shows signs of tampering or the tablets do not look quite right.

Do not take it if the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.

TEMTABS is not recommended for use in children under 16 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.

Before you take it

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Like other benzodiazepine medicines, TEMTABS may cause unwanted effects in the newborn baby if used during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed. This medicine may pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness and feeding difficulties in the baby. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it when breastfeeding.

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

  • liver, kidney or lung problems
  • epilepsy, fits or convulsions
  • severe muscle weakness known as myasthenia gravis
  • low blood pressure
  • any blood disorder
  • glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • depression, psychosis or schizophrenia
  • drug or alcohol dependence or a past history of these problems.

Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of these conditions.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly. Alcohol may increase the effects of this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you plan to have surgery.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you take any Temtabs.

Taking other medicines

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

Some medicines may interfere with TEMTABS. These include:

  • other sleeping tablets, sedatives or tranquillisers
  • medicines for depression, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses
  • medicines to treat epilepsy and fits
  • medicines for allergies, for example antihistamines or cold tablets
  • medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease
  • theophylline, a medicine used to treat asthma
  • muscle relaxants
  • some pain relievers.

Your doctor can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether you are taking any of these medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking TEMTABS.

How to take it

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

How much to take

The dose of TEMTABS varies from patient to patient.

The usual starting dose is one 10 mg tablet each night. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day and when to take them. This depends on your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.

Elderly people over 65 years of age may need smaller doses.

How to take it

Swallow your tablets with a glass of water.

They can be taken with or without food.

How long to take it

Take TEMTABS only for as long as your doctor recommends.

This treatment is usually used for short periods only (such as 2 to 4 weeks). Continuous long term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. The use of benzodiazepines may lead to dependence on the medicine.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take this medicine before you go to bed and you wake up late in the night or early in the morning, do not take a dose as you may have trouble waking in the morning.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are unsure about whether to take your next dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

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

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much TEMTABS. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too much you may feel drowsy, confused, tired, dizzy, have difficulty breathing, feel weak or become unconscious.

While you are taking it

Things you must do

Take TEMTABS exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking this medicine.

If you become pregnant while you are taking it, tell your doctor immediately.

Visit your doctor regularly so they can check on your progress. Your doctor will check your condition to see whether you should continue to take TEMTABS.

Tell your doctor if you feel it is not helping your condition.

If you have to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking TEMTABS. It may affect the results of some tests.

Keep enough medicine to last weekends and holidays.

Things you must not do

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how TEMTABS affects you.

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. Even though you take it at night, you may still be drowsy or dizzy the next day.

Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy, dizzy or not alert.

Do not take TEMTABS for a longer time than your doctor has prescribed.

Do not stop taking it or change the dose, without first checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly may cause some unwanted effects. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount of TEMTABS you are taking before stopping completely. This may help reduce the possibility of unwanted side effects.

Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of

Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking TEMTABS. Combining TEMTABS and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy or light-headed or increase the risk of sleep walking and some other related sleep behaviours which may include sleep-driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep.

Your doctor may suggest that you avoid alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink while you are taking TEMTABS.

Be careful if you are elderly, unwell or taking other medicines.

Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and unsteadiness, which may increase the risk of a fall.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using TEMTABS.

Like all other medicines, it may have unwanted side effects in some people. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

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

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

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

  • dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired
  • light-headedness or feeling faint
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth
  • unpleasant dreams
  • slurred speech
  • blurred vision
  • tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
  • change in libido or sex drive.

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

  • confusion, loss of memory, disorientation
  • behavioural or mood changes such as sudden outbursts of anger and increased excitement
  • signs of frequent infections such as fever, chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
  • dark coloured urine.

The above list includes serious side effects which may require medical attention.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

  • fainting
  • hallucinations
  • any type of skin rashes, itching or hives
  • swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • wheezing or shortness of breath.

The side effects listed above are serious and require urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

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

After taking it

Storage

Keep your tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well.

Keep TEMTABS in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.

Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking TEMTABS or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets left over.

Product description

What it looks like

TEMTABS 10 mg tablets are white, round, biconvex tablets, with stylised “S” on one side and plain on the other side. Available in blister packs of 25 tablets.

Ingredients

Each TEMTABS 10 mg tablet contains 10 mg temazepam as the active ingredient.

They also contain:

  • lactose monohydrate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • maize starch
  • magnesium stearate

TEMTABS tablets do not contain gluten, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor

Aspen Pharma Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos Street
St Leonards NSW 2065
Australia

Australian Registration Numbers:

TEMTABS 10 mg tablets
AUST R 91058

This leaflet was revised in December 2019.

Published by MIMS March 2020

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Temtabs

Active ingredient

Temazepam

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Temazepam.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Temtabs tablets contain temazepam 10 mg as the active ingredient.

Excipients with known effect.

Sugars as lactose.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Temtabs 10 mg are a white, round, biconvex tablet, with stylised "S" on one side and plain on the other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Adjunctive therapy in the short-term management of insomnia in adults.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Dosage should be individualised for maximum beneficial effect. For use as a hypnotic, the usual adult dose is 10-30 mg taken one-half hour before retiring. In elderly or debilitated patients, 10 mg Temtabs is the initial recommended dosage.
The need for continued therapy with Temtabs in patients who have been taking medication for several weeks should be evaluated periodically.
Temtabs is not recommended for children.

4.3 Contraindications

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines or to any of the formulation.
Patients with chronic obstructive airways disease with incipient respiratory failure.
Patients with sleep apnoea.
Temazepam should not be used as monotherapy to treat depression, or symptoms of anxiety associated with depression, due to a risk of suicide (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Although hypotension has occurred rarely, Temtabs should be administered with caution to patients in whom a drop in blood pressure might lead to cardiac or cerebral complications. This is particularly important in elderly patients.
Transient amnesia or memory impairment has been reported in association with the use of benzodiazepines.
Temtabs could increase the muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis and should be used with caution in this condition.
Caution should be used in the treatment of patients with acute narrow angle glaucoma (because of atropine-like side effects).

Depression, psychosis and schizophrenia.

Temtabs is not recommended as primary therapy in patients with depression and psychosis. In such conditions, psychiatric assessment and supervision are necessary if benzodiazepines are indicated. Benzodiazepines may increase depression in some patients, and may contribute to deterioration in severely disturbed schizophrenics with confusion and withdrawal. Suicidal tendencies may be present or uncovered and protective measures may be required.

CNS and/or paradoxical reactions.

As with other benzodiazepines and CNS active drugs, three idiosyncratic symptom clusters, which may overlap, have been described.
Amnestic symptoms: anterograde amnesia with appropriate or inappropriate behavior;
Confusional states: disorientation, derealisation, depersonalization and/or clouding of consciousness; and
Agitational states: sleep disturbances, restlessness, irritability, aggression and excitation.
Temazepam should be discontinued if confusion or agitation occurs.
Paradoxical reactions such as acute rage, stimulation or excitement may occur; should such reactions occur, Temtabs should be discontinued. Such reactions may be more likely to occur in children and the elderly.

Impaired respiratory function.

Use of benzodiazepines, including temazepam, may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Caution in the use of Temtabs is recommended in patients with respiratory depression. In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, benzodiazepines can cause increased arterial carbon dioxide tension and decreased arterial oxygen tension.

Epilepsy.

Abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines in patients with convulsive disorders may be associated with a temporary increase in the frequency and/or severity of seizures.

Abuse.

Caution must be exercised in administering Temtabs to individuals known to be addiction prone or those whose history suggests they may increase the dosage on their own initiative. It is desirable to limit repeat prescription without adequate medical supervision.

Dependence.

The use of benzodiazepines, including temazepam, may lead to physical and psychological dependence as defined by the presence of a withdrawal syndrome on discontinuation of the drug. The risk of dependence increases with higher doses and longer-term use and is further increased in patients with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse or in patients with significant personality disorders. Temazepam may have abuse potential, especially in patients with a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Duration of treatment.

In general, benzodiazepines should be prescribed for short periods only (e.g. 2-4 weeks). Continuous long-term use of Temtabs is not recommended. There is evidence that tolerance develops to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. After as little as one week of therapy withdrawal symptoms can appear following the cessation of recommended doses (e.g. rebound insomnia following cessation of a hypnotic benzodiazepine).

Tolerance.

As defined by a need to increase the dose in order to achieve the same therapeutic effect seldom occurs in patients receiving recommended doses under medical supervision. Tolerance to sedation may occur with benzodiazepines especially in those with drug seeking behaviour.

Withdrawal.

Symptoms similar in character to those noted with barbiturates and alcohol have occurred following abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines. These symptoms can range from headache, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, tensions, depression, restlessness, irritability, rebound phenomena, dysphoria, dizziness, abdominal cramps, agitation, palpitations, tachycardia, panic attacks, vertigo, myoclonus, akinesia, hypersensitivity to light, sound and touch, abnormal body sensations (e.g. feelings of motion, metallic taste), depersonalisation, derealisation, hyperacusis, delusional beliefs, hyperreflexia, numbness/tingling extremities and loss of short term memory, to a major syndrome which may include convulsions/seizures, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, confusional states, delirium, hallucinations, hyperthermia, psychosis, vomiting and sweating. Convulsions/seizures may be more common in patients with pre-existing seizure disorders or who are taking other drugs that lower the seizure threshold such as antidepressants. Such manifestations of withdrawal, especially the more serious ones, are more common in those patients who have received excessive doses over a prolonged period. However, withdrawal symptoms have also been reported following abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines taken continuously at therapeutic levels. Accordingly, Temtabs should be terminated by tapering the dose to minimise occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. Patients should be advised to consult with their physician before either increasing the dose or abruptly discontinuing the medication.
Rebound phenomena have been described in the context of benzodiazepine use. Rebound insomnia and anxiety mean an increase in the severity of these symptoms beyond pre-treatment levels following cessation of benzodiazepines. Rebound phenomena in general possibly reflect re-emergence of pre-existing symptoms combined with withdrawal symptoms described earlier. Some patients prescribed benzodiazepines with very short half-lives (in the order of 2 to 4 hours) may experience relatively mild rebound symptoms in between their regular doses. Withdrawal/ rebound symptoms may follow high doses taken for relatively short periods.

Dose tapering.

Following the prolonged use of Temtabs at therapeutic doses, withdrawal from the medication should be gradual. An individualised withdrawal timetable needs to be planned for each patient in whom dependence is known or suspected. Periods from four weeks to four months have been suggested. As with other benzodiazepines, when treatment is suddenly withdrawn, a temporary increase of sleep disturbance can occur after use of Temtabs (see Section 4.4, Dependence).

Somnambulism and associated behaviours.

Complex behaviours such as "sleep driving" (i.e. driving while not fully awake after taking a sedative hypnotic, with amnesia for the event) have been reported with sedative hypnotics. These events can occur in sedative-hypnotics naïve as well as in sedative-hypnotics experienced persons. These events can occur at normal therapeutic doses, and the risk appears to be increased when sedative-hypnotics are combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants or used at doses exceeding the maximum recommended dose. Due to the risk to the patient and the community, discontinuation of sedative-hypnotics should be strongly considered for patients who report a "sleep driving" episode. Other complex behaviours (e.g. preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex) have been reported in patients who are not fully awake after taking a sedative-hypnotic. As with "sleep driving", patients usually do not remember these events.

Angioedema.

Angioedema involving the tongue, glottis and larynx has been reported in some patients after taking the first or subsequent doses of sedative-hypnotics. These cases of angioedema may cause airway obstruction and be fatal; this has required medical therapy in emergency departments for some patients. Additional symptoms have been reported in some patients including dyspnea, throat closing, or nausea and vomiting suggesting anaphylaxis.

Concomitant use with alcohol/CNS depressants.

The concomitant use of temazepam with alcohol or/and CNS depressants should be avoided. Such concomitant use has the potential to increase the clinical effects of temazepam which may include severe sedation, clinically relevant respiratory and/or cardio-vascular depression (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).

Use in renal impairment/hepatic impairment and blood dyscrasias.

Patients with impaired renal or hepatic function should use benzodiazepine medication with caution and dosage reduction may be advisable. In rare instances some patients taking benzodiazepines have developed blood dyscrasias, and some have had elevations of liver enzymes. As with other benzodiazepines, periodic blood counts and liver function tests are recommended. The use of temazepam may worsen hepatic encephalopathy; therefore, temazepam should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic insufficiency and/or encephalopathy.

Use in the elderly or debilitated patients.

Such patients may be particularly susceptible to the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and associated giddiness, ataxia and confusion, which may increase the possibility of a fall. Temtabs 10 mg is the recommended starting dose for these patients.

Paediatric use.

The safety and effectiveness of temazepam has not been established in children less than 16 years of age.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No interference with laboratory tests have been identified or reported with the use of temazepam.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The benzodiazepines, including Temtabs, produce additive CNS depressant effects when co-administered with other medications which themselves produce CNS depression, e.g. barbiturates, alcohol, sedatives, tricyclic antidepressants, non-selective MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines and other antipsychotics, skeletal muscle relaxants, antihistamines or narcotic analgesics and anaesthetics.
The cytochrome P450 system has not been shown to be involved in the disposition of Temtabs and, unlike many benzodiazepines, pharmacokinetic interactions involving the P450 system have not been observed with Temtabs.
The anticholinergic effects of other drugs including atropine and similar drugs, antihistamines and antidepressants may be potentiated.
Interactions have been reported between some benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants, with changes in the serum concentration of the benzodiazepine or anticonvulsant. It is recommended that patients be observed for altered responses when benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants are prescribed together, and that serum level monitoring of the anticonvulsant be performed more frequently.
Minor EEG changes, usually low voltage fast activity, of no known clinical significance, have been reported with benzodiazepine administration.
Administration of theophylline or aminophylline may reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

Fertility in male and female rats was not adversely affected by temazepam.
(Category C)
Temazepam should not be used during pregnancy.
Benzodiazepines cross the placenta and may cause hypoactivity, hypotonia, reduced respiratory function, apnoea, feeding problems, hypothermia and impaired metabolic response to cold stress in the newborn infant of mothers who have received benzodiazepines during the late phase of pregnancy or at delivery. Continuous treatment during pregnancy and administration of high doses in connection with delivery should be avoided. Withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants have been reported with this class of drugs.
The use of benzodiazepines during the first trimester of pregnancy should almost always be avoided. An increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of benzodiazepines during the first trimester of pregnancy has been suggested in several studies. In humans, umbilical cord blood samples indicate placental transfer of benzodiazepines and their glucuronide metabolites. If the drug is prescribed to a woman of child-bearing potential, she should be warned to contact her physician regarding discontinuation of the drug if she intends to become or suspects that she is pregnant.

Non-teratogenic effects.

The use of benzodiazepines during the last phase of pregnancy or at delivery may require ventilation of the infant at birth.
In animal studies an increased perinatal mortality has been seen following concomitant administration of temazepam and diphenhydramine to rabbits in the later stages of gestation compared with rabbits that received either drug alone. It is recommended that the use of temazepam be avoided in pregnant women receiving antihistamines.
 Caution should be exercised when Temtabs is given to breast feeding women.
Temtabs is believed to be excreted in human breast milk and may cause drowsiness and feeding difficulties in the infant.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

As with all patients taking CNS depressant medications, patients receiving Temtabs should be warned not to operate dangerous machinery or motor vehicles until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from Temtabs therapy. Abilities may be impaired on the day following use. In sleep laboratory studies in volunteers, doses of 10 and 20 mg did not significantly affect morning performance; however, the 30 mg dose produced impairment of psychomotor behaviour on the morning following night time administration. Patients should be advised that their tolerance for alcohol and other CNS depressants will be diminished and that these medications should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence of Temtabs.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

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.
All adverse reactions reported with temazepam are common with other benzodiazepine compounds, see Table 1.
Paradoxical reactions such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, aggression, rage, sleep disturbances/ insomnia, sexual arousal, hallucinations, stimulation and excitement rarely occur (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

4.9 Overdose

Overdosage of benzodiazepines is usually manifested by degrees of central nervous system depression ranging from drowsiness to coma. In mild cases, symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion, lethargy, dysarthria and paradoxical reactions. In more serious cases, symptoms may include ataxia, CNS depression, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, cardiovascular depression, coma and, very rarely, proves fatal.
Following overdosage with oral benzodiazepines, activated charcoal may be given to reduce absorption, if given within one or two hours after 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. Hypotension and respiratory depression should be managed according to general principles.
Haemoperfusion and haemodialysis are not useful in benzodiazepine intoxication. The benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil may be used in hospitalised patients for the reversal of acute benzodiazepine effects. Please consult the flumazenil product information prior to usage.

Treatment.

In the management of overdosage with any medication, it should be borne in mind that multiple agents may have been taken.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Temtabs hastens the onset of sleep and increases total sleeping time in short-term use.
The exact mechanism of action of benzodiazepines has not yet been elucidated; however, benzodiazepines appear to work through several mechanisms. Benzodiazepines presumably exert their effects by binding to specific receptors at several sites within the central nervous system either by potentiating the effects of synaptic or pre-synaptic inhibition mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid or by directly affecting the action potential generating mechanisms.

Clinical trials.

No data available.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption.

Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that Temtabs is well absorbed and has a relatively short elimination half-life of approximately 10 hours (range 5-15 hours).
Peak plasma levels of the drug occur 30 to 120 minutes after administration of the tablets.

Metabolism and excretion.

With multiple dosing, steady state is obtained by the third day, and there is little or no accumulation of parent drug or metabolites.
Temtabs is metabolised principally in the liver where most drug is directly conjugated to the glucuronide and excreted in the urine. Some drug is demethylated to oxazepam and eliminated as the glucuronide. The glucuronides of Temtabs have no demonstrable CNS activity. Following a single oral dose, 80% of the dose appears in the urine, mostly as the conjugates, and 12% of the dose appears in the faeces.
Less than 2% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Approximately 96% of unchanged drug is bound to plasma proteins.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

No data available.

Carcinogenicity.

No data available.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch and magnesium stearate.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

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 30°C. Protect from moisture.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Pack sizes of 5, 10 and 25 tablets in PVC/PVdC/Al blisters.

Note.

Not all pack sizes may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Temazepam is a white, odourless crystalline powder; it is sparingly soluble in alcohol and freely soluble in chloroform, but insoluble in water. The molecular weight is 300.8.
Temazepam is a 1,4 benzodiazepine with the chemical name 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1-4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

846-50-4.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

Summary Table of Changes