Eflornithine
- Atc Codes:D11AX16#P01CX03
- CAS Codes:96020-91-6#67037-37-0
- PHARMGKB ID:96020-91-6#67037-37-0
Table of contents
- Brand Names
- Chemistry
- Pharmacologic Category
- Mechanism of Action
- Therapeutic Use
- Pregnancy and Lactation Implications
- Contraindications
- Warnings and Precautions
- Adverse Reactions
- Toxicological Effects
- Genes that may be involved
- Dosage
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Special Considerations
Brand Names
Europe
Austria: Vaniqa; Belgium: Vaniqa; Czech Republic: Vaniqa; Estonia: Vaniqa; France: Vaniqa; Germany: Vaniqa; Hungary: Vaniqa; Ireland: Vaniqa; Latvia: Vaniqa; Netherlands: Vaniqa; Sweden: Vaniqa; UK: Vaniqa.
North America
Canada: Vaniqa; USA: Vaniqa.
Drug combinations
Chemistry
Eflornithine Hydrochloride: C~6~H~12~F~2~N~2~O~2~ HCl H~2~O. Mw: 236.64. (1) D,L-Ornithine, 2-(difluoromethyl)-, monohydrochloride, monohydrate; (2) 2-(Difluoromethyl)-D,L-ornithine monohydrochloride, monohydrate. CAS-96020-91-6; CAS-67037-37-0 (eflornithine)(1986).
Pharmacologic Category
Skin and Mucous Membrane Agents, Miscellaneous. Topical Skin Product. Miscellanous Antiprotozoals. (ATC-Code: D11AX16; P01CX03).
Mechanism of action
Retards rate of hair growth. Reduces unwanted hair growth and may cause hair to become finer and lighter. Precise mechanism of action unknown. May inhibit ornithine decarboxylase, which catalyzes biosynthesis of intracellular polyamines required for cell division and differentiation. Inhibition of cell division and differentiation may reduce rate of hair growth.
Therapeutic use
Used topically to reduce unwanted facial hair in women (face and adjacent areas under chin). Hirsutism. Treatment of meningoencephalitic stage of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection (sleeping sickness)(orphan drug).
Pregnancy and lactiation implications
There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of topical eflornithine cream in pregnant women. Potential benefits to the mother vs possible risks to the fetus should be considered prior to use. Unknown whether eflornithine is distributed into human milk. Caution if administered in nursing women.
Unlabeled use
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to eflornithine or any component of the formulation.
Warnings and precautions
Cream is for topical use by females only. Hypersensitivity reactions might occur. Transient stinging or burning may occur if applied to abraded or broken skin. Skin irritation may occur in susceptible patients or in those using higher than recommended dosages. Will not prevent hair growth, but may decrease rate of growth. Injection for I.V. use only (not for I.M. administration). Use with caution in history of seizures and renal impairment.