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.

Aprepitant is indicated for-

• Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)
• Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

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 is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of the product. Aprepitant should not be used concurrently with Pimozide, Terfenadine, Astemizole & Cisapride.

Constipation, Hypotension, Pruritus, Pyrexia

Overdose Effects

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with Aprepitant. Single doses up to 600 mg of Aprepitant were generally well tolerated in healthy subjects. Drowsiness and headache can be seen due to overdose. In the event of overdose, Aprepitant should be discontinued. General supportive treatment and monitoring should be provided. Because of the antiemetic activity of Aprepitant, medicine-induced emesis may not be effective. Aprepitant cannot be removed by hemodialysis.

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.