Sodium Oxybate : Proper Use (Xyrem, GHB)

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Drugs & Medications > Detailed Drug Information (USP DI) > Sodium Oxybate : Proper Use

Sodium Oxybate (Systemic)

Brand Names : Xyrem, GHB

Sodium Oxybate | Before Using | Proper Use | Precautions | Side Effects

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing - The dose of sodium oxybate will be different for different patients. Follow your healthcare professional's orders or the directions in the medication guide that comes with your medicine. It is very important that you carefully read and follow all instructions before using sodium oxybate. Your healthcare professional must instruct you in the safe and effective use of sodium oxybate. If you have any questions about sodium oxybate, ask your healthcare professional or call the central pharmacy that sent you the medicine at the toll free number 1-866-997-3688. The following information includes only the average doses of sodium oxybate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your healthcare professional tells you to do so.

For oral dosage form (oral solution):
- For treatment of cataplexy
  - Adults - 2.25 grams given at bedtime and repeated one time during the night. The first dose should be taken at bedtime and the second dose taken 2.5 to 4 hours later. The dose will be increased as needed by your healthcare professional up to a maximum of 9 grams.
    Food will decrease the amount of sodium oxybate that is absorbed by your body. It it best to take this medicine several hours after a meal.

Note:

Sodium oxybate causes sleep very quickly. Take it only at bedtime and while in bed. Drink all of the first dose while sitting in bed, recap the cup, and then lie down right away. Right before going to sleep place your second dose (already prepared) in a secure location (locked if needed) near your bed. You may need to set an alarm to wake up to take the second dose. When you wake up to take the second dose, remove the cap from the second dosing cup. While sitting in bed, drink all of the second dose right before lying down to continue sleeping. Recap the second cup.

To take sodium oxybate, you must first mix it with water. Your healthcare professional and the medication guide that comes with your medicine will tell you how to prepare sodium oxybate. Prepare both doses before bedtime. Place the caps provided on the dosing cups and turn each cap so it locks in its child resistant position.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you miss the second dose, skip that dose and do not take sodium oxybate again until the next day. Never take two doses of sodium oxybate at the same time. If you have any questions about this ask your healthcare professional.

Storage - To store this medicine:

Store in the original bottle in a safe and secure place (locked up if appropriate)
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.Always place your nightly doses of sodium oxybate out of the reach of children.
Do not keep any outdated medicine or medicine that is no longer needed. Pour any unused sodium oxybate down the drain
Destroy the drug name on the label with a marker when you are finished with the medicine.
Place the empty bottle in the trash so it is not used for illegal purposes.

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