Home Drug Guide Abametapir

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Abametapir

Brand Names Xeglyze

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiparasitic agent

Pharmacological: Metalloproteinase inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of head lice infestation (Pediculosis capitis)

Mechanism of Action

Abametapir inhibits metalloproteinases that are essential for the development and survival of lice and their eggs, leading to the infestation's eradication.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a 0.74% solution of abametapir to dry hair, distributing evenly, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. The treatment may be repeated after 7 days if live lice are still present.

Pediatric: Same as adults; safety and effectiveness established for children ages 6 months and older.

Geriatric: No specific dosing adjustments necessary; use with caution and monitor for adverse reactions.

Renal Impairment: No specific dosage adjustments recommended; use with caution.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; use caution and monitor.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption after topical application.

Distribution: Limited data; primarily localized to the scalp/hair and skin.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally at the site of application; systemic metabolism data lacking.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in feces; very low systemic absorption suggests minimal renal excretion.

Half Life: Data not available; topical application with minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to abametapir or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use caution in patients with open scalp wounds or skin infections, as absorption may be increased.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Mild skin irritation (Unknown)
  • Itching or redness at application site (Unknown)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, difficulty breathing (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for known hypersensitivity.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for skin irritation or allergic response.

Implementation: Apply as per prescribed instructions; instruct patient to avoid eyes, mouth, and broken skin.

Evaluation: Monitor for effectiveness in eliminating lice and for any adverse skin reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to use the medication exactly as directed.
  • Advise on avoiding eye contact; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Inform of possible mild skin irritation and to report severe reactions.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: No specific overdose data available; excessive application may increase local irritation.

Treatment: Supportive care, wash off excess medication, symptomatic treatment as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable when stored properly; follow manufacturer guidelines.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.