Interferon Gamma

Drug #1470

Interferons are potent cytokines that possess antiviral, immunomodulating and antiproliferative actions. The interferones bind to specific cell-surface receptors that initiate a series of intracellular events, induction of certain enzymes, inhibition of cell-proliferation, and enhancement of immune activities. it-1b is a parenteral recombinant DNA drug that is essentially identical to natural gamma interferon. Interferon Gamma is chemically and pharmacologically distinct from interferon alfa or interferon beta. Recombinant it-1b is derived from genetically engineered Escherichia coli and is currently used in the treatment of chronic granulomatous disease, an inherited disorder of phagocytic oxidative metabolism. it-1b was approved by the FDA in December 1990. I

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Natural origin and belongs to Cytokines.

Molecular Weight: 20000 · pK_a: 8.6 - 8.7 · Solubility in Water: soluble · Non-proprietary name: Interferon Gamma.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Interferon Gamma has a volume of distribution is 0.2 - 0.6 l/kg.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 0.6(I/V), 2.9(I/M), 5.9(S/C) hr.

Indications

Interferon Gamma is primarily indicated in conditions like Chronic granulomatonus disease.

Interferon Gamma is also indicated for secondary conditions like Adjunct in the treatment of opiod dependence, Leishmaniasis, Lepromatous leprosy, Oncological indications.

Contraindications

Interferon Gamma is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Interferon Gamma's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
1.5 mcg/kg/dose	1.5 mcg/kg/dose	—	SC	For patients whose body surface area is less than 0.5 m2. 3 times weekly
50 mcg/m2	50 mcg/m2	—	SC	For patients whose body surface area is greater than 0.5 m2. 3 times weekly
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Interferon Gamma in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Bronchospasm , Pancreatitis , Hyponatremia , Interstitial pneumonitis , Hypoglycemia, Hepatic insufficiency, Renal insufficiency, Neutropenia .

Interferon Gamma produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Myocardial infarction, GI bleeding, Pulmonary embolism, Heart failure. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Interferon Gamma are Dizziness, Ataxia, Clouding of conciousness.

Interferon Gamma is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Arthralgia, Chills, Fatigue, Fever, Headache, Myalgia, Nausea, Parkinsonism, Syncope , Tachypnea, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing liver, kidney, heart or thyroid disease, blood disorders, history of depression or other mental condition, lung disease, diabetes, seizures, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, lupus, sarcoidosis or any drug allergy. It should be used with caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake. It should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Im injection should be administered with caution in the patients receiving Interferon gamma. The drug is contraindicated in the patient with the prior history of E.coli protein hypersensitivity.

Interference in Pathology

Interferon Gamma may interfere in the diagnosis of Liver Function Test (LFT) , Elevation in ALT or AST, Complete blood cell count.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Interferon Gamma should be stored Inj (reconstituted soln) . SC Inj.

Drug Classification

1.8.1 — Immunomodulators