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Icatibant
💉 Icatibant acetate (Firazyr®) is recommended for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults, adolescents, and children ≥2 years with C1 esterase-inhibitor deficiency.
📖 About
- 📚 Always refer to the BNF or equivalent for up-to-date prescribing advice before use.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- 🧬 Icatibant is a selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist.
- ❌ Blocks bradykinin → prevents ↑ vascular permeability → reduces angioedema.
💊 Indication & Dose
- Indication: Acute attacks of HAE due to C1-INH deficiency.
- Dosage: Adults & adolescents → 30 mg SC (1 syringe). ➡️ If needed, repeat after 6 hours. ⚠️ Max: 3 doses in 24 hours.
🔗 Interactions
- ⚠️ Always consult the BNF – interactions vary depending on comorbidities & concurrent meds.
⚠️ Cautions
- Use carefully in patients with history of ischaemic heart disease or stroke → possible cardiovascular effects.
⛔ Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Icatibant or excipients (see BNF for full list).
💥 Side Effects
- Common: dizziness, fever, headache, nausea.
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, erythema) are very common.
📌 UK Exam Pearls
- 🛑 Icatibant is not an antihistamine or steroid – HAE is bradykinin-mediated, not histamine-mediated.
- 💡 Distinguish from allergy: urticaria is absent in HAE.
- 👩⚕️ First-line in UK/EU for acute HAE attacks – rapid SC self-injection possible at home.
- 📉 If laryngeal involvement → airway protection takes priority, alongside Icatibant/ C1-INH.
- 🇬🇧 In UK exams, Icatibant + C1-INH concentrate are the key acute therapies for HAE.
📚 References
📝 Revisions
- Draft updated with exam pearls (2025).
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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