Amifostine (Amifostine)
Overview of Amifostine
Amifostine is a phosphorylated sulfhydryl-containing prodrug developed by the military for use in the event of nuclear warfare. Once activated by alkaline phosphatase, it protects bone marrow stem cells as well as other normal cells from the damaging effects of cytotoxic therapy. Unlike other thiols, such as sodium thiosulfate and diethyldithiocarbamate, which protect both normal and tumor cells, it has cytoprotective effects only for normal tissues. Amifostine is used for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in ovarian and lung cancer patients.
Indication of Amifostine
Amifostine is primarily indicated in conditions like Ovarian cancer, Prevention of xerostomia, Solid tumor.
Contraindication of Amifostine
Amifostine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac arrhythmia,Heart failure,Hypocalcaemia,Hypotension,Cerebrovascular disease,Dehydration.
Side Effects of Amifostine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Amifostine, which give rise to further complications include Hypotension, Hypotension, Hypocalcemia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Amifostine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Drowsiness, Chills, Rashes, Sedation, Somnolence, Flushing, Nausea and vomiting, Sneezing, Hiccups, Stevens Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, dizziness, rashes.
Precautions of Amifostine
" Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amifostine. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors before they begin taking this drug. You should know that the most common side effect of amifostine is a decrease in blood pressure, which may start while the drug is being given and lasts about 6 minutes. Do not breast feed while taking this medication. For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking amifostine. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommendedDiscontinue Antihypertensive drugs 24 hours before starting amifostine.