Miltefos is an antileishmanial drug indicated in adults and adolescents ≥12 years of age weighing ≥30 kg (66 lbs) for treatment of: Visceral leishmaniasis due to Leishmania donovani. Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania guyanensis, and Leishmania panamensis. Mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania braziliensis.
Miltefosine has demonstrated activity against Leishmania parasites and neoplastic cells primarily due to its effects on apoptosis and disturbance of lipid-dependent cell signalling pathways. Several potential antileishmanial mechanisms of action have been proposed, however no mechanism has been identified definitely. Within the mitochondria, miltefosine inhibits cytochrome-c oxidase leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis-like cell death. Antineoplastic mechanisms of action are related to antileishmanial targets and include inhibition of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis and inhibition of Akt (also known as protein kinase B), which is a crucial protein within the PI3K/Akt/mTOR intracellular signalling pathway involved in regulating the cell cycle. Animal studies also suggest it may be effective against Trypanosome cruzi (the organism responsible for Chagas' disease), metronidazole-resistant strains of Trichonomas vaginalis, and it may have broad-spectrum anti-fungal activity.
Administer with food to ameliorate gastrointestinal adverse reactions. 30 to 44 kg : one 50 mg capsule twice daily for 28 consecutive days. 45 kg or greater : one 50 mg capsule three times daily for 28 consecutive days.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of patients include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased appetite, dizziness, abdominal pain, pruritus, somnolence, elevated transaminases, and elevated creatinine.
Miltefos did not inhibit human cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitro. Miltefos did not induce cytochrome 3A activity in rats.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity. Do not use in pregnant women. Obtain a urine or serum pregnancy test prior to initiation of therapy. Advise use of effective contraception in females of reproductive potential. Reproductive effects. Miltefos caused testicular atrophy and impaired fertility in male rats and impaired fertility in female rats. Advise patients of reproductive toxicities in animal studies and that the potential effects on human fertility have not been adequately evaluated. Renal Effects. Monitor serum creatinine during therapy and for 4 weeks after end of therapy. Hepatic Effects. Monitor transaminases and bilirubin during therapy. Gastrointestinal Effects. Encourage fluid intake. Thrombocytopenia. Monitor platelet count during therapy for visceral leishmaniasis. Absorption of Oral Contraceptives. Advise use of alternative method of contraception if vomiting and/or diarrhea occur. Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Discontinue Miltefos.