Aprepitant--a novel NK1-receptor antagonist.
Recently, a new class of agents, the substance P antagonists, has heralded a novel approach for the control of emesis. Aprepitant (Emend, Merck & Co., Inc.), the first of this class, was recently approved by the FDA for the prevention of both acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Of interest is the vast array of processes in which substance P is involved such as pain, anxiety, depression and inflammation and the potential wide applicability of substance P antagonists to a number of medical conditions outside of the nausea and vomiting realm. The following review provides an overview of aprepitant including pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and clinical evidence for its use in CINV. A brief discussion of other possible indications for aprepitant will also be presented.
Patel
Lisa
L
Division of Pharmacotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Lindley
Celeste
C
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077608:Aprepitant; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009025:Morpholines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009325:Nausea / Q000188:drug therapy; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009025:Morpholines; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000077608:Aprepitant