General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Amiphos (Dabur)
Cytofos (Sun(Inca))
Ethyol
Amifostine is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Amifostine is pronounced as: A-mi-FOS-teen
Amifostine is a anti
cancer drug
Amifostine is used to reduce renal problems while treating with anti cancer drug cisplantin.
Amifostine is also used to reduce the dry mouth in head and neck radiation therapy.
How to use amifostine
Take amifostine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Amifostine is usually given by injection by IV by your doctor.
Amifostine should be inspected visually for particulate matter prior to administration. Preparations of amifostine containing visibly opaque particles should not be used.
Always remember to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking any OTC drugs or prescription drugs like
- Beta blockers like atenolol, propranolol
- ACE inhibitors like enalapril
This may not be the complete list of drugs interact with amifostine, ask your pharmacist if any other drugs interact with this medication.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following medical conditions as amifostine should be cautiously used.
- Heart problems like Low BP or High BP, irregular heart beat
Do not amifostine if you have low or high blood pressure.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Amifostine belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that amifostine may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether amifostine passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take amifostine with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid low blood pressure while taking amifostine
Amifostine is available in the form of injection.
Use amifostine as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of amifostine at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose of amifostine contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The main over dosage symptom of amifostine is hypotension
The following are the side effects you may experience with amifostine
This is not the complete list of side effects if you notice any other side effects consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you experience any of the following side affects stop the amifostine medication and consult your doctor immediately
Store amifostine at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Amifostine can cause dizziness. Avoid the driving or operating the machinery.
- Avoid taking alcohol while taking amifostine.
- If you have vomiting discuss with your doctor so that you will not be dehydrated.
Written by: healthplus24
Date last modified: july 8, 2011