Activated
Activated Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Activated is a brand name. Its generic name is Drotrecogin alfa.
Introduction
Activated (brand name: Xigris), is a medicine that is commonly used in the treatment of severe infections associated with low blood levels of protein in the blood. It is a recombinant form of human activated protein C and is produced in a lab.
Uses
Activated is used for the treatment of severe infections in patients with severe sepsis. It has been used to reduce mortality rate from severe sepsis in adult patients, particularly those with a higher risk for death, such as those with an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score of 25 or more.
Mechanism of Action
Activated works by selectively activating human protein C in the body, which helps reduce systemic inflammation. Activation of protein C helps reduce excessive activation of the coagulation cascade which can contribute to excessive inflammation in sepsis. Additionally, activation of human protein C can help reduce the production of an enzyme known as Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor, which helps reduce inflammation and the formation of blood clots.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Activated typically begins to take effect within one to two days of administration. It can improve patients' health and reduce mortality rate within three to five days.
Absorption
Activated is administered intravenously, so it is not absorbed through the digestive tract. It is completely broken down and metabolized by the body after administration.
Route of Elimination
Activated is eliminated by the body primarily through the kidneys, with the majority of the drug passing through the kidneys within 24 to 72 hours of administration.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Activated is 24 mcg/kg bodyweight intravenously as a continuous infusion for up to 96 hours. Higher doses have not been found to have a beneficial effect and can lead to increased risk of bleeding.
Administration
This medication is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion. It is given over a period of three to four days by a trained healthcare professional.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Activated include headache, nausea, dizziness, and rash. More serious side effects, such as bleeding or allergic reaction, can occur.
Toxicity
Activated is generally well-tolerated with no known toxic effects. However, patients on this medication should be monitored for adverse reactions or side effects in case of any emerging toxic effects.
Precaution
Patients on Activated should be closely monitored for any bleeding or anaphylactic reactions, and should also receive appropriate laboratory tests to evaluate their progress. Additionally, patients on this medication should not receive other anticoagulants or antithrombotic drugs.
Interaction
Activated may interact with other medications and should be used with caution in patients who are taking other medications. Patients should inform their doctor of any other medications they are taking before starting this medication.
Disease Interaction
Patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or bleeding disorder should be monitored closely while taking Activated. Additionally, patients with active bleeding, active arterial thrombosis, or thrombocytopenia should not use this medication.
Drug Interaction
Activated may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, antithrombotic drugs, and heparins. Its use should also be avoided in patients taking certain anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, or any other medication that can affect platelet function or coagulant activity.
Food Interactions
No food interactions have been reported with the use of Activated.
Pregnancy Use
Activated should not be used in pregnant women. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for serious adverse effects.
Lactation Use
Activated should not be used by women who are breastfeeding due to the potential for serious adverse effects.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of Activated can cause serious adverse effects, including excessive bleeding due to its anticoagulant effect. Patients who experience an overdose should seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications
Activated should not be used in patients with a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or bleeding disorder. Its use should also be avoided in patients taking certain anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, or any other medication that can affect platelet function or coagulant activity. Additionally, patients with active bleeding, active arterial thrombosis, or thrombocytopenia should not use this medication.
Use Directions
Activated should be administered by a trained healthcare professional as a continuous intravenous infusion. The recommended dosage of Activated is 24 mcg/kg body weight over a period of up to 96 hours.
Storage Condition
Activated should be stored at room temperature (between 15°C to 25°C). The vials should be handled with care and should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Activated is approximately 0.25 L/kg. This means the amount of drug in the body can be predicted from the amount initially injected, as long as the amount of drug that leaves the body is not unusually high.
Half Life
The half-life of Activated is approximately 6 hours. This means that the amount of drug in the body is reduced by half every 6 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of Activated is approximately 1 mL/min/kg. This means that the body is able to metabolize and eliminate the drug from the body at a rate of 1 millilitre per minute per kilogram of body weight.
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