Neutapin Dosage/Direction for Use

Posology: Different dosing schedules exist for each indication. It must therefore be ensured that patients receive clear information on the appropriate dose for their condition.
Adults: For the treatment of schizophrenia: For the treatment of schizophrenia, quetiapine should be administered twice a day. The total daily dose for the first 4 days of therapy is 50 mg (day 1), 100 mg (day 2), 200 mg (day 3) and 300 mg (day 4).
From day 4 onwards, the dose should be titrated to the usual effective dose range of 300 to 450 mg per day. Depending on the clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient, the dose may be adjusted within the range of 150 to 750 mg per day.
For the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes in bipolar disorder: For the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, quetiapine should be administered twice a day. The total daily dose for the first four days of therapy is 100 mg (day 1), 200 mg (day 2), 300 mg (day 3) and 400 mg (day 4). Further dose adjustments up to 800 mg per day by day 6 should be in increments of no greater than 200 mg per day.
The dose may be adjusted depending on clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient, within the range of 200 to 800 mg per day. The usual effective dose is in the range of 400 to 800 mg per day.
For the treatment of major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder: Quetiapine should be administered once daily at bedtime. The total daily dose for the first four days of therapy is 50 mg (day 1), 100 mg (day 2), 200 mg (day 3) and 300 mg (day 4). The recommended daily dose is 300 mg.
In clinical trials, no additional benefit was seen in the 600 mg group compared to the 300 mg group (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions). Individual patients may benefit from a 600 mg dose. Doses greater than 300 mg should be initiated by physicians experienced in treating bipolar disorder. In individual patients, in the event of tolerance concerns, clinical trials have indicated that dose reduction to a minimum of 200 mg could be considered.
For preventing recurrence in bipolar disorder: For preventing recurrence of manic, mixed or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, patients who have responded to quetiapine for acute treatment of bipolar disorder should continue therapy at the same dose. The dose may be adjusted depending on clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient, within the range of 300 to 800 mg per day administered twice daily. It is important that the lowest effective dose is used for maintenance therapy.
Elderly: As with other antipsychotics, quetiapine should be used with caution in the elderly, especially during the initial dosing period. The rate of dose titration may need to be slower, and the daily therapeutic dose lower, than that used in younger patients, depending on the clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient. The mean plasma clearance of quetiapine was reduced by 30 - 50% in elderly subjects when compared to younger patients.
Efficacy and safety has not been evaluated in patients over 65 years with depressive episodes in the framework of bipolar disorder.
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment is not necessary in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment: Quetiapine is extensively metabolised by the liver. Therefore, quetiapine should be used with caution in patients with known hepatic impairment, especially during the initial dosing period. Patients with known hepatic impairment should be started with 25 mg per day. The dose should be increased daily with increments of 25 - 50 mg per day until an effective dose, depending on the clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient.
Paediatric population: Quetiapine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age, due to a lack of data to support use in this age group. The available evidence from placebo-controlled clinical trials is presented in Precautions, Adverse Reactions, Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics under Actions.
Note: For doses not realizable/practicable with these medicinal products other quetiapine containing products with lower strengths are available.
Method of administration: Quetiapine can be administered with or without food.