Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent for oral administration. Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil which is a 1:1 mixture of the R- and S-enantiomers. The chemical name for armodafinil is 2-[(R)-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide. The molecular formula is C 15 H 15 NO 2 S and the molecular weight is 273.35.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism(s) through which armodafinil promotes wakefulness is unknown. Armodafinil (R-modafinil) has pharmacological properties similar to those of modafinil (a mixture of R- and S-modafinil), to the extent tested in animal and in vitro studies. The R- and S-enantiomers have similar pharmacological actions in animals. Armodafinil and modafinil have wake-promoting actions similar to sympathomimetic agents including amphetamine and methylphenidate, although their pharmacologic profile is not identical to that of the sympathomimetic amines.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Armodafinil tablets are indicated to improve wakefulness in adult patients with excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, or shift work disorder (SWD). Limitations of Use In OSA, armodafinil tablets are indicated to treat excessive sleepiness and not as treatment for the underlying obstruction. If continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for a patient, a maximal effort to treat with CPAP for an adequate period of time should be made prior to initiating armodafinil tablets for excessive sleepiness.
Common Doses
- 150 mg
- 250 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for each indication is as follows: OSA or Narcolepsy: 150 mg to 250 mg once a day in the morning. (2.1) SWD: 150 mg once a day, taken approximately one hour prior to start of the work shift. (2.2) Hepatic Impairment: reduced dose in patients with severe hepatic impairment. (2.3 , 12.3) Geriatric Patients: consider lower dose. (2.4 , 12.3) 2.1 Dosage in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Narcolepsy The recommended dosage of armodafinil tablets for patients with OSA or narcolepsy is 150 mg to 250 mg taken orally once a day...
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Armodafinil tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil or its inactive ingredients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3) ] . Armodafinil tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil.
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Dermatologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Angioedema and Anaphylaxis Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Persistent Sleepiness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Psychiatric Symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Effects of Armodafinil on CYP3A4/5 Substrates The clearance of drugs that are substrates for CYP3A4/5 (e.g., steroidal contraceptives, cyclosporine, midazolam, and triazolam) may be increased by armodafinil via induction of metabolic enzymes, which results in lower systemic exposure. Dosage adjustment of these drugs should be considered when these drugs are used concomitantly with armodafinil [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The effectiveness of steroidal contraceptives may be reduced when used with armodafinil and for one month after discontinuation of therapy.