Brand Name
Sandoz Quetiapine
Common Name
quetiapine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02313995 | SANDOZ QUETIAPINE 25 MG TABLET |
| 02314010 | SANDOZ QUETIAPINE 200 MG TABLET |
| 02314002 | SANDOZ QUETIAPINE 100 MG TABLET |
| 02314029 | SANDOZ QUETIAPINE 300 MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Quetiapine belongs to a class of medications known as antipsychotics. It is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It works by affecting the actions of certain chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 25 mg twice daily. Quetiapine is usually started with a low dose in order to allow the body to get used to it. This dose is increased as tolerated to a target dose of 150 mg twice daily. No more than 400 mg twice daily should be taken as the safety of higher doses has not been established.
For manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg twice daily. This dose is increased up to 400 mg twice daily as tolerated. Most people respond to doses between 200 mg and 400 mg twice daily.
For depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg once daily, usually at bedtime. This dose is increased to 300 mg once daily as tolerated.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Quetiapine can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medication or change the time of the day you take it without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the medication. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
25 mg
Each peach-coloured, round, biconvex film-coated, debossed with "SZ" on one side and "25"' on the other side contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to 25 mg of quetiapine free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: quetiapine fumarate, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, and titanium dioxide.
100 mg
Each yellow-coloured, round, biconvex film-coated, debossed with "SZ" on one side and "100" on the other side contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to 100 mg of quetiapine free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: quetiapine fumarate, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, iron oxide yellow, and titanium dioxide.
200 mg
Each white to off-white, round, biconvex film-coated, debossed with "SZ" on one side and "200" on the other side contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to 200 mg of quetiapine free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: quetiapine fumarate, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
300 mg
Each white to off-white, capsule-shaped film-coated, debossed with "SZ" on one side and "300"' on the other side contains quetiapine fumarate equivalent to 300 mg of quetiapine free base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: quetiapine fumarate, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 400, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Quetiapine should not be taken by anyone who is allergic to quetiapine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
