Verteporfin

Drug #1785

A medicine that is activated by light. It has no direct effect but it works in presence of light and oxygen and produces its cell killing effect. It is used in photodynamic treatment of eye disorders involving abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye. It is activaetd by using a laser.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin.

Non-proprietary name: Verteporfin.

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 5-6 hrs, renal excretion is 0.01%.

Indications

Verteporfin is primarily indicated in conditions like Muscle relaxation (long duration) for surgery and intubation.

Contraindications

Verteporfin is contraindicated in conditions like Porphyria, Breast feeding.

Dosage

None recorded.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Verteporfin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Asthenia , Backache , Blurred vision, Changes in blood pressure and in heart rate, Chest pain, Dysuria, Fever, Flashing light, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypersensitivity reactions, Injection-site reactions including pain, edema, inflammation, hemorrahage, and discoloration, Nausea, Pruritus , Rarely lacrimation disorders, Sweating , SweatingX, Syncope , Visual field defects.

Warnings / Precautions

The drug causes temporary photosensitzation, and patients must avoid exposure of unprotected skin and eyes to bright light during infusion and 48 hors afterwards or bright indoor lights; hepatic impairment (avoid if severe), biliary obstruction; avoid extravasation; pregnancy (use only when potential benefit outweighs risk). Activation of the drug in the presence of oxygen generates free radicals, which cause vessel demage and subsequent platelet activation, thrombosis, and occlusion of choroidal neovascularization.

Available Brands

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Single Ingredient

Inf

15 mg

Drug Classification

1.21.7 — Other ophthalmologicals

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Verteporfin in Pakistan:

Novartis