section name header

Pronunciation

pe-me-TREX-ed

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: antimetabolites, folate antagonists

Indications

High Alert

Action

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Minimal metabolism; 70–90% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 3.5 hr (normal renal function).

Time/Action Profile

(hematologic effects)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
IVunknown8–15 days21 days

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: chest pain.

Derm: desquamation, rash, radiation recall, STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS.

GI: constipation, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, esophagitis, mouth pain.

GU: fertility (men).

Hemat: anemia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.

Neuro: neuropathy.

Resp: pharyngitis, INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONITIS.

Misc: fever, infection.

Interactions

Drug-Drug:

Route/Dosage

see Calculator

Non-Squamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Alimta, Pemfexy

Code

NDC Code*