Daily Medication Pearl: Amisulpride (Barhemsys) for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Medication Pearl of the Day: Amisulpride (Barhemsys)

Indication: Amisulpride is a dopamine-2 (D2) and dopamine-3 (D3) antagonist indicated in adults for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), either alone or in combination with an antiemetic of a different class.

Insight:

• Dosage: The recommended dosage of amisulpride for the prevention of PONV, either alone or in combination with another antiemetic, is 5 mg as a single intravenous (IV) dose infused over 1 to 2 minutes at the time of induction of anesthesia. Treatment of PONV is 10 mg as a single IV dose infused over 1 to 2 minutes in the event of nausea and/or vomiting after a surgical procedure.
• Dosage form: Injection: 5 mg/2 mL (2.5 mg/mL) or 10 mg/4 mL (2.5 mg/mL) in a single dose.
• Adverse Events: Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) are increased blood prolactin concentrations, chills, hypokalemia, procedural hypotension, and abdominal distension.
• Mechanism of Action: Amisulpride is a selective D2 and D3 receptor antagonist. D2 receptors are located in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and respond to the dopamine released from the nerve endings. Activation of CTZ relays stimuli to the vomiting center, which is involved in emesis.
• Manufacturer: AcaciaPharma

Sources:

• Barhemsys® (APD421) - Acacia Pharma Group Plc
• Barhemsys-Prescribing-Information.pdf (acaciapharma.com)
• barhemsys image - Google Search