Home

About

FAQ Section

News/Articles

Add Health Site

Sitemap


< Back to Prescription Drug Index

Discuss prescriptions and health topics in the new HealthDigest Forum

Basiliximab
Basiliximab (Simulect)
Basiliximab
(bah-zih-LIX-ih-mab)
Pregnancy Category: B Simulect (Rx)

Classification: Drug to prevent rejection of kidney transplants

Action/Kinetics: An interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor antagonist which is a monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology. Acts as immunosuppressant by binding to and blocking the IL-2 receptor þ-chain which is selectively expressed on the surface of activated T-lymphocytes. This competitively inhibits IL-2-mediated activation of lymphocytes which is a critical pathway in the cellular immune response involved in allograft rejection. To be effective, serum levels must exceed 0.2 mcg/mL. At the recommended dosing regimen, the mean duration of basiliximab saturation of IL-2Rþ was 36 days. t1/2, terminal, adults and adolescents: 7.2 days; t1/2, terminal, children: 11.5 days.

Uses: Prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in renal transplantation. Used as part of an immunosuppresive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids.

Contraindications: Lactation.

Special Concerns: Increased risk for developing opportunistic infections and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Side Effects: The incidence of side effects following basiliximab is no greater than placebo groups; however, 99% of clients in both groups reported side effects. Those with an incidence of 3% or greater are listed. GI: Constipation, N&V;, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, moniliasis, enlarged abdomen, flatulence, GI disorder, gastroenteritis, GI hemorrhage, gum hyperplasia, melena, esophagitis, ulcerative stomatitis. CNS: Headache, tremor, dizziness, insomnia, hypoesthesia, neuropathy, paresthesia, agitation, anxiety, depression. CV: Angina pectoris, cardiac failure, chest pain, abnormal heart sounds, aggravated hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, vascular disorder. GU: Dysuria, UTI, impotence, genital edema, bladder disorder, hematuria, frequent micturition, oliguria, abnormal renal function, renal tubular necrosis, ureteral disorder, urinary retention. Respiratory: Dyspnea, URTI, coughing, rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchospasm, abnormal chest sounds, pneumonia, pulmonary disorder, pulmonary edema, sinusitis. Dermatologic: Surgical wound complications, acne, cysts, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, hypertrichosis, pruritus, rash, skin disorder, skin ulceration. Musculoskeletal: Leg pain, back pain, arthralgia, arthropathy, bone fracture, cramps, hernia, myalgia. Hematologic: Hematoma, anemia, hemorrhage purpura, thrombocytopenia, thrombosis, polycythemia. Metabolic: Acidosis, weight increase, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, fluid overload. Ophthalmic: Cataract, conjunctivitis, abnormal vision. Miscellaneous: Pain, peripheral edema, fever, viral infection, leg edema, asthenia, accidental trauma, chest pain, increased drug level, face edema, fatigue, infection, malaise, generalized edema, rigors, sepsis.

Laboratory Test Alterations: NPN, glucocorticoids. Albuminuria, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, hyperlipemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypoproteinemia, hypomagnesemia.

Drug Interactions: Do not give echinacea with basiliximab.

How Supplied: Powder for injection: 20 mg

Dosage
•IV, central or peripheral Prevent kidney transplant rejection.
Adults: Two 20-mg doses; give the first 20 mg within 2 hr prior to transplant surgery and the second 20 mg dose 4 days after transplantation. Children, 2 to 15 years: Two doses of 12 mg/m2 each, up to a maximum of 20 mg each. Space the doses as in adults.

Search Site
Top Drug Searches
Viagra
Cialis
Levitra
Lipitor
Wellbutrin
Neurontin
Zoloft
Effexor
Paxil
Crestor
Celebrex
Zocor
Accupril
Top Drug Sites
Discount Prescriptions
Buy Levitra
Fioricet Prescriptions

Cheap Online Pharmacy
Over 1400 different drugs and medications stock...