Aprokan

Aprocan (Flutamide) is a drug that belongs to the class of antiandrogens. It is used to treat prostate cancer, especially in combination with other medications or treatments such as surgical removal of the testicles or radiation therapy.

Flutamide works by blocking the action of the male sex hormone testosterone in the body. Prostate cancer often depends on testosterone to grow. By blocking the effects of testosterone, flutamide may help slow or stop tumor growth.

The drug is usually taken in tablet form, often in combination with other medications or treatments. It is important to use it under the guidance of a doctor as it may cause side effects and interact with other medications.

Indications Aprocana

Aprocan (flutamide) is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This drug is used as part of a combination therapy, usually in combination with other medications or treatments, such as surgical removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) or radiation therapy.

Prostate cancer often depends on male sex hormones, such as testosterone, to grow. Flutamide is an antiandrogen drug that blocks the action of testosterone in the body. It helps slow or stop tumor growth and may be effective in controlling prostate cancer.

Aprocan is typically used in patients with prostate cancer that has metastasized (spread to other organs) or in cases where it does not respond to other medications or treatments.

Release form

Aprocan (flutamide) is usually available in tablet form to be taken orally. The tablets contain the active substance - flutamide, in a certain dosage.

These tablets are available in various dosages depending on the doctor's recommendations and the individual needs of the patient.

As a rule, the drug is provided in packages containing a certain number of tablets, with instructions for use and storage.

Pharmacodynamics

Flutamide, the active component of the drug Aprocan, is an antiandrogenic drug, that is, it blocks the action of male sex hormones, in particular testosterone. Prostate cancer often depends on testosterone to grow, and flutamide helps slow or stop this process.

The action of flutamide is based on its ability to compete with testosterone for binding to androgen receptors in prostate tissue. Because testosterone cannot bind to androgen receptors, androgen-stimulated processes, such as prostate tumor growth, are slowed or stopped.

Flutamide has a weaker androgenic effect than testosterone, so blocking it does not cause prostate cancer progression. However, it may cause unwanted effects due to decreased androgenic effects, such as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men), decreased libido, hypertension and rarely hepatic toxicity.

In general, the pharmacodynamics of flutamide lies in its ability to suppress androgenic effects, which makes it effective in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Flutamide is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Maximum plasma concentration is usually achieved 2-5 hours after administration.
• Bioavailability: The bioavailability of flutamide is approximately 90%.
• Distribution: Flutamide has a high volume of distribution, which means it is distributed to various tissues and organs of the body, including the prostate. It binds to plasma proteins by 94-96%.
• Metabolism: Flutamide undergoes intensive metabolism in the liver to form an active metabolite - 2-hydroxyflutamide, which is biologically active and has an antiandrogenic effect.
• Excretion: The main route of elimination of flutamide from the body is the metabolic pathway through the liver. About 4-6% of the dose is excreted unchanged through the kidneys.
• Half-life: The half-life of flutamide from the body is approximately 6 hours.

Dosing and administration

• Dosage: The generally recommended starting dose for adults is 250 mg (one tablet) taken three times daily. However, the dosage may be adjusted by your doctor depending on your condition and response to treatment.
• Dosage: Flutamide tablets are usually taken orally with water. It is best to take them after meals.
• Duration of treatment: The duration of treatment and dosage regimen are determined by your doctor in accordance with the nature and severity of your disease.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity: Any known hypersensitivity to flutamide or other components of the drug is a contraindication to its use.
• Hepatitis or liver dysfunction: The drug should be used with caution or avoided altogether in patients with liver dysfunction or previous cases of hepatitis.
• Hyperbilirubinemia: The drug should also be used with caution in patients with hyperbilirubinemia.
• Pregnancy and lactation: Flutamide is contraindicated in pregnant women as it may cause birth defects in the fetus. It is also contraindicated in nursing mothers, as it can be excreted in breast milk.
• Symptomatic hypotension: The drug should be used with caution in patients with symptomatic hypotension as it may cause a decrease in blood pressure.
• Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders: In these patients, the use of flutamide also requires caution due to its potential effects on the nervous system.

Side effects Aprocana

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, eating disorders and dyspepsia.
• Gynecomastia: Breast enlargement in men may be one of the undesirable effects of flutamide due to its antiandrogenic effects.
• Decreased libido: Flutamide may cause decreased sexual desire in some patients.
• Hypertension: Some patients may experience increased blood pressure.
• Hyperprolactinemia: An increase in prolactin levels in the blood can lead to menstrual irregularities or hyperprolactinemic hypogonadism.
• Hepatotoxicity: In rare cases, flutamide may cause liver damage or hepatitis.
• Neurological effects: Include drowsiness, dizziness, asthenia, headache and sensory disturbances.
• Elevated blood urea and creatinine: May be noted in some patients.
• Skin reactions: Include skin rash, itching and rarely, urticaria.
• Weight gain: Some patients may experience weight gain.

Overdose

• Drowsiness and general weakness: This may be one of the first signs of an overdose.
• Stomach disorders: Including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Dizziness and headache: Increased intensity of these symptoms may indicate an overdose.
• Low blood pressure: This may lead to dizziness or even fainting.
• Increased levels of toxic metabolites: In case of overdose, the concentrations of active flutamide metabolites in the body may increase, which may lead to additional toxic effects.

Interactions with other drugs

• Warfarin (antiplatelet agents): Flutamide may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Constant monitoring of prothrombin time levels is necessary.
• Cyclosporine (immunosuppressants): Flutamide may increase the blood concentration of cyclosporine, which may lead to toxic effects.
• Theophylline (bronchodilators): Flutamide may increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood, which may increase its toxic effects.
• Clarithromycin and erythromycin (macrolide antibiotics): These antibiotics may increase the concentration of flutamide in the blood, which may increase its toxic effects.
• Methylphenidate (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications): Flutamide may increase the blood concentration of methylphenidate, which may result in increased effects or adverse reactions.