Aprepitant

Brand name: Emend®

IUPAC: 5-([(2R,3S)-2-((R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy)-3-(4-fluorophenyl)morpholino]methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3(2H)-one

FDA approval: Yes

Manufacturer Link

Usage:

Aprepitant is used in combination with other drugs to the prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxicHaving the ability to kill a cell. Many chemotherapy drugs are cytotoxic, as is radiation. Cells of our immune system also have the ability to recognize and kill certain cells, including cancer cells. effects of chemotherapyTreatment of cancer patients with anticancer drugs. Commonly called 'chemo'. These drugs work by attacking cell growth or division. Often these agents are used in combination to take advantage of their different modes of attack on cell division.. This drug works in the brain as opposed to other drugs, such as ondansetron (Zofran®), which works in the gut. For this reason, aprepitant is given most commonly as part of a three drug regimen that includes a drug like Zofran, which prevents nausea by acting the gut and a steroidA type of lipid. Steroids are composed of four carbon rings fused to form one flat (planar) molecule. Examples of steroids include cholesterol, testosterone and estrogen.. Aprepitant is administered in capsule form.

Mechanism:

Aprepitant blocks signals from NK1 receptors. The blocking of these signals decreases the likelihood of feeling nausea or vomiting.

The 3D diagram below shows the molecular structure of Aprepitant.

Side effects:

Some common side effects include: tiredness, nausea, hiccups, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite. This drug may interact with other drugs, such as blood thinners and birth control pills, therefore patients should notify their doctors of all other medications they are taking. Also, it is important that patients using birth control pills should use a second form of contraception while taking this medication. 1

1. Emend.. Prescribing Information. Merck & Company, Incorporated. May, 2016. [http://www.emend.com]

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