INOMAX Is an Inhaled Vasodilator |
INOMAX® is a vasodilator, which, in conjunction with ventilatory support and other appropriate agents, is indicated for the treatment of term and near-term (>34 weeks gestation) neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure associated with clinical or echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension, where it improves oxygenation and reduces the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
INOMAX Important Safety Information (ISI)
INOMAX must not be used in the treatment of neonates known to be dependent on right-to-left shunting of blood
Method of Administration
Inhalation of INOMAX offers selective activity
- The only FDA-approved drug that selectively dilates the pulmonary vasculature3
- Targeted delivery to the pulmonary bed3
Inhalation of INOMAX offers rapid onset
- INOMAX causes vasodilation in the pulmonary vasculature by increasing cGMP levels through the activation of guanylate cyclase3
- Clinical responses seen in as little as 30 minutes3
Inhalation of INOMAX offers rapid inactivation
- Short half-life minimizes systemic effects3,6
- Rapid metabolism in the blood converts nitric oxide to metabolites that are predominantly cleared by the kidneys7
Methemoglobinemia is a dose-dependent side effect of inhaled nitric oxide therapy. Therefore, methemoglobin levels should be monitored during INOMAX administration.
References
3. INOMAX® [package insert]. Hampton, NJ: Ikaria, Inc.; 2011.
7. Yoshida K, Kosama K. Biotransformation of nitric oxide. Environ Health Perspect. 1987;73:201-205.
3. INOMAX® [package insert]. Hampton, NJ: Ikaria, Inc.; 2011.
6. Williams LJ, Shaffer TH, Greenspan JS. Inhaled nitric oxide therapy in the near-term or term neonate with hypoxic respiratory failure. Neonatal Netw. 2004;23(1):5-13.