nikethamide

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

nikethamide was used in the past for respiratory depression and neonatal apnea, which is now not recommended as the dose which is used in the therapy is close to toxic levels that lead to convulsions. 

Spectrum: 

The spectrum of nikethamide was used in the past for respiratory depression, and it has stimulant properties, which are used in drowsiness and fatigue. Now, it is not recommended due to its toxic effects with the usual dose. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Eye irritation 

Nausea 

Convulsions 

Dizziness 

Arrhythmia 

Vasoconstriction 

Restlessness 

Shortness of breath 

Irritation at the injection site 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

It should be noted that nikethamide can cause dizziness, so driving and operating machinery should be avoided while on nikethamide. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Porphyria 
• Epilepsy 
• Cerebral edema 
• COPD 
• Asthma 
• Severe HTN 
• Hyperthyroidism 

Cautions 

• Peptic ulcers 
• Concurrent use of diuretics and low dose methotrexate 
• NSAIDs allergic patients 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Previously, nikethamide was used for respiratory depression as it is a respiratory and circulatory stimulant that shows its action around the cardiovascular and central nervous system by increasing the respiratory rate and vasodilation which leads to increased blood flow. Its stimulating properties will show increased alertness. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

nikethamide was used for respiratory depression as it is a respiratory and circulatory stimulant that shows its action around the cardiovascular and central nervous system by increasing the respiratory rate and vasodilation which leads to increased blood flow. Its stimulating properties will show increased alertness. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Limited data is available. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Nikethamide should be administered in a clinical setting via IV or SC. The patient’s condition determines the frequency of the drug. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: nikethamide 

Pronounced: nye-KEH-thuh-myde 

Why do we use nikethamide? 

nikethamide was used in the past for respiratory depression, and it has stimulant properties, which are used in drowsiness and fatigue. Now, it is not recommended due to its toxic effects with the usual dose.