Administration Instructions for Olanzapine ODT
Olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) should be placed on the tongue where they will dissolve rapidly upon contact with saliva, requiring no additional liquid for administration. 1, 2
Administration Technique
- Place the ODT directly on the tongue where it will disintegrate almost immediately when it contacts saliva 1
- No water or other liquid is required for administration 2
- The tablet should not be pushed through the blister until ready to take it, as this could damage the tablet 3
- The tablet should be taken immediately after opening the blister package 3
Dosing Considerations
- Olanzapine ODT delivers a dose equivalent to regular olanzapine tablets, so dosing remains the same as with standard tablets 2
- For adults with schizophrenia, the typical starting dose is 5-10 mg once daily, with a target dose of 10 mg/day 4
- For special populations (elderly, debilitated patients, or those with factors that may result in slower metabolism), the recommended starting dose is 5 mg 4
Advantages of Olanzapine ODT
- Particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets 5, 3
- May be helpful for patients with conditions that impede swallowing such as esophageal stricture or chronic pharyngitis 5
- Offers potential for improved adherence compared to standard olanzapine tablets 1
- Provides a convenient alternative that has shown greater patient preference in clinical studies 1
- May be useful in agitated patients who might refuse to swallow standard tablets 1
Clinical Considerations
- The efficacy and tolerability profiles of olanzapine ODT are similar to standard olanzapine tablets 1
- When used as an antiemetic in cancer patients, olanzapine ODT (10 mg) can be administered at bedtime 6
- For patients with delirium, the typical starting dose is 2.5-5 mg daily, usually at bedtime 6
- Caution should be used when combining with benzodiazepines due to risk of oversedation and respiratory depression 6
Important Precautions
- Reduce dose in older patients and those with hepatic impairment 6
- Monitor for common side effects including somnolence, agitation, insomnia, and headache 7
- Be aware that olanzapine may cause metabolic effects with long-term use 6
- The safety and effectiveness of doses above 20 mg/day have not been evaluated in clinical trials 4
Olanzapine ODT provides a practical alternative to standard tablets with the same efficacy profile but with potential advantages for adherence and ease of administration, making it suitable for most patients for whom olanzapine is the antipsychotic of choice.