Tetrabenazine(tet ra ben’ ah zeen)
Xenazine
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Anti-chorea drug
Monoamine depletor
Therapeutic Actions
Inhibits monoamine transport systems, resulting in a decreased uptake of the monoamines dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine into synaptic vesicles and a depletion of monoamine stores; exact mechanism of action of effects on chorea are not understood.
Indications
Treatment of chorea associated with Huntington disease
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with active suicidality, untreated or inadequately treated depression, impaired hepatic function, concurrent use of MAOIs or reserpine.
Use cautiously with prolonged QT interval, pregnancy, lactation.
Available Forms
Tablets—12.5, 25 mg
Dosages
Adults
12.5 mg/day PO in the morning; after 1 week, increase to 12.5 mg PO bid; may be slowly titrated as needed to a maximum dose of 100 mg/day in divided doses.
Pediatric patients
Safety and efficacy not established.
Pharmacokinetics
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Metabolism: Hepatic; T1/2: 4–8 hr, then 2–4 hr (active metabolite)
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