Home Drug Guide Ensifentrine

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ensifentrine

Brand Names Ohtuvayre

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator and Anti-inflammatory Agent

Pharmacological: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor (PDE3 and PDE4 inhibitor)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Mechanism of Action

Ensifentrine inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes PDE3 and PDE4, leading to increased levels of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP), resulting in bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: The recommended dose for COPD is typically 1 inhalation (e.g., 75 mcg or 200 mcg, depending on the formulation) twice daily. For specific dosing, follow the prescribing information.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use; safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments required beyond standard dosing; monitor for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: No specific data; use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption following inhalation.

Distribution: Limited data; primarily localized in respiratory tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; mostly excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via the feces; renal excretion minimal.

Half Life: Approximately 8 hours, supporting twice-daily dosing.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ensifentrine or any components of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, as PDE inhibitors may affect heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Monitor for potential adverse effects such as nausea, headache, or dyspepsia.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Nausea (Uncommon)
  • Headache (Uncommon)
  • Cough or throat irritation (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiovascular events such as arrhythmias or increased heart rate (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash or anaphylaxis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other PDE inhibitors (caution to avoid excessive effects)
  • Beta-agonists (potential additive bronchodilation)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, including lung function tests.

Diagnoses:

  • Ineffective airway clearance
  • Risk of adverse cardiovascular effects

Implementation: Administer via inhalation device as prescribed; educate patient on correct inhaler technique.

Evaluation: Assess improvements in respiratory symptoms and lung function; monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use inhaler exactly as prescribed.
  • Report any common side effects like nausea or headache.
  • Warn about potential cardiovascular symptoms such as increased heart rate.
  • Maintain regular follow-up appointments.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations identified.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Excessive bronchodilation leading to tachycardia, hypotension, or CNS effects.

Treatment: Supportive care; manage symptoms; activated charcoal if ingestion was recent; consider hospitalization for monitoring.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light.

Stability: Stable at room temperature for the duration specified in the package insert.

🛡️ 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.