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Medindia » Medication Manual » Amifostine

Amifostine

Latest prescription information about Amifostine. Learn how to pronounce the drug’s name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, its storage instructions and warnings if any when taken during pregnancy. Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.

Generic Name : Amifostine

Pronunciation : A-mi-FOS-teen

Therapeutic Classification : Contraceptives

Trade Name(s):
India- Amfos Vial, Amiphos Inj, Cytofos Vial, Ethyol Vial, M-Fost Vial, Naprofos Vi.
International- Ethyol.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) :
This medication is a cytoprotective agent, prescribed for preventing kidney damage due to chemotherapy and reducing the mouth dryness due to radiation therapy.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications):
Contraindicated in patients with low BP, dehydration, patients with kidney or liver disease, children and elderly >70 years, and hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy Category :

A B C D X

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Dosage & When it is to be taken :
As a cell protective agent in chemotherapy and radiation.
Adult: Initially, 910 mg/m² BSA once daily, as an infusion given over 15 minutes, 30 minutes before start of chemotherapy. May reduce to 740 mg/m² if patient is unable to tolerate the full dose.
For patients receiving cisplatin- <100 mg/m², a dose of 740 mg/m² may be given to reduce renal toxicity.
Prophylaxis of dry mouth in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer- Adult: 200 mg/m² BSA once daily, as an infusion given over 3 minutes, beginning 15-30 minutes before radiotherapy.

How it should be taken :
This medication available in the form of injection, administered by the healthcare providers.

Warnings and Precautions :
*Caution needed for pregnant women and breast feeding.
*Patients should drink water adequately to avoid dehydration.
*Prolonged infusion causes greater side effects.
*Stop antihypertensive drugs one day before infusion.
*Take antiemetics (drug against vomiting and vomiting sensation) before infusion especially if the treatment causes vomiting.

Side Effects :
Heart-Low blood pressure during infusion, fall in pulse pressure.
Central Nervous System- Transient and reversible loss of consciousness rarely, dizziness, drowsiness.
Gastrointestinal-Nausea, vomiting.
Miscellaneous- Flushing, feeling of warmth, chills, sneezing, cough and skin rashes.

Other Precautions :
*Monitor blood pressure regularly, at least before and immediately after infusion.

Storage Conditions :
Intravenous: Vials containing lyophilized powder: Store at 20-25°C. Reconstituted solution (500 mg/10 mL): Chemically stable for up to 5 hr at room temperature (about 25°C) or up to 24 hr under refrigeration (2-8°C).