Initial Dose: Administer one spray (5 mg dose) into one nostril.
Second Dose (if needed): One additional spray (5 mg dose) into the opposite nostril may be administered after 10 minutes if the patient has not responded to the initial dose.
A second dose of NAYZILAM should not be administered if the patient has trouble breathing or if there is excessive sedation that is uncharacteristic of the patient during a seizure cluster episode [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Maximum Dosage and Treatment Frequency: Do not use more than 2 doses of NAYZILAM to treat a single episode.
It is recommended that NAYZILAM be used to treat no more than one episode every three days and no more than 5 episodes per month [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.4)].
Risks from Concomitant Use with Other CNS Depressants
The potential for an increased CNS-depressant effect from concomitant use with alcohol or other CNS depressants (e.g., opioids) must be considered by the prescribing physician, and appropriate recommendations made to the patient and/or caregiver [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].
Concomitant use of barbiturates, alcohol, or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Risks from Concomitant Use with Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
There is a potential for prolonged sedation from concomitant use with moderate or strong CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors because of much higher midazolam exposures [see Drug Interactions (7.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as NAYZILAM, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking NAYZILAM during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/.
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of NAYZILAM in pregnant women.
Available data suggest that the class of benzodiazepines is not associated with marked increases in risk for congenital anomalies. Although some early epidemiological studies suggested a relationship between benzodiazepine drug use in pregnancy and congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and or palate, these studies had considerable limitations. More recently completed studies of benzodiazepine use in pregnancy have not consistently documented elevated risks for specific congenital anomalies. There is insufficient evidence to assess the effect of exposure to benzodiazepines during pregnancy on neurodevelopment.
There are clinical considerations regarding exposure to benzodiazepines during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or immediately prior to or during childbirth. These risks include decreased fetal movement and/or fetal heart rate variability, "floppy infant syndrome," dependence, and withdrawal (see Clinical Considerations and Human Data).
Administration of midazolam to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis or to rats during late pregnancy and throughout lactation at doses greater than those used clinically did not result in any apparent adverse effects on development (see Animal Data). However, published data for midazolam and other benzodiazepines suggest the possibility of neuronal cell death and long-term effects on neurobehavioral and immunological function in animals following prenatal or early postnatal exposure at clinically relevant doses. NAYZILAM should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Advise a pregnant woman and women of childbearing age of the potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Infants born to mothers who have taken benzodiazepines during the later stages of pregnancy can develop dependence, and subsequently withdrawal, during the postnatal period. Clinical manifestations of withdrawal or neonatal abstinence syndrome may include hypertonia, hyperreflexia, hypoventilation, irritability, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting. These complications can appear shortly after delivery to 3 weeks after birth and persist from hours to several months depending on the degree of dependence and the pharmacokinetic profile of the benzodiazepine. Symptoms may be mild and transient or severe. Standard management for neonatal withdrawal syndrome has not yet been defined. Observe newborns who are exposed to NAYZILAM in utero during the later stages of pregnancy for symptoms of withdrawal and manage accordingly.
Labor and Delivery
Administration of benzodiazepines immediately prior to or during childbirth can result in a floppy infant syndrome, which is characterized by lethargy, hypothermia, hypotonia, respiratory depression, and difficulty feeding. Floppy infant syndrome occurs mainly within the first hours after birth and may last up to 14 days. Observe exposed newborns for these symptoms and manage accordingly.
Data
Human Data
Congenital Anomalies
Although there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of NAYZILAM in pregnant women, there is information about benzodiazepines as a class. Dolovich et al. published a meta-analysis of 23 studies that examined the effects of benzodiazepine exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. Eleven of the 23 studies included in the meta-analysis considered the use of chlordiazepoxide and diazepam and not other benzodiazepines. The authors considered case-control and cohort studies separately. The data from the cohort studies did not suggest an increased risk for major malformations (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.61—1.35) or for oral cleft (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.34—4.15). The data from the case-control studies suggested an association between benzodiazepines and major malformations (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.32—6.84) and oral cleft (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.13—2.82). The limitations of this meta-analysis included the small number of reports included in the analysis, and that most cases for analyses of both oral cleft and major malformations came from only three studies. A follow up to that meta-analysis included 3 new cohort studies that examined risk for major malformations and one study that considered cardiac malformations. The authors found no new studies with an outcome of oral clefts. After the addition of the new studies, the odds ratio for major malformations with first trimester exposure to benzodiazepines was 1.07 (95% CI 0.91—1.25).
Neonatal Withdrawal and Floppy Infant Syndrome
Neonatal withdrawal syndrome and symptoms suggestive of floppy infant syndrome associated with administration of benzodiazepines during the later stages of pregnancy and peripartum period have been reported. Findings in published scientific literature suggest that the major neonatal side effects of benzodiazepines include sedation and dependence with withdrawal signs. Data from observational studies suggest that fetal exposure to benzodiazepines is associated with the neonatal adverse events of hypotonia, respiratory problems, hypoventilation, low Apgar score, and neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
Animal Data
When midazolam (0, 0.2, 1, or 4 mg/kg/day) was administered intravenously to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, no adverse effects on embryofetal development were observed. The highest dose tested, which was associated with minimal evidence of maternal toxicity, is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 10 mg based on body surface area (mg/m2).
When midazolam (0, 0.2, 0.6, and 2 mg/kg/day) was administered intravenously to rabbits during the period of organogenesis, no adverse effects on embryofetal development were reported. The high dose, which was not associated with evidence of maternal toxicity, is approximately 4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.
When midazolam (0, 0.2, 1, or 4 mg/kg/day) was administered intravenously to female rats during late gestation and throughout lactation, no clear adverse effects were noted in the offspring. The high dose, which was not associated with evidence of maternal toxicity, is approximately 4 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis.
In published animal studies, administration of benzodiazepines, including midazolam, or other drugs that enhance GABAergic neurotransmission to neonatal rats has been reported to result in widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing brain at plasma concentrations relevant for seizure control in humans. The window of vulnerability to these changes in rats (postnatal days 0-14) includes a period of brain development corresponding to that taking place during the third trimester of pregnancy in humans.
Risk Summary
Midazolam is excreted in human milk. Studies assessing the effects of midazolam in the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion have not been performed. Postmarketing experience suggests that breastfed infants of mothers taking benzodiazepines, such as NAYZILAM, may have effects of lethargy, somnolence, and poor sucking.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for NAYZILAM and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from midazolam or from the underlying maternal condition.
Symptoms
The manifestations of midazolam overdosage reported are similar to those observed with other benzodiazepines, including sedation, somnolence, confusion, impaired coordination, diminished reflexes, coma, and untoward effects on vital signs.
Treatment
Treatment of midazolam overdosage is the same as that followed for overdosage with other benzodiazepines. Respiration, pulse rate, and blood pressure should be monitored and general supportive measures should be employed. Attention should be given to the maintenance of a patent airway and support of ventilation, including administration of oxygen. An intravenous infusion should be started. Should hypotension develop, treatment may include intravenous fluid therapy, repositioning, judicious use of vasopressors appropriate to the clinical situation, if indicated, and other appropriate countermeasures. There is no information as to whether peritoneal dialysis, forced diuresis, or hemodialysis are of any value in the treatment of midazolam overdosage.
Flumazenil, a specific benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist, is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and may be used in situations when an overdose with NAYZILAM is known or suspected. There are anecdotal reports of adverse hemodynamic responses associated with midazolam following administration of flumazenil to pediatric patients. Prior to the administration of flumazenil, necessary measures should be instituted to secure the airway, assure adequate ventilation, and establish adequate intravenous access. The reversal of benzodiazepine effects may be associated with the onset of seizures in certain high-risk patients. The prescriber should be aware of a risk of seizure in association with flumazenil treatment, particularly in long-term benzodiazepine users. The administration of flumazenil in cases of benzodiazepine overdose can lead to withdrawal and adverse reactions, including increased seizures. Its use in patients with epilepsy is typically not recommended.
Pharmacokinetics
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, plasma exposures (Cmax and AUC) of midazolam in epilepsy patients increase approximately proportional to dose from 5.0 mg to 15 mg, 0.5 and 1.5 times the recommended maximum total dose (5 mg Initial Dose + 5 mg Second Dose), respectively.
Absorption
Following nasal administration of a single 5 mg midazolam dose to healthy adults, midazolam was absorbed with median Tmax (range) of 17.3 (7.8 to 28.2) minutes; midazolam mean (±SD) Cmax and AUC0-∞ were 54.7 (±30.4) ng/mL and 126.2 (±59) ng∙hr/mL, respectively. The mean absolute bioavailability is approximately 44%.
Distribution
In adults and pediatric patients, midazolam is approximately 97% bound to plasma protein, principally albumin. In healthy volunteers, 1-hydroxy midazolam is bound to the extent of 89%.
The estimated total volume of distribution of midazolam is 226.5 L.
In humans, midazolam has been shown to cross the placenta and enter into fetal circulation and has been detected in human milk and CSF [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.2)].
Elimination
Following administration of NAYZILAM in clinical trials, median midazolam and 1-hydroxy-midazolam elimination half-lives ranged from 2.1 to 6.2 hours and 2.7 to 7.2 hours, respectively, independent of dose.
Metabolism
Midazolam is primarily metabolized by liver and intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) to its pharmacologic active metabolite, 1-hydroxy midazolam (also termed α-hydroxy-midazolam). Midazolam is also metabolized to two other minor metabolites: 4-hydroxy metabolite and 1,4-dihydroxy metabolite. The principal urinary excretion products are glucuronide conjugates of the hydroxylated derivatives.
Studies of the intravenous administration of 1-hydroxy-midazolam in humans suggest that 1-hydroxy-midazolam is at least as potent as the parent compound and may contribute to the net pharmacologic activity of midazolam.
Excretion
The principal urinary excretion product is 1-OH midazolam in the form of a glucuronide conjugate. Smaller amounts of the glucuronide conjugates of 4-hydroxy- and dihydroxy-midazolam are detected as well.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
In a parallel group study of 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses of NAYZILAM, mean systemic exposure (AUC) and peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of midazolam were 21 to 45% higher in geriatric subjects (> 65 years old) as compared to non-geriatric subjects. The terminal half-life was increased by approximately 2 hours in the geriatric subjects because of a decrease in clearance [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
Obesity
In a study comparing normal (n=20) and obese patients (n=20), the mean half-life of midazolam administered by parental route was greater in the obese group (5.9 versus 2.3 hours). This was because of an increase of approximately 50% in the volume of distribution (Vd) corrected for total body weight. The clearance was not significantly different between groups.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Patients with renal impairment may have longer elimination half-lives for midazolam and its metabolites [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Midazolam and 1-hydroxy-midazolam pharmacokinetics in 6 ICU patients who developed acute renal failure (ARF) were compared with a normal renal function control group. Midazolam was administered as an infusion (5 to 15 mg/hr). Midazolam clearance was reduced (1.9 vs 2.8 mL/min/kg) and the half-life was prolonged (7.6 vs 13 hours) in the ARF patients. The renal clearance of the 1-hydroxy-midazolam glucuronide was prolonged in the ARF group (4 vs 136 mL/min) and the half-life was prolonged (12 vs >25 hours). Plasma levels accumulated in all ARF patients to about ten times that of the parent drug. The relationship between accumulating metabolite levels and prolonged sedation is unclear.
In a study of chronic renal failure patients (n=15) receiving a single intravenous dose of midazolam, there was a 2-fold increase in the clearance and volume of distribution, but the half-life remained unchanged.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Midazolam pharmacokinetics were studied after an intravenous single dose (0.075 mg/kg) was administered to patients with biopsy proven alcoholic cirrhosis (n=7) and control patients (n=8). The mean half-life of midazolam increased 2.5-fold in the patients with cirrhosis. Clearance was reduced by 50% and the Vd increased by 20%. In another study in male patients with cirrhosis (n=21) without ascites and with normal kidney function as determined by creatinine clearance, no changes in the pharmacokinetics of midazolam or 1-hydroxy-midazolam were observed when compared to healthy individuals. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.
Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
In patients suffering from congestive heart failure, a 2-fold increase in the elimination half-life, a 25% decrease in the plasma clearance, and a 40% increase in the volume of distribution of midazolam were observed.
Drug Interaction Studies
Since NAYZILAM is metabolized by CYP3A4, interactions with drugs that inhibit or induce CYP3A4 are likely.
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Isozymes
Coadministration of CYP3A4 inhibitors with NAYZILAM has not been studied. However, the effects of inhibitors on midazolam exposure following NAYZILAM administration are expected to be similar to those following IV midazolam administration. Concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors may result in prolonged sedation because of a decrease in plasma clearance of midazolam [Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Interactions (7.1)].
- The effect of single oral doses of 800 mg cimetidine and 300 mg ranitidine on steady-state concentrations of oral midazolam was examined in a randomized crossover study (n=8). Cimetidine increased the mean midazolam steady-state concentration from 57 to 71 ng/mL. Ranitidine increased the mean steady-state concentration to 62 ng/mL. No change in choice reaction time or sedation index was detected after dosing with the H2 receptor antagonists.
- In a placebo-controlled study, erythromycin administered as a 500 mg dose, three times a day, for 1 week (n=6), reduced the clearance of midazolam following a single 0.5 mg/kg IV dose. The half-life was approximately doubled.
- The effects of diltiazem (60 mg three times a day) and verapamil (80 mg three times a day) on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of midazolam were investigated in a three-way crossover study (n=9). The half-life of midazolam increased from 5 to 7 hours when midazolam was taken in conjunction with verapamil or diltiazem. No interaction was observed in healthy subjects between midazolam and nifedipine.
- In a placebo-controlled study, where saquinavir or placebo was administered orally as a 1200 mg dose three times a day for 5 days (n=12), a 56% reduction in the clearance of midazolam following a single 0.05 mg/kg IV dose was observed. The half-life was approximately doubled.
Inducers of CYP3A4 Isozymes
Exposures (e.g., combined Cmax or AUC of midazolam and the 1-OH-midazolam active metabolite) are decreased 16 to 26% when NAYZILAM is co-administered with anti-epileptic drugs that are strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine). Exposures (e.g., combined Cmax or AUC of midazolam and the 1-OH-midazolam active metabolite) are decreased 8 to 15% when NAYZILAM is co-administered with anti-epileptic drugs that are weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., clobazam, eslicarbazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, topiramate). These changes in exposures are not expected to be clinically significant.
Carcinogenesis
Midazolam maleate was administered in the diet to mice and rats for 2 years at doses of 0, 1, 9, or 80 mg/kg/day. In female mice in the highest dose group there was a marked increase in the incidence of hepatic tumors. In high-dose male rats there was a small but statistically significant increase in benign thyroid follicular cell tumors. The highest dose not associated with increased tumor incidences in mice and rats (9 mg/kg/day) is approximately 4 and 9 times, respectively, the recommended human dose (RHD) of 10 mg based on body surface area (mg/m2). The pathogenesis of induction of these tumors is not known. These tumors were found after chronic administration, whereas human use will ordinarily be of single or several doses.
Mutagenesis
Midazolam was negative for genotoxicity in in vitro (Ames, mammalian cell clastogenicity) and in vivo (mouse bone marrow micronucleus) assays.
Impairment of Fertility
When midazolam (0, 1, 4, or 16 mg/kg) was orally administered to male and female rats prior to and during mating and continuing in females throughout gestation and lactation, no adverse effects on male or female fertility were noted.
Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids
Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if NAYZILAM is used with opioids and not to use NAYZILAM concomitantly with opioids unless supervised by a healthcare provider. If a decision is made to prescribe NAYZILAM concomitantly with opioids, instruct caregivers to follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Risks of Cardiorespiratory Adverse Reactions
Warn patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression, cardiac and respiratory arrest [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Advise caregivers on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression to look for, how long to observe patients after administering NAYZILAM, the circumstances under which a second dose should not be given, and the circumstances under which emergency medical care should be summoned [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
CNS Depression from Concomitant Use with Other CNS Depressants
Warn patients and caregivers that the use of NAYZILAM in combination with alcohol or other CNS depressant drugs may increase the risk of hypoventilation, airway obstruction, desaturation, or apnea and may contribute to profound and/or prolonged drug effect [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Caution patients against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle until they have completely returned to their level of baseline functioning.
Suicidal Behavior and Ideation
Counsel patients, their caregivers, and families that AEDs, including NAYZILAM, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior and that they should be alert for the emergence or worsening of the signs and symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, behavior or thoughts about self-harm. Behaviors of concern should be reported immediately to healthcare providers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Impaired Cognitive Function
Warn patients that midazolam, including NAYZILAM, is associated with a high incidence of partial or complete impairment of recall for the next several hours. Counsel patients on when they can engage in activities requiring complete mental alertness, operate hazardous machinery, or drive a motor vehicle after taking NAYZILAM [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Pregnancy
Instruct patients to inform their physician if they are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Several studies have suggested an increased risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of benzodiazepine drugs. Animal studies have demonstrated an effect on early brain development and long-term cognitive effects with exposure to anesthetic and sedation drugs in the third trimester of gestation. Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant. The registry is collecting information about the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation
Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are nursing [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Important Treatment Instructions
Instruct patients and caregivers on what is and is not an intermittent and stereotypic episode of increased seizure activity (i.e., seizure cluster) that is appropriate for treatment, and the timing of administration in relation to the onset of the episode.
Instruct patients and caregivers on what to observe following administration, and what would constitute an outcome requiring immediate medical attention.
Instruct patients and caregivers not to administer a second dose of NAYZILAM if they are concerned by the patient's breathing, the patient requires emergency rescue treatment with assisted breathing or intubation, or there is excessive sedation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Advise patients and caregivers on how frequently they can treat successive seizure cluster episodes over time.
Administration Information
Advise patients and caregivers to not open the blister packaging until ready to use. Instruct them to not test or prime before use and to not use if the nasal spray unit appears damaged.
Manufactured for:
UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080
NAYZILAM® is a registered trademark of UCB Biopharma SPRL.
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