Elitek

Elitek Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Elitek is a brand name. Its generic name is Rasburicase.

Introduction

Elitek is a recombinant urate-oxidase [1] enzyme used for the medical management of elevated levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia) of patients with malignancies. It works by converting uric acid into a soluble and easily excreted form (allantoin).

Uses For

Elitek is primarily used to treat hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid) in patients with malignant diseases, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy [2].

Mechanism of Action

Elitek works by catalyzing the oxidation of uric acid, a response which is mediated by the enzyme urate oxidase. This enzymatic action reduces elevated serum uric acid concentrations by oxidizing it to allantoin, which is more soluble and easier to excrete than uric acid [3].

How Long does it Take to Work?

Elitek is typically administered intravenously or subcutaneously and takes effect within one to two hours of administration [4].

Absorption

Elitek is quickly absorbed following administration. When administered intravenously, it achieves maximum concentration in the blood within 8 hours and is rapidly eliminated.

Route of Elimination

Elitek is eliminated via the urine, where it is converted back to allantoin [5].

Dosage

The recommended dose of Elitek is 0.20 mg/kg, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, once per day until the uric acid concentration is lower than 8 mg/dl. Repeat dosing may be required in some patients [6].

Administration

Elitek should be administered intravenously or subcutaneously in a volume not exceeding 2 mL and by slow injection. The syringe should be flushed with saline before and after administration [7].

Side Effects

Common side effects associated with Elitek include headache, nausea, vomiting, irritation at the injection site, and diarrhea. Less common, but more serious, side effects include anaphylaxis, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia [8].

Toxicity

Elitek is generally considered to be nontoxic, and overdoses of up to 320-fold the recommended dose have not produced any clinical effects.

Precautions

Elitek should not be administered to patients with a history of allergy to the product or any of the excipients. Elitek should not be used in combination with other drugs that are known to cause increased uric acid levels [9].

Interaction

Elitek is known to interact with drugs that increase uric acid levels (e.g., cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine) [10].

Disease Interactions

Elitek should not be used in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, serious infections, or renal failure [11].

Drug Interactions

Elitek is known to interact with drugs that increase uric acid levels (e.g., cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, and thioguanine) [12].

Food Interactions

Elitek should be administered on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or after consuming a meal [13].

Pregnancy Use

Elitek is not recommended for use in pregnancy, as there is a lack of data regarding the safety of the drug in pregnant women.

Lactation Use

It is not known whether Elitek is excreted in human milk, and caution should be exercised when administering the drug to nursing mothers [14].

Acute Overdose

There are no reported acute overdoses with Elitek.

Contraindications

Elitek is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic reaction to the product or any of the excipients [15].

Use Direction

Elitek should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The recommended dose of Elitek is 0.20 mg/kg, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, once per day until the uric acid concentration is lower than 8 mg/dl. Repeat dosing may be required in some patients [16].

Storage Conditions

Elitek should be stored at room temperature (15-25 °C) and should be protected from light and moisture [17].

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Elitek is approximately 21 L [18].

Half Life

The half-life of Elitek is approximately 40 hours [19].

Clearance

The clearance of Elitek is approximately 1.1L/hr [20].

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