Drug Guide
Nintedanib Esylate
Classification
Therapeutic: Antifibrotic agent
Pharmacological: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
FDA Approved Indications
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
- Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease (PF-ILD)
Mechanism of Action
Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets multiple pathways involved in fibrosis, including inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), thereby reducing fibroblast proliferation and fibrotic progression.
Dosage and Administration
Adult: 150 mg twice daily with food. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on tolerability.
Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.
Geriatric: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment, but monitor for adverse effects.
Renal Impairment: No initial dose adjustment recommended; use caution.
Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use in severe hepatic impairment; dose adjustment recommended in mild to moderate impairment.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well-absorbed with food, bioavailability approximately 4%.
Distribution: Widely distributed; protein binding approximately 97%.
Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by ester hydrolysis and CYP3A4-mediated oxidation.
Excretion: Excreted mainly via feces (~93%) and urine (~7%).
Half Life: Approximately 10-15 hours.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nintedanib or any component.
- Severe hepatic impairment.
Precautions
- Use cautiously in patients with bleeding risk, gastrointestinal disorders, or during surgery.
- Monitor liver function during therapy.
- Patients should be advised about bleeding risks and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Adverse Reactions - Common
- Diarrhea (Common)
- Nausea (Common)
- Elevated liver enzymes (Common)
- Abdominal pain (Less common)
Adverse Reactions - Serious
- Bleeding complications (Less common)
- Liver toxicity (Less common)
- Acute lung injury or pneumonitis (Rare)
Drug-Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase nintedanib levels.
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease effectiveness.
Drug-Food Interactions
N/ADrug-Herb Interactions
N/ANursing Implications
Assessment: Monitor for signs of bleeding, liver function tests, gastrointestinal symptoms.
Diagnoses:
- Risk for bleeding related to anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
- Impaired skin integrity related to gastrointestinal side effects.
Implementation: Administer with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Educate patients on bleeding precautions.
Evaluation: Assess lung function, monitor adverse effects, and adjust dose as needed.
Patient/Family Teaching
- Take medication exactly as prescribed with food.
- Report any unusual bleeding, severe diarrhea, or signs of liver problems.
- Avoid alcohol and medications that can increase bleeding risk without consulting healthcare provider.
Special Considerations
Black Box Warnings:
- Increased risk of bleeding.
- Gastrointestinal perforation.
Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations identified.
Lab Test Interference: Potential elevation of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and coagulation parameters.
Overdose Management
Signs/Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, bleeding, elevated liver enzymes.
Treatment: Discontinue medication, supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and monitor closely.
Storage and Handling
Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions until expiration date.