Sibutramine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Meridia

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of developing unwanted effects, such as high blood pressure.

Follow a reduced-calorie diet while taking sibutramine, as directed by your doctor.

Sibutramine may be taken with or without food, on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take it in a certain way, take it as directed.

Dosing - The dose of sibutramine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of sibutramine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For weight loss:
    • Adults - At first, 10 milligrams (mg) one time a day, usually in the morning. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 15 mg a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of sibutramine and you remember it within 2 to 3 hours, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember the missed dose until later, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.