Drug Detail:Armodafinil (Armodafinil [ ar-moe-daf-i-nil ])
Drug Class: CNS stimulants
Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy
150 to 250 mg orally once a day in the morning
Comments:
- In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), doses up to 250 mg/day have been well-tolerated but there is no consistent evidence of additional benefit beyond the 150 mg/day.
- This drug is not a treatment for the underlying obstruction in OSA.
- In cases where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for excessive sleepiness, a maximal effort to treat with CPAP for an adequate period of time should be made prior to initiating this drug.
Uses: To improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA and narcolepsy.
Usual Adult Dose for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
150 to 250 mg orally once a day in the morning
Comments:
- In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), doses up to 250 mg/day have been well-tolerated but there is no consistent evidence of additional benefit beyond the 150 mg/day.
- This drug is not a treatment for the underlying obstruction in OSA.
- In cases where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for excessive sleepiness, a maximal effort to treat with CPAP for an adequate period of time should be made prior to initiating this drug.
Uses: To improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with OSA and narcolepsy.
Usual Adult Dose for Shift Work Sleep Disorder
150 mg orally once a day approximately 1 hour prior to the start of the work shift
Use: To improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder.
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended; use with caution as data is limited
Liver Dose Adjustments
Mild to moderate hepatic impairment: No adjustment recommended
Severe hepatic impairment: A reduced dose is recommended; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested in the manufacturer product information. Use with caution.
Dose Adjustments
Elderly: Lower doses and close monitoring are recommended
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to armodafinil, modafinil, or any product excipients
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
US Controlled Substance: Schedule IV
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration Advice:
- Take orally with or without food
General:
- Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil which is a 1:1 mixture of the R- and S-enantiomers.
- This drug has not been studied in combination with alcohol and patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
Monitoring:
- Cardiovascular: Heart rate, blood pressure
- Dermatologic: Closely monitor for skin reactions such as rash, mouth sores, blister, or peeling skin
- Psychiatric: Monitor for depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis
Patient Advice:
- Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
- Women should speak to their healthcare provider about alternative birth control options if they are using a hormonal birth control method such as birth control pills, shots, implants, patches, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs); effective contraception during use and for 1-month following treatment is recommended; for patients who become pregnant during treatment, a pregnancy registry is available for this drug.
- Avoid driving and doing activities such as operating machinery while taking this drug until your degree of sleepiness/wakefulness has been assessed by your healthcare provider.
- Patients should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
- Patients should be advised to speak with their healthcare provider immediately if they experience a rash or any allergic reaction, depression, anxiety, or signs of psychosis or mania.
- This drug has the potential to be abused and cause dependence; tell your healthcare provider if you have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.