Afatinib

Cytostatic · Protein kinase inhibitor

Indications

It is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, either as first line therapy or after failure of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Dosage

Adults: 40 mg once daily. Renal impairment: 30 mg once daily in patients with severe renal impairment. Dose may be adjusted as per requirement. Tablet should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Diarrhoea, rash, stomatitis, paronychia, dry skin, nose bleed, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, keratitis, bullous and exfoliative Skin disorders, interstitial lung disease and hepatic toxicity.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended.

Interactions

Toritonavir, cyclosporine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, quinidine, tacrolimus, nelfinavir, saquinavir, amiodarone, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and St. John's Wort.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Reduced absorption with high-fat meals. Bioavailability: 92%. Metabolism: Covalently adducted to proteins and nucleophilic small molecules. Undergoes minimal enzymatic metabolism. Half-life elimination: 37 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2-5 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (85%). Urine (4%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Afanix

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.