During the course of acute febrile illness, encephalitides, gastroenteritis, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in
children and the elderly or debilitated, CNS reactions such as opisthotonos, convulsions, coma and extrapyramidal symptoms have
been reported with and without use of Tigan® (trimethobenzamide hydrochloride) or other antiemetic agents. In such disorders
caution should be exercised in administering Tigan®, particularly to patients who have recently received other CNS-acting agents
(phenothiazines, barbiturates, belladonna derivatives). Primary emphasis should be directed toward the restoration of body fluids and
electrolyte balance, the relief of fever and relief of the causative disease process. Overhydration should be avoided since it may result
in cerebral edema.
The antiemetic effects of Tigan® may render diagnosis more difficult in such conditions as appendicitis and obscure signs of toxicity
due to overdosage of other drugs.
General
Adjustment of Dose in Renal Failure
A substantial route of elimination of unchanged trimethobenzamide is via the kidney. Dosage adjustment should be considered in
patients with reduced renal function including some elderly patients. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION).
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of trimethobenzamide hydrochloride did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine
whether they respond differently from younger patients. Although there are studies reported in the literature that included elderly
patients greater than 65 years old with younger patients, it is not known if there are differences in efficacy or safety parameters for elderly and
non-elderly patients treated with trimethobenzamide. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually
starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of
concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients
with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in
dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION).