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Modafinil (Provigil®): Basic Information

Modafinil (US brand name Provigil® and generic) is a wakefulness-promoting agent. Here is basic information about this medication. Other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication are linked to under Related Pages below.


FDA-approved indications

To improve wakefulness in adult patients with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work disorder (SWD)


Dosage

1. Adults

Narcolepsy or OSA: 200 mg once daily in the morning

Shift work disorder: 200 mg once a day, taken approximately one hour prior to the start of the work shift

2. Geriatric patients

Consider a lower dose

3. Patients with severe hepatic impairment

Reduce to half the recommended dose


Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets: 100 mg and 200 mg (scored)


Cytochrome P450 drug interactions

Modafinil is an inhibitor of CYP 2C19.

It is also an inducer of CYP 1A2 and CYP 3A4


Potential side effects

Please see THIS PAGE for a handout listing both the common and less common side effects of this medication along with the percentages of patients who report them.


Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.


Related Pages

How to screen for sleep apnea

How to know if your patient snores if s/he sleeps alone

Modafinil for ADHD?

Modafinil as an adjunct for major depressive disorder?

Residual fatigue and somnolence

Don’t cause an unplanned pregnancy!

Cardiovascular adverse effects of modafinil (Provigil®) and armodafinil (Nuvigil®)

Armodafinil (Nuvigil®): Basic Information


References

Prescribing Information for Modafinil (Provigil®)


Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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