🍽️ ambrisentan,(prescription)

Vasodilation: Ambrisentan belongs to a class of medications called endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). It works by blocking the action of endothelin, a substance that causes narrowing of blood vessels and increased blood pressure. By blocking endothelin receptors, ambrisentan helps dilate (widen) the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing pulmonary arterial pressure and improving blood flow.

Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Ambrisentan is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults to improve exercise capacity and symptoms associated with PAH. It may be used alone or in combination with other PAH medications, such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors or prostacyclin analogs.

Improved Exercise Capacity: Treatment with ambrisentan has been shown to improve exercise capacity, as measured by the six-minute walk distance test, in patients with PAH. It helps reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, allowing patients to engage in physical activities more comfortably.

Delaying Disease Progression: Ambrisentan can help slow down the progression of PAH by reducing pulmonary vascular resistance and improving right heart function. It may also delay clinical worsening and the need for hospitalization in patients with PAH.

Long-term Therapy: Ambrisentan is typically used as long-term therapy for PAH, and treatment may be continued indefinitely to maintain symptom relief and improve quality of life. Regular monitoring of pulmonary function tests, exercise capacity, and echocardiography is recommended to assess treatment response and disease progression.

Side Effects: Common side effects of ambrisentan may include headache, nasal congestion, flushing, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles and legs), abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function tests. These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and may improve with continued use or dose adjustments.

Liver Function Monitoring: Ambrisentan can cause liver enzyme abnormalities, including elevated liver transaminases (AST and ALT). Patients taking ambrisentan should undergo regular monitoring of liver function tests, particularly during the first few months of treatment and periodically thereafter.

Fluid Retention: Like other medications for PAH, ambrisentan may cause fluid retention, which can worsen symptoms such as peripheral edema and worsen right heart failure. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of fluid overload, and diuretic therapy may be initiated or adjusted as needed.

Contraindications: Ambrisentan is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It should not be used in pregnant women due to the risk of fetal harm, including birth defects and fetal death.

Drug Interactions: Ambrisentan may interact with certain medications, including strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir. Concomitant use of these medications may increase ambrisentan levels in the body, leading to an increased risk of side effects.