Modafinil, sold as Provigil is a wakefulness-promoting drug for oral administration. It is a racemic component. It is also a white crystalline powder that is substantially insoluble in cyclohexane and water. It is however slightly soluble in acetone and methanol. The Provigil tablets consist of 100mg to 200mg of modafinil. Other ingredients that are useful when making modafinil include magnesium stearate, povidone, and lactose monohydrate among other substances.
Indications of Using Modafinil
Modafinil is helpful in improving wakefulness in patients having extreme sleepiness linked with (OSA) obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or (SWD) shift work disorder.
Limitations of Usage
In obstructive sleep apnea, it is known to treat extreme sleepiness and not as a treatment or cure for the present obstruction. Always inquire from a medic for the best prescription on how to use the drug. The recommended usage for users with OSA or narcolepsy is about 200gm. They should consume the dosage once a day, particularly in the morning. Besides, a dosage of approximately 400gm a day is tolerable in certain situations. However, there are no recorded benefits recorded after consuming 400gm a day as opposed to the 200mg a day.
The recommended dosage for patients with Shift Work Disorder is 200mg a day. It should be consumed orally and probably one hour before starting a shift. For users with extreme hepatic impairment, the dosage must be lowered to a half of that recommended to users with standard hepatic function. Besides, patients with geriatric should use modafinil in lower doses for better functioning.
If you suspect an overdose to a patient, get the medication right away or contact your poison control department. Ensure that you tell them the quantity of modafinil that the patient has taken and how it occurred.
How to Securely Store and Dispose of Modafinil
The drug should be stored at ideal room temperature. Also, store in a dry place. Do not keep it in a cold area such as a bathroom. The drug should also be stored in a safe place where your kids and pets cannot reach or gain access to.
For disposing of purposes, throw away the expired or unused drugs in a safe place. Dispose of it according to the set rules and guidelines. Do not flush it down a toilet. If you don’t have the best ways of disposing of modafinil, consult your pharmacist or check online for help. You may find that there are drug take-back in your locality.
Consumer Information Tips
- If the symptoms or health issues do not improve, call your medic for help
- Do not take someone else drugs and do not share your medications with them
- It is essential to consult a doctor before starting new drugs. It includes over the counter drugs and prescription
- Modafinil comes with an additional user fact sheet, Medication Guide. Read it carefully and if you don’t understand, ask the experts.
