Alzheimer disease: For clinical dietary management of the metabolic processes associated with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease (AD). Caprylidene is a medical food containing a proprietary formulation of MCTs, specifically caprylic triglyceride
Note: A medical food is formulated to be administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements are established by medical evaluation. Medical foods are not drugs and, therefore, are not subject to any FDA regulatory requirements that specifically apply to drugs (eg, requirement for written/oral prescription prior to dispensing, premarket review or approval, proof of safety and efficacy).
Allergy to milk or soy
Alzheimer disease (AD): Oral: Initial: 10 g once daily for 2 days; increase dose in 10 g increments every 2 days until reaching 40 g once daily on day 7; titrate slower if the patient experiences adverse events; Maintenance: 40 g once daily
Note: If adverse events occur, discontinue caprylidene until symptoms resolve (generally within 2 to 3 days). Restart caprylidene with the initial dose.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturers labeling (has not been studied).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturers labeling (has not been studied).
The contents of each packet of caprylidene should be added to 4 to 8 oz (118 to 236 mL) of water or other liquids, shaken or blended until fully mixed, and consumed 15-30 minutes after a full meal (preferably breakfast or lunch). Consumption following meals containing fats and proteins or adding ice to the drink may slow the digestion of MCTs and reduce the likelihood of developing GI symptoms; tolerability can also be improved if the drink is sipped over 30 minutes instead of consumed all at once.
Store at 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F), sealed and protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted product may be refrigerated and stored for up to 24 hours. Refrigerated product should be re-blended and thoroughly mixed prior to consumption.
There are no known significant interactions.
Periodic triglyceride levels in patients who meet criteria indicative of metabolic syndrome; routine renal function tests in patients with a history of renal dysfunction.
>10%: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (10% to 24%), nausea (10% to 20%), abdominal distention (17%), flatulence (15% to 17%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (5%)
Central nervous system: Dizziness (7%), headache (6%), fatigue (4%), pain (4%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (10%), dyspepsia (9%)
Respiratory: Cough (4%), rhinitis (4%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): GI inflammation (exacerbation), syncope
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Ketoacidosis: Use with caution in patients at risk for ketoacidosis such as patients with a history of alcohol abuse and poorly controlled diabetes.
Disease-related concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with a history of bradycardia, hypotension, or among patients taking medications that may induce these effects (eg, antihypertensives and cholinesterase inhibitors); fainting and dizziness has been infrequently reported among these groups. Use a gradual dose titration in patients at risk and emphasize administration after meals.
- Gastrointestinal disease: Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (eg, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dyspepsia) may result due to the rapid hydrolysis of medium-chain triglycerides in the gut and the resultant accumulation of high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids in the small intestine. Severe episodic diarrhea may occur with overusage. Use with caution in patients with a history of GI inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, chronic gastritis, and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. OTC medications such as simethicone, antacids, and antidiarrheals may be useful for treating mild to moderate GI effects; advise patients to see healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
- Metabolic syndrome: Elevated triglyceride values have been observed in patients with probable metabolic syndrome. Periodically monitor triglyceride levels in patients who meet at least 3 of the following 5 criteria indicative of metabolic syndrome: Elevated waist circumference ( ≥40 inches in men, ≥35 inches in women), blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, reduced fasting HDL (<40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women), and fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with a history of renal dysfunction; mild increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, or uric acid were reported in clinical trials. Routine renal function monitoring is recommended in patients with a history of renal dysfunction.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Component ingredients: Product contains caseinate (milk-derived protein), whey (milk), and lecithin (soy). Do not use in patients allergic to these component ingredients or milk or soy.
Induces hyperketonemia to provide an alternative energy substrate to glucose in the brain of patients with Alzheimer disease
Processed by lipases in the gut to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs); MCFAs under obligate oxidation in the liver and beta-oxidation in the liver mitochondria to form acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA when in excess are combined to form 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) which forms acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate (ie, ketone bodies) by HMG-CoA lyase.
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, flatulence, or headache. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe dizziness or passing out (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.