What is Nayzilam Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayNayzilam (midazolam) is a C-IV controlled substance seizure medication that is manufactured by UCB, Inc. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a rescue medication used to treat seizure clusters, or groups of seizures that occur over a short time. Nayzilam is indicated to treat adults and pediatric patients over 12 years of age.
If your doctor has prescribed Nayzilam to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Nayzilam is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Nayzilam used for?
Nayzilam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat episodes of frequent seizure activity such as seizure clusters and acute repetitive seizures that are different from a patient’s typical seizure pattern. It is used in adult and pediatric patients with epilepsy that are over 12 years old.
How does Nayzilam work?
The exact way Nayzilam works to stop seizure activity is not fully understood. It is thought to work by increasing GABA activity in your brain by binding at the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor. GABA-A is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that makes your brain cells less sensitive to stimulation.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Nayzilam?
- Single-dose nasal spray unit containing 5mg/0.1ml solution
Before taking Nayzilam
Before taking Nayzilam, make sure your doctor is aware of your medical conditions, including:
- History of depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Breathing problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- History of substance abuse
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Nayzilam
- Patients and caregivers should read the Full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with Nayzilam.
- Use Nayzilam exactly as your doctor tells you to use it. Before using this medication, be sure you know how to identify seizure clusters and how to use this rescue treatment properly.
- Administer 1 spray into a nostril to treat a seizure cluster. If your seizure continues 10 minutes after your first dose of Nayzilam, you can administer a second dose of Nayzilam into the opposite nostril. Do not administer 2 doses of Nayzilam to treat a seizure episode.
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately if your seizures don’t stop after taking Nayzilam.
- Do not take Nayzilam for more than 1 seizure episode every 3 days and for more than 5 seizure episodes per month.
- If you think you have used too much Nayzilam, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- Store Nayzilam nasal spray at room temperature between 59° – 86°F (15° – 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep the spray bottle in the blister pack until you are ready to use the medicine.
Nayzilam contraindications
You should not use Nayzilam if you have a known allergy to the active ingredient midazolam or any inactive ingredients in its formulation. You should also avoid this medication if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
Nayzilam warnings
- The use of other central nervous system depressants or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be used with caution as they can cause prolonged sedation.
- Antiepileptic drugs such as Nayzilam can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Nayzilam can impair your cognitive function with a high risk of short-term memory loss.
What drugs should not be taken with Nayzilam?
The concomitant use of Nayzilam with other medications can change how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. You should ask your doctor if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may cause drug interactions with Nayzilam, including:
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or diltiazem
- Opioids such as morphine and oxycodone
- Other CNS depressants
What are some possible side effects of Nayzilam?
Some common side effects seen in clinical trials when compared to placebo include:
- Drowsiness and excessive sleepiness
- Headache
- Nasal discomfort
- Throat irritation
- Runny nose
- Slurred speech
- Excessive tears
- Abnormal taste
Nayzilam can sometimes cause more serious side effects, including:
- Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing)
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Respiratory depression
- Worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
- Short-term memory loss
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking Nayzilam. You can report your adverse effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Nayzilam alternatives
Your doctor can prescribe other medications if Nayzilam is not right for you. Some alternative FDA-approved or off-label treatment options include:
- Diastat Acudial (diazepam)
- Valtoco (diazepam)
- Loreev XR (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Onfi (clobazam)
Nayzilam FAQs
Can you take Nayzilam while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Based on animal data, Nayzilam may cause fetal harm. If you become pregnant while using Nayzilam, talk to your doctor about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. You can register by calling 1-888-233-2334. For more information about the registry, go to http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.
Nayzilam is found in human breast milk and breastfed infants may experience lethargy, excessive drowsiness, and poor sucking. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Does Nayzilam cause withdrawal symptoms?
When taken daily, benzodiazepines such as Nayzilam can cause withdrawal reactions and seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus) when stopped suddenly. Nayzilam is not a medication that should be taken every day.
How often can you use Nayzilam?
You should not use Nayzilam for more than 1 seizure cluster episode every 3 days and for 5 seizure cluster episodes per month.
How quickly does Nayzilam work?
Seizure clusters stopped within 10 minutes in about half of the people using Nayzilam and the seizures did not return within the next 6 hours.
How much does Nayzilam cost?
Currently, there is no generic Nayzilam available on the market. The average cost of #2 Nayzilam 5mg/inhalation is almost $700. However, you can save on brand-name drugs like Nayzilam through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.