Sertindole is used to treat schizophrenia (an illness that causes changes in perception, thoughts and behaviour). It helps to relieve symptoms common in schizophrenia, such as distorted thinking and emotional instability.
Take this medicine 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 Sertindole with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, chew or crush the tablet.
Sertindole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could 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.
Do not take Sertindole with medicines to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) and HIV medicines (e.g. indinavir, ritonavir).
Alert your doctor if you have:
- heart disease or history of heart disease, including an abnormal heart rhythm, bradycardia (unusually slow heart rate)
- severe liver disease
- low levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood
Inform your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease (disease of the brain affecting movement), epilepsy (fits) or history of epilepsy.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may need to do tests such as ECG and serum potassium and magnesium, before and periodically during your treatment with Sertindole.
Sertindole may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may experience dizziness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking Sertindole for the first time. This is common and should disappear gradually as you get used to the medicine. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, weight gain, difficulty in sleeping, constipation, indigestion, runny or blocked nose with sneezing, facial pain, sexual dysfunction and restlessness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- muscle stiffness, unexplained high fever
- uncontrolled muscle movements of your body or face, such as sticking out of the tongue, smacking of the lips
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 Sertindole with medicines to treat fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) and HIV medicines (e.g. indinavir, ritonavir).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine and paroxetine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, rifampicin
- medicines to treat high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
- medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythms e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sertindole.
Sertindole must not be taken together with antacids as antacids can reduce the effectiveness of Sertindole. If you must take antacids, take between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken Sertindole.
Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place and protect from light.
Keep away from reach of the children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.