Obiltoxaximab
Indications
Obiltoxaximab is used for:
Inhalation Anthrax
Adult Dose
Inhalation Anthrax
Indicated in adult and pediatric patients for the treatment of inhalational anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs
It is also indicated for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax due to B anthracis when alternative therapies are not available or not appropriate
Weight ?40 kg: 16 mg/kg IV as a single dose
Weight <40 kg: 24 mg/kg IV as a single dose
Infuse IV over 90 minutes
Child Dose
Inhalation Anthrax
Indicated in adult and pediatric patients for the treatment of inhalational anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs
It is also indicated for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax due to B anthracis when alternative therapies are not available or not appropriate
Weight-based dosing
Administer as a single IV dose infused over 90 minutes (see Administration)
>40 kg: 16 mg/kg IV
15-40 kg: 24 mg/kg IV
<15 kg: 32 mg/kg IV
Renal Dose
Administration
IV Preparation
Solution should appear clear to opalescent, colorless to pale yellow to pale brownish-yellow that may contain few translucent-to-white proteinaceous particulates
Discard vial if the solution is discolored or contains extraneous particles other than a few translucent-to-white, proteinaceous particles
Do not shake the vial
IV Administration
Premedicate with diphenhydramine before administering obiltoxaximab
Administer obiltoxaximab in appropriately monitored settings equipped to manage anaphylaxis
Dilute injection before administering IV using the bag or syringe for infusion
After preparation of the bag or syringe for infusion, administer the infusion solution using a 0.22-micron inline filter with the infusion rate described (see IV preparation)
Administer diluted IV infusion over 90 minutes
Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity throughout the infusion and for a period of time after administration
Stop infusion immediately and treat appropriately, if hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis occurs
Flush IV line with 0.9% NaCl at the end of infusion
Contra Indications
Precautions
Hypersensitivity reactions were the most common adverse reactions in the safety trials (see Black Box Warnings)
Premedication with diphenhydramine is recommended prior to administration; diphenhydramine does not prevent anaphylaxis and may mask or delay onset of symptoms of hypersensitivity
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy
Pregnancy category B; no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women were conducted; use only if clearly needed
Animal study: No evidence of harm to the pregnant New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit dam or the fetuses was observed at ~2-fold the human dose
Lactation
Unknown if distributed in human breast milk
Although human immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk, published data suggest that neonatal consumption of human milk does not result in substantial absorption of these maternal immunoglobulins into circulation
Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother’s clinical need for the drug, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Obiltoxaximab :
>10%
Hypersensitivity (10.6%)
1-10%
Headache (8%)
Upper respiratory tract infections (5%)
Pruritus (4%)
Cough (3%)
Vessel puncture site bruise (3%)
Infusion site swelling (3%)
Nasal congestion (2%)
Infusion site pain (2%)
Urticaria (2%)
Pain in extremity (2%)
<1%
Anaphylaxis (0.9%)
Mechanism of Action
Monoclonal antibody that binds to the protective antigen of B anthracis and prevents the formation of the anthrax toxin that directly damages cells; disrupts cell defense mechanisms that lead to organ injury, uncontrolled bacterial growth, and death