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Drug information

Sialanar

POM
Read time: 19 mins
Last updated: 10 Oct 2019

Summary of product characteristics


1. Name of the medicinal product

Sialanar 320 micrograms /ml oral solution


2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each ml contains 400 micrograms glycopyrronium bromide equivalent to 320 micrograms of glycopyrronium.

Each ml contains 2.3 mg sodium benzoate (E211).

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1


3. Pharmaceutical form

Oral solution.

Clear, colourless solution.


4.1. Therapeutic indications

Symptomatic treatment of severe sialorrhoea (chronic pathological drooling) in children and adolescents aged 3 years and older with chronic neurological disorders.


4.2. Posology and method of administration

Sialanar should be prescribed by physicians experienced in the treatment of paediatric patients with neurological disorders.

Posology

Due to the lack of long term safety data, Sialanar is recommended for short -term intermittent use (see section 4.4)

Paediatric population – children and adolescents aged 3 years and older

The dosing schedule for glycopyrronium is based on the weight of the child, starting with approximately 12.8 micrograms/kg per dose (equivalent to 16 micrograms/kg per dose glycopyrronium bromide), three times per day and increasing by the doses shown in Table 1 below, every 7 days. Dose titration should be continued until efficacy is balanced with undesirable effects and amended up or down as appropriate, to a maximum individual dose of 64 micrograms/kg body weight glycopyrronium or 6 ml (1.9 mg glycopyrronium, equivalent to 2.4 mg glycopyrronium bromide) three times a day, whichever is less. Dose titrations should be conducted in discussion with the carer to assess both efficacy and undesirable effects until an acceptable maintenance dose is achieved.

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose necessary to control symptoms. It is important that the carer checks the dose volume in the syringe before administration. The maximum volume of the highest dose is 6ml. In the event of a known anticholinergic adverse event occurring when the dose is increased, the dose should be reduced to the previous lower dose and the event monitored. If the event does not resolve treatment should be discontinued. In the event of constipation, urinary retention or pneumonia treatment should be stopped and the prescribing physician contacted.

Younger children may be more susceptible to adverse events and this should be borne in mind when any dose adjustments are carried out.

Following the dose titration period, the child's sialorrhoea should be monitored, in conjunction with the carer at no longer than 3 monthly intervals, to assess changes in efficacy and/or tolerability over time, and the dose adjusted accordingly.

The Table 1 shows the dose in ml of solution to be given for each weight range at each dosing increase.

Table 1. Dosing table for children and adolescents with normal renal function.

Weight

Dose Level 1

Dose Level 2

Dose Level 3

Dose Level 4

Dose Level 5

Kg

(~12.8µg/kg)

1

(~25.6µg/kg)

1

(~38.4µg/kg)

1

(~51.2µg/kg)

1

(~64µg/kg)

1

ml

ml

ml

ml

ml

13-17

0.6

1.2

1.8

2.4

3*

18-22

0.8

1.6

2.4

3.2

4*

23-27

1

2

3

4

5*

28-32

1.2

2.4

3.6

4.8

6*

33-37

1.4

2.8

4.2

5.6

6*

38-42

1.6

3.2

4.8

6*

6

43-47

1.8

3.6

5.4

6*

6

≥48

2

4

6*

6

6

1 refers to µg/kg glycopyrronium

*Maximum individual dose in this weight range

Paediatric population – children aged <3 years

Sialanar is not recommended in children aged <3 years in the symptomatic treatment of sialorrhoea (chronic pathological drooling) (see section 4.4).

Adult population

Sialanar is indicated for the paediatric population only. There is limited clinical trial evidence on the use of glycopyrronium in the adult population with pathological drooling.

Elderly population

Sialanar is indicated for the paediatric population only. The elderly have a longer elimination half-life and reduced medicinal product clearance as well as limited data to support efficacy in short-term use. As such Sialanar should not be used in patients over the age of 65 years.

Hepatic impairment

Clinical studies have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Glycopyrronium is cleared predominantly from the systemic circulation by renal excretion and hepatic impairment is not thought to result in a clinically relevant increase in systemic exposure of glycopyrronium.

Renal impairment

Severe renal impairment (see section 4.3).

Mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR <90 - ≥30 ml/min/1.73m2) doses should be reduced by 30% (see Table 2).

Table 2. Dosing table for children and adolescents with mild to moderate renal impairment.

Weight

Dose Level 1

Dose Level 2

Dose Level 3

Dose Level 4

Dose Level 5

Kg

(~8.8µg/kg)

1

(~17.6µg/kg)

1

(~27.2µg/kg)

1

(~36µg/kg)

1

(~44.8µg/kg)

1

ml

ml

ml

ml

ml

13-17

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.7

2.1*

18-22

0.6

1.1

1.7

2.2

2.8*

23-27

0.7

1.4

2.1

2.8

3.5*

28-32

0.8

1.7

2.5

3.4

4.2*

33-37

1

2

2.9

3.9

4.2*

38-42

1.1

2.2

3.4

4.2*

4.2

43-47

1.2

2.5

3.8

4.2*

4.2

≥48

1.4

2.8

4.2*

4.2

4.2

1 refers to µg/kg glycopyrronium

*Maximum individual dose in this weight range

Method of administration

For oral use only.

Co-administration with food results in a marked decrease in systemic medicinal product exposure. Dosing should be at least one hour before or at least two hours after meals or at consistent times with respect to food intake. High fat food should be avoided. Where the child's specific needs determine that co-administration with food is required, dosing of the medicinal product should be consistently performed during food intake.

Nasogastric / feeding tubes, if used, should be flushed with 10 ml water immediately after dosing.

See section 6.6 for instructions for use.


4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Glaucoma.

Urinary retention.

Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2), including those with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

History of intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, pyloric stenosis and myasthenia gravis.

Concomitant treatment with (see section 4.5);

potassium chloride solid oral dose;

anticholinergics;


4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Anticholinergic effects

Anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention, constipation and overheating due to inhibition of sweating may be dose dependent and difficult to assess in a disabled child. Monitoring by physicians and caregivers is required with adherence to the management instructions below:

Management of important anticholinergic side effects

The carer should stop treatment and seek advice from the prescriber in the event of:

• constipation

• urinary retention

• pneumonia

• allergic reaction

• pyrexia

• very hot weather

• changes in behaviour

After evaluating the event, the prescriber will decide if treatment should remain stopped or if this should continue at a lower dose.

Lack of long-term safety data

Published safety data are not available beyond 24 weeks treatment duration. Given the limited long-term safety data available and the uncertainties around the potential risk for carcinogenicity, total treatment duration should be kept as short as possible. If continuous treatment is needed (eg in a palliative setting) or the treatment is repeated intermittently (e.g. in the non palliative setting treating chronic disease) benefits and risks should be carefully considered on a case by case basis and treatment should be closely monitored.

Mild to moderate sialorrhoea

Due to the low likelihood of benefit and the known adverse effect profile, Sialanar should not be given to children with mild to moderate sialorrhoea.

Cardiac disorders

Glycopyrronium should be used with caution in patients with acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias and conditions characterised by tachycardia (including thyrotoxicosis, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac surgery) due to the potential increase in heart rate, blood pressure and rhythm disorders produced by its administration. The carer should be advised to measure the pulse rate if the child seems unwell and report very fast or very slow heart rate.

Gastro-intestinal disorders

Antimuscarinics such as glycopyrronium should be used with caution in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, pre-existing constipation and diarrhoea.

Dental

Since reduced salivation can increase the risk of oral cavities and periodontal diseases, it is important that patients receive adequate daily dental hygiene and regular dental health checks.

Respiratory

Glycopyrronium can cause thickening of secretions, which may increase the risk of respiratory infection and pneumonia. Glycopyrronium should be discontinued if pneumonia is present.

CNS adverse events

Increased central nervous system effects have been reported in clinical trials including: irritability; drowsiness; restlessness; overactivity; short attention span; frustration; mood changes; temper outbursts or explosive behaviour; excessive sensitivity; seriousness or sadness; frequent crying episodes; fearfulness. Behavioural changes should be monitored.

As a consequence of its quaternary charge glycopyrronium has limited ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier, although the extent of penetration is unknown. Caution should be exercised in children with compromised blood brain barrier eg. Intraventicular shunt, brain tumour, encephalitis.

Children below the age of 3 years

Sialanar is not recommended in children below the age of 3 years since there is very limited data on the efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium in this age group.

Growth and development

The effects of glycopyrronium on the reproductive system have not been investigated.

Whilst clinical studies do not report any short or long-term effect of glycopyrronium on neurodevelopment or growth, no studies have been conducted to specifically address these issues.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per maximum dose, i.e. essentially 'sodium free'.

Sodium benzoate

This medicinal product contains 2.3 mg sodium benzoate (E211) in each ml.


4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

Paediatric population

There are limited data available relating to interactions with other medicinal products in the paediatric age group.

The following medicinal product interaction information is relevant to glycopyrronium.

Contraindications of concomitant use

Concomitant use of the following medicinal products is contraindicated (see section 4.3):

Potassium chloride solid oral dose: glycopyrronium may potentiate the risk of upper gastrointestinal injury associated with oral solid formulations of potassium chloride due to increased gastrointestinal transit time creating a high localized concentration of potassium ions. An association with upper GI bleeding and small bowel ulceration, stenosis, perforation, and obstruction has been observed.

Anticholinergics: concomitant use of anticholinergics may increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects. Anticholinergics may delay the gastrointestinal absorption of other anticholinergics administered orally and also increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects.

Concomitant use to be considered with caution

Concomitant use of the following medicinal products should be considered with caution:

Antispasmodics: glycopyrronium may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of gastrointestinal prokinetic active substances such as domperidone and metoclopramide.

Topiramate: glycopyrronium may potentiate the effects of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia associated with the use of topiramate, particularly in pediatric patients;

Sedating antihistamines: may have additive anticholinergic effects. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or antihistamine dosage may be necessary;

Neuroleptics/antipsychotics: the effects of active substances such as phenothiazines, clozapine and haloperidol may be potentiated. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or neuroleptic/antipsychotic dose may be necessary;

Skeletal muscle relaxants: Use of anticholinergics after administration of botulinum toxin may potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects;

Tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs: may have additive anticholinergic effects. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs dosage may be necessary.

Opioids: active substances such as pethidine and codeine may result in additive central nervous system and gastrointestinal adverse effects, and increase the risk of severe constipation or paralytic ileus and CNS depression. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS depression and constipation;

Corticosteroids: Steroid-induced glaucoma may develop with topical, inhaled, oral or intravenous, steroid administration. Concomitant use may result in increased intraocular pressure via an open- or a closed-angle mechanism;

Other

Medicinal products with anticholinergic properties (e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants) may cause cumulative parasympatholytic effects including dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation and confusion, and an increased risk of anticholinergic intoxication syndrome.


4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of child-bearing potential

Effective contraception should be considered prior to treating women of childbearing age, where appropriate.

Pregnancy

There are no data on the use of Sialanar in pregnant women. The assessment of reproductive endpoints for glycopyrronium is limited (see section 5.3). Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in pregnancy (see section 4.3).

Breast-feeding

Safety in breast-feeding has not been established. Use while breast-feeding is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Fertility

There are no data on the effects of Sialanar on male or female fertility. Reproductive performance in rats given glycopyrronium shows a decrease in the rate of conception and in survival rate at weaning. There are insufficient data in the public domain to adequately assess effects on the reproductive system in young adults (see section 5.3).


4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Sialanar has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. The anticholinergic effects of glycopyrronium may cause blurred vision, dizziness and other effects that may impair a patient's ability to perform skilled tasks such as driving, riding a bicycle and using machines. The undesirable effects are increased with increasing dose.


4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Adverse reactions are common with glycopyrronium due to its known pharmacodynamic anticholinergic effects. The efficacy of the medicinal product should be balanced against the adverse reactions and the dose monitored regularly and adjusted as necessary. The most common anticholinergic adverse reactions in the placebo-controlled studies (see section 5.1) related to the gastrointestinal system and were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting, all of which occurred at a rate of ≥15%. The safety profile is further characterised by other symptoms, related to the anticholinergic effects at a rate of ≥15%, including urinary retention, flushing and nasal congestion.

Adverse reactions are more common with higher doses and prolonged use.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported in the literature for trials using glycopyrronium for sialorrhoea in the paediatric population (including 2 placebo controlled trials, an uncontrolled safety study using glycopyrronium for a 6 month period, and 3 supportive studies with adverse event data in the target population) are listed by MedDRA system organ class (Table 3). Within each system organ class, the adverse reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 3. List of Adverse Reaction Frequency

Adverse reactions

Frequency category

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infection

Common

Pneumonia

Common

Urinary tract infection

Common

Psychiatric disorders

Irritability

Very common

Agitation

Common

Drowsiness

Common

Restlessness

Not known

Overactivity

Not known

Short attention span

Not known

Frustration

Not known

Mood variable

Not known

Temper tantrum

Not known

Intermittent explosive disorder

Not known

Sensitivity, shyness, and social withdrawal disorder specific to childhood or adolescence

Not known

Feeling sad

Not known

Crying

Not known

Fear

Not known

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Uncommon

Insomnia

Not known

Eye disorders

Mydriasis

Uncommon

Nystagmus

Uncommon

Angle-closure glaucoma

Not known

Photophobia

Not known

Dry eyes

Not known

Cardiac disorders

Flushing

Very common

Transient bradycardia

Not known

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Nasal congestion

Very common

Epistaxis

Common

Reduced bronchial secretions

Very common

Sinusitis

Not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Dry mouth

Very common

Constipation

Very common

Diarrhoea

Very common

Vomiting

Very common

Halitosis

Uncommon

Oesophageal candidiasis

Uncommon

Gastrointestinal motility disorder

Uncommon

Pseudo-obstruction

Uncommon

Nausea

Not known

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Rash

Common

Dryness of the skin

Not known

Inhibition of sweating

Not known

Renal and urinary disorders

Urinary retention

Very common

Urinary urgency

Not known

General disorders and administration site conditions

Pyrexia

Common

Dehydration

Uncommon

Thirst in hot weather

Uncommon

Angioedema

Not known

Allergic reaction

Not known

Description of selected adverse reactions

Urinary retention

Urinary retention is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (15%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the urinary retention resolves.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (7.9%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the pneumonia resolves.

Constipation

Constipation is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (30%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the constipation resolves.

Central Nervous System

Although glycopyrronium has limited ability to cross the blood brain barrier, increased central nervous system effects have been reported in clinical trials (23%). Such effects should be discussed with the carer during treatment reviews and a dose reduction considered.

Cardiac disorders

Glycopyrronium is known to have an effect on heart rate and blood pressure at doses used during anaesthesia although clinical trials in children with chronic drooling have not shown this effect. An effect on the cardiovascular system should be considered when assessing tolerability.

Haematology and chemistry

A decrease of >10% from the normal reference range at baseline for absolute neutrophil (11.2%) and red blood cell (11.1%) count, and increases >10% from the normal reference range at baseline for monocyte (16.7%) and absolute monocyte (11.2%) counts has been seen. Decreases >10% from the normal reference range at baseline were observed for carbon dioxide (15.1%), bicarbonate (13.3%), and creatinine (10.7%) concentrations.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

Ireland

HPRA Pharmacovigilance

Website: www.hpra.ie


4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Overdose of glycopyrronium can result in anticholinergic syndrome, produced by the inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission at muscarinic receptor sites. Clinical manifestations are caused by CNS effects, peripheral nervous system effects, or both. Common manifestations include flushing, dry skin and mucous membranes, mydriasis with loss of accommodation, altered mental status and fever. Additional manifestations include sinus tachycardia, decreased bowel sounds, functional ileus, urinary retention, hypertension, tremulousness and myoclonic jerking.

Management

Patients presenting with anticholinergic toxicity should be transported to the nearest emergency facility with advanced life support capabilities. Pre-hospital gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal is not recommended because of the potential for somnolence and seizures and the resulting risk of pulmonary aspiration. At hospital, activated charcoal can be administered if the patient's airways can be adequately protected. Physostigmine salicylate is recommended when tachydysrhythmia with subsequent hemodynamic compromise, intractable seizure, severe agitation or psychosis is present.

Patients and/or parents/caregivers should be counselled to ensure an acurate dose is given each time, in order to prevent the harmful consequences of anticholinergic reactions of glycopyrronium seen with dosing errors or overdose.


5.1. Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Medicinal products for functional gastrointestinal disorders, synthetic anticholinergics, quaternary ammonium compounds. ATC Code: A03AB02.

Glycopyrronium is a quaternary ammonium antimuscarinic with peripheral effects similar to those of atropine.

Antimuscarinics are competitive inhibitors of the actions of acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors of autonomic effector sites innervated by parasympathetic (cholinergic postganglionic) nerves. They also inhibit the action of acetylcholine where smooth muscle lacks cholinergic innervation.

Salivation is primarily mediated by parasympathetic innervation of the salivary glands. Glycopyrronium competitively inhibits cholinergic muscarinic receptors in salivary glands and other peripheral tissues, thus indirectly reducing the rate of salivation. Glycopyrronium has little effect on cholinergic stimuli at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic neurons, and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but have no cholinergic innervation.

Peripheral antimuscarinic effects that are produced as the dose increases are: decreased production of secretions from the salivary, bronchial and sweat glands; dilatation of the pupils (mydriasis) and paralysis of accommodation (cyclopegia); increased heart rate; inhibition of micturition and reduction in gastrointestinal tone; inhibition of gastric acid secretion.

Placebo controlled efficacy data includes patients with a treatment duration of 8 weeks. There is no placebo or comparator controlled data beyond 8 weeks.

Zeller et al 2012a evaluated the efficacy of glycopyrronium bromide oral solution (1 mg/5 mL) in managing problem drooling associated with cerebral palsy and other neurologic conditions. Thirty-eight patients aged 3–23 years weighing at least 27 lb (12.2 kg) with severe drooling (clothing damp 5–7 days/week) were randomized to eight-weeks treatment with glycopyrronium (n = 20), 20-100 μg/kg (not exceeding 3 mg in total) three times a day, or matching placebo (n = 18). The first four weeks were an individual titration period in fixed steps depending on response followed by 4-weeks maintenance treatment. Primary efficacy endpoint was responder rate, defined as percentage showing ≥3-point improvement on the modified Teacher's Drooling Scale (mTDS). The primary analysis population was revised to only comprise patients with an age of 3 -16 years which rendered 19 patients in the glycopyrrolate oral solution group an 17 in the placebo group. Responder rate was defined as at least a 3-point improvement in modified Teacher's Drooling Scale (mTDS).

Responder rate at week 8

At least a 3-point improvement in mTDS

Mean improvements in mTDS

Glycopyrronium

14 of 19 patients (73.7%)

3.94 points

(SD: 1.95; 95%; CI: 2.97–4.91)

Placebo

3 of 17 patients (17.6%)

0.71 points

(SD: 2.14; 95% CI: –0.43–1.84)

p value

p = 0.0011

p <0.0001

In addition, 84% of physicians and 100% of parents/caregivers regarded glycopyrrolate as worthwhile compared with 41% and 56%, respectively, for placebo (p≤0.014). Most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (glycopyrrolate vs placebo) were dry mouth, constipation, vomiting and nasal congestion.

The safety and efficacy of glycopyrronium have been studied in an open labelled study with no control group over a 24-week period in children aged 3 to 18 years. At the week 24/exit visit, 52.3% (95% confidence interval 43.7–60.9) of patients (n=130) had an at least three-point decrease in mTDS from baseline and were classified as responders to treatment with oral glycopyrrolate solution.. The adverse event profile was consistent with the one seen with anticholinergics (see section 4.4 and 4.8).


5.2. Pharmacokinetic properties

Mean absolute oral bioavailability of glycopyrronium comparing a single 50 µg/kg oral dose and a single 5 µg/kg i.v. dose was low at approximately 3% (range 1.3–13.3%) in children aged 7–14 years undergoing intraocular surgery (n = 6) due to the medicinal product's low lipid solubility. Data from sparse PK sampling in children suggests dose proportional PK.

The bioavailability of oral glycopyrronium in children was between that of adults under fed and fasted conditions. Co-administration with food results in a marked decrease in systemic glycopyrronium exposure.

In adults, distribution of glycopyrronium was rapid following a single 6 µg/kg i.v. dose; distribution half-life was 2.2 ± 1.3 minutes. Following administration of 3H-labelled glycopyrronium more than 90% of the radiolabel disappeared from the plasma in 5 minutes, and almost 100% within 30 minutes, reflecting rapid distribution. Analyses of population pharmacokinetic data from healthy adults and children with cerebral palsy-associated chronic moderate to severe drooling who received glycopyrronium (route of administration and dosages not specified) did not demonstrate linear pharmacokinetics of the medicinal product.

The volume of distribution, 0.64 ± 0.29 L/kg in adults is similar to that of total body water. Volume of distribution is somewhat higher in the paediatric population(s), in the range 1.31 to 1.83 L/kg.

The PK of glycopyrronium has been shown to be essentially independent of age in children in the age range 0.19 – 14 years administered a 5 µg/kg i.v. single-dose. In most paediatric subjects, plasma glycopyrronium vs. time plots are reported to show a triexponential curve; adults generally show a biexponential curve. Modest changes in volume of distribution (Vss) and clearance (Cl) have been observed in children between 1 and 3 years of age, leading to a statistically significant shorter elimination half-life (t½, z) than that observed in younger (<1 year of age; p = 0.037) or older (>3 years of age; p = 0.042) groups.

In a study in healthy adults, a 2000 µg single dose of glycopyrronium bromide resulted in an AUC of 2.39 µg.h/L (fasted). An AUC0-6 h of 8.64 µg.h/L was observed after 6 µg/kg i.v. glycopyrronium.

Based upon theoretical physicochemical considerations, the quaternary ammonium compound glycopyrronium would be expected to have low central bioavailability; no glycopyrronium was detectable in the CSF of anaesthetised surgical patients or patients undergoing caesarean section following a 6 – 8 µg/kg i.v. dose. In the paediatric population 5 µg/kg i.v. glycopyrronium has low central bioavailability, except in the case where the blood brain barrier has been compromised (e.g. a shunt infection).

The primary route of elimination of glycopyrronium is via renal excretion, mainly as unchanged medicinal product. Approximately 65% of an i.v. dose is renally excreted within the first 24 hours. A small proportion (~5%) is eliminated in the bile.

The elimination half-life of glycopyrronium appears to be dependent on route of administration being 0.83 ± 0.27 hours after i.v. administration, 75 minutes after i.m. administration and in the region of 2.5 - 4 h after oral (solution) administration, though again this was highly variable. That the latter two half-lives, and especially that for oral administration, are longer than for i.v. administration probably reflects the complex absorption and distribution of glycopyrronium by each route. It is possible that prolonged absorption after oral administration translates into elimination being faster than absorption (known as flip-flop kinetics, characterized by Ka < Ke).

The total body clearance of the medicinal product following an i.v. dose is relatively high at between 0.54 ± 0.14 L/h/kg and 1.14 ± 0.31 L/h/kg. As this exceeds the glomerular filtration rate and it appears that more than 50% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, it is probable that the renal elimination of glycopyrronium involves both glomerular filtration and proximal tubular secretion by the base secretory mechanism.

A mean increase in total systemic exposure (AUClast) of up to 1.4 fold was seen in adult subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment (GFR ≥30mL/min/1.73m2) and up to 2.2 fold in subjects with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease (estimated GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2). A 30% dose reduction (see Table 2) is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment.

Baseline characteristics (age, weight, gender and race) do not affect the pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium.

Impaired hepatic function is not expected to affect the pharmacokinetics of glycopyrronium since the majority of the medicinal product is eliminated through the kidneys.

Co-administration with food results in a marked decrease in systemic glycopyrronium exposure (see section 4.2.).


5.3. Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data, including genotoxicity or carcinogenicity studies have not been performed for Sialanar.

Limited non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology or repeated dose toxicity.

The single dose toxicity of glycopyrronium has been tested in a range of investigations, although only limited experimental details are available. Upon oral administration, high LD50 values of 550 mg/kg in mice and above 1,000 mg/kg in rats were reported. In rats at higher doses (1500-2000 mg/kg) tremors, clonic and tonic convulsions and laboured breathing were observed prior to death, resulting from respiratory failure.

Chronic oral administration of glycopyrronium at doses of 4, 16 and 64 mg/kg for up to 27 weeks in dogs produced mydriasis, cycloplegia, xerostomia, emesis, occasional lacrimation, injection of sclera and rhinorrhoea.

Extrapolation of safety margins to the paediatric population is not possible, as no exposure data are available from repeated dose toxicology studies and no studies in juvenile animals have been performed with glycopyrronium.

Data on reproductive endpoints for glycopyrronium are very limited. A reduction in corpora lutea was observed in female rats administered glycopyrronium. No effects on fertility were observed in male rats. Reproductive performance in rats given glycopyrronium shows a decrease in the rate of conception and in survival rate at weaning. The significance of the non-clinical findings for humans is not clear, and the lack of human data on the medicinal product leads to glycopyrronium being contraindicated in pregnant women.There are insufficient data in the public domain to adequately assess effects on the reproductive system in young adults, and safety in human pregnancy has not been established.


6.1. List of excipients

Sodium benzoate (E211)

Raspberry flavouring (containing propylene glycol E1520)

Sucralose (E955)

Citric acid (E330)

Purified water


6.2. Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.


6.3. Shelf life

2 years.

2 months after first opening.


6.4. Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C.


6.5. Nature and contents of container

Amber coloured glass bottle with a high density polyethylene tamper evident child resistant closure with expanded low density polyethylene liner. The bottle contains 60 ml or 250 ml of oral solution.

Pack size of one bottle, one 8 ml low density polyethylene oral syringe (0.1 ml graduations) and one syringe adaptor.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.


6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Instructions for use

Insert the syringe adaptor into the neck of the bottle. Insert the end of the oral syringe into the syringe adaptor and ensure it is secure. Turn the bottle upside down. Gently pull down the plunger to the correct level (see Tables 1 and 2 for the correct dose). Turn the bottle upright. Remove the oral syringe. Place the oral syringe inside the child's mouth and press the plunger slowly to gently release the medicinal product. If the child is given the medicinal product through a feeding tube, flush the tube with 10 ml of water after you have given the medicinal product.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.


7. Marketing authorisation holder

Proveca Pharma Limited

Marine House

Clanwilliam Place

Dublin 2

Ireland.


8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

EU/1/16/1135/001 (250 ml bottle)

EU/1/16/1135/002 (60 ml bottle)


9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 15 September 2016


10. Date of revision of the text

07/2020

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Symptomatic treatment of severe sialorrhoea (chronic pathological drooling) in children and adolescents aged 3 years and older with chronic neurological disorders.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Sialanar should be prescribed by physicians experienced in the treatment of paediatric patients with neurological disorders.

Posology

Due to the lack of long term safety data, Sialanar is recommended for short -term intermittent use (see section 4.4)

Paediatric population – children and adolescents aged 3 years and older

The dosing schedule for glycopyrronium is based on the weight of the child, starting with approximately 12.8 micrograms/kg per dose (equivalent to 16 micrograms/kg per dose glycopyrronium bromide), three times per day and increasing by the doses shown in Table 1 below, every 7 days. Dose titration should be continued until efficacy is balanced with undesirable effects and amended up or down as appropriate, to a maximum individual dose of 64 micrograms/kg body weight glycopyrronium or 6 ml (1.9 mg glycopyrronium, equivalent to 2.4 mg glycopyrronium bromide) three times a day, whichever is less. Dose titrations should be conducted in discussion with the carer to assess both efficacy and undesirable effects until an acceptable maintenance dose is achieved.

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose necessary to control symptoms. It is important that the carer checks the dose volume in the syringe before administration. The maximum volume of the highest dose is 6ml. In the event of a known anticholinergic adverse event occurring when the dose is increased, the dose should be reduced to the previous lower dose and the event monitored. If the event does not resolve treatment should be discontinued. In the event of constipation, urinary retention or pneumonia treatment should be stopped and the prescribing physician contacted.

Younger children may be more susceptible to adverse events and this should be borne in mind when any dose adjustments are carried out.

Following the dose titration period, the child's sialorrhoea should be monitored, in conjunction with the carer at no longer than 3 monthly intervals, to assess changes in efficacy and/or tolerability over time, and the dose adjusted accordingly.

The Table 1 shows the dose in ml of solution to be given for each weight range at each dosing increase.

Table 1. Dosing table for children and adolescents with normal renal function.

Weight

Dose Level 1

Dose Level 2

Dose Level 3

Dose Level 4

Dose Level 5

Kg

(~12.8µg/kg)

1

(~25.6µg/kg)

1

(~38.4µg/kg)

1

(~51.2µg/kg)

1

(~64µg/kg)

1

ml

ml

ml

ml

ml

13-17

0.6

1.2

1.8

2.4

3*

18-22

0.8

1.6

2.4

3.2

4*

23-27

1

2

3

4

5*

28-32

1.2

2.4

3.6

4.8

6*

33-37

1.4

2.8

4.2

5.6

6*

38-42

1.6

3.2

4.8

6*

6

43-47

1.8

3.6

5.4

6*

6

≥48

2

4

6*

6

6

1 refers to µg/kg glycopyrronium

*Maximum individual dose in this weight range

Paediatric population – children aged <3 years

Sialanar is not recommended in children aged <3 years in the symptomatic treatment of sialorrhoea (chronic pathological drooling) (see section 4.4).

Adult population

Sialanar is indicated for the paediatric population only. There is limited clinical trial evidence on the use of glycopyrronium in the adult population with pathological drooling.

Elderly population

Sialanar is indicated for the paediatric population only. The elderly have a longer elimination half-life and reduced medicinal product clearance as well as limited data to support efficacy in short-term use. As such Sialanar should not be used in patients over the age of 65 years.

Hepatic impairment

Clinical studies have not been conducted in patients with hepatic impairment. Glycopyrronium is cleared predominantly from the systemic circulation by renal excretion and hepatic impairment is not thought to result in a clinically relevant increase in systemic exposure of glycopyrronium.

Renal impairment

Severe renal impairment (see section 4.3).

Mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR <90 - ≥30 ml/min/1.73m2) doses should be reduced by 30% (see Table 2).

Table 2. Dosing table for children and adolescents with mild to moderate renal impairment.

Weight

Dose Level 1

Dose Level 2

Dose Level 3

Dose Level 4

Dose Level 5

Kg

(~8.8µg/kg)

1

(~17.6µg/kg)

1

(~27.2µg/kg)

1

(~36µg/kg)

1

(~44.8µg/kg)

1

ml

ml

ml

ml

ml

13-17

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.7

2.1*

18-22

0.6

1.1

1.7

2.2

2.8*

23-27

0.7

1.4

2.1

2.8

3.5*

28-32

0.8

1.7

2.5

3.4

4.2*

33-37

1

2

2.9

3.9

4.2*

38-42

1.1

2.2

3.4

4.2*

4.2

43-47

1.2

2.5

3.8

4.2*

4.2

≥48

1.4

2.8

4.2*

4.2

4.2

1 refers to µg/kg glycopyrronium

*Maximum individual dose in this weight range

Method of administration

For oral use only.

Co-administration with food results in a marked decrease in systemic medicinal product exposure. Dosing should be at least one hour before or at least two hours after meals or at consistent times with respect to food intake. High fat food should be avoided. Where the child's specific needs determine that co-administration with food is required, dosing of the medicinal product should be consistently performed during food intake.

Nasogastric / feeding tubes, if used, should be flushed with 10 ml water immediately after dosing.

See section 6.6 for instructions for use.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Glaucoma.

Urinary retention.

Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2), including those with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

History of intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus, pyloric stenosis and myasthenia gravis.

Concomitant treatment with (see section 4.5);

potassium chloride solid oral dose;

anticholinergics;

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Anticholinergic effects

Anticholinergic effects such as urinary retention, constipation and overheating due to inhibition of sweating may be dose dependent and difficult to assess in a disabled child. Monitoring by physicians and caregivers is required with adherence to the management instructions below:

Management of important anticholinergic side effects

The carer should stop treatment and seek advice from the prescriber in the event of:

• constipation

• urinary retention

• pneumonia

• allergic reaction

• pyrexia

• very hot weather

• changes in behaviour

After evaluating the event, the prescriber will decide if treatment should remain stopped or if this should continue at a lower dose.

Lack of long-term safety data

Published safety data are not available beyond 24 weeks treatment duration. Given the limited long-term safety data available and the uncertainties around the potential risk for carcinogenicity, total treatment duration should be kept as short as possible. If continuous treatment is needed (eg in a palliative setting) or the treatment is repeated intermittently (e.g. in the non palliative setting treating chronic disease) benefits and risks should be carefully considered on a case by case basis and treatment should be closely monitored.

Mild to moderate sialorrhoea

Due to the low likelihood of benefit and the known adverse effect profile, Sialanar should not be given to children with mild to moderate sialorrhoea.

Cardiac disorders

Glycopyrronium should be used with caution in patients with acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias and conditions characterised by tachycardia (including thyrotoxicosis, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac surgery) due to the potential increase in heart rate, blood pressure and rhythm disorders produced by its administration. The carer should be advised to measure the pulse rate if the child seems unwell and report very fast or very slow heart rate.

Gastro-intestinal disorders

Antimuscarinics such as glycopyrronium should be used with caution in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, pre-existing constipation and diarrhoea.

Dental

Since reduced salivation can increase the risk of oral cavities and periodontal diseases, it is important that patients receive adequate daily dental hygiene and regular dental health checks.

Respiratory

Glycopyrronium can cause thickening of secretions, which may increase the risk of respiratory infection and pneumonia. Glycopyrronium should be discontinued if pneumonia is present.

CNS adverse events

Increased central nervous system effects have been reported in clinical trials including: irritability; drowsiness; restlessness; overactivity; short attention span; frustration; mood changes; temper outbursts or explosive behaviour; excessive sensitivity; seriousness or sadness; frequent crying episodes; fearfulness. Behavioural changes should be monitored.

As a consequence of its quaternary charge glycopyrronium has limited ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier, although the extent of penetration is unknown. Caution should be exercised in children with compromised blood brain barrier eg. Intraventicular shunt, brain tumour, encephalitis.

Children below the age of 3 years

Sialanar is not recommended in children below the age of 3 years since there is very limited data on the efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium in this age group.

Growth and development

The effects of glycopyrronium on the reproductive system have not been investigated.

Whilst clinical studies do not report any short or long-term effect of glycopyrronium on neurodevelopment or growth, no studies have been conducted to specifically address these issues.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per maximum dose, i.e. essentially 'sodium free'.

Sodium benzoate

This medicinal product contains 2.3 mg sodium benzoate (E211) in each ml.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

Paediatric population

There are limited data available relating to interactions with other medicinal products in the paediatric age group.

The following medicinal product interaction information is relevant to glycopyrronium.

Contraindications of concomitant use

Concomitant use of the following medicinal products is contraindicated (see section 4.3):

Potassium chloride solid oral dose: glycopyrronium may potentiate the risk of upper gastrointestinal injury associated with oral solid formulations of potassium chloride due to increased gastrointestinal transit time creating a high localized concentration of potassium ions. An association with upper GI bleeding and small bowel ulceration, stenosis, perforation, and obstruction has been observed.

Anticholinergics: concomitant use of anticholinergics may increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects. Anticholinergics may delay the gastrointestinal absorption of other anticholinergics administered orally and also increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects.

Concomitant use to be considered with caution

Concomitant use of the following medicinal products should be considered with caution:

Antispasmodics: glycopyrronium may antagonize the pharmacologic effects of gastrointestinal prokinetic active substances such as domperidone and metoclopramide.

Topiramate: glycopyrronium may potentiate the effects of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia associated with the use of topiramate, particularly in pediatric patients;

Sedating antihistamines: may have additive anticholinergic effects. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or antihistamine dosage may be necessary;

Neuroleptics/antipsychotics: the effects of active substances such as phenothiazines, clozapine and haloperidol may be potentiated. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or neuroleptic/antipsychotic dose may be necessary;

Skeletal muscle relaxants: Use of anticholinergics after administration of botulinum toxin may potentiate systemic anticholinergic effects;

Tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs: may have additive anticholinergic effects. A reduction in anticholinergic and/or tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs dosage may be necessary.

Opioids: active substances such as pethidine and codeine may result in additive central nervous system and gastrointestinal adverse effects, and increase the risk of severe constipation or paralytic ileus and CNS depression. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS depression and constipation;

Corticosteroids: Steroid-induced glaucoma may develop with topical, inhaled, oral or intravenous, steroid administration. Concomitant use may result in increased intraocular pressure via an open- or a closed-angle mechanism;

Other

Medicinal products with anticholinergic properties (e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants) may cause cumulative parasympatholytic effects including dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation and confusion, and an increased risk of anticholinergic intoxication syndrome.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Women of child-bearing potential

Effective contraception should be considered prior to treating women of childbearing age, where appropriate.

Pregnancy

There are no data on the use of Sialanar in pregnant women. The assessment of reproductive endpoints for glycopyrronium is limited (see section 5.3). Glycopyrronium is contraindicated in pregnancy (see section 4.3).

Breast-feeding

Safety in breast-feeding has not been established. Use while breast-feeding is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Fertility

There are no data on the effects of Sialanar on male or female fertility. Reproductive performance in rats given glycopyrronium shows a decrease in the rate of conception and in survival rate at weaning. There are insufficient data in the public domain to adequately assess effects on the reproductive system in young adults (see section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Sialanar has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. The anticholinergic effects of glycopyrronium may cause blurred vision, dizziness and other effects that may impair a patient's ability to perform skilled tasks such as driving, riding a bicycle and using machines. The undesirable effects are increased with increasing dose.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Adverse reactions are common with glycopyrronium due to its known pharmacodynamic anticholinergic effects. The efficacy of the medicinal product should be balanced against the adverse reactions and the dose monitored regularly and adjusted as necessary. The most common anticholinergic adverse reactions in the placebo-controlled studies (see section 5.1) related to the gastrointestinal system and were dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting, all of which occurred at a rate of ≥15%. The safety profile is further characterised by other symptoms, related to the anticholinergic effects at a rate of ≥15%, including urinary retention, flushing and nasal congestion.

Adverse reactions are more common with higher doses and prolonged use.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported in the literature for trials using glycopyrronium for sialorrhoea in the paediatric population (including 2 placebo controlled trials, an uncontrolled safety study using glycopyrronium for a 6 month period, and 3 supportive studies with adverse event data in the target population) are listed by MedDRA system organ class (Table 3). Within each system organ class, the adverse reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions first. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. In addition, the corresponding frequency category for each adverse reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 3. List of Adverse Reaction Frequency

Adverse reactions

Frequency category

Infections and infestations

Upper respiratory tract infection

Common

Pneumonia

Common

Urinary tract infection

Common

Psychiatric disorders

Irritability

Very common

Agitation

Common

Drowsiness

Common

Restlessness

Not known

Overactivity

Not known

Short attention span

Not known

Frustration

Not known

Mood variable

Not known

Temper tantrum

Not known

Intermittent explosive disorder

Not known

Sensitivity, shyness, and social withdrawal disorder specific to childhood or adolescence

Not known

Feeling sad

Not known

Crying

Not known

Fear

Not known

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Uncommon

Insomnia

Not known

Eye disorders

Mydriasis

Uncommon

Nystagmus

Uncommon

Angle-closure glaucoma

Not known

Photophobia

Not known

Dry eyes

Not known

Cardiac disorders

Flushing

Very common

Transient bradycardia

Not known

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Nasal congestion

Very common

Epistaxis

Common

Reduced bronchial secretions

Very common

Sinusitis

Not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Dry mouth

Very common

Constipation

Very common

Diarrhoea

Very common

Vomiting

Very common

Halitosis

Uncommon

Oesophageal candidiasis

Uncommon

Gastrointestinal motility disorder

Uncommon

Pseudo-obstruction

Uncommon

Nausea

Not known

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Rash

Common

Dryness of the skin

Not known

Inhibition of sweating

Not known

Renal and urinary disorders

Urinary retention

Very common

Urinary urgency

Not known

General disorders and administration site conditions

Pyrexia

Common

Dehydration

Uncommon

Thirst in hot weather

Uncommon

Angioedema

Not known

Allergic reaction

Not known

Description of selected adverse reactions

Urinary retention

Urinary retention is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (15%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the urinary retention resolves.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (7.9%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the pneumonia resolves.

Constipation

Constipation is a known adverse reaction associated with anticholinergic medicinal products (30%). Glycopyrronium treatment should be withdrawn until the constipation resolves.

Central Nervous System

Although glycopyrronium has limited ability to cross the blood brain barrier, increased central nervous system effects have been reported in clinical trials (23%). Such effects should be discussed with the carer during treatment reviews and a dose reduction considered.

Cardiac disorders

Glycopyrronium is known to have an effect on heart rate and blood pressure at doses used during anaesthesia although clinical trials in children with chronic drooling have not shown this effect. An effect on the cardiovascular system should be considered when assessing tolerability.

Haematology and chemistry

A decrease of >10% from the normal reference range at baseline for absolute neutrophil (11.2%) and red blood cell (11.1%) count, and increases >10% from the normal reference range at baseline for monocyte (16.7%) and absolute monocyte (11.2%) counts has been seen. Decreases >10% from the normal reference range at baseline were observed for carbon dioxide (15.1%), bicarbonate (13.3%), and creatinine (10.7%) concentrations.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store

Ireland

HPRA Pharmacovigilance

Website: www.hpra.ie

Learning Zones

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Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Drug Licencing

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), & the European Medicines Agency (EMA).