Language selection

Search

Details for: FOMEPIZOLE FOR INJECTION

Company: STERIMAX INC

DIN DIN name Active Ingredient(s) Strength Dosage Form Route of Administration
02435667FOMEPIZOLE FOR INJECTIONFOMEPIZOLE1 G / MLSOLUTIONINTRAVENOUS
Search Reported Side Effects Report a Side Effect

Consumer Information

This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.

What the medication is used for

  • Fomepizole for Injection is an antidote which is a medicine used to counter the effects of a poison.
  • It is used as an antidote for ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning.
  • Ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning can happen from swallowing substances like antifreeze, coolant or windshield washer fluid.
  • What it does

    Fomepizole for Injection blocks an enzyme in the body called alcohol dehydrogenase. This prevents it from breaking down ethylene glycol and methanol into their toxic forms that harm the body.

    When it should not be used

  • you are allergic to fomepizole or other medicines called pyrazoles. An example of a pyrazole is celecoxib, a medicine use to treat pain. If you are not sure whether a drug is a pyrazole, ask your healthcare professional.
  • What the medicinal ingredient is

    Medicinal ingredient: Fomepizole

    What the non-medicinal ingredients are

    Non-medicinal ingredients: None

    What dosage form it comes in

    Each 1.5 mL vial of Fomepizole for Injection contains 1.5 g of the medicinal ingredient fomepizole (1 g / mL).

    Warnings and precautions

    To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you receive Fomepizole for Injection. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you are:

  • pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
  • breastfeeding since you should not breastfeed while taking Fomepizole for Injection.
  • Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

    Interactions with this medication

    The following may interact with Fomepizole for Injection:

  • Alcohol.
  • Drugs that use a system called CYP450 in the body. If you are not sure whether a drug uses the CYP450 system, ask a healthcare professional. Some examples of these drugs are:
    • Cimetidine, a medicine used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.
    • Ketoconazole, a medicine used to treat fungal infections.
    • Phenytoin and carbamazepine, medicines used to control seizures.
    Proper use of this medication

    How to take Fomepizole for Injection:

  • Fomepizole for Injection will be given to you by a healthcare professional.
  • It will be infused directly into your vein.
  • It will be infused over 30 minutes.
  • Follow all instruction given to you by your healthcare professional.
  • Usual Dose

    Your doctor will determine the dose of Fomepizole for Injection that is right for you. They will also decide how many doses of Fomepizole for Injection you should get. Your doctor may decide to use Fomepizole for Injection alone or in combination with kidney dialysis.

    Overdose

    If you think you have received too much Fomepizole for Injection, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

    Side effects and what to do about them

    These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when receiving Fomepizole for Injection. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

    Side effects may include:

  • abnormal smell
  • back pain
  • bad or metallic taste in your mouth
  • blurred vision
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness, light-headedness
  • facial flushing
  • feeling anxious or nervous
  • feeling drunk or hung-over
  • fever
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • hiccups
  • low blood pressure
  • nausea, vomiting
  • pain, redness and swelling at injection site
  • rapid, involuntary eye movements
  • rash
  • roar in the ear
  • sleepiness
  • sore throat
  • speech or visual disturbances
  • stomach pain
  • upset stomach
  • Serious side effects and what to do about them
    Symptom / effect Talk to your healthcare professional
    Only if severe
    Talk to your healthcare professional
    In all cases
    Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help
    RARE
    Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction): difficulty breathing, itching, skin rash or hives, swelling of your tongue or throat, warm red skin, wheezing.    

    If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

    How to store

    Store at controlled room temperature (20 to 25 °C). Fomepizole for Injection vials are for single use only. Unused portions should be discarded.

    Reporting side effects

    You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

    NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

    More information

  • Talk to your healthcare professional.
  • Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html); the manufacturer’s website (http://www.sterimaxinc.com) or by calling SteriMax Inc. at 1-800-881-3550.
  • This document was prepared by SteriMax Inc.

    Last Revised: June 12, 2018

    Date modified: