DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Moctanin

Another commonly used name is monooctanoin .

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Cholelitholytic
• Solubilizing agent, cholesterol

Description

Monoctanoin (mon-OCK-ta-noyn) is used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. Gallstones, which are found in the gallbladder or bile duct, sometimes remain in the bile duct even after the gallbladder has been removed by surgery. These stones may be too large to pass out of the body on their own. A catheter or tube is used to put the solution of monoctanoin into the bile duct where it will come in contact with the gallstone or gallstones and dissolve them. This process continues for 2 to 10 days.

Monoctanoin is administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

• Local
• Irrigation (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For monoctanoin, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to monoctanoin or any vegetable oils. Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether monoctanoin passes into the breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of monoctanoin in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of monoctanoin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of monoctanoin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Bile duct blockage—The chance of serious side effects may be increased

• Biliary tract problems (other) or
• Jaundice or
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)—Monoctanoin may make these conditions worse

• Duodenal ulcer (recent) or
• Intestinal problems—Monoctanoin may make these conditions worse and may increase the chance of bleeding

• Liver disease (severe)—Unwanted effects may occur if the liver is not working properly

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of monoctanoin will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of monoctanoin.

• For irrigation dosage form:
  • For gallstone disease:
    • Adults and teenagers—The usual dose is 3 to 5 milliliters (mL) per hour given through a catheter or tube. The dose is given over a period of 2 to 10 days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects appear very often, when they do occur they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 07/20/1995

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