PHENOXYBENZAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

INDICATION AND USAGE Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride capsules are indicated in the treatment of pheochromocytoma, to control episodes of hypertension and sweating. If tachycardia is excessive, it may be necessary to use a beta -blocking agent concomitantly.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dosage should be adjusted to fit the needs of each patient. Small initial doses should be slowly increased until the desired effect is obtained or the side effects from blockade become troublesome. After each increase, the patient should be observed on that level before instituting another increase . The dosage should be carried to a point where symptomatic relief and/or objective improvement are obtained, but not so high that the side effects from blockade become troublesome. Initially, 10 mg of phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride twice a day. Dosage should be increased every other day, usually to 20 to 40 mg 2 or 3 times a day, until an optimal dosage is obtained, as judged by blood pressure control. Long-term use of phenoxybenzamine is not recommended (see PRECAUTIONS Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis ). STORAGE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight container.

WARNING Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride-induced alpha -adrenergic blockade leaves beta -adrenergic receptors unopposed. Compounds that stimulate both types of receptors may, therefore, produce an exaggerated hypotensive response and tachycardia.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Conditions where a fall in blood pressure may be undesirable; hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.

Pregnancy - Teratogenic Effects Adequate reproductive studies in animals have not been performed with phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride. It is also not known whether phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been observed, but there are insufficient data to support an estimate of their frequency. Autonomic Nervous System*: Postural hypotension, tachycardia, inhibition of ejaculation, nasal congestion, miosis. *These so-called “side effects” are actually evidence of adrenergic blockade and vary according to the degree of blockade. Miscellaneous: Gastrointestinal irritation, drowsiness, fatigue. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.