Drug Class Description
Cytoprotectants.

Generic Name
Amifostine

Drug Description
Powder in vial.

Presentation
Injection, amifostine 375mg , 500 mg .

Indications
Chemotherapy: to reduce the neutropenia related risk of infection (e.g. neutropenic fever) due to the combination regimen cyclophosphamide and cisplatinum in patients with advanced (FIGO stage III or IV) ovarian carcinoma. Ethyol is indicated to protect patients with advanced solid tumours of non-germ cell origin from cumulative nephrotoxicity of cisplatin and cisplatin containing regimens, where unit doses of cisplatin range from 60- 120 mg/m2, in conjunction with adequate hydration measures. Radiotherapy: in association with standard fractionated radiation therapy, to protect against acute and late xerostomia, in head and neck cancer.

Adult Dosage
910 mg/m2 once daily as a 15 minute intravenous infusion 15 minute intravenous infusion starting within 30 minutes prior to chemotherapy given by short infusion.If full dose cannot be given, or if to reduce nephrotoxicity and dose of cisplatin less than 100 mg/m 2, reduce to 740 mg/m2 for subsequent cycles; see Summary of Product Characteristics. Radiotherapy: the recommended dose of Ethyol is 200 mg/m 2 administered daily as a 3-minute intravenous infusion starting within 15-30 minutes prior to standard fractionated radiation therapy.

Child Dosage
Not applicable.

Contra Indications
Hypotension, dehydration, renal or hepatic impairment. Pregnancy, lactation.

Special Precautions
Hydrate patient and administer antiemetics prior to inf. Monitor BP during inf. Monitor serum calcium in patients at risk of hypocalcaemia.

Interactions
Hypotensive agents.

Adverse Reactions
Hypotension, nausea, vomiting, flushing, chills, dizziness, somnolence, hiccups, sneezing, hypocalcaemia, allergic reactions. Rarely, short term loss of consciousness.

Manufacturer
Schering-Plough

Drug Availability
(POM)

Updated
13 May 2009