Emestop 40 mg

INDICATIONS

Aprepitant is indicated for-

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
Prevention of Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

PHARMACOLOGY

Aprepitant is a selective high affinity antagonist of human substance P neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors. When substance P attaches to these receptors, it causes nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant stops substance P from binding to the NK1 receptors. By blocking the receptors, Aprepitant can prevent nausea and vomiting, which often happens after chemotherapy or as a complication of surgery.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Post Operative Nausea and Vomiting: The recommended oral dosage of Aprepitant is 40 mg within 3 hours prior to induction of anesthesia. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: The following regimen should be used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy-

Day 1: Aprepitant 125 mg orally, Dexamethasone 12 mg orally, 5-HT3 antagonist (Ondansetron): 24 mg 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.
Day 2: Aprepitant 80 mg orally, Dexamethasone 8 mg orally
Day 3: Aprepitant 80 mg orally, Dexamethasone 8 mg orally
Day 4: Dexamethasone 8 mg orally

Aprepitant is administered orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 and 3. Dexamethasone is administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 through 4. The dose of dexamethasone accounts for drug interactions.The following regimen should be used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy:

Day 1: Aprepitant 125 mg orally, Dexamethasone 12 mg orally, 5-HT3 antagonist (Ondansetron): one 8 mg tablet 30 minutes before chemotherapy followed by an 8 mg dose 8 hours later.
Day 2: Aprepitant 80 mg orally, 5-HT3 antagonist (Ondansetron): 8 mg tablet twice a day
Day 3: Aprepitant 80 mg orally, 5-HT3 antagonist (Ondansetron): 8 mg tablet twice a day.

Aprepitant is administered orally 1 hour prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1 and in the morning on Days 2 and 3. Dexamethasone is administered 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy treatment on Day 1. The dose of dexamethasone accounts for drug interactions.Aprepitant may be taken with or without food. No dosage adjustment is necessary for the elderly patients.

INTERACTION

Aprepitant is a substrate, a weak-to-moderate (dose dependent) inhibitor, and an inducer of CYP3A4. Aprepitant is also an inducer of CYP2C9. Precautions should be taken while coadministering Aprepitant with drugs that use CYP3A4 or CYP2C9, for example- Warfarin, Tolbutamide, Phenytoin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Nefazodone, Troleandomycin, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir, Nelfinavir, Diltiazem, Rifampin, Carbamazepine etc.  Upon coadministration with Aprepitant, the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives during and for 28 days following the last dose of Aprepitant may be reduced. Alternative or back-up methods of contraception should be used during treatment with Aprepitant and for 1 month following the last dose of Aprepitant.

SIDE EFFECTS

Constipation, Hypotension, Pruritus, Pyrexia

PREGNANCY & LACTATION

Pregnancy Category B. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug based on patient’s importance.

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Patients with Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment or for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis.Patients with Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. There are no clinical data in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

THERAPEUTIC CLASS

Anti-emetic drugs

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.