DrugPamphlet Egypt: Egyptian Drug Guide & Commentaries

Abstral is a rapid‑acting fentanyl sublingual tablet approved for the management of breakthrough cancer pain in opioid‑tolerant adults, offering onset of analgesia within minutes due to its highly lipophilic nature and sublingual absorption . It is available in strengths ranging from 100 μg to 800 μg, with an initial recommended dose of 100 μg and careful individual titration to balance efficacy and safety . Abstral carries serious risks—including life‑threatening respiratory depression, addiction, and abuse—and is only dispensed through a restricted REMS program . Metabolism is primarily via CYP3A4, so coadministration with CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers can markedly alter fentanyl plasma levels; patients must be monitored closely for sedation and respiratory depression . Common adverse effects include nausea, dizziness, and somnolence; patient counseling on proper sublingual administration, avoidance of eating or drinking until complete dissolution, and safe storage is c...

Abstain SR is a 150 mg sustained‑release tablet formulation of bupropion hydrochloride indicated for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid to smoking cessation; it delivers 150 mg of the aminoketone antidepressant in a twice‑daily regimen, exerting its effects via inhibition of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake and non‑competitive antagonism at nicotinic receptors, with common adverse effects including insomnia, dry mouth, and dizziness, and a dose‑related risk of seizures in susceptible individuals . --- Composition & Formulation Active Ingredient: Bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg, in a polymer‑matrix sustained‑release tablet . Excipients: Typical SR excipients (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) and film‑coating agents to provide 12‑hour release; exact proprietary blend varies by manufacturer . --- Mechanism of Action Norepinephrine–Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition (NDRI): Blocks presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine...

Absorbable selenium capsules are dietary supplements providing 200 µg elemental selenium per capsule in the organic form L‑selenomethionine, designed for optimal uptake and stability in a softgel or vegetarian capsule matrix . Selenium is an essential trace element that functions as a cofactor in antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidases) and thyroid hormone–converting deiodinases, supporting immune function, reproduction, and protection against oxidative stress . The organic selenomethionine form exhibits superior bioavailability, with absorption largely unaffected by baseline selenium status, making it preferable to inorganic forms like selenite or selenate . --- Composition & Formulation Active Ingredient: 200 µg elemental selenium as L‑selenomethionine per capsule (Puritan’s Pride “Absorbable Selenium” softgel; NOW Foods 200 µg Veg Capsules) . Excipients & Capsule: Softgel matrix (Puritan’s Pride) or hypromellose vegetarian capsule (NOW Foods) with inert fi...

Abraxane® is a solvent‑free, nanoparticle albumin‑bound formulation of paclitaxel supplied as a sterile, white‑to‑yellow, lyophilized powder in single‑dose vials for intravenous infusion; each 100 mg vial contains paclitaxel bound to approximately 900 mg human albumin, and 250 mg vials are also available in some markets, both reconstituted to 5 mg/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride . Manufactured originally by Abraxis BioScience (now Celgene, a Bristol‑Myers Squibb company), it is approved for metastatic breast cancer, first‑line non‑small cell lung cancer (in combination with carboplatin), and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (with gemcitabine) in adults . --- Composition & Formulation Active Ingredient: Paclitaxel 100 mg or 250 mg per vial, bound to human serum albumin as ~130 nm nanoparticles . Excipients: Human albumin (~900 mg per 100 mg vial), sodium caprylate, sodium acetyltryptophanate; no Cremophor EL or other solvents . Reconstitu...

Abrammune is a generic formulation of cyclosporine A available in Egypt as an oral syrup (50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) and softgel capsules (25 mg and 50 mg strengths) for immunosuppressive therapy . The syrup is priced at 220 EGP (50 mg/mL) and 410 EGP (100 mg/mL), while capsules cost 24 EGP for 25 mg and 44 EGP for 50 mg . Cyclosporine exerts its effect by binding cyclophilin and inhibiting the phosphatase calcineurin, thereby blocking IL‑2 transcription and T‑cell activation . It is indicated for prophylaxis of graft rejection in solid‑organ transplants and for treatment of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, nephrotic syndrome, and Crohn’s disease . --- Composition and Formulation Syrup Active Ingredient: Cyclosporine A at 50 mg/mL or 100 mg/mL in an oral solution . Vehicle: Aqueous syrup base (details proprietary to manufacturer). Capsules Active Ingredient: Cyclosporine A 25 mg or 50...

Abivit‑A 50 000 IU is a softgel capsule formulation of preformed vitamin A (retinol palmitate) indicated for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency—such as night blindness, xerophthalmia, and mucocutaneous disorders—and used prophylactically in measles and severe malnutrition; each capsule delivers 15 mg retinol equivalent (50 000 IU), requires dietary fat and bile salts for optimal absorption, is transported via chylomicrons to the liver for storage, and carries a risk of hypervitaminosis A and teratogenicity at excessive doses, particularly in pregnancy . --- Composition and Formulation Active Ingredient: Retinol Palmitate (preformed Vitamin A), 15 mg retinol equivalent (50 000 IU) per capsule . Dosage Form: Oil‑based softgel designed to enhance bioavailability of this fat‑soluble vitamin . --- Indications and Uses Vitamin A Deficiency: Night blindness, xerophthalmia, Bitot’s spots, and related ophthalmic c...

Abital oral spray is a 30 ml oral antiseptic spray produced by Kato Prestige Cosmetics (Pharmaserve) and retailed in Egypt at 15 EGP . It combines extracts of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and sage (Salvia officinalis) in a propylene glycol vehicle to deliver broad‑spectrum antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory, and breath‑freshening effects . Indicated as an adjunct for oral hygiene, it is used to relieve minor mucosal infections, gingivitis, and inflammation; the recommended regimen is one spray three times daily after meals . --- Composition and Formulation Melaleuca alternifolia Extract (Tea Tree Oil): Rich in terpinen‑4‑ol and other terpenes that disrupt microbial membranes, providing broad‑spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action, as well as anti‑inflammatory properties . Thymus vulgaris Extract (Thyme): Source of thymol—an antiseptic phenolic monoterpenoid that den...

  Abionem cream is a 60 g supportive massage formulation for degenerative joints and musculoskeletal discomfort, combining hyaluronic acid, collagen, Nigella sativa extract, and menthol to provide lubrication, structural support, anti‑inflammatory action, and a cooling analgesic effect . Manufactured by El‑helou Perfumes & Cosmetics under the Alliance Pharma umbrella, it is retailed in Egypt at 20.95 EGP . For optimal benefit, a thin layer should be massaged gently into the affected area two to three times daily, while monitoring for any local skin sensitivity . --- Composition and Formulation Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid: A high‑molecular‑weight glycosaminoglycan that enhances tissue hydration and joint lubrication, contributing to reduced friction and improved comfort during movement . Collagen: The primary structural protein of connective tissues, aiding in maintenance of skin and joint integrity, and potentially supporting tissue repair when applied topical...

Abimol is a paracetamol-based analgesic and antipyretic available in four formulations—syrup, rectal suppositories, standard tablets, and extra-strength tablets with caffeine. Each dosage form is tailored for specific age groups and clinical scenarios, offering a range of dosing options from rapid-onset suppositories for infants to enteric formulations for adults. Across all forms, the active ingredient is paracetamol (acetaminophen), which exerts its effect primarily through central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, while the “Extra” tablets combine paracetamol with caffeine to enhance analgesic efficacy and reduce drowsiness. Abimol Syrup Composition & Formulation Each 5 mL of suspension contains 150 mg paracetamol as the sole active ingredient . Supplied in a 125 mL amber bottle to protect from light . Mechanism of Action Paracetamol acts centrally by inhibiting cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes in the brain and modulating serotonergic pathways, raising the pain thresho...

 Summary Abilify Maintena® (aripiprazole) is a long‑acting, extended‑release intramuscular antipsychotic indicated for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults . Supplied as a single‑use pre‑filled dual chamber syringe containing lyophilized aripiprazole monohydrate (300 mg or 400 mg) and sterile water for injection, it is reconstituted at the point of care into a 200 mg/mL milky‑white suspension for deep deltoid or gluteal administration once monthly . The recommended dose is 400 mg every 4 weeks—with oral aripiprazole 10–20 mg daily overlapped for 14 days at initiation—and may be reduced to 300 mg monthly for tolerability or in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers . Aripiprazole’s clinical effects derive from its partial agonism at dopamine D₂/D₃ and serotonin 5‑HT₁A receptors and antagonism at 5‑HT₂A receptors . Common adverse events include weight gain, akathisia, constipation, and inj...

 Summary Abilify® (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic available as oral tablets in strengths of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 mg for once‑daily dosing . It acts as a “dopamine‑serotonin stabilizer,” functioning as a partial agonist at dopamine D₂/D₃ and serotonin 5‑HT₁A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5‑HT₂A receptors . Abilify is FDA‑approved for schizophrenia, acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder, adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder, irritability in autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette’s disorder . Typical adult dosing ranges from 10 mg to 30 mg once daily, with lower starting doses (2–5 mg) in pediatric and adjunctive depression settings . Common adverse effects include akathisia, insomnia, nausea, and constipation; serious risks encompass neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, metabolic changes, and orthostatic hypotension . Tablets should be stored at 20–25 °C, p...

 Summary Abilia is the trade name for aripiprazole tablets marketed by Chemipharm in Egypt, available in 15 mg and 20 mg film‑coated strengths for oral administration. These atypical antipsychotic tablets act as dopamine‑serotonin stabilizers and are indicated for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (acute manic and mixed episodes and maintenance), adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. Typical adult dosing ranges from 10 mg to 30 mg once daily, taken without regard to meals. Common adverse effects include restlessness, insomnia, nausea, and constipation; serious risks encompass neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and impulse‑control issues. Store at room temperature (20–25 °C) away from moisture and light. A 30‑tablet pack of Abilia 15 mg retails for approximately EGP 105 in Egypt.  Formulation & Composition Strengths: Avai...

 Summary Abilaxine is the trade name for bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative available in three formulations: enteric‑coated 5 mg tablets, 10 mg adult suppositories, and 5 mg pediatric (infantile) suppositories . Oral tablets typically produce a bowel movement within 6–12 hours, while rectal suppositories—both adult and pediatric—act faster, generally within 15–60 minutes . Adult suppositories are indicated for patients aged 10 years and older, whereas the 5 mg pediatric suppository is reserved for children 4–9 years on a physician’s advice . All formulations are intended for short‑term use (up to 1 week) to minimize the risk of dependence, electrolyte imbalance, and mucosal irritation . Abilaxine Tablet Composition & Formulation The tablet formulation contains bisacodyl USP 5 mg as the sole active ingredient . Inactive components include enteric‑coating polymers and excipients such as acacia, calcium carbonate, and polyethylene gly...