Description
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Letairis to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs. It belongs to a class of drugs known as endothelin receptor antagonists, which block the effects of endothelin, a substance that narrows blood vessels.
Letairis helps to relax and widen the blood vessels in the lungs by inhibiting the action of endothelin. This reduces the strain on the heart and improves exercise capacity in individuals with PAH.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C22H22N2O4 |
License |
US FDA, EU EMA |
Bioavailability |
Undetermined |
Legal status |
Rx-Only |
Chemical Name |
Ambrisentan |
Elimination half-life |
15 hours (terminal) |
Dosage (Strength) |
10mg |
Pregnancy |
Consult Doctor |
Brands |
Letairis |
Protein binding |
99% |
PubChem CID |
6918493 |
MedlinePlus |
a612023 |
ChEBI |
135949 |
ATC code |
C02KX02 |
DrugBank |
C02KX02 |
KEGG |
D07077 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Directions
The usual dosage is 5 mg by mouth once daily. The dosage can be increased every four weeks.
Letairis is typically taken orally once daily, with or without food. The dosage may vary depending on the individual's response to treatment and other factors, as determined by a healthcare professional.
Take this drug exactly as prescribed. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Letairis is ambrisentan.
Interactions
The most common drug-drug interactions may include:
- CycloSPORINEs
- Darolutamide
- Eltrombopag
- Encorafenib
- Gemfibrozil
- Leflunomide
- Leniolisib
- Pretomanid
- Sparsentan
- Teriflunomide
- Trofinetide
- Voclosporin
Cautions
Tell your healthcare team if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not take this drug during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing age should use contraception while taking Letairis and for a certain period after stopping the medication.
Letairis can cause severe liver injury, so regular monitoring of liver function is necessary during treatment.
Individuals with pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes should inform their healthcare provider before starting Letairis.
Letairis may cause fluid retention or swelling. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart failure.
Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
- Anemia
- Bronchitis
- Cardiac failure
- Cough
- Decreased hematocrit
- Decreased hemoglobin
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Flushing
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypotension
- Increased liver enzymes
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Oligospermia
- Peripheral edema
- Sinusitis
- Vomiting
- Weakness
References
Letairis [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead; 2019.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 13858