Amifostine Pharmacology

Amifostine

About Amifostine
Cytoprotective agent (in DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents), Antineoplastic adjunct.
Mechanism of Action of Amifostine
Amifostine is a pro-drug which is activated to the free thiol metabolite at the tissue site. The thiol metabolite has cytoprotective and radioprotective properties of amifostine. It is readily taken up by cells where it binds to and detoxifies reactive metabolites of platinum and alkylating agents as well as scavenges free radicals.
Pharmacokinets of Amifostine
Absorption- Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration
Distribution- Widely distributed in the body.4% bound to the plasma proteins
Metabolism- It is metabolized in the tissues by alkaline phosphatase (which causes dephosphorylation of drug). Its active metabolite is Thiol and inactive metabolite is Disulfide
Excretion- Excreted through urine
Onset of Action for Amifostine
N/A
Duration of Action for Amifostine
N/A
Half Life of Amifostine
Drug has plasma half life 8 min. and its active metabolite thiol has 7.3 hr
Side Effects of Amifostine
1.Nausea
2 Vomiting
3.Flushing (feeling of warmth)
4.Chills ( feeling of coldness)
5.Fever
6.Dizziness
7.Drowsiness
8.Sneezing
9.Shortness of breath
10.Fainting
11.Seizures
12.Chest tightness
13.Skin rash
14.Hives
15.Swelling of the throat
Contra-indications of Amifostine
1.Hypersensitivity to the drug or any other thiol containing compound
2. Low blood pressure
3. Dehydration
4. Renal impairment
5. Hepatic impairment
Special Precautions while taking Amifostine
1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Cerebrovascular diseases.
3. Antihypertensive drug should be stopped 24 hrs before administration
4. Antiemetics should be administered before infusion
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated.
Old Age Related Information
Contraindicated
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
Indications for Amifostine
1.Prevention of Xerostomia during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
2. Myelodysplastic syndromes
3.Reduction of cumulative nephrotoxicity due to Cisplatin
Interactions for Amifostine
Antihypertensives: Concomitant use of Amifostine with antihypertensive produces severe hypotension.
Typical Dosage for Amifostine
Intravenous-
Adult-
740-910mg/metre square once daily over 15 min, Drug to be taken 30min before starting chemotherapy treatment
Prevention of Xerostomia: 200mg / metre square once daily over 3 minutes, starting 15- 30 minutes before radiotherapy.
Schedule of Amifostine
H
Storage Requirements for Amifostine
Stored at controlled room temperature (20 -25 degree C)
Effects of Missed Dosage of Amifostine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Amifostine
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment

Home Delivery for Amifostine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including amifostine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for amifostine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for amifostine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take amifostine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for amifostine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for amifostine with the pharmacy.

Amifostine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for amifostine might be better known than amifostine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have amifostine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for amifostine.