Crizotinib (Xalkori) capsule dosage form appearance and detailed instructions on how to take it

Crizotinib (Crizotinib) capsules are commonly used oral targeted drugs, mainly used to treat ALK positive or ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer. Capsule dosage forms are usually hard capsules, which appear red or red and white, and are printed with drug identification and dosage information to facilitate patients to identify different specifications. Common specifications include 250mg/100mg etc. The packaging and appearance produced by different manufacturers may be slightly different, but the labeling remains clear and easy to distinguish. The capsules contain granular or microgranular drugs and should not be opened or ground for consumption without authorization, as this may affect drug absorption and efficacy.

When taking crizotinib, you should strictly follow the doctor's prescription. It is usually taken orally twice a day, with an interval of about 12 hours. The capsules should be swallowed whole, preferably with an appropriate amount of water. Chewing or crushing is not recommended. In order to ensure stable absorption of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, the medication time can be fixed at a relatively consistent time period every day to avoid fluctuations in blood drug concentration due to different meal times. If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible after discovering it. However, if it is close to the time of the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue as planned.

There are certain food requirements during the medication. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach or with a meal, but avoid high-fat meals that may affect absorption. Try to avoid drinking alcohol and taking drugs that affect liver metabolism when taking the medicine, because crizotinib is mainly metabolized by the liver, and drinking alcohol or drug interactions may increase the risk of side effects. Patients should regularly monitor liver function, blood routine, and electrocardiogram to detect potential adverse reactions, such as abnormal liver function, cardiac arrhythmia, or vision changes.

In terms of storage, crizotinib capsules should be placed in a dry, light-proof environment and maintained at room temperature. It is generally recommended to store them within the range of 20℃~25℃ and avoid high temperature, humidity or direct sunlight, so as not to affect the efficacy of the medicine. Unused medicines should be properly stored and kept out of reach of children. Following correct medication administration and storage requirements will help ensure the efficacy and safety of crizotinib while reducing the risk of potential adverse reactions.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB08865