Home Drug Guide Tecovirimat

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tecovirimat

Brand Names Tpoxx

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiviral agent

Pharmacological: Viral replication inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of smallpox virus (variola virus) infections

Mechanism of Action

Tecovirimat inhibits the activity of the viral envelope protein VP37, preventing the formation of egress-competent enveloped virions and thereby blocking virus dissemination within the host.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 600 mg orally twice daily for 14 days

Pediatric: Not established, use optimization pending further data

Geriatric: No specific adjustments needed but monitor for tolerability

Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment recommended

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally

Distribution: Wide distribution; specific data limited

Metabolism: Primarily through hydrolysis and possibly CYP-mediated pathways

Excretion: Primarily via feces, minimal urinary excretion

Half Life: approximately 20 hours

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to tecovirimat

Precautions

  • Use with caution in immunocompromised individuals; monitor for adverse effects

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Headache (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)
  • Vomiting (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Severe allergic reactions (Rare)
  • Hepatic toxicity (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-established, but avoid concomitant use with drugs affecting CYP pathways pending further data

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None specifically indicated

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • None established

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess patient for history of hypersensitivity and baseline hepatic function

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection
  • Potential adverse drug reactions

Implementation: Administer as prescribed; monitor for adverse effects and efficacy

Evaluation: Assess resolution or improvement of infection signs and tolerability

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed for the full course
  • Report any signs of allergic reactions or unusual symptoms immediately
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent secondary infection

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently issued

Genetic Factors: Not applicable

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with routine lab tests

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Potential increased risk of adverse effects, including hepatic toxicity

Treatment: Supportive care; no specific antidote

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for duration specified in packaging

🛡️ 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.