Infliximab
Infliximab Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Infliximab is a brand name. Its generic name is Infliximab.
Infliximab Introduction
Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat autoimmune diseases. It can be used to treat autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. It is available in brand name and generic form as a powder for intravenous administration.
Uses
Infliximab is used to treat a number of autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.
Mechanism Of Action
Infliximab binds to and neutralizes tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in autoimmune diseases. By binding to TNF-alpha, Infliximab prevents it from binding to its receptor, thus reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
Infliximab works relatively quickly, typically within two to four weeks, but the effects can be sustained for some time. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as corticosteroids, to maximize its effects.
Absorption
Infliximab is well absorbed after intravenous administration, with an average bioavailability of 93%. It is rapidly distributed to tissues, and has an average volume of distribution of 242 L.
Route Of Elimination
Infliximab is extensively metabolized by the liver and is excreted primarily in the urine, with concentrations in the feces reaching only 40% of those in the urine.
Dosage
The dose of Infliximab is typically 5 mg/kg, administered as an intravenous infusion. The initial injection should be followed by maintenance infusions every two to eight weeks, depending on the condition being treated.
Administration
Infliximab is administered as an intravenous infusion. It should be diluted in a sterile infusion solution prior to infusion. The infusion should be slowly administered over 2 hours to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Infliximab include nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and injection site reactions. Other more serious side effects include an increased risk of infection, liver injury, and cardiac arrhythmia. In rare cases, Infliximab may cause a rare and potentially fatal brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Toxicity
Infliximab is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. However, at higher doses, there is an increased risk of hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as liver enzyme abnormalities or jaundice. Infliximab is also associated with an increased risk of serious infections.
Precaution
Infliximab should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to Infliximab or any of its components. It should also be used with caution in patients with concomitant infections, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Interaction
Infliximab has the potential to interact with other drugs, including anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and methotrexate. Therefore, all concomitant medications should be reviewed before initiating Infliximab therapy.
Disease Interaction
Infliximab may worsen some medical conditions, including liver disease, congestive heart failure, and inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with these conditions.
Drug Interaction
Infliximab has the potential to interact with other drugs, including anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and methotrexate. Therefore, all concomitant medications should be reviewed before initiating Infliximab therapy.
Food interactions
Infliximab can interact with some foods, such as dairy products, citrus fruits, and high-fiber foods, which can reduce the absorption of the drug if consumed at the same time. It is recommended to take Infliximab at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after eating these foods.
Pregnancy Use
Infliximab is classified as Pregnancy Risk Category B, indicating that no studies have been conducted to evaluate the use of Infliximab during pregnancy. Therefore, the drug should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Lactation Use
Infliximab is not recommended for use in lactating women, as it is excreted in breast milk and could be potentially harmful to nursing infants. Therefore, nursing should be avoided during Infliximab therapy.
Acute Overdose
The signs and symptoms of an acute overdose of Infliximab may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If an overdose is suspected, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Contraindication
Infliximab is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Infliximab or any of its components. It should also be used with caution in patients with concomitant infections, including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Use Direction
Infliximab should be used in accordance with the prescribing information. Intravenous infusions should always be prepared and administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Patients should be monitored closely during and after the infusion for any signs of adverse reactions.
Storage Condition
Infliximab should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light and moisture. It should not be frozen or exposed to temperatures exceeding 25°C.
Volume Of Distribution
Infliximab has a volume of distribution of 242 L. This indicates that the drug is rapidly distributed throughout the body, but is primarily concentrated in the serum and other body tissues, such as the spleen and liver.
Half Life
Infliximab has an average half-life of 8.5 days. The half-life can vary depending on the patient and the route of administration.
Clearance
Infliximab is cleared primarily by the liver via hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion. The average clearance rate is 0.61 L/hr.
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