Dosing and uses of Cystadane (betaine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
anhydrous powder for oral solution
- 180g/bottle
Homocystinuria
6 g/day PO divided q12hr
Titrate dose until plasma homocysteine concentration is undetectable or extremely low
Up to 20 g/day has been used
Administration
One level scoopful (provided by manufacturer) is 1 g
Dissolve required amount in 120-180 mL water, milk or juice & take immediately
Do not take if not fully dissolved or colored
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
anhydrous powder for oral solution
- 180g/bottle
Homocystinuria
<3 years old: 100 mg/kg/day PO increase weekly by 100 mg/kg until plasma homocysteine is undetectable or present only in small amounts
>3 years old: 6 g/day PO divided q12hr; titrate dose until plasma homocysteine concentration is undetectable or extremely low; up to 20 g/day has been used
Administration
One level scoopful (provided by manufacturer); one level 1.7 mL scoop is equal to 1 g of betaine anhydrous powder
Dissolve required amount in 120-180 mL water, milk or juice & take immediately
Do not take if not fully dissolved or colored
Cystadane (betaine) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Body odor
Diarrhea
GI distress
Nausea
Dysgeusia
Alopecia
Anorexia
Dental disorders
Hives
Glossitis
Warnings
Contraindications
None reported
Cautions
Cerebral edema may occur from large increases in methionine resulting from betaine treatment
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Cystadane (betaine)
Mechanism of action
Methyl group donor, helps convert homocysteine to methionine, which in turn prevents the development of ocular abnormalities, mental retardation, osteoprosis, thromboembolic disease, and premature atherosclerosis observed when plasma homocysteine become elevated
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: several days
