Levorphanol Tartrate

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Levorphanol Tartrate

Brand Names: Levorphanol Tartrate
Dosage Form: POWDER
Product Type: BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF LEVORPHANOL TARTRATE TABLETS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets are essential [see WARNINGS ]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of levorphanol [see WARNINGS ]. Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see WARNINGS ] . Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see WARNINGS ] . Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see WARNINGS ].

Description

DESCRIPTION Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, contain levorphanol, an opioid agonist with a molecular formula of C 17 H 23 NO

C 4 H 6 O 6

2H 2 O and molecular weight 443.5. Each milligram of levorphanol tartrate is equivalent to 0.58 mg levorphanol base. Levorphanol's chemical name is levo-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan. The USP nomenclature is 17-methylmorphinan 3-ol, tartrate (1:1) (salt) dihydrate. The material has 3 asymmetric carbon atoms. The chemical structure is: Levorphanol tartrate is a white crystalline powder, soluble in water and ether, but insoluble in chloroform. Each tablet, for oral administration, contains 2 mg levorphanol tartrate. In addition, each tablet contains anhydrous lactose, corn starch, and magnesium stearate. Chemical Structure

What Is Levorphanol Tartrate Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see WARNINGS ], reserve Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics):

Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated,

Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNINGS ]. Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual patient factors. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see WARNINGS ]. Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments [see WARNINGS ]. Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets [see WARNINGS, Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression ; PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients ]. Inform patients and caregivers about the various ways to obtain naloxone as permitted by individual state naloxone dispensing and prescribing regulations (e.g., by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, or as part of a community-based program). Consider prescribing naloxone, based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose, such as concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose. The presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient [see WARNINGS, Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse ; Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression ; Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants ]. Consider prescribing naloxone when the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose. Initial Dosage Use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets as the First Opioid Analgesic Initiate treatment...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS In approximately 1400 patients treated with Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets in controlled clinical trials, the type and incidence of side effects were those expected of an opioid analgesic, and no unforeseen or unusual toxicity was reported. Drugs of this type are expected to produce a cluster of typical opioid effects in addition to analgesia, consisting of nausea, vomiting, altered mood and mentation, pruritus, flushing, difficulties in urination, constipation, and biliary spasm. The frequency and intensity of these effects appears to be dose related. Although listed as adverse events these are expected pharmacologic actions of these drugs and should be interpreted as such by the clinician. The following adverse events have been reported with the use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets: Body as a Whole: abdominal pain, dry mouth, sweating Cardiovascular System: cardiac arrest, shock, hypotension, arrhythmias including bradycardia and tachycardia, palpitations, extra-systoles Digestive System: nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, biliary tract spasm Nervous System: coma, suicide attempt, convulsions, depression, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, nervousness, drug withdrawal, hypokinesia, dyskinesia, hyperkinesia, CNS stimulation, personality disorder, amnesia, insomnia Respiratory System: apnea, cyanosis, hypoventilation Skin & Appendages: pruritus, urticaria, rash, injection site reaction Special Senses: abnormal vision, pupillary disorder, diplopia Urogenital System: kidney failure, urinary retention, difficulty urinating Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of levorphanol. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Serotonin syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Adrenal insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets.

Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].

Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see WARNINGS ].

Hypoglycemia : Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with atleast one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes).

Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets contains levorphanol, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, and reassess all patients receiving Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets along with frequent reevaluation for signs of addiction, abuse and misuse. Consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose (see WARNINGS, Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression ; DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose ). Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on careful storage of the drug during the course of treatment and proper disposal of unused drug [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients ]. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status [see OVERDOSAGE ]. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory...

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics and other opioids, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction, educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose [see WARNINGS ]. Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), has resulted in serotonin syndrome. [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients ]. If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Opioid Analgesics The concomitant use of opioid with other opioid analgesics, such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, may reduce the analgesic effect of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets and precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Advise patient to avoid concomitant use of these drugs. Muscle Relaxants Levorphanol may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose [see WARNINGS ]. Diuretics Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. If concomitant use is warranted, evaluate patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. Anticholinergic Drugs The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may...

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets are contraindicated in patients with:

Significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ]

Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS ]

Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS ]

Hypersensitivity to levorphanol or any of the formulation excipients (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see WARNINGS ]

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Inform female patients of reproductive potential that use of Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets for an extended period of time during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated [see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy ]. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Inform female patients of reproductive potential that Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets can cause fetal harm and to inform the prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy ]. Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see WARNINGS ]. Available data with Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, oral levorphanol produced malformations and nearly 50% embryo lethality in mice at 10 and 12 times the human daily dose of 12 mg/day, respectively. Paternal exposure to levorphanol prior to mating to an untreated female resulted in reduced litter birth weights, developmental delays, and aberrant behavior in a swim maze at 34 times the human daily dose of 12 mg/day. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain...

Overdosage

OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia an overdose situations. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patient and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of levorphanol in Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory...

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets USP, 2 mg White to off white, scored tablets (Identified V2003) NDC: 69543-417-10 Bottles of 100 tablets. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Dispense in an amber airtight container as defined in the USP. Store Levorphanol Tartrate Tablets securely and dispose of properly [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients ]. Distributed by: Virtus Pharmaceuticals, LLC Manhasset, NY 11030 Rev. 03/2024

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.