Home Drug Guide Ecallantide

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ecallantide

Brand Names Kalbitor

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral; Hemostatic agent

Pharmacological: Kallikrein inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks

Mechanism of Action

Ecallantide inhibits plasma kallikrein, reducing the generation of bradykinin, which decreases vascular permeability and alleviates swelling during HAE attacks.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 30 mg administered via subcutaneous injection in three 10 mg doses, ideally given in a healthcare setting with monitoring.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use; data are limited.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments; use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments recommended, but caution advised.

Hepatic Impairment: Limited data; use caution and monitor closely.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after subcutaneous injection.

Distribution: Not extensively studied; likely to remain mainly in plasma.

Metabolism: Metabolized by proteolytic enzymes; specific pathways not well defined.

Excretion: Excreted primarily through proteolytic degradation, not via renal pathways.

Half Life: Approximately 2 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to ecallantide or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Monitor for anaphylaxis during and after administration; have emergency treatment available. Use with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Headache (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Injection site reactions (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None specifically identified, but caution with other immunomodulatory agents.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No known significant interactions.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • No known significant interactions.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity, including rash, swelling, difficulty breathing.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergic reaction

Implementation: Administer as directed under medical supervision. Have emergency treatment available.

Evaluation: Observe patient for adverse reactions during and after administration.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Inform about potential allergic reactions and importance of reporting symptoms immediately.
  • Advise to inform healthcare providers of all medications and allergies.
  • Encourage adequate hydration and report any unusual symptoms.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Genetic Factors: None identified.

Lab Test Interference: Not known to interfere with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Allergic reactions, hypotension, or other hypersensitivity symptoms.

Treatment: Discontinue infusion immediately, provide supportive care including emergency interventions as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store unopened vials refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Stability: Stable for up to 18 months when stored properly. Once in use, protect from light and use within 24 hours.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.