Qudict Tablet

Qudict tablet is a combination drug used to treat opioid dependency. This medicine contains buprenorphine 2 mg and naloxone 0.5 mg.

Uses of Qudict tablets include treatment of symptoms due to withdrawal from opioids such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, etc. The mode of action of Qudict tablet is through its two components: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine contains partial agonist activity at certain mu-opioid receptors and acts as an analgesic.

Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist. Both of these work in synergy to prevent opioid dependence and withdrawal. Directions for use of Qudict tablets should be strictly followed.

This medicine should not be taken without consultation with a doctor. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can result in severe respiratory depression and shallow breathing. Common side effects of Qudict tablets include headache, drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, nausea, fainting, nausea, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, blurring of vision, abdominal pain, respiratory depression, etc.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose of Qudict tablets can result in meiosis, sedation, drowsiness, respiratory depression, slowed breathing, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, headache, sweating, delirium, constipation, difficulty urinating, bladder pain, low blood pressure, and low heart rate. Consult your doctor or rush to a hospital if you have overdosed or suspect an overdose.

Missed a Dose

If you miss taking a dose of Qudict tablet, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's time for the next dose, continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Buprenorphine contains partial agonist activity at certain mu-opioid receptors and acts as an analgesic. Naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist. Both of these work in synergy to prevent opioid dependence and withdrawal.

Directions for Use

• Take the Qudict tablets as directed by your physician.
• You can take Qudict with or without food.
• Take the tablet orally and swallow it whole.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
• Do not share your medicine with anyone.
• You can also take the tablet sublingually by keeping it under your tongue for faster disintegration.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Qudict tablets during pregnancy?

Qudict may require dose readjustments in case of pregnancy. Your doctor or gynaecologist may prescribe Qudict tablets after calculating the benefit/risk ratio and examining for signs and symptoms of opioid dependence and withdrawal. The FDA has issued a black box warning for Qudict. Always consult a doctor or gynaecologist before starting Qudict. Never self prescribe or self-medicate.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Qudict tablets while breastfeeding?

Buprenorphine in Qudict is known to be secreted in milk. Since it is an opioid, it may cause opioid withdrawal syndrome in infants. Some quantities of naloxone are also secreted in the milk. Consult a doctor or a gynaecologist before starting Qudict during nursing. Never self prescribe or self-medicate.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken a Qudict tablet?

Qudict tablets contain buprenorphine, an opioid that may cause changes in mental alertness, sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting, confusion, and blurring of vision. Driving is not advised while taking Qudict tablets.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Qudict tablets?

Buprenorphine and naloxone interact with alcohol and may cause agitation, respiratory depression, sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, depression, motor incoordination, fainting, and blurring of vision. Therefore, it is advised to stay away from alcohol entirely while taking Qudict tablets.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are allergic to buprenorphine.
• You are allergic to naloxone.
• You have liver disease.
• You have kidney disease.
• You have a history of drug abuse or dependence.
• You are a chronic alcoholic.
• You have sleep apnea.
• You have lung or breathing problems like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• You have depression.
• You are on diuretic pills.
• You have brain disorders like head injury, tumours, and seizures.
• You have mental disorders or mood disorders.
• You have constipation or diarrhoea.
• You have stomach problems like a blockage.
• You have paralytic ileus.

Contraindications

• Do not take Qudict tablets:
• If you have an apparent allergic reaction to either of the components of Qudict (buprenorphine or naloxone).
• If you have severe liver disease.
• If you have respiratory depression.
• If you have a head injury.
• If you have sleep apnea.
• If you have asthma or COPD.
• If you have any intestinal obstruction.
• If you have prostate enlargement.

Side effects

• Common side effects of Qudict tablets include:
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Blurring of vision
• Abdominal pain
• Respiratory depression
• Irregular heartbeat

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Qudict tablets may interact with other medicines. Do not take Qudict tablets or take with caution if you take any of the medicines listed here. Consult with a doctor before starting treatment with Qudict tablets.
• Alvimopan
• Lefamulin
• Opioid antagonists like naltrexone, methylnaltrexone and nalmefene
• Antipsychotics like clozapine and risperidone
• CNS depressants like lorazepam and alprazolam
• CNS stimulants like amphetamine
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and fluoxetine
• Tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine and clomipramine
• CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole and itraconazole

Interactions with food items

• Take Qudict tablets with or without food.
• Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with this medicine.

Storage and disposal

Store Qudict tablets in a cool, dry place. Keep the tablets in the same packing as they came. The tablets that are not needed anymore should be safely disposed of to avoid accidental usage. Qudict tablets should not be flushed in the toilet. Keep Qudict tablets out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take Qudict tablets if I have a kidney issue?

The liver primarily metabolises buprenorphine. The liver also metabolises naloxone, but the kidney excretes the metabolites. Naloxone levels are generally not alarming in the case of mild to moderate kidney disease. The dose can be readjusted in case of severe renal disease. Consult your doctor before you start taking this medicine.

Can I take Qudict tablets if I have liver problems?

Buprenorphine and naloxone are both metabolised by the liver. So, any liver damage may alter the levels of these two drugs inside the body. Therefore, the dose may need to be adjusted in mild to moderate liver disease. However, in severe liver damage and liver failure, Qudict tablet is contraindicated. Always consult a doctor in case of a liver disorder before taking this medicine.

Can I take Qudict tablets for pain relief?

Qudict is mainly used to control withdrawal symptoms due to chronic opioid dependence and overdose. Buprenorphine is a mild analgesic, but its clinical effectiveness is more in managing withdrawal symptoms. Use this medicine for managing your withdrawal symptoms. Consult your physician if you want medicine for relieving your pain.