Sodium Oxybate Dosage
This dosage information may not include all the information needed to use Sodium Oxybate safely and effectively. See additional information for Sodium Oxybate.
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy
Initial: 4.5 grams orally per day, divided into equal 2.25 gram doses, which are administered twice daily, 2.5 to 4 hours apart.
Maintenance: 6 to 9 grams orally each day (in patients with normal hepatic function), administered in 2 equally divided doses, 2.5 to 4 hours apart. Patients with decreased hepatic function may respond to lower maintenance doses, e.g. 4.5 grams per day.
When a higher maintenance dose is necessary, the dose should be increased by increments of 1.5 grams per day (0.75 grams per dose), at intervals no more frequently than once every 2 weeks.
Doses greater than 9 grams per day are not recommended.
Both doses for the day should be prepared at bedtime prior to ingesting any sodium oxybate. This is accomplished by diluting the sodium oxybate oral solution with 2 ounces (60 mL, 1/4 cup, or 4 tablespoonfuls) of water in the child resistant dosing cups. Each prepared dose of medication should be placed in a location that allows the patient to retrieve and administer the drug while remaining seated in bed. The patient may need to use an alarm clock to awaken for the second dose. After receiving each dose, the patient should lie down and remain in bed.
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Liver Dose Adjustments
Patients with hepatic dysfunction categorized as Child-Pugh Class A, B, or C, should initiate sodium oxybate therapy at a reduced dose of 2.25 grams orally each day (1.125 grams per dose) and slowly titrate the dose upwards with caution.
Precautions
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients less than 16 years of age.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Food decreases the absorption of sodium oxybate, therefore, take the bedtime dose several hours after a meal.
Sodium oxybate contains a substantial quantity of sodium. Patients on a sodium-restricted diet may not be candidates for this drug.
Because sodium oxybate induces sleep very quickly, it is important to take each dose while sitting in bed and lie down immediately afterward.
Keep this drug safely out of reach of children and pets.
Disposal of this drug should comply with state and federal guidelines.
