Pulmoten 62.50 mg

INDICATIONS

Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with WHO functional class Ill. Efficacy has been shown in: Some improvements have also been shown in patients with PAH WHO functional class ll.

PHARMACOLOGY

Bosentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) with affinity for both endothelin A and B (ETA and ETB) receptors. Bosentan decreases both pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance resulting in increased cardiac output without increasing heart rate. The neurohormone endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known and can also promote fibrosis, cell proliferation, cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling, and is pro-inflammatory. These effects are mediated by endothelin binding to ETA and ETB receptors located in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells. ET-1 concentrations in tissues and plasma are increased in several cardiovascular disorders and connective tissue diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension, scleroderma, acute and chronic heart failure, myocardial ischaemia, systemic hypertension and atherosclerosis, suggesting a pathogenic role of ET-1 in these diseases. In pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure, in the absence of endothelin receptor antagonism, elevated ET-1 concentrations are strongly correlated with the severity and prognosis of these diseases.Absorption: In healthy subjects, the absolute bioavailability of bosentan is approximately 50% and is not affected by food. The maximum plasma concentrations are attained within 3-5 hours.Distribution: Bosentan is highly bound (>98%) to plasma proteins, mainly albumin.Elimination: Bosentan is eliminated by biliary excretion following metabolism in the liver by the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Less than 3% of an administered oral dose is recovered in urine.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

Tablets are to be taken orally morning and evening, with or without food.Pulmonary arterial hypertension: ln adult patients, Bosentan treatment should be initiated at a dose of 62.5 mg twice daily for 4 weeks and then increased to the maintenance dose of 125 mg twice daily.For paediatric patients aged 2 years or older, the optimal maintenance dose has not been defined in well-controlled studies. However, paediatric pharmacokinetic data have shown that Bosentan plasma concentrations in children were on average lower than in adult patients and were not increased by increasing the dose of Bosentan above 2 mg/kg body weight twice daily.Discontinuation of treatment: lf the decision to withdraw Bosentan is taken, it should be done gradually while an alternative therapy is introduced.

INTERACTION

Increased bosentan levels with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, ritonavir, diltiazem), CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g. amiodarone, fluconazole), tacrolimus. Rifampicin initially increases but subsequently decreases bosentan concentration. May decrease plasma levels of warfarin, statins (e.g. simvastatin, lovastatin), hormonal contraceptives, sildenafil, tadalafil.

SIDE EFFECTS

Treatment with bosentan has been associated with dose dependent elevations in liver aminotransferases and decreases in haemoglobin concentration. Other side effects include Anaemia, haemoglobin decrease, Thrombocytopenia, Neutropenia, leucopenia, Hypersensitivity reactions, Headache, Syncope, Palpitations, Flushing, Hypotension, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Aminotransferase elevations associated with hepatitis and/or jaundice, Liver cirrhosis, liver failure (rarely), Erythema, Diarrhoea, Oedema, fluid retention.

PREGNANCY & LACTATION

Bosentan is contraindicated in pregnancy. lt is not known whether bosentan is excreted into human breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with Bosentan.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Consider discontinuation of therapy if pulmonary oedema occurs. Avoid abrupt withdrawal and consider dose reduction (e.g. half the dose for 3-7 days) to minimise risk of clinical deterioration. Lactation. Bosentan may cause dizziness, which could affect the ability to drive or use machines.

USE IN SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Dosage in hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment. Bosentan is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe liver dysfunction.Dosage in renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in patients undergoing dialysis.Dosage in elderly patients: No dose adjustment is required in patients over the age of 65 years.Hepatic impairment: ln patients with mildly impaired liver function (Child-Pugh class A) no relevant changes in the pharmacokinetics have been observed. The pharmacokinetics of Bosentan have not been studied in patients with Child-Pugh class B or C hepatic impairment and Pulmoten is contra-indicated in this patient population.Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment. There is no specific clinical experience in patients undergoing dialysis. Based on physicochemical properties and the high degree of protein binding, bosentan is not expected to be removed from the circulation by dialysis to any significant extent.

THERAPEUTIC CLASS

Anti-hypertensive, Endothelin receptor antagonist

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store below 30°C. Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of children’s reach.