Ambrisentan
Description
Ambrisentan is an antihypertensive drug specifically used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO class 1), a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. It is also used in combination with tadalafil to reduce progression of the disease and improve exercise tolerance. Female patients are advised to undergo a pregnancy test to exclude pregnancy before beginning treatment with this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Ambrisentan
- Hypersensitivity
- Unexpected weight gain or loss
- Tingling of hands or feet
- Cough
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Runny nose and sore throat
- Headache
Uses of Ambrisentan
What is it prescribed for?
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to ambrisentan or any other components present along with it.
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with or without pulmonary arterial hypertension due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Use in pediatrics
This medicine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.
Infertility
This medicine may reduce the sperm count in males. Discuss with your doctor all the risks and benefits before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Effective contraception
Since Ambrisentan may cause serious fetal harm, use of highly effective contraceptive methods is advised for females of reproductive potential while on treatment with this medicine and one month after stopping the therapy to avoid pregnancy.
Elevated liver enzymes
Therapy with this medicine may raise the AST and ALT levels. It is advised to discontinue the therapy if the AST or ALT levels are greater than 5 times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN).
Fluid overload
This medicine may cause an increased risk of edema in ankles and feet due to fluid retention. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Leflunomide
Tizanidine
Deferasirox
Lomitapide
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Ambrisentan as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Ambrisentan works by blocking the actions of endothelin 1, a natural substance responsible for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Endothelin receptor antagonist
Schedule
N/A
DailyMed - LETAIRIS- Ambrisentan tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Ambrisentan: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Ambrisentan - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Ambrisentan [Internet]. Genome.jp. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Ambrisentan [Internet]. Snomedbrowser.com. 2017 [cited 23 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.