Omalizumab (o-ma-liz-u-mab)
Xolair
Classification
Therapeutic: antiasthmatics
Pharmacologic: monoclonal antibodies
Pregnancy Category B
Indications
Moderate to severe asthma not controlled by inhaled corticosteroids.
Action
Inhibits binding of IgE to receptors on mast cells and eosinophils; preventing the release of mediators of the allergic response. Also decreases amount of IgE receptors on basophils. Therapeutic
Effects: Decreased incidence of exacerbations of asthma.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: 62% absorbed slowly from subcut sites.
Distribution: Enters breast milk. Metabolism and Excretion: Degraded similarly to IgG via binding...
