Sulpiride - Oral

Sulpiride is used to treat schizophrenia (long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour). It helps relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.

Take Sulpiride exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Sulpiride is available as a tablet and oral solution.

If you are taking the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Sulpiride must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as it may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• severe blood disorders, including bone marrow suppression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
• breast cancer
• prolactinoma (a tumour that causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of a hormone called prolactin, which stimulates the breast to produce milk)
• any problems that may affect your concentration e.g. drinking too much alcohol
• severe kidney disease
• severe liver disease

as Sulpiride may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Sulpiride with medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking), such as levodopa and ropinirole.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• hypomania (less severe form of mania characterised by elevated mood and increased energy)
• current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• current or family history of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• prostate enlargement
• urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating)
• ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly) or other stomach problems
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• Parkinson's disease
• severe lung problem
• diabetes
• history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting)
• high blood pressure
• heart problem e.g. heart rhythm disorder, slow heartbeat
• low potassium level in the blood
• at risk of having stroke
• abnormal lipid (fat) levels in the blood
• at risk for blood disorders e.g. history of low white blood cell count
• personal or family history of breast cancer
• mild to moderate kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Sulpiride to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function, blood cholesterol, sugar or electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise or fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs of movement disorders may also be needed.

Sulpiride may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Sulpiride may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, rash, breast pain, trouble sleeping, and weight gain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• abnormal heartbeat, passing out
• muscle stiffness or cramps, high fever, dizziness, confusion, agitation, fast or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating
• pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth; shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
• frequent sore throat, mouth sores, fever, chills or sweating
• difficulty controlling body movements, mainly of the tongue, mouth, jaw, arms and legs
• fits or seizures

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Sulpiride with medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa and ropinirole.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, disopyramide
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium, haloperidol
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
• medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine
• water pills or medicines for water retention
• strong painkillers e.g. methadone
• amphotericin B (medicine to treat fungal infection)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sulpiride.

This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) and sucralfate (medicine used to treat stomach ulcers) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Sulpiride. If you must take these medicines, take them at least 2 hours after you have taken Sulpiride.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Sulpiride.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

The oral solution should be used within 3 months after opening.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.